Kyrgyzstan
3rd – 12th September 2024
Kyrgyzstan is a proud country of high mountains and a culture forged on the nomadic way of life. It is pure and simply a trekker's paradise. High mountains, vast glaciers, and pristine blue glacial lakes provide rewarding, hard-earned views. We will trek in two different national parks - Ala Arachan and Tien Shan mountains. The "Mountains of Heaven" stretch across Central Asia and can't help but inspire with its towering peaks, rich flora, and fauna.
You may likely see Siberian Ibex, Himalayan Marmots, Himalayan Vultures, and Red Squirrels and enjoy knowing that snow leopards and wolves live in the park where we will tread.
Kyrgyz people are renowned for their warm welcome to visitors. Traditional customs include offering guests kumis {fermented mare's milk) and entertaining them with epic poetry and music, particularly the komuz {a traditional string instrument).
Yurts, portable felt dwellings, symbolise the nomadic heritage and are still used for celebrations and festivals. The cuisine features hearty dishes like manti {dumplings), beshbarmak {noodles with meat), and shashlik {kebabs). These reflect a reliance on horses, sheep, and goats. The Kyrgyz language, belonging to the Turkic family, is widely spoken, though Russian remains essential. Kyrgyzstan declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and monuments and buildings dominate the country.
Our itinerary is challenging but feasible. On booking, you can chat with our guide to see if we need to adapt the expedition for you, hire extra porters, etc. It is an achievable goal for a keen day hiker, with training. Join us, step up into the high mountains, and enjoy an incredible trekking experience.
Itinerary
DAY 1: SEPTEMBER 3RD): ARRIVE -TOUR BISHKEK
We will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel (if you arrive at set time). Once settled in, for those that wish, we will visit the bustling markets and famous Ala-Too Square and State Historical National Museum. You will get a sense of the Soviet-era national charm and the warm welcome of the Kyrgyz people.
DAY 2: (SEPTEMBER 4TH) TREK 1 IN ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK
Trek for 2 hours with porters to a stunning waterfall. Here, we will camp, and those who wish for a further challenge can hike to the Ratsek hut, situated at over 3000m (4 hours of challenging hiking to return to the campsite.
Difficulty: Green to Campsite (3 hours/ 500m ascent/ 3.5km) - Amber To Ratskek hut and back to campsite (6 hours hiking/ 1300m ascent/ 731 descent/ 8km).
DAY 3: (SEPTEMBER 5TH) ONWARD TO KARAKOL
Setting off early, hopefully catching sightings of Siberian lbexTrek, we will trek for 2 hours off the mountain and transfer to Karakol. This seven-hour transfer will allow you to see the beauty and essence of Kyrgyzstan, see numerous Ghengis Khan monuments, and gaze upon the mountains of Kurdistan. Stay in a lovely, friendly, 3-star guest house.
DAY 4-8: (SEPTEMBER 6-l0TH) TREK 2 JETY OGUZ'S -ALTYN ARASHAN
"Valley of the Seven Bulls", from the stunning "Broken Heart" rock formation to the breathtaking (literally at 3400m} blue Ala Kul lake and on to the hot springs of Altyn Arashan. 5 days, four nights camping, then return by four-wheel drive to Karakol to 3 star guest house.
Difficulty: Amber - 50km / 3000m ascent/ 2500m descent/ 5 days, 4 nights.
DAY 9: (SEPTEMBER 11TH) TRANSFER KARAKOL TO BISHKEK
DAY 10: (SEPTEMBER 12TH) FLY HOME.
What Is included
Two treks in two National Parks - 2 days in Ala Archa/five days in Tien Shian.
A guide led sightseeing in Bishkek.
Two nights in a friendly 3-star guest house in Karakol.
Two Firepot dehydrated expedition meals on 1st trek.
Chef with all meals on trek 2.
Porter to carry 15kg (this includes your food, fuel and tent) on both treks.
Transfers to and from Karakol.
A transfer at a set time to and from Bishek airport.
Cookers, tents, group tents.
One micro navigation test.
Zoom training on how to train and what equipment/ clothes to pack/ risks/
expedition team work/ expedition nutrition / expedition fitness.
Breakfasts at hotels / guest houses.
Dinners at the guest houses/ hotels (transfer to Karakol is not logistically possible, so big lunch included).
Park permits (but not visa to enter the country if you need one).
Two guides: 1 x Turn Wild/ 1 x Kyrgyzstan.
What Is not included
Snowdonia training weekend - including tents, dehydrated meals, and professional guides - please see training weekends for further details.
Insurance.
Alcoholic drinks.
Any costs additional costs due to bad weather/ emergency.
Transfer to airports outside of the set time.
Dinner when we transfer to Karakol (but Big Lunch is included).
A chef on Trek 1 (you will cook on Trek 1 for expedition experience).
Costs to and from Bishkek from your location.
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Do I need to be experienced in Trekking/ expeditions?
Although this trek is an amber expedition deemed challenging, it is ideal for beginners and experienced people as long as you have the correct training. Using porters will lessen the challenge from demanding to challenging, and the weekend training will prepare you for expedition skills, what to pack, and moving on the exposed ground and scree slopes. You will speak to one of your guides before booking your place so you have a plan to be best prepared. This will allow you to have the most enjoyable experience in this challenging high mountain environment.
Do I have to use a porter?
No, you do not if you can prove to us that you are physically capable of safely and enjoyably carrying your own equipment and food allowance. We will give you a Turn Wild future discount voucher for not using a porter. However, please bear in mind by using porters, you are helping the local economy.
What equipment do I need?
You will be sent a specific packing list and have a live Zoom training session to make your choices as stress-free and effective as possible. A Turn Wild guide will also run a "shopping session" in West London where they will be to give advice.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to carry the weight you intend on your back (not what you intend to give the porters!) up the Watkins path on multiple days. Running 10km, hiking regularly for 6 hours with 1000m of ascent, and cycling for 3-4 hours at a steady pace will prepare you. The training in Snowdonia in June will allow you to be assessed and still give you enough time to prepare.
What will the weather be like?
In September, you will need sunblock during the day. Temperatures will sit around 15°C daily and drop to zero, possibly down to minus 5. Expect sun, freezing rain, sleet and maybe even a little snow at the higher altitudes.
Can I be single ocruparq/ hire equipment?
Yes, we can set up this if you book early enough. There will be a single-room supplemental charge, including a single tent hire of £180. We have some sleeping bags/ liners and dry bags for hire.
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The total cost is £1,646 per person. All bookings start with a one on one call with one of our qualified guides. This call is to make sure all your questions are answered so that all team members know about the expedition challenges and the commitment that must be made in preparation. You may also ask any further questions you may have around the expedition. After this call, a deposit of 30% will be sent to you to secure your place. The balance is due 50 days before the start of the expedition. For cancellations made within 30-40 days of the trip commencement date, Turn Wild reserves the right to retain 50% of the balance payment. For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, Turn Wild will retain 100% of the total fee. For any further questions or to secure a place, please contact us via the details below. Thank you, and let your adventure begin!
Contact Ian on 07901 916 169 or Ian@turnwild.com. Find more about Turn Wild’s terms and conditions here.