Following breakfast, our journey commences as we venture eastward from Karakol towards the Engilchek valley via the Chon-Ashuu pass (3830 m.). En route, we traverse a segment of the formidable Terskey-Ala-Too mountain range, boasting peaks soaring up to 5216 m., enveloping the Issyk-Kul basin from the southern flank. The ascent and descent from the pass typically span 5-6 hours by car, yet time eludes notice amidst the captivating panorama: dense fir forests, expansive plateaus, rugged gorges, and glaciers crowning the peaks. Progressing further, we enter the Engilchek Valley, tracing the course of the Engilchek River, passing by the remnants of the deserted Soviet mining town of Engilchek. Subsequent to navigating the second border zone control post, we proceed towards the At-Jailoo River, where we establish camp for the night, pitching our tents. Dinner will be served amidst this picturesque setting, followed by a night under the stars.
Overnight in tents
Included meal: Lunch and dinner
Overnight in tents
Included meal: Lunch and dinner
Today's trek spans 18 km, kicking off with the crossing of the At-Jailoo River. Depending on the water level, we may enlist the assistance of horses for the crossing. Once on the opposite bank, our journey progresses up the valley alongside the Engilchek River, punctuated by a lunch break by a mountain waterfall. Continuing for another 2-3 hours, we pause at the base of the breathtakingly majestic Nansen peak (5697 m.). Upon reaching the Iva campsite, we pitch our tents, ready for the evening's meal and rest. Trekking distance: 18 km, duration: 6-7 hours, elevation change: +650, -450.
Overnight in tents
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Overnight in tents
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Following breakfast, we embark on a challenging journey along the moraine trail skirting the southern edge of the Engilchek Glacier. The path unfolds amidst striking scenery, adorned with scattered small lakes reflecting a myriad of hues. Prepare to be enchanted by the untouched wilderness of the surroundings. The day concludes with dinner and overnight stay at Glina camp. Trekking distance: 10 km, duration: 4-5 hours, elevation change: +470, -200.
Overnight in Glina camp
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Overnight in Glina camp
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
This day promises to be one of the more leisurely ones on our trek. We'll follow a small path from the Podvodniy Glacier to Merzbacher Glade (3600 m.). It was at this spot that the renowned German scientist Gottfried Merzbacher, during his expedition to peak Khan Tengri in 1903, first laid eyes on the stunning mountain lake that would later bear his name. Lunch awaits upon our arrival at the camp. Here, amidst this stretch of the trail, the glade and the lake stand as the sole entities separating us from the towering seven-thousand-meter peaks of Khan-Tengri (7010 m.) and Victory (7439 m.). Traversing from the campsite to the lake and exploring the vicinity demands considerable stamina and strength, as the path to the base of these giants involves navigating glaciers, moraines (deposits left by glaciers), deep crevasses, streams, and ice formations. Due to this challenging terrain, we won't be able to reach the lake's shore directly. Nevertheless, this day promises to be one of the most captivating and rewarding. Dinner and overnight stay at camp. Trekking distance: 15 km, duration: 3-4 hours, elevation change: +600, -320.
Overnight in a camp
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Overnight in a camp
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
After breakfast, we retrace our steps along the same path back to Iva camp. Lunch will be enjoyed en route. If the weather permits, there might be an opportunity to indulge in a refreshing swim in one of the small lakes nestled on the glaciers. Dinner awaits upon our return to camp, where we'll spend the night. Trekking distance: 18 km, duration: 4-5 hours, elevation change: +300, -900.
Overnight in camp
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Overnight in camp
Included meal: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
After breakfast, we make our way back to At-Jailoo camp. Lunch will be served upon our arrival at At-Jailoo. From there, we set off for Karakol. Trekking distance: 18 km, duration: 4-5 hours, elevation change: +450, -650.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Price per person
$1300
3 pax
$1100
2 pax
4 pax
$950
What‘s included
What‘s not included
Guide service
Cook
Porters 1:1
Meal
Transport
Tent, Sleeping bag, mat
Entrance fee
Horses for crossing river
Border permit
Satellite phone
Cook
Porters 1:1
Meal
Transport
Tent, Sleeping bag, mat
Entrance fee
Horses for crossing river
Border permit
Satellite phone
Transportation from Bishkek to Karakol
Alcohol
Insurance
Accommodation in Karakol
Single supplement for the tent
Double supplement for the yurt
Alcohol
Insurance
Accommodation in Karakol
Single supplement for the tent
Double supplement for the yurt
Important Information
Season: June-September
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation - 90 days prior to meeting time (Taxes and transaction fee is not refundable)
50% Refund - 40 to 50 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 30 days prior to meeting time
Season: June-September
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation - 90 days prior to meeting time (Taxes and transaction fee is not refundable)
50% Refund - 40 to 50 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 30 days prior to meeting time
Equipment and items for trekking part:
• Sleeping bag up to -5 C
• Trekking boots with high proper ankle support and good thread. Extra shoes or pair of sandals, in case if first shoes will be wet during the rain and etc.
