THE TIEN SHAN

Day 1
Depart London.

Day 2
We arrive early in the morning and transfer to our hotel for a rest. In the afternoon we'll have a sightseeing tour of the Kyrgyz capital - including the National Museum, Central Square and Central Park. The bustling Central Asian bazaar and leafy green boulevards set against a backdrop of snow capped mountains make Bishkek a pleasant and relaxing place to spend a few hours.

Day 3
A scenic drive takes us along the north shores of Issyk-kul to Karakol (distance: 400km) at the far end of the lake. On the way we will stop to visit Burana Tower (an archaeological complex dating from the 11th Century), we will also stop to view a number of ancient rock drawings.

Day 4
Sightseeing around the city includes a visit to N.M. Prjevalsky Museum (remembering the outstanding Russian traveller and explorer of Central Asia), plus the remarkable Dungan Mosque, built in 1910 in the style of a Buddhist pagoda (made of wood without the use of nails). After lunch we continue to the road head at the Dzhergalan Gorge (70km). Our route passes first through open rolling pastures and meadows, then through the first foothills of the Tersky Alu-Tau. Arriving in the afternoon we may walk for a while before making our camp near a sheltered fir tree forest.

Day 5
Today we start our main trek. Hiking along a neglected trail, surrounded by fir trees and later juniper bushes, then through alpine meadows. We cross Dgergalan Pass (3327m) before descending into Tyup Gorge. Our campsite is near the Tyup River. Total: 7-8 hours walking.

Day 6
Walking upstream, snow-capped mountains loom ahead before we cross the river (usually about 30cm deep) and ascend the Ashutor Pass (3649m). The rest of the day takes us down to the Dzanalach Valley to our camp near the river confluence. Descending along an old bushy trail we may find a Kyrgyz or Kazak kosh (encampment) where we may be able to buy fresh milk and koumis (fermented mare's milk)! Total: 7-8 hours walking.

Day 7
Today we cross the Dzanalag Pass (3510m), descend into Turuk Gorge and pass alpine meadows to the Turuk Pass (3586m). If we have good weather we should manage to see the panoramic view of the Sary-Djaz-Too Range and Sary-Djaz Valley, and looking directly east we hope to gain excellent views of Khan-Tengri Peak (6995m). Our descent continues along the Echkilitash River to the confluence with Sary-Djaz River. We'll camp near a footbridge. Total: 8-9 hours walking.

Day 8
This morning we cross an un-paved road that leads into China, here our guide must get all our documents checked at the 'frontier' post! Our next goal, the Sary-Jaz mountain chain, bordering the great Tien Shan range, dominates the horizon ahead. We cross a footbridge over the Sary-Jaz silty waters and have an easy day walking through open, rolling landscape alongside the Tyuz River. Total: 6-7 hours walking.

Day 9
Today is one of our most strenuous days as we cross our highest pass - the Tyuz at 4001m. Depending on the conditions of snow on the pass different routes may be used - whichever we use the last section is steep, with the likelihood of snow lying on top of scree (loose rock). At the top the adrenalin will be pumping as we see the Inylchek Valley and the Inylchek Tau range below us. Away to the left the glacier itself flows down from amongst the main Tien Shan snow peaks. With Peak Nansen (5697m) towering opposite, we make the equally long descent to the river, navigating our way to Chontash camp, 40 mins further upstream. Total: 8-9 hours walking.

Day 10
Today we cross the river by foot - this will require everyone to change into sandals or trainers. (Please note: guides will be on hand to assist with the river crossing). Once across we'll cross the glacier, this is relatively strenuous with numerous ups and downs, and a visit to the ice caves at the terminus (end of the glacier). After lunch we walk back down the river towards Maidy Dyr, on this section we may have some interesting river crossings! We will set up camp by a waterfall, approximately 3 hours walk after lunch. Total: 6-7 hours walking.

Day 11
We walk for about 3 hours to the At-Djailoo River, and another river crossing. This river is quite powerful and great care will be taken on this section. After crossing the river another 30 minutes brings us back to civilisation at the At-Djailoo camp in time for lunch. We may get the chance to use the sauna here. There is a nice plunge pool outside with great views of the river! Total: 4 hours walking.

Day 12
We have a day walk up the At-Djailoo Valley, hopefully we will reach as far as the pass, although this will be dependent on the weather and river crossings. The views on this short trek are superb with views up the side valleys to snow covered peaks. We return back down the valley and drive to our campsite at Maidy Dyr, an exciting 22km drive taking about 1.5 hours. The camp consists of buildings where we sleep, a dining area, one shower and a fantastic sauna with outdoor plunge pool.

Day 13
Our trekking almost over we drive for about 1.5 hours up into the range, to an area of disused mines. Here the walking is quite steep at times but from the top we have excellent panoramas of the whole Kaindy Range. It is well worth the final effort. We return to the truck via a steep scree down hill walk (optional), and then return to the simple cottages for our last night, perhaps enjoying an odd vodka or two.

Day 14
Return to Karakol by road (160 km) crossing the Chon-Asu Pass (3822 m). (4 - 5 hours driving). There will be some free time to relax on arrival.

Day 15
A long drive back to Bishkek via the southern shores of lake Issyk-kul. The beaches are wilder than those of the northern shore and the lake's mildly saline water is very tempting for a quick dip.

Day 16
Fly to London.