The Great Celestial Challenge

Introduction to the Great Celestial Challenge - Kyrgyzstan

 The Great Celestial Challenge A new three week expedition not for the faint hearted. It is ideal for those who are interested primarily in trekking; this expedition focuses solely on trekking in the Jetim Bel range with two days of acclimatisation near Teshik-Kol Lake and along the Kara-Kaman and Ichke-Tor rivers.

You’ll experience Kyrgyzstan at it’s most remote and un-spoilt in dramatic mountain ranges; a real gem hidden away in Central Asia. It’s one of the original trekking countries, with some very challenging routes which also provide the opportunity to really experience traditional life in yurts. With 94% of the country made up of the mountains of the Tien Shan, the possibilities are endless.

Itinerary example

Below is a sample itinerary of what to expect on from the acclimatisation and trekking phases before a short period of much deserved rest and relaxation.

Day 1: Transfer from Bishkek to Sary-Bulak (410 km - about 8 hours) by truck / bus.
Acclimatisation: Set up base camp at the confluence of rivers Kara Soz and Balgart. Overnight in tents at the altitude 2800-2900m.

Day 2-3: Two days of trekking to Teshik-Kol Lake (3504 m) along the Kara-Kaman and Ichke-Tor rivers. Low grade altitudes during the day vary from 2800 m to 3500 m. The total trekking distance is 30 km – 5 to 6 hours of hiking per day. About 5 km away from the lake lie the Jyly-Suu hot springs. The group will spend a day of rest near hot springs.


Teshik-Kol Lake
Day 4: Rest day. Transfer by vehicle to the area of the Jetim Bel range (60 km, off road, about 8-9 hours) along the Jyly-Suu and Burkan rivers. Camp in the area of Murza burial ground.
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Day 5: Transfer along the Burkan river to the Ara-Bel pass by vehicle 42 km. Approach, ascent and descent of one peak will take about 6 hours. For ascent participants will need a rope, crampons, ice axes and sticks. One option for the group would be to spend 2-3 days in the area of Jetim Bel Range for radial trekking and ascents there. There are a lot of table top glaciers about 4000 m altitude which are located very close to the road.

Day 6: Transfer and hiking from the Ara-Bel pass to Ekurgon-Kol Lake through to the Sary-Tor pass (4050 m) - 18 km. Camp in the area of Ekurgon-Kol Lake.

Day 7: Transfer to the Ara Bel valley - 52 km (2-3 hours). Drive through Suyok pass (4021 km) and overnight in tents near the lake.

Day 8: 8 hours of trekking to Juuku river - 35 km. Crossing Juuku pass - 3633m.

Our other Kyrgyzstan expedition can viewed here.

Interested in taking part?

For more information about taking part in this expedition, please call 01494 482671 or email findoutmore@world-challenge.co.uk.

 

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