Tien-Shan Explorer. Variant II. Tour code AGS2. Bishkek, 11th c Burana Tower, Boom gorge, Djety-Oguz, Valley of the Dragons, Lake Issyk-Kul, Barskoon valley, Kumtor valley, The River Taragay, The River Naryn, Karasay valley, Uzengigush valley, Ak-Shyirak valley, Ak-Shyrak ridge, Dankova peak

Day 1. Arrive Bishkek - Karakol
Today you arrive in Bishkek, the bustling capital of Kyrgyzstan. On arrival you will be met, and transferred to KARAKOL via 11th-century BURANA TOWER and Lake ISSYK-KUL. Lunch in a cafe or roadside yurt (the Kyrgyz equivalent of European service stations) en route. Overnight accommodation in Karakol at the Issyk-Kul hotel or in a yurt at our Yurt Camp in the centre of town.

Day 2. Karakol - Djety-Oguz
After breakfast, you will begin your tour with a transfer to DJETY-OGUZ (Seven Bulls) by comfortable, 6wd, ex-Soviet Army truck. The truck will bring you right into this unique valley of red, sandy cliffs and wild plains of soft green grass. Here you will find the famous Djety-Oguz resort with its natural, medicinal, hot spring baths. Tonight you will camp out in the Valley of the Dragons.

Day 3. Djety-Oguz - Kumtor
Today we head off from spectacular Djety-Oguz by truck towards KUMTOR valley on the other side of Terskey Ala-Too ridge. The Kumtor Gold Mine here is a Kyrgyz-Canadian joint venture, developed by the Canadian firm Cameco. Your route takes you through the remote BARSKOON and ARABEL valleys and over SARY-MOYNOK (3124m) and BARSKOON (3754m) passes. The wide road winds incongruously, like an avenue dividing the high, jagged peaks. Tonight you will strike camp on the banks of a gurgling stream, (which becomes a roaring, unrecognizable torrent 50 kmfurther on).

Day 4-6. Uzengigush
Today you bid farewell to Kumtor and move on towards UZENGIGUSH valley in the shadow of DANKOVA PEAK (5982m). This summit, a challenging climb even for professional mountaineers, stands royally, commanding your attention at every turn. A clear view of the mountain-top is unforgettable. The UZENGIGUSH glacier is about 7 km long and resembles INYLCHEK glacier in the Central Tien-Shan (albeit on a smaller scale). This remote location is home to many species of wild animal and is also a designated hunting reserve. Great herds of Ibex and Marco Polo sheep are visible all around. Camping near the river.

Day 7-9. Ak-Shyirak
Today you drive to AK-SHYIRAK valley with its river of the same name. You will drive via KARASAY valley and over a pass of 3100m. The plain glaciers here look rather strange in comparison with Uzengigush. Here you will find plenty of opportunities for climbing, hiking, horse riding or simply relaxing- in fact, a variety of possibilities with something for everybody. Camping close to an isolated border post on the steep riverbanks.

Day 10-11. Lake Issyk-Kul
After breakfast your adventure will take you to the shores of Lake ISSYK-KUL. This part of the lakeside is completely wild, and nobody lives within 5km. For the next two days you will truly feel as if there isn't another soul in the world and as if the whole of Issyk-Kul belongs to you alone. Swimming, fishing, boating and sun-bathing become more pleasurable here than ever before. Bring plenty of camera film - sunset in the evening over the lake and it's surrounding mountains is absolutely unforgettable. Tonight and tomorrow we pitch camp on the sand, where the hypnotic sound of gently breaking waves will lull you peacefully to sleep.

Day 12. Karakol
Say goodbye for now to ISSYK-KUL, for this morning you will continue your tour with a transfer back to KARAKOL. On arrival, you will be met by our guide for a half-day city sightseeing tour. Highlights include the ORTHODOX CHURCH, ORIENTAL BAZAAR, CHINESE MOSQUE, ARTS MUSEUM and the PRZHEVALSKY MEMORIAL. Overnight accommodation at the comfortable Hotel Issyk-Kul comes as a luxurious blessing after your long time in the wild mountains.

Day 13. Bishkek
Today you will circumnavigate the south side of Lake ISSYK-KUL during the 6 hour drive to Bishkek. On arrival in Bishkek you will have driven right around the lake and received the best possible views of its surrounding mountains. A short stop on the lake shore provides welcome refreshment en-route to the baking hot Chuy valley. In Bishkek you will be transferred to your hotel with an evening at leisure to discover the city's nightlife.

Day 14. Bishkek - Depart for home
Today you will be collected and transferred to the airport. Your tour may have ended, but numerous spectacular memories of your vacation in the Wild Tien-Shan will stay with you forever.

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