THE TIEN SHAN

16 days at GBP2,199 including flights
Tripcode: TRK

Countries Visited: Kyrgyzstan

Request a link to review your adventure

Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 3 reviews.

Ian Bennett

THE TIEN SHAN
Written August 2009
One of the best trekking trips we've done and there have been a few! For the most part we had excellent weather while we were walking which certainly helps the enjoyment. There was also a great variety of scenery with the walking ranging from fairly easy to boulder hopping across rivers to scrambling to the tops of the passes for outstanding views. Other than the scenery there was a fantastic disply of alpine plants in full bloom and we encountered numerous Eagles at close quarters. The helicopter flight not to be missed was the icing on the cake.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Although a trekking trip the most exciting moment for me was taking the helicopter trip to the South Inilcheck glacier and then flying between the mountains to the North Inilcheck glacier. Other memorable moments included a glacial river crossings on horseback and the views from the Tyuz pass. The final days walking turned out to be a lot tougher than expected only because the weather was so good we climbed to the very top of the pass above the tin mines and had absolutely fantastic views all around us.
What did you think of your group leader?
Having done a fair few trekking trips with both Exodus and numerous other companies Susy has to be one of the best trek leaders we've had. She didn't rush the group and those who were quicker paced who wanted to do so went ahead with the local guide while Susy usually remained at the back. Having led this trip previously she was also very knowledgeble of the trek and country.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you do the optional helicopter flight, it was fantastic! We were lucky the weather was very good and we flew to both the South and North Inylcheck glaciers.
The weight limit for the bag for the portes to carry requires some consideration and some sacrifice of a few luxuries, but still managed to fit in a bottle of Vodka and two packets of Jaffa cakes. Gear not required on the trip can be left in Karakol.
Bob Boyce
THE TIEN SHAN
Written July 2008
Overall a great experience in a wild and remote area. Trek leader and guide were very good. Few visitirs to this area is good and bad. We only met two other travellers in over a week. However, service levels were understandably low: logisitcs were dodgey (but worked out well for our trip), porters were slow, late starts (0900-0930), food was good but overly complicated/sophisticated and therefore late (2030-2130hrs).
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the Inylchek glacier valley after the 4000m pass;
Trekking in remote areas surrounded by wilderness, mountain ranges and very few travellers;
Local people with basic lifestyles. "Wild" horses and horsemen;
Alpine flowers in bloom.
What did you think of your group leader?
Great! Very experienced and competent. Easy to get on with and interesting to talk to. Handled