As seen on
Kyrgyzstan Shaw Family Adventure (first draft)
Kyrgyzstan - 4,770m
From
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Packing list
Grade:
Challenging
Type:
Activity
Transfers
Duration:
20 Nights
4 - 4
Group size
Leaders
Highlights
- Horse ride in the wild Tian Shan Mountains
- Summit Peak Palatka
- View glaciers and camp at the base of Mt Karakol
- Camp in the wild and stay in yurt camps
A unique family adventure horse riding then climbing a summit in one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges
This adventure takes you deep into the Tian Shan Mountain range on horseback after seeing some of the famous natural wonders and sights around Karakol. Your expedition will be fully horse-powered; with all gear, tents, camp kitchen and of course yourselves transported by horse.
After this and one night of respite in the Mountain town of Karakol no doubt exploring the schnaps bars, you will embark on one of our most challenging adventures which requires a higher than average fitness level in order to trek up to the summit (4770m) of Peak Palatka, in what can be very challenging conditions. 'Palatka' means 'tent' in Russian as the twin-peaked mountain looks like an old Soviet army tent.
But the rewards are phenomenal: One you reach the summit of Peak Palatka, you have 360 degree views of the surrounding majestic and wild Tian Shan Mountain range. This unique trekking tour will give you a sense of collective achievement in attaining a peak very rarely attempted by anyone, in one of the world’s most beautiful settings.
Day 1: Arrive in Bishkek, view the city
Flights
Transfer
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Most international airlines arrive into Bishkek early in the morning. Upon landing, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in - early-check ins with breakfast are included. You have the morning to rest after your travel.
You will meet your guide and embark on a walking tour of Bishkek. The capital of Kyrgyzstan, also known as the ‘White City’ – so called because many of the government buildings in Soviet times were built from the beautiful, locally mined white marble - is a fascinating city with vast plazas and dramatic monuments from the Soviet Era.
Our local tour guide will give us a welcome introduction to both the city and the history of the country, followed by dinner in one of the most well-known tea houses in the city, complete with traditional live music and dancing.
Accommodation: 3* Bugu Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 2: Overland by car to Karakol town where we will sort out equipment rental
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
Our 5-6hr drive through the striking landscapes with stunning views of Yssyk-Kol ('Kol' means Lake in Kyrgyz) is pleasantly broken by a visit to the ancient minaret Burana Tower, built by the Karakhanids at the end of the 9th Century where we can climb to the top of this once important marker of the Great Silk Road, as well as visit the nearby museum and open air Balbals (stone figures). We continue our journey, stopping for lunch in Cholpon-Ata.
Tonight we stay in Karakol, a city surrounded by apple orchards, for which the area is famous, set against a backdrop of snow capped Terskey Alatau mountains. It is well worth a little explore and we recommend visiting the small mosque, looking more like a Chinese temple than anything else, and made of wood, with no nails whatsoever. This evening you will meet your hiking guide Maks.
Day 3: Ara-Bel valley
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
Driving from Karakol to Ara-Bel valley, driving time 4-5 hours. On the way we will stop to see famous waterfalls in Barskoon valley. Later we will cross Barskoon pass 3754m from here we will see Ara-Bel platuo, many small mountain lakes and high mountains with glaciers. After long driving we have short horse riding to the bottom of Juuku pass 3633m. We will make camp near "Chokolu-Kol lake. We will stay overnight in the tents.
Day 4: Juuku pass
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
After breakfast we will cross Juuku pass 3633m. From here we can see all Juuku valley and other mountain lakes.
This day camp will be on low altitude 2700m. We will stay overnight in the tents.
Day 5: Jeti-Oguz valley
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
After breakfast we will go to Jeti-Oguz valley. This is valley one of famous places in Kyrgyzstan. On the way we will cross Kok-Jayk pass 2800m. Camp will be on 2400m. We will stay in the Yurt-Camp overnight.
Day 6: Kyzyl-Suu valley
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
Today we go to Kyzyl-Suu valley crossing a few passes no higher than 2500m. All day will be spectacular view to the Issyk-Kyl lake and red rocks. Camp will be on 2200m. We will stay in the Yurt-Camp overnight.
Day 7: Jeti-Oguz valley
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
After breakfast we will go to Jeti-Oguz valley. This is valley one of the very famous natural attractions in Kyrgyzstan. On the way we will cross Kok-Jayk pass 2800m. Camp will be on 2400m. We will stay in the Yurt-Camp.
Day 8: Oguz-Bashy
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
This day we will go to see famous mountain "Oguz-Bashy" peak 5150m. and glasier.
All the time riding along the Jeti-Oguz river until in the afternoon we will return back to same Yurt-Camp.
Day 9: Ak-Kol lake
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
This day we will go to Irdyk valley, riding up to the Ak-Kol lake (3000m). Camp will be on 3000m. We will stay in the tents overnight.
Day 10: Karakol valley
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
This day we will go to famous Karakol valley. We will go along Karakol river all day. Camp will be on 2400m near Karakol river. We will stay in the tents overnight.
Day 11: Karakol peak
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
After breakfast we will go to the bottom of Karakol peak 5260m. This is the highest mountain on this area. Also we can see On-Tor Glacier. Camp will be at the base of the mountain at 3000m. We will stay in the tents overnight.
Day 12: Karakol city
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
This day we will head down along the Karakol river to where our vehicle is waiting so we can drive to Karakol city. We have one night in Karakol city and next day we will start our next adventure to climb Peak Palatka.
