TURKESTAN CIRCUIT TREK

Overview

Trip code: TCTR

Trip season: 01/07-31/09

Days: 11 days

Group size:  1-16 pax

Price: Please refer to Trek Dossier for the most up to date information.

Description: This 11 days trek takes into some of the remote and picturesque valleys of Turkestan mountain range, located on the very edge of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan south border. Known as Asian Patagonia, the region unites Ak Suu, Kara Suu, Ak Mechet and Karavshin valleys and have a number of kilometer long big wall peaks. Warm climate and a great variety of routes plus easy approach attracts mountaineering expeditions from all over the world in search of ambicious lines. The area around is abounded with wild life: Mountain goats, Marco Polo sheep, deer, foxes, wolves, plenty of marmots etc. The route from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital crosses nearly the whole country from North East to South West given the opportunity to visit some of Kyrgyzstan's finest cultural and historical treasures.

Route: We meet crew in Osh to drive to small mountain village of Izgurush hidden up in Turkestan range. Here we stay overnight in local house and make final preparation before trek starts. There will be time to explore the local life and village environs. Next day horses or donkeys take over and carry personal luggage and camping gear for the trek through stunning mountain scenery. We trek trek around Turkestan range, and cross several mountain valleys, explore the upper reaches of Orto Chasma, passing many tempestuous rivers, high glaciated summits and a wide variety of colorful panoramas. The alpine meadows are extremely beautiful with a profusion of flowers and lush grass pastures. Several Golden Eagles have their home here along with other colorful bird-life. There will be time at the end of the trek for sightseeing and shopping in Osh's and Bishkek's bazaars, and we will gather together for a banquet on the last night.

Grade: The tour is 6 days trekking on foot. Paths are generally in good shapes. The trek is horse - assisted, so you need to carry only a day pack with some of your belongings. Average walking time is around 6 -8 hours per day. Daily altitude gain is about 800-1200 m. You must be reasonably fit to attempt this trek. Trekking/hiking and camping background advisable but not essential.

Trek Crew: The trek is assisted by guide, cook and horses who carry camping gear for the trek.

Map: