From Almaty's heat to the peak Pobeda's arctic frost. Tour code A8. Butakovka, Talgarski Pass, Talgar, Turistov, Ozerny, Jashyl-Kul, Chong-Kemin, North Ak-Suu, Chon-Aksu, Kok-Bel, Kungey Ala-Too, Semyenovka, Issyk-Kul, Karakol, Yurt Camp, Turgen-Aksu Gorge, Maydaadyr, Inylchek Glacier, Chon-Tash, Merzbacher, Khan-Tengri, Pobedy Peak, Saryjaz, Charyn Canyon, Medeo Complex

Day 1. Almaty - Medeo Complex
Your adventure begins as you fly in to Almaty, Kazakhstan's noisy, bustling capital. You will be met on arrival and transferred to MEDEO COMPLEX - the largest Skating Rink in the world. Overnight hotel accommodation.

Day 2. Talgarski pass - Butakovka river
Today you begin your trekking with a spectacular hike over the TALGARSKI PASS (3163m) to the valley of BUTAKOVKA RIVER. Savour the superb views on the way to your first campsite. Overnight in tents.

Day 3. Butakovski pass - Left Talgar river
Today after breakfast you continue your adventure to the LEFT TALGAR river crossing over the beautiful BUTAKOVSKI pass en route. Overnight camping.

Day 4. Turstov pass - Kyzylsay and Ozernaya rivers
Today your destination is the remote valley where two crystal-clear rivers, the Kysylsay and Ozernaya, meet. Your route lies over TURISTOV PASS (4000m). Camping tonight is at an altitude of 3100m under imposing jagged rocks and alpine meadows.

Day 5. Ozerny pass - Chong-Kemin river - Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast you will leave to cross the symbolic border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan at OZERNY PASS. This border is different to most since it lies at 3520m surrounded by picturesque scenery and entails no formalities. Simply relax and enjoy the landscape. The next overnight camp is on Kyrgyz soil - in CHONG-KEMIN valley.

Day 6. Jashyl-Kul Lake
Today you will arrive at high-altitude lake JASHYL-KUL. This peaceful place is perfect for relaxation and rest before the next leg of the trek. Your tent will be pitched on the lake shores, from where you can gaze at moonlight reflected in its mirror-like surface.

Day 7. Jashyl-Kul Lake
A whole day at leisure for excursions around lake JASHYL-KUL. Explore the many neighbouring valleys with with their secret and remote corners. Enjoy today and rest in preparation for tomorrow with its demanding pass.

Day 8. North Ak-Suu Pass
The NORTH AK-SUU pass (4000m) is difficult even for horses to cross at the beginning of June, but our porters always manage to carry everything over with no problems. Today will become one of your most treasured memories of the trek, comprising a unique landscape of glaciers and grassland. After crossing the pass you will camp tonight at the foot of glacier.

Day 9. Chon-Aksu river
A morning of trekking to CHON-AKSU valley. Your afternoon will be at leisure for relaxation and enjoyment of the area's delicate ecosystem.

Day 10. Kok-Bel - Semyenovka valley
Today's pass, KOK-BEL (2395m), is easy to cross and makes a superb finishing point for your long trek. The descent to Semyenovka valley is followed by your last camp, beneath the Kungey Ala-Too ('sunny mountains') just 15km from ISSYK-KUL LAKE.

Day 11. Karakol
Today your adventure will bring you to KARAKOL via ISSYK-KUL LAKE with a long stop for swimming and sunbathing on the lake-shore. You are welcome to spend the night at our YURT CAMP in central Karakol.

Day 12. Karakol
A day to explore Karakol, with a city-tour hosted by our guide. Today's highlights are the ORTHODOX CHURCH, SUNDAY MARKET, CHINESE MOSQUE and the PRZHEVALSKY MUSEUM AND MONUMENT. Overnight in our YURT CAMP.

Day 13. Camp Maydaadyr
Today you will be collected and transferred from KARAKOL to CAMP MAYDAADYR where a helipad is located for flights to more remote areas of the Central Tien-Shan. After arriving your afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight camp.

Day 14. Khan-Tengri peak - Pobeda peak - Inylchek Glacier
This morning you will have thrilling helicopter flightseeing tour over the INYLCHEK GLACIER and along the wild KOKSHAAL-TOO and TENGRI-TAG ridges. The view of Khan-Tengri (6995m) and Pobedy (7439m) peaks is unrivalled and unforgettable. Return to Inylchek Base or Camp Maydaadyr. Overnight Camping.

Day 15. Almaty
This morning you will bid farewell to the Central Tien-Shan before transferring by road to Almaty, via CHARYN CANYON and through the sleepy towns and villages of Kazakhstan. Almaty is huge by Central Asian standards and there will be plenty to explore this evening. Relish the comfort of an overnight hotel stay after your long mountain trek.

Day 16. Almaty - Depart for home
Today you will fly home from Almaty, taking with you many pleasant memories of your adventures in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

TOP OF PAGE