Essential Information
Trip Profile
9 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 4001m, average 3000m.
Accommodation
3 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights standard hotels, 2 nights basic cottage all en suite, 9 nights full-service camping
Food
All meals included.
Reality Check
GRADE C/D 9 days trekking with full porterage; altitude maximum 4001m, average 3000m.
The trek is a C/D grade more as a consequence of the high altitude and extended wilderness camping than the difficulty of walking; hence the C/D grading for the overall trek. We strongly recommend that you thoroughly read the Exodus grading system as outlined in the Walking & Trekking Brochure before booking this trip.
The varied landscape of the Central Tien Shan valleys, surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring peaks to be seen anywhere, remain remarkably little visited. We first trekked in this region in 1990 and now consider the essence of this trek somewhat of an Exodus classic. We dropped it from our brochure for a while as costs increased, partly due to visas and flights. Now we have adapted and improved the itinerary and offer a new version. The Inilchek Glacier is a remote and special region. Any visit there must be regarded as an adventure and a greater degree of on-trek flexibility than normal must be expected. We hope to follow the itinerary as outlined but it must be understood that in such remote areas the weather may play a significant part in the successful completion of the itinerary as outlined.
FULL PORTERAGE: All your gear is carried for you on this trek; you carry only a daypack. During the trek we use porters to carry the baggage, as the trails are unsuitable for animals or vehicles. For these reasons we have to apply a strict weight limit for personal baggage. Apart from the clothes you are wearing or anything you have in your daypack, we must insist on a maximum of 9kg per person in the bag you give to the porters to carry. In principle this is a full service trek but it must be appreciated that Central Asia is still an area where concepts of tourism and services are not up to international standards and punctuality and adherence to plans are foreign to their nature. It is quite likely that you may have to give a hand erecting and dismantling tents - especially if there have been any delays during the day's trek. It is the way of life in this area and is the trade off for going somewhere that is not crowded with other trekking groups. A real sense of adventure is required.
Normal group size and age
Normally 8 to 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff. Minimum age 18.
Icons explained
The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together.
All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please
see our Solo Departures page.
In order to provide a more accurate grading system, where a trip falls between two grades we use an intermediate or split grade, for example Challenging/Tough. Occasionally, there are optional activities available en route, in this case the optional grade is indicated in brackets, for example Grade Challenging (climb Tough+). Clearly, conditions may differ from region-to-region or month-to-month and as such the information given on these pages is designed to act as a guide only. In all cases you should refer to the respective holiday's Trip Notes for further details.
Serious Adventure: These trips are what Exodus is all about. Join us!
Walking & Trekking: Trips are wholly trekking-focused or simply include a significant number of walking days during the itinerary.
Wilderness: Visit the deserts, jungles, plateaux, tundra and mountains of all seven continents, including Antarctica.
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