Kyrgyzstan: Trekking in the Celestial Mountains

Alpine Adventure in Central Asia
with Devendra Basnet

This itinerary is no longer available

We may run this trip again in the future, please contact us if you are interested.

This itinerary was last offered in July 2009. We have no immediate plans to run it again soon, but please contact us if you would be interested in it.

Trek in a Central Asian realm of incredible alpine beauty and legendary nomadic tradition! On this high mountain adventure in the land of the nomadic Kyrgyz horsemen, we hike beneath the Tien Shan (“Celestial Mountains”), a magnificent range of ice-draped peaks soaring to heights of more than 20,000 feet. Nestled along the border between Kyrgyzstan and western China, the Tien Shan holds two of the highest peaks in Central Asia: the striking marble pyramid of Khan Tengri (“Lord of the Sky”) at 22,993 feet and Pobeda Peak at 24,400 feet. Our exploratory journey begins at the great alpine lake of Issyk-Kul and brings us over two mountain passes, across the moraine of the Inylchek Glacier, and along the shores of iceberg-dotted Merzbacher Lake, a mysterious summer lake at 11,000 feet created by melting snows. Our grand finale is a spectacular helicopter ride for unforgettable views of Khan Tengri and other giants of the Tien Shan.

Highlights

  • Trek below massive snow peaks including Pobeda (24,400') and Khan Tengri (22,933')
  • High alpine world of glaciers and iceberg-dotted lakes
  • Ancient nomadic cultures of Central Asia
  • Helicopter journey over the high peaks

Details

  • 19-day trip begins and ends in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
  • 7 nights in hotels, 11 nights camping
  • All meals included
  • Strenuous hiking on steep trails, 4-7 hours a day, altitudes between 8,500-13,100 feet, optional climb to 14,760 feet

This itinerary is no longer available

We may run this trip again in the future, please contact us if you are interested.

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-4
Bishkek / Karakol

From Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, we warm up with a hike in the rugged glacial landscape of Ala-Archa National Park then head to Karakol on vast Issyk-Kul, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world and starting point for mountain expeditions into the Tien Shan. Karakol is a charming town where we’ll see nomads and traders from all across Central Asia.

Days 5-8
Karakol Valley / Echkilitash

With our Kyrgyz trekking staff, we begin our trek with a hike up the Karakol Valley and onward to Lake Ala-Kul at 11,000 feet, spectacular with its ever-changing colors from green-blue to violet. Crossing 12,500-foot Ala-Kul Pass, we descend along the Arashan River to the village of Ak-Suu, then head to our next camp at Echkilitash at 10,500 feet.

Days 9-15
Tyuz Pass / Merzbacher Lake

We are now very close to the Central Tien-Shan’s major peaks as we cross Tyuz Pass at 13,100 feet, taking in breathtaking views of the Peak Pobeda (24,400'), the highest summit in the Tien Shan. After hiking along the moraine of the Inylchek Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the world, we continue to Merzbacher Lake, a spectacular glacial lake wedged between two massive glaciers and full of floating icebergs. From our lake camp, we offer an optional climb of Panorama Peak at 14,760 feet, a non-technical hiking peak.

Days 16-19
Issyk-Kul Lake / Bishkek

Our spectacular helicopter journey offers unforgettable aerial views of Khan Tengri (22,933') and brings us to Issyk-Kul Lake. We return to Bishkek and depart on Day 19.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure