Terekti Valley

Mountains of heaven

After enjoying Kyrgyz hospitality in the village of Barskoon, the adventures in the high mountains will begin. You will meet the challenge of the craggy peaks and travel through deep gorges. This trek is not for the faint hearted, but you will enjoy catching glimpses of wild yaks, fording rapids and finding the treasure of emerald lakes. Not only are there gems of nature to uncover, but also treasures among the Kyrgyz people. For a brief time you can become part of the nomadic life.

Duration: 12 days
Season: July – September
Border zone permit is needed for this trek

Itinerary
Departure and return of the trek in Barskoon village which is situated near Lake Issyk-Kul. Distance from Bishkek to Barskoon: 350 km (5-6 hours by car). Accommodation and excellent traditional Kyrgyz food in a private home/yurta in Barskoon.

Day 1 Drive to Karakol town and then to Boz-Uchuck village (130 km from Barskoon). After lunch, your first outdoor adventure will begin. Ride through Boz-Uchuk forests. Three times you will cross the Boz-Uchuk River before you climb the Boz-Uchuk Pass (3362 m). Distance: 20-25 km. Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 2 Ride through the Turgon Canyon and Kok-Kyia jailoo where shepherds usually herd their animals. You will be introduced to the real life of nomadic Kyrgyz. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 3 From Kok-Kyia jailoo to Karakyr Pass (3822 m) and the Ottuk River. From the top of the pass you can see the beautiful scenery of the Tien-Shan mountains. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 4 Ride along the Ottuk River and through a narrow canyon. You will cross the Torpu Pass (3550 m), the Koiluu River and Maisaz jailoo. Distance: 25-35 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 5 Ride through Maisaz jailoo, over Kurusai Pass (3760 m) and cross Taldysuu Valley. Here, if you are lucky, you can see mountain goats and Marco Polo sheep. Distance: 30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 6 Today you will ride along the road, Kichi-Taldy-Suu and Chon-Taldy-Suu Valleys where you will be surprised of the beauty of these valleys. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 7 Along the way to the Saryjaz River, you will come to Engilchek village, then ride through the Terekti Gorge where you will be amazed by the beautiful scenery of poplars, fir-trees and junipers. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 8 Ride from Sarytor jailoo to Achator jailoo and to Eckichat Valley. Distance: 25-35 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 9 From Ekichat Valley to Kyzyl Pass (3700 m). You will be met here by a herder with yak. Bashkol is a mountain lake surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks, like a perfect jewel in a ring. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 10 From Bashkol Lake back to Kyzyl Pass and to Eckichat Valley. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 11 From Ekichat Valley to Achator Valley, Sarytor Valley and Terekti Valley. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 12 A short ride from Terekti Valley down to Engilchek village where our driver will meet you by car and take you back to Barskoon (Distance: 220 km, Time: 4-5 hours). Soak in a hot bath, enjoy supper and night in a private home/yurta.

The trek includes:
Accommodation in a house/yurta upon arrival and before departure in Barskoon village, accommodation in tents during the trek, English speaking tour guide, cook, horseman, 3 meals a day, tents, horses with all equipment, cooking equipment, first aid kit and visa support.

You need to bring:
Down jacket, warm sweater, warm sleeping bag, silk sleeping bag liner, rain gear (waterproof trousers should have an opening on the outside at the bottom of the leg in order to put on and take off without removing your trekking boots), 2-3 pairs of warm socks, waterproof trekking boots, gloves, sunglasses, sun cream with high UV-protection, lip balm with UV-protection, torch, personal medicine, metal water bottle (0.75 L), Therm-A-Rest mat, riding chaps, Micropure (or any other water purification)

Please contact:
Ishembi Obolbekov
P.o. Box 2032
720000 Bishkek
Kyrgyz Republic
Mobile: +996 772 51 83 15
Phone: +996 312 43 45 32
+996 312 66 13 92
E-mail:   shepherd@elcat.kg
www.kyrgyztrek.com

or

Bernard Repond
Buchille 14
1633 Marsens
Switzerland
Mobile:   +41 79 304 84 04
E-mail:   repondbernard77@gmail.com

Meet the Kyrgyz – an epic people !

Shepherd’s Way Trekking reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary due to weather conditions or other extenuating circumstances. Insurance ! Photos by Jacqueline Ripart, Hermine Dreyfuss and Shepherd’s Way Trekking archives.