Trekking in the Tien Shan

Kyrgyzstan is a country of immense natural beauty. The Tien Shan (Mountains of Heaven) are lush and green, high and wild, dissected by sweeping steppe lands, primal forests, crystal streams and turquoise lakes.

It has few visitors and a bewitching folkloric backdrop of Silk Road nomadism. It is the people themselves that bring Kyrgyzstan to life and you will find ordinary folk with proud nomadic traditions, an indomitable strength and great sense of hospitality. Here, adventure meets ancient culture, and you will be richer for it.

• Visit one of the most scenic countries in Central Asia
• Explore the majestic Tien Shan mountains
• Enjoy the hospitality of the Kyrgyz people

Saturday 7th July 2012- London/Bishkek
Fly from London Heathrow with bmi

Sunday 8th July 2012 - Bishkek/Karakol
You will be met on arrival at Bishkek airport in the early morning and transferred to a hotel for a late breakfast. Later drive to Karakol visiting Burana Tower en route.

Monday 9th July 2012 - Karakol
In early morning, visit the Orthodox Church, the Dungan mosque and the Oriental bazaar. You will then transfer to Echkilitash Gorge (150 km) located in the valley of Sary-Dzhas River. Tonight you will start your first of several nights camping.

Tuesday 10th July 2012 - Trekking
Today you begin your trek, crossing Sary-Dzhas River towards its left bank and trekking up along Tuz Valley to foothill of the Tuz Pass

Wednesday 11th July 2012 - Trekking
Trek via Tuz Pass (4001m) to Chon-Tash.

Thursday 12th July 2012 - Trekking
Cross the South Inylchek Glacier, trek up along the left lateral moraine of South Inylchek Glacier to Merzbacher Glade.

Friday 13th July 2012 - Trekking
Climb the Panorama Summit (4500m).

Saturday 14th July 2012 - Trekking
Trek down to foothill of Nansen Peak.

Sunday 15th July 2012 - Trekking/Karakol
Trek down to Atzhailau Gorge, transfer back to the town of Karakol and overnight.

Monday 16th July 2012 - Karakol/Bishkek
Transfer to Bishkek. Enroute you will stop to see falcon hunting in Bokonbaevo village.
On arrival in Bishkek a visit will be made to TSUM, the central department store. Overnight in Bishkek.

Tuesday 17th July 2012 - Bishkek/London
In the early morning you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK with bmi.

Pricing
From £1,655 per person (single room supplement from £306)
Based on a minimum of 6 people attending, excludes international flights.