• Waterproof rain jacket and trousers
• Warm closes and extra closes to exchange
• Hat and cap, sun glasess, high factor sun cream
• Daypack 40-50 litters and rain cover. It is also good idea to line your daypack with a quality plastic bag
• Head-torch
• Bottle for water
• Quick-drying towel
• First aid kit, if you have some disease
Recommended to have
• Walking sticks
• Toiletries
• Insect repellants (for lower elevations)
• Water purification tables or a water filter (more details in Notes)
• Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if you don’t have altitude adaptation)
• Pocket knife
• Sleeping bag up to -5 C
• Trekking boots with high proper ankle support and good thread. Extra shoes or pair of sandals, in case if first shoes will be wet during the rain and etc.
• Waterproof rain jacket and trousers
• Warm closes and extra closes to exchange
• Hat and cap, sun glasess, high factor sun cream
• Daypack 40-50 litters and rain cover. It is also good idea to line your daypack with a quality plastic bag
• Head-torch
• Bottle for water
• Quick-drying towel
• First aid kit, if you have some disease
Recommended to have
• Walking sticks
• Toiletries
• Insect repellants (for lower elevations)
• Water purification tables or a water filter (more details in Notes)
• Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if you don’t have altitude adaptation)
• Pocket knife
WATER
Water is very important while trekking. During trekking we offer tea/coffee, however, it will be limited. In Kyrgyzstan, most of the trekking trails are near the river, however not all water streams, rivers, and lakes can be safe and clean for drinking. It is possible to fill up water from natural springs, that has very less chances of having particles in it. Local people same as a lot of tourists don't have problems drinking water from the source, however, if you are not sure please bring water cleaning pills or filters with you for the trek from your homeland. You will not be able to find water cleaning pills in Kyrgyzstan.
LUGGAGE ON TOUR
• Main Baggage:
You don't need to take main luggage to trip. You can take any clothes that you need with yourself and other staff left in luggage behind at the group hotel used prior to the trek.
• Luggage to the porters:
Mostly all of our standard programs were made for not to do long hikes, usually 3 to 8 days. We are providing 1 porter to 1 person, which carries 15 kg, that weight including food, tents, cooking staff and private things of clients, usually around 3-5kg first days. Weight of food will decrease day by day and you will have the possibility to give extra weight to the porter. You can order extra porter if you having some big weight items as camera with lens, special equipment and etc.
• Daysac/Rucksack:
30-50 liters of rucksack recommended. During trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage, which is being carried for you by the porters or horse (Depends on trekking). In mountain region, the weather can change very fast and you should be equipped for this. Your day sack should be large enough to carry waterproofs, fleece jacket, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun cap, sun cream, water bottle and other staff which you need during the trek. On some occasions, it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch.
TRECKKING GRADE
To go to trekking you need to have a good level of fitness, heath and previous trekking experience is recommended. Trekking days are generally longer, challenging and at higher altitudes up to 3800 meters. Terrain may be difficult and ascents and descents are often demanding, especially during rain or snow.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance is NOT included. We advice 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. In case of no insurance, need to cover charges by yourself.
MEAL
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 cooks 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.
Water is very important while trekking. During trekking we offer tea/coffee, however, it will be limited. In Kyrgyzstan, most of the trekking trails are near the river, however not all water streams, rivers, and lakes can be safe and clean for drinking. It is possible to fill up water from natural springs, that has very less chances of having particles in it. Local people same as a lot of tourists don't have problems drinking water from the source, however, if you are not sure please bring water cleaning pills or filters with you for the trek from your homeland. You will not be able to find water cleaning pills in Kyrgyzstan.
LUGGAGE ON TOUR
• Main Baggage:
You don't need to take main luggage to trip. You can take any clothes that you need with yourself and other staff left in luggage behind at the group hotel used prior to the trek.
• Luggage to the porters:
Mostly all of our standard programs were made for not to do long hikes, usually 3 to 8 days. We are providing 1 porter to 1 person, which carries 15 kg, that weight including food, tents, cooking staff and private things of clients, usually around 3-5kg first days. Weight of food will decrease day by day and you will have the possibility to give extra weight to the porter. You can order extra porter if you having some big weight items as camera with lens, special equipment and etc.
• Daysac/Rucksack:
30-50 liters of rucksack recommended. During trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage, which is being carried for you by the porters or horse (Depends on trekking). In mountain region, the weather can change very fast and you should be equipped for this. Your day sack should be large enough to carry waterproofs, fleece jacket, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun cap, sun cream, water bottle and other staff which you need during the trek. On some occasions, it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch.
TRECKKING GRADE
To go to trekking you need to have a good level of fitness, heath and previous trekking experience is recommended. Trekking days are generally longer, challenging and at higher altitudes up to 3800 meters. Terrain may be difficult and ascents and descents are often demanding, especially during rain or snow.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance is NOT included. We advice 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. In case of no insurance, need to cover charges by yourself.
MEAL
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 cooks 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.