Arrive Bishkek in the morning. Meet agent and van. Drive to Karakol town based on the eastern end of Issyk Kul lake – the second largest alpine lake in the world after lake Titicaca in South America. Short sightseeing around the town visiting the most interesting sights: Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity cathedral built in 1856 without a single nail and Dungan mosque built in a shape of Chinese pagoda.

Meals: BLD. Overnight in hotel.
Distance: 400km. Vertical: +1000m.

After breakfast we meet ex army truck to drive 180 km by exciting mountain road winding through the forests and between rocks along rushing waters of mountain rivers.

Meal: BLD. Overnight in tents.
Distance: 200km. Vertical: +800m.

Full day trek along Inylchek river bed. We cross several side rivers today, but generally we hike along flat sections with minor steep hikes towards Inylchek glacer. Camp at Iva, right in front of the glacier tongue.

Meals: BLD. Overnight in tents.
Distance: 18km. Vertical: +400m.

We step on the glacier today to cross it towards its right bank and continue along the side moraine. Glacier is covered by rocks and quite hilly in some sections. Trail does not exist here, so we find the best way towards side moraine.

Meals: BLD. Overnight in tents.
Distance: 8km. Vertical: +200m.

Half day trek to Merzbacher glade – the green meadow across Merzbacher lake. On a glade there is a research station built in recent years to observe the glacier flow and Merzbacher lake. Free time for rest.

Meals: BLD. Overnight in tents or cabin.
Distance: 8km. Vertical: +200m.

Approach Mertzbacher lake by traversing rough glacier terrain and finding our way thru the system of crevasses. Discovered in 1902 by Gottfreid Merzbaher - german geographist and mountaineer, the lake still keeps the secret of its drainage cycles, twice a year its waters burst the ice and drain into Inylchek river making the whole valley impassible for several days.

Meals. BLD. Overnight in tents or cabin.
Distance: 9km. Vertical: +300m.

Today we trek along the glacier finding our way between its labyrinths. Glacier is mainly flat and safe to go without crampons. We are now 1 day trek from BC so we try to move as far as possible. Camp at Komsomolets glacier.

Meals: BLD. Overnight in tents.
Distance: 12km. Vertical: +400m.

Half day trek along the glacier towards Pesni Abaya peak. Once we approach we see stunning Khan Tengri peak on the left and mighty Pobeda peak on the right. At night the clear view of milky way is unparalleled.

Meals: BLD. Overnight in tents.
Distance: 7km. Vertical: +100m.

Final leg to South Inylchek base camp. Optional climb of Abaya peak in the first half of the day (subj for extra charge of 55 USD/person). Half day trek to BC. Sauna and Vodka in the evening.

Meals: BLD. Overnight in tents.
Distance: 8km. Vertical: +200m.

Free day for rest in base camp or optional hike to the foothills of Khan Tengri peak. Both Khan Tengri and impressive wall of Pobeda peak are clearly seen from the base camp, so if your personal battery is now drained after a long trek - stay in camp and have time for yourself. You did a great job already.

Meals: BLD. Overnight in tents.
Distance: 0km. Vertical: +0m.

Meet helicopter in the morning. Fly thru (not over) the mountains to Karkara helipad. Meet comfortable aircon vehicle. Drive to the shore of Issyk-Kul lake - the second largest alpine lake in the world. Accommodation in guest house or hotel on the shore. Free time for swimming or rest.

Meals: BLD. Overnight in guest house.
Distance: 200 km. Vertical: -2500m.

Drive to Bishkek (240 km) - the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. Visit 11cc Burana tower museum on the way and have a lunch with local family who leaves near by. Free time before dinner.

Meals: BLD. Overnight in hotel.
Distance: 250km. Vertical: -800m.

Full day tour of Bishkek: see its the most interesting museums and statues, Ala Too square, Osh bazaar, Russian orthodox church, Victory square with internal flame. PM free time for extra shopping or rest in hotel.

Meals: BLD. Overnight in hotel.

Transfer to airport for onward flight to your home or next destination.

Meals: B.