TREKKING TOUR KARAKOL + KOL-SUU
Itinerary: Bishkek — Karakol –4 days trek – Bokonbaevo – Tash-Rabat caravanserai – Kol-Suu – 3 day trek – Naryn — Bishkek
Duration: 14 days
Category: auto + trekking
Best Season: end of June – mid of September
Requirements: weatherproof warm clothes, trekking boots, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, torch
Best Group Size: 4-12
The crown jewel of the Tien Shan, Lake Issyk-Kul is 6232 sq m of sparkling blue paradise. The second largest saline lake in the world, its name in Kyrgyz means «hot lake»— though surrounded by spectacular snow capped peaks, the water never freezes. Silk Road traders stopped here to recover from the grueling trek over the passes of the Tian Shan, and it is still the most popular destination in Kyrgyzstan to relax for both tourists and locals.
Karakol is the regional center. On Sundays see a tradition which is reminiscent of Silk Road times, the famous animal bazaar. Shepherds from surrounding regions travel long hours to bring their livestock— on foot, by cart, by tractor, by car— even by motorcycle. Other cities in the region include Cholpon-Ata and Balykchi.
The mountains in Issyk-Kul rise over 7000 m, with Khan Tengri and Pobeda Peak being popular destinations for intrepid mountaineers. Trek to the massive Enilchek Glacier and the “dissappearing” Lake Merzbacher.
Kol Suu is a spectacular glacial lake set in a rocky canyon whose shear sides drop almost straight down into the lake. It’s difficult to get to, but is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Kyrgyzstan. It is located in the southeast of Naryn Oblast, near the Chinese border. You need a border permit to go there because of its proximity to the Chinese border.
Meeting at the airport. Transfer to Bishkek. Accommodation at hotel. Afternoon city tour in Bishkek. Visiting Osh Bazar, Tsum, Oak Park, Ala-Too Main Square etc.
After breakfast leave for Karakol, 7 hours drive. On the way, visiting the Burana Tower architectural complex (the 10-11th centuries, the Great Silk Road) 15km from the main road. Visit one of the biggest collections of petroglyphs near Cholpon-Ata, visit the Rukh-Ordo complex. Upon arrival in Karakol short city tour with visiting the Dungan Mosque styled as Chinese pagoda, the Russian Orthodox Church made of wood. Dinner and Overnight stay in a guest house.
After breakfast we transfer to Zhergez Gorge, 1 hour. The beginning of the trek. The path will pass through dense spruce forests and a variety of vegetation. Shepherds live in the gorge in yurts or in tents. You can also look at the stone of the balbal located not far from the river. Lunch is near the tents of the shepherds. After lunch, another 2.5-3 hours to the campsite. The trek time in general is 6-7 hours. Installation of a tent camp at the end of the valley. Overnight in the tent
On the second day we pass through the pass Aylanysh (3560 m) to the valley of Almaluu. On the way you can admire the lakes of Ailanysh and the glacier of Tashtanbek Torbashi peak (4360 meters ASL) The trek time is about 5-6 hours. Installation of the camp is not far from the herdsmen’s camp. Overnight in tents.
One of the complex transitions on this day. Since the difference in heights to the pass Ortok (3780m) is very steep. From the pass you can see a magnificent view of the nearby peaks. Further we go down to Altyn-Arashan to hot springs. The transit time is about 4-5 hours. It is possible to swim in hot springs. You will never be able to forget the sight of the snow on Peak Palatka (Tent) 5260 m or «Swallow’s Nest Pool», nestling beneath the open sky. Overnight in local hut or yurt.
After breakfast transfer from Altyn Arashan resort down by Arashan Gorge (2 hours). Leave Karakol for Bokonbaevo village. On the way stop in Jeti-Oguz gorge(Seven-Bulls), visit the Kök-Jaik area (Valley of Flowers), 2-3 hours. Visit Red Canyon “Skazka”. Arrival in Bokonbaevo village, Bel-Tam seaside yurt camp. Dinner and accommodation in a yurt stay.
After late breakfast transfer to Tash-Rabat Caravanserai. En route stop in Kyzyl-Tuu Village, the village of the Yurt Masters (yurta (in Russian) or boz-ui (in Kyrgyz) – kyrgyz national dwelling). Further drive to Kochkor, lunch. Continue to Tash-Rabat caravanserai. Dinner and B&B in a yurt.
Transfer to Kol-Suu. It takes around 5-6 hours. Picnic lunch en route. Dinner and B&B in a yurt or tent camp.
Start trek from the base yurt camp towards Echkilii Pass. Tent camping before the pass. Trek time: 5-6 hours.
Cross the Echkilii Pass (3990 meters ASL). Descend to the southern shore of Kol-Suu Lake. Tent camping. Trek time: 5-6 hours.
Today we will take a boat trip to other side of the lake. Boat trip takes at least 2 hours. Arrive to northern lake shore, transfer to the yurt camp. Lunch. After lunch transfer to Naryn Town. Arrival in Naryn, accommodation in a hotel. Dinner.
Direct transfer to Bishkek. Lunch en route in Boom Gorge at café. Further transfer to Bishkek. Arrival in Bishkek, accommodation in café. Dinner can be at beer pub on your own.
Happy Independence Day of the Kyrgyz Republic! This day people celebrate all over the country. Today you can visit central Ala-Too square where public festivities take place. Free and easy day. Lunch on your own. Farewell dinner at national restaurant with folklore concert.
Check out of hotel. Night or early morning transfer to the airport. Departure.
| Trip date | Availability | Trip Status | Price |
| June — September | Any date | Upon request | From $ 1 160 |
TRIP INCLUSIONS:
Price doesn’t include: single supplement in hotels; personal expenses; meals at café in Bishkek; tips; international air fare; travel insurance; boat trip; activities out of program (optional activities)
