Juuku Pass

Along the way of Tien-Shan mountains and mountain lakes

The mountains of Kyrgyzstan are magical and unique, they bewitch those who visit the Tien-Shan. The trek takes you south-east of the Tien-Shan range, through beautiful gorges and along horse trails. It gives riders opportunities to explore the wild nature of the Tien-Shan mountains and taste the beauties of nature. The trek goes along splashing rivers, through forests of Tien-Shan fir-trees, evergreen junipers, thickets of sea buckthorn and blackberries.

Duration: 8 days
Season: June – September

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 up to the Sary-Moinok Valley. Distance: 30 km. Time: 20-30 min. Riding will begin from Sary-Moinok Valley up along the river to Dunguromo Pass (3773 m), well known as a steep pass in this region. The first view from the pass will take your breath away with the vast panorama and unique beauties of the mountains. Distance: 25-35 km. Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight in tents.

Day 2 Dunguromo Pass. You will marvel at the views from high places and you will rest in the refuge of mountain pastures and enjoy the fresh, crisp air. Down to Juuku River. Distance: 20-30 km. Time: 4-5 hours. Overnight in tents.

Day 3 From Juuku Valley to Juuku Pass. Along the way of Juuku Pass (3633 m) you have an opportunity to see two wonderful mountain lakes called Jashyl-Kol, which means “green lakes”. Distance: 25-35 km. Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight in tents.

Day 4 Ride to Kashka-Suu Valley. On the way you will see the real nomadic way of life of the Kyrgyz people. You will be astonished by the simple way of life of shepherds. Many times you will cross the Kashka-Suu River and enjoy the sound of splashing water. Distance: 25-35 km. Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight in tents.

Day 5 Your horses will bring you to the beautiful Juukuchak Valley where you can stop and swim in the hot springs. Come out of the water feeling rejuvenated, fresh and strong for another day in the mountains. Distance: 25- 30 km. Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight in tents.

Day 6 From Jyluu-Suu you will ride through the Darhan Valley and have magnificent views of  Lake Issyk-Kul. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight in tents.

Day 7 Darhan to Kok-Bel jailoo. Scenery of Lake Issyk-Kul and the surrounding mountains. Distance: 25-30 km. Time: 5-6 hours. Overnight in tents.

Day 8 From Kok-Bel jailoo to Kindik jailoo and down to Ak-Terek village where a car will meet you. Drive to Barskoon village. Distance: 20 km. 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

Leave your troubles behind, soak in a hot spring !

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.