Day 13: Altyn-Arashan
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
We will drive from Karakol town for approximately 3-hours to Altyn-Arashan by 4×4, from where we will walk 4-5-hours to the Eki-Chat camp (2800m).
Day 14: Eki-Chat to the Yiri-Tor Glacier
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
6-7 hours walking (camp at 3900m).
Day 15: Yiri-Tor Glacier to the Sary-Chat Glacier
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
Crossing the Sary-Chat pass 4200m. We will walk 5-6-hours (camp at 4200m).
Day 16: Summit day!
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
We will start at 4:00 o’clock in a morning, ascent will 10-15 hours, this is a radial climb - returning to sleep at the same camp (4200m) in the evening.
Day 17: Sary-Chat camp to the Eki-Chat camp
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
7-8 hours (camp at 2800m)
Day 18: Eki-Chat to Altyn-Arashan (2400m)
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Yurt
After 4-5-hours walking we can take a well-deserved and very relaxing dip in the natural hot springs at Altyn-Arashan (2400m) staying in a yurt camp.
Day 19: Altyn-Arashan to Karakol
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
4-5 hours walking then by car to Karakol town to stay in your guest house.
Day 20: Return to Bishkek
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
A well-deserved night on the town after driving back to the capital.
Day 21: Fly out of Bishkek
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Fly home full of many happy mountain memories!
Adventure Optional Extras
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Contents
Travel & Arrival
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the airport in Bishkek. We understand that arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be very daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible, to help you prepare.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also receive notifications direct from the FCDO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Airport & Arrival Info
Manas International Airport is the main international airport in Kyrgyzstan, located 25km NW of the capital, Bishkek. It is a small, though fully functioning, airport with 2 ‘terminals’ that you may arrive into, at different ends of the same building.
You will be met at the airport by your by a local driver for transport to your hotel.
Included in the cost of your adventure is a group transfer to and from the airport.
Group transfers are only available on the official start and end dates of the trip. Arriving or departing on any other days means group transfers will not be included. If you plan to arrive before or after the adventure dates and need assistance with transfers or accommodation, please add these services when booking, or contact us directly to make the arrangements.
Once you have made a booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
You are also welcome to book your travel independently, and we will provide clear instructions on how to meet the group at the designated time and location at the start of your trip.
Visa
Kyrgyz visa for Belgian citizens A visa is NOT required for Belgian passport holders visiting Kyrgyzstan for a short-term stay: 60 days.
Insurance
You will require specialist mountain climbing insurance for this adventure. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
General information on Kyrgyzstan
For information on Kyrgyzstan, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specific information.
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
You will require specialist equipment & mountain climbing insurance for this adventure. You will be able to rent most of the equipment in Karakol.
Compulsory
Specialist mountain climbing equipment
- 🏔️ Harness - 1. It is optimal to choose the most lightweight model
- 🏔️ Carabiners – 4 pcs. 2 pieces for ice screws, 1 for jumar or descender, and 1 for self-belay
- 🏔️ Ice screw – 2 pcs. For self-rescue from a crack and organizing rescue operations. It is better to take long ones for summer ice
- 🏔️ Jumar – 1. For self-insurance on railings and self-rescue from a crack
- 🏔️ Descent device (figure eight) It’s better to take the figure eight, as other models do not work very well with the icy rope of stationary railings
- 🏔️ Mountain boots with crampon fittings
- 🏔️ Crampons – 1 pair. You can use the simplest and best lightweight model
- 🏔️ Rep cord – 3m for safety line
- 🏔️ Ice axe – 1. Long and light is best
- 🏔️ Telescopic sticks – 1 pair
- 🏔️ Helmet
- 😎 Sunglasses – 1-2 pcs. You can wear a ski mask. We highly recommend having spare glasses
- 💡 Headlamp -1 + set of spare batteries
Compulsory
- Passport & Insurance Documents
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Debit/credit card for use at ATMs in towns
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Prescription medication & antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
- Toilet kit: toilet roll, wet wipes & ziplock bags for carrying paper out.
Items for Camping & Hiking
- Winter sleeping bag (comfort rating -20ºC)
- Sleeping mat: ideally lightweight inflatable insulated mat offers most comfort & warmth over multiple nights
- 20-30L rucksack with waist (& ideally chest) strap for hiking
- Rucksack or duffel bag for main luggage (no hard suitcases) so it can be strapped to horses for transportation during camp/hike.
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
- Waterproof walking boots with ankle support - already broken in!
- Torch with spare batteries
- Waterproof stuff sacks & liners to keep kit dry. Esp. important for sleeping bags & spare clothes
Clothing
- General socks /underwear for city sections and for trekking
- Suitable clothes/pjs for sleeping in. Thermal base layers are ideal when camping & also useful if you get cold weather.
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops. NB technical fabrics dry quickly in hot or wet weather when hiking.
- Waterproof jacket (GoreTex or similar quality)
- Warm jacket & fleece - even in the summer temperatures can be sub zero at night. Down or synthetic insulated jacket & light fleece recommended.
- Walking trousers for trekking / camping. Soft shell fabric is ideal.
- Lightweight waterproof trousers
- Sandals or trainers for around camp
- Waterproof stuff sacks for small items
- Warm hat & gloves
- Sunglasses & high factor sun cream
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Swimming costume for hot springs
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection.
Optional
- Silk or thermal sleeping bag liner if you feel the cold.
- Inflatable pillow, or pillowcase you can stuff with spare clothes - adds comfort to camping.
- Walking poles
- 2 prong adaptor
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- Money belt
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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