- Visit Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, Karakol, Gagarina st., 28/26, 722200
- 3922 55472, +996 551 451515
- info@visitkarakol.com
ADVENTURE TO AKSHYIRAK
Duration: 3-4 days






The Adventure to Akshyirak tour is designed for people who are interested in Soviet industrial history, remote and uninhabited areas, and for those who love capturing pictures of epic landscapes. The tour is ideal for people who are looking to get off the beaten track and immerse themselves in the vastness of nature.
P.S. In the summer of 2011, Kyle Dempster drove his bike across Kyrgyzstan with mostly-accurate maps, a trailer full of climbing gear, and a vocabulary of 10 Kyrgyz words. He spent two months pedaling and pushing the bike more than 1200 km on roads in variable states of neglect, wading accross wild rivers, dealing with corrupt military checkpoint staff, and soloing a handful of unclimbed alpine rock and mixed routes. His camera was his only partner, friend, and sometimes for days, his only confidant. This is his story.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Drive through Arabel plateau 4000m above sea level
- Remote area of Kyrgyzstan
- Able to see wild animals for example Marco Polo
- Meet with nomad people
- See river Naryn which is longest reiver in Kyrgyzstan and going to Aral sea
- See many peaks with glaciers
- Off-road trip 4x4
- On the way back we will visit Djety-Oguz valley
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Karakol – Kara-Say – Pikertyk, 180 km
We will go to one of the most remote, picturesque, and mysterious areas of the Kyrgyz Republic, located near the border with China. We'll traverse the Ala-Bel Pass (3918m) and Sook Pass (4022m). During Soviet times, while installing electrical infastructure, many human bones were found at the Sook Pass thereby earning it's name. Sook, in Kyrgyz, means bones. Our guide, in detail, will explain whole industrial history of the region. Finally, we will arrive at Pikertyk through the narrow and challenging Chagyr pass, set up camp for the night, and have warm dinner at a rural dwelling.
Day 2: Pikertyk
Summer time:
For the first part of the day we will hike to, and explore, an abandoned Soviet mining facility not far from camp. Afterwards, we will connect with a local shepherd, help round up his Yaks, and bring them to their corral. The shepherd, in addition to guiding the round up, will explain why such a remote place is so ideal for the raising of Yaks. Once again we'll return to Pikertyk camp and dine at the rural dwelling.
Winter time:
We will take a horseback ride through the valley of Pikertyk towards the place where Marco Polo sheep and Ibex heards can sometimes be observed. Marko Polo Sheeps and Ibex descend lower due to the winter snows and low temperatures in the high mountains. Some of the males in these herds have huge horns because of their age. Once again we'll return to Pikertyk camp and dinner at the rural dwelling.
Day 3: Pikertyk – Akshyirak – Taragay River, 170 km
We will visit stone garden of Petroglyphs, on which shown ancient pictures of Hunting, Marco Polo Sheep and wild animals. Further, drive to the villages Akshyirak and Uch-Koshkon (3145m), they are remotely located with minimal connection to the outside world. The road is sometimes closed because of extreme weather and in that case, may be unreachable. If we are able to access the villages, we will have lunch with one of the shepherds and their family. With us, they will share not only their food, but the history of their culture and the realities of living such a remote lifestyle. Later, we will drive past the Kumtor Gold (Kyrgyz-Canadian) Mine, and spend the night in tents at a picturesque place between Taragay River and Akshyirak range.
During winter trips we spend this day returning to Karakol.
Day 4: Taragay River – Djety-Oguz - Karakol, 250 km
On our final day, we drive back to Ala-Bel Pass by Kumtor's road. On the way there, we will see many beautiful glacial lakes. Upon returning to the main road we'll visit some of the best sights of the Djety-Oguz valley, such as the geological formations of Broken Heart and Seven Bulls. Once back in Karakol, dinner and accommodation will be at a hotel.
MAP OF TOUR

Practical Information:
Duration: 4 days (summer time) or 3 days (winter time) (4-6 hours of driving per day)
Period: Full year
Distance: 460km
Highest point: high pass Sook pass - 4022m
Road: 30% of the road is asphalt and the rest of the road is gravel or off-road
Area: Akshyirak area located in border zone with China and that is why you need a permit. More info here
Connection: No signal connection
Note: That tour is requiring border permits preparation, need to book a tour beforehand.
Equipment
Equipment and items:
Sleeping bag up to -5 C
Trekking boots with high proper ankle support and good thread
Waterproof rain jacket and trousers
Warm closes and extra closes to exchange
Hat and cap, sun glasess, high factor sun cream
Daypack 20-30 litters and rain cover
Head-torch
Bottle for water
Quick drying towel
First aid kit, if you have some disease
Recommended to haveBinoculars
Toiletries
Antiseptic
Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if you don’t have altitude adaptation)
Pocket knife
Recommended to have
Important Notes
WATER
Clean bottled water will be provided during the tour.LUGGAGE ON TOUR
TOUR GRADE
You will be in remote area during the tour with limited comforts and connection. However, we will have satellite communications, as satelite phone or SPOT in case of emergency.INSURANCE
Travel insurance is NOT included. We recommend that clients have their own travel insurance against illness, injury, loss/damage to personal belongings. In case of emergency our staff will make all the best to delivery you to hospital or other point and solve your problem, insurance will cover your charges, if you don't have insurance, you will be required to cover charges by yourself.MEAL
The tour including the meal, however it is possible to travel without our service of food preparation to dicrease price of tour. You will prepare food by your own, we can provide gas stove and table equipment. Standard menu: Breakfast: consist some of following dishes: Porridge, omelet, omelet with fried sausages, pancakes, scrambled eggs with sausage, boiled eggs and etc + bread, jam, butter, honey, sweets, tea/coffee. Lunch boxes or lunch: Dried fruits, chocolate, yogurt, juice, cheese, sandwich, vegetables/fruits and tea/coffee. Dinner: Our cook is preparing european and asian cuisine You need to let us know if you are vegetarian or have some preferences, so we will be able to make special menu for you.TIPPING
Service of local staff is included to the program; however, it is polite to tip to local staff if the service has been very good. Also at your discretion, you might also consider tipping your tour manager in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive. Price
Price include:
Notice: You need to book a tour beforehand in order to have time to prepare the permits.

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