Asian Patagonia, 12 days

Asian Patagonia, 12 days

Karavshin gorge at Turkestan Range is a favourite place for enthusiasts of trekking. You will enjoy amazing, beautiful views of green meadows and fast mountain water with clean water. Trek along the gorges of Turkestan mountain range and it will take you to the heart of Pamir-Alai mountain system, right to peak Ak-Suu.

A bucket list for trekking fans!

The Batken region is the most mysterious region located at the farthest south-western part of Kyrgyzstan. It is an important agricultural region with some of the best apricots grown here.

The Turkestan mountain range features alpine meadows, grazing yaks in herds, glacier surrounded with many over 5,000 m peaks and hardly any civilization in sight. Enjoy wild nature, panoramic views of the canyons crowned by snow peaks which will leave unforgettable memories on every hiker.

Osh, the 2nd largest city in Kyrgyzstan lies in the south of the country. It has the largest and most crowded outdoor market in all of Central Asia, also known as the Great Silk Road Bazaar.

Trip Duration: 12 days

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Osh

Arrive into Osh and transfer to the hotel. Today’s sightseeing includes Suleiman-Too Mount, Central Square with Lenin monument, Osh Bazaar.

Suleiman-Too Mount is one of the most important historical monuments of Kyrgyzstan. It is located right in the city centre of Osh. It has the name of Bara-Kukh until the 16th century. Take an ascent to Suleiman-Too is like Haj to Mecca. There is a museum in one of caves which we will visit. Take a walk at the Osh Bazaar and see many unique home crafts.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2 Osh – Uzgurush

Transfer from Osh to Uzgurush. The journey will take us pass Batken city and the Tortkul Reservoir. In Batken, make a stop for some market grocery shopping. Then continue the drive via so called ‘killed pass’ (also known as bad road) at 1,811 m high. If weather permits, you will be able to see Ak-Suu Peak. Spend a night in a guest house in Uzgurush. Meet local people and get to know their way of life in the village. The tranquility and silence will charm you.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3 Uzgurush – Ak-Suu

Hike our way through apricot gardens and winding picturesque gorge. Observe stunning rocks and cross several bridges. Continue the hike up the picturesque green gorge through juniper woods along the Ak-Mechet’ River. See the wonderful panorama of Iskander, Petrogradets, Admiralteyets and Ak-Suu peaks which all towers above 5,000 m above sea level. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river. Ak-Suu base camp (2,800 m) is located at the beginning of the green zone at the Ak-Suu River which can be seen prominently from where you are. Admire Northern Ak-Suu Peak that seems to rise into the sky.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4 Ak-Suu

Take the hike up via juniper woods along the winding path onto the steep moraine and glacier to the heart of one of the most powerful mountain formations of the Pamir-Alay system – Ak-Suu Peak Circus. This pyramid looking snow-capped mountain (5,355 m) faces to the north with a steep fall of almost 2 km wall. Breathtaking view indeed!

The area is also beautifully surrounded with awesome (above 5,000 m) mountains such as the twin-headed peaks of Iskander, Petrogradets, Admiralteyets and A. Block as well as Aktyubek.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 Ak-Suu – AK-Tyubek

Today is an intensive day but the hike will pay off with amazing views that you will see as you ascend the Ak-Tyubek Pass at 4,390 m. The zigzag trail will lead towards the snow covered great mountains you see previously. One of them is Ak-Tyubek Peak and admire again the might peaks of Admiralteyets, Small and Large Iskander, grand Sabakh Peak, Parus (sail) Peak.

Take a gradual descent to the Ak-Tyubek River and walk along it to the confluence with the Orto-Chashma River. Cross the creek and retire the day at the nearest glade.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6 Ak-Tyubek – Kara-Suu

Cross the Orto-Chashma River. Trek over two passes: Kosh-Moinok Pass and Kara-Suu Pass. Moderate descend along the gorge and the Orto-Chashma River. Picturesque juniper bushes await and some of them curved like elders. Along the route, you will see a helicopter remains in the river since the Batken clash in the year 2000. Crossing the Kosh-Moinok Pass and descend along the slope to the small river. Then take an ascent to Kara-Suu Pass. The path runs through juniper woods, along motley grass. Observe peaks of Asan and Usen.

An ancient legend says: “Long long ago, there lived an old man in the local mountains and he had twin sons. They were named Asan and Usen. The old man raised them as soldiers and could not get enough of them. What else do you need to meet your old age with dignity? But the war came and the sons were killed.

And then the old man, distraught with grief, raised his hands to the sky and called upon Allah: “O, almighty

Allah! You give life, you take it. Give me back my sons, take my life in return. So be it! ” The ground cracked and the mountains rose high to the sky on that spot.”

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7 Kara-Suu – (foot of) Asan-Usen & Pyramind Peaks – Kara-Suu

Trek to the Kara-Suu Gorge and the foot of Asan-Usen Mountain with views of Pyramid and Kyrkchitla peaks. You will also be able to see the legendary ‘yellow wall’ on which the most complicated climbing routes are. The trail runs further on to the moraine and follows along it. Climbers from all over the world consider ascending to any of the mountains here as a high achievement because of its difficulty.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 Kara-Suu – Orto-Chashma

Cross the Kara-Suu and Kosh-Moinok passes to get back to Orto-Chashma Gorge. Our base camp will be on a large glade with holes also known as ‘golf field’. Enjoy wonderful views including the Ak-Tyubek Pass while resting for the night.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9 Orto-Chashma – AK-Tash

Cross the Orto-Chashma River by the wooden bridge and hike up the Kashka-Suu Gorge to the range pass that split the Kashka-Suu and Djagychi gorges. Observe the upper reaches of the Orto-Chashma Gorge and the Turo Pass. Descend by via the grass slope and stone trail to the Djalgychi base camp. Continue down the stone trail after lunch along the Ak-Tash River. Then hike up the gorge to Ak-Tash Pass where we will stay for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 AK-Tash – Uzgurush

The final trekking day takes you to Ak-Tash Valley and then ascend on to the Buljuma Pass. Enjoy views of the mountains and the Uponym Pass. Descend along the Buljuma River through the juniper forest and further along the walnut gardens to the main road in Uzgurush. Back to the guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11 Uzgurush – Osh

Return back to Osh. After arrival, you have time at leisure. Take your time to enjoy a walk, shop or simply relax.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12 Depart Osh

Choose to sleep in or simply rest and relax until check out. Transfer to Osh Airport for the onward flight. Official check out time is 12 PM.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 4 nights stay in mixture of accommodation of hotel and guesthouse;

~ 7 nights camping (in tents);

~fullboard, 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners;

~ camping style dining tent with cutlery, tables and chairs;

~ arrival and departure airport transfers;

~ service of a trekking guide;

~service of a camping Cook;

~ horse and donkey porterage service for luggage transfer.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Osh in Kyrgyzstan;

~ visa arrangement;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ tipping for trekking guide, camping cook and support assistant(s);

~ anything not specified in the itinerary.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total tour price is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Because hiking requires certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for members with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Members must ensure they are medically and physically able to walk.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered by the guide due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander and the Co-ordinator. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for hikers with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.