Kazakhstan – Passes, rivers, forests, meadows & lakes adventure

A truly unique trek which involves hiking through majestic alpine scenery, possible encounters with nomad people in wild Kazakhstan valleys, trekking, crossing and camping involving rivers, lakes and passes.

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ADVANCED

A high level of fitness, setting goals to test, achieve and a strong desire to continuously develop yourself and your kit in tough environments with a brilliant sense of satisfaction. Experience driven and doesn’t mind experiencing fatigue and identifying new personal strengths. 8-9hrs of walking each day.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Departure is usually London Heathrow, this may vary and the specific location will be provided upon booking.

All international and connecting return flights are not included in the EDGE Travel Worldwide trip price per person. If you would like EDGE Travel Worldwide to book your flights, please note there will be a £100 administration fee applied.

DAY 1    Almaty City Tour

Arrival in Almaty and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon after lunch we visit the incredible city of Almaty with a City Tour.

Overnight stay in hotel

(Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 2    Transfer to Karkara Base camp, 2,200m

After breakfast, we travel to Karkara base camp. We stop off to have a hot lunch on the way and then travel onto the beautiful Charyn Gorge where we stop and stretch our legs by exploring some of its ridge lines. After Charyn Gorge we eventually arrive at Karkara Base Camp at 2,200m. (5-6hrs)

(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 3    Alpine meadows and pine forests of the Kok say Plateau 2,890m

After lunch we start trekking through alpine meadows and pine forests to Kok say plateau above Karkara Base Camp to a height of 2,890m and stay overnight for our first nights stay of the trek. Our main duffel bags will be carried by horses throughout the trek.

(3-4hrs)

(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 4    Hunter’s Pass 3,640m

Fully immersed into the vibrant, clean and fresh outdoors, we start the day by trekking up to Hunter’s Pass at 3,640m for the first view of the Tien Shan Mountain Range in the distance. After lunch we descend into the Kokzhar valley where we camp for the night at 2,640m. (5-6hrs)

(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 5    Kokzhar river 2,800m

Continuing our trek within stunning alpine meadows, we move along the Kokzhar River for 15km where we arrive at our next nights camp in time to have an optional trek to a high point before watching the sun set and dinner. (4-5hrs) Optional high point trek (2-3hrs)

(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 6    Tyuz Pass 3,556m

Today we trek 12km up to Tyuz Pass at 3,556m and onto Tekes Plateau covering a short decent. There is an optional trek to a high point for extended views. (4-5hrs) Optional additional trek (2hrs) Camping – Full board.

(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 7    Ulken Kokpak Valley 2,400m

Descending 10km through the Tuyuk Kokpak canyon and into the pine forest, we come to the riverbed at 2,530m. After lunch we trek up and across a green pass at 3,150m to the Ulken Kokpak valley camp at 3,150m. (6-7hrs)

(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 8    Karakol Lake 3,150m

The morning sees us trekking up to a pass at 3,550m where we then descend to Karakol Lake and camp for the evening at 3,150m. (6-7hrs)

(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 9    Akkol Lake 3,100m

Up and over a 3,660m pass with great views and lunch on the way, we continue to descend to camp near Akkol Lake 3,100m. (5-6hrs)

(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 10  Ashutor Valley 2,700m

After completing the trekking over high passes, glacial lakes and alpine meadows we have one final pass to enjoy at 3,780m before descending into the Ashutor valley to walk along the river banks to the first pine ofrest grove where we set up camp for the night at 2,700m. (6-7hrs.)

(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 11  Frontier station 2,400m

Continuing through the pine forests and meadows within the Bayankol valley, we eventually meet a dirt road which leads to the Frontier station. We have our last fantastic view of the mighty Khan Tengri North Face summit and set up camp at 2,400m for our final night in this beautiful and inspiring environment. (5-6hrs)

(Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

DAY 12  Almaty

Late AM drive to Almaty. Lunch en-route at local café. Arrive hotel in Almaty. Farewell dinner. (Bus, 360kms, 7hrs.)

(Breakfast)

DAY 13  Almaty – home

Pick up from hotel and transfer to the airport. Fly home.

(Breakfast)

Personal Expenses

You will need extra money to cover the cost of drinks, souvenirs, meals (where applicable) airport taxes, etc. It is advisable to change money on arrival at international airports whilst waiting for your luggage, as opportunities for changing money are subsequently few. Credit cards are generally not accepted.

Visa Requirements

UK, AUS, NZ, USA & Canadian citizens will need an entry visa. Other nationalities should consult their consular office.

 Vaccinations & Protection

Make an appointment with your Doctor to discuss and also gain written confirmation of what is needed by the relevant Consulate of your trip destination. Make an appointment with your Doctor to have a full health check to ensure you are physically fit for the trip itinerary. A third source of reference is: www.travelhealthpro.org.uk EDGE Travel Worldwide is not responsible to list or advise; which vaccinations or any other travel medication you may need on your trip. This is your responsibility. Special Note: Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Personal medication

Please note all illness, injuries and medication need to be disclosed to EDGE Travel Worldwide at time of booking – please seek advice from your Doctor to your suitability of participating on this trip.

Insurance

You must make sure you have the right travel insurance for the trip personally and also make sure you have insurance to cover medical evacuation in case of emergency. An example company to arrange this is: ACE European Group Ltd (telephone) 0207 1737796

Fitness

To enjoy any trek such as climbing Karly Tau peak, it is essential to be in shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard a trek as a means of getting into shape or loosing excess weight. Start a programme of conditioning well before departure – in fact as soon as you book – and be aware that short walks on the flat do little to prepare you for the gradients involved on this trek. Running, hill walking and other more active sports are suitable.

Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individuals own perception of his or her abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our walking grades. This trip is rated as Grade C

Grade C Walks (Strenuous): are for the more serious hill walker and a higher level of physical fitness is required. Walking days are normally 6-8 hours and may involve up to 900m or more in ascent or descent. You should be prepared for several consecutive days walking, often at higher altitudes, so stamina is important.

Tipping

$100 should be set aside per client to contribute to the local crew tips at the end of the trip.

Meal Plan

Local food and drink: Meals other than those included in the itinerary are paid for separately by the traveller.

Clothing and equipment required for the trekking part of the trip

Walking boots (comfortable/rugged and fully waterproof & able to fit crampons)

38ltr day-sack (to carry essentials for the day)

Canoe dry sacks (to transport all nonessential clothing and equipment in – for river crossings)

Trainers or trekking sandals

Old sandals (for river crossing)

Walking poles (a pair)

Waterproof breathable jacket & trousers

Down jacket (with hood)

Long walking trousers (quick drying)

Fleece (warm)

Light weight wind proof jacket

Thermals (Long sleeve top and long leggings)

Jogging pants and sweatshirt (comfortable for the evening)

Shorts

Underwear

Gloves (Liner, thermal and waterproof outers)

Socks (for each day walking)

Swimsuit and small towel

Gaiters

Sleeping bag (4 season) & fleece liner

Sleeping mat or thermarest

Water bottles/Camelbak (total of 4 litres)

Plastic bags/waterproof sacks – essential for waterproofing all kit in day sack and main bags

Toiletries

Sunglasses

Snow goggles

Sun hat (wide brim)

High factor sun cream\ block & lip protection

Personal first aid kit \ dental kit (essential items for you)

Whistle (connected to string and tied to your jacket)

Spare laces

Eye mask

Ear plugs (x2 pairs)

Wet wipes

Hand sanitizer

Head Torch & spare batteries

Hand torch & spare batteries

Camera & spare batteries

Note pad and pencil/pen

Snacks (to graze on during the day)