A 180 km trekking route set in the spectacular Tien-Shan Mountains. Visiting scenic Merzbacher Lake which drains all its water in late August every year. Route crosses 5 passes of 3000m - 4000m with the possibility fof the ascent of Dikiy Peak 4832m. Day walking on Inylchek Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the world.

Accommodation in Hotels and Tented camps - Season: July - August - Days 21

Itinerary

1 Arrival in Bishkek. Sightseeing. Hotel
2 Transfer to the Lake Issyk-Kul. On the way visit Burana Tower (XII AD) and petroglyphs museum. Hotel or Guest House
3 Transfer to the start point of trek in Dzhergalan gorge and a short walk to the camp site. Acclimatization. The area is rich in wildlife - archa, currants, clear water, grassy slopes and firewood for a bonfire. Tent Camp
4 Cross a nameless pass (2800m). The route is simple and goes over grassy slopes. Ascent time from the stop to the pass is 2-3 hours. Descent from the pass to Dzhergalan River along the narrow gorge is about 1.5 hour. Descent from the pass to the Tjup river valley. Altogether the trek time is 7 hours. Tent Camp
5 Cross Ashu-Tor pass to upper reaches of the Dzhanalach river which flows into a wide valley. You can get acquainted with herdsmen's life here. Hike time is about 6 hours. Tent Camp
6 Hike to the south along Dzhanalach River valley to Echkilitash pass (5-6 hours). Fabulous views of the summits of the Sari-Dzhaz range open from the pass. Descent (0.5 hour) to green slopes near Echkilitash river. Tent Camp
7 After 3 hours descent along the left slope of Echkilitash gorge the route comes to the Sari-Dzhas and we ascend to Saridzhaski rang along its tributary - Tjuz River. Tent Camp
8 Crossing over Tjuz Pass (4001 m). It is possible to by-pass the glacier walking on scree to the right. It takes you 3 - 4 hours to ascend the pass. Descend on the scree and a grassy slope to the Inylchek river. Hike time 6 - 7 hours. Tent Camp
9 Day of rest, short walk along Inylchek valley. Tent Camp
10 Lower part of Inylchek glacier is covered with stones and moraines and is not difficult. It takes 8 - 9 hours to go to the Merzbacher glade, so it is necessary to make intermediate overnight camp.
11-12 Radial trekking to the Merzbacher lake and Shokalskiy glacier, where in rocks and stones you can find nice crystals of tourmaline, quartz, fluorite, topaz and other minerals. Tent Camp
13 Helicopter flight to the Dikiy glacier. Hike to the base camp Inylchek. Tent Camp
14 Hike to the foot of Dikiy Peak 3-4 hours. Tent Camp
15 Optional ascent of Dikiy Peak (4832m). A nice view of the highest summits of Tien-Shan opens from the peak. Time of ascent and descent is 8 - 10 hours. Tent Camp
16 Return to the Base Camp. Walking on the glacier. Tent Camp
17 Helicopter flight to the Maydadyr. Transfer to Karakol (170 km, 4 hours). Tent Camp
18 Transfer to Issyk-Kul Lake over Chon-Ashu pass. Hotel or Guest House
19 Rest by the Lake. Hotel or Guest House
20 Transfer to Bishkek or Almaty. Hotel
21 Departure from Bishkek or Almaty

Price

£1950 International flights not included.

Conditions and notes

1) This trek is considered as of average difficulty level. We advise it only for trekkers who are hill fit, and familiar with trekking in an Alpine environment. The climate of the Central Tien-Shan range is continental, dry, with significant difference between day and night temperatures. Sometimes the sky can be cloud covered and cold conditions can last for several days. At altitudes of 3500m snow is likely be ready for these difficulties. While crossing the glacier you must be able to use a safety rope.
2) Every member must have warm clothes, waterproofs, trekking boots, sleeping-bag, sleeping mat, trekking sticks, sunglasses.
3) All tourists must have medical insurance.

Services provided - Transportation - Accommodation as mentioned above - Full board - Personnel: Guide / Interpreter, cook, and porters.

Extra services not included - Boating on Lake Issyk-Kul - Folklore show - National horse games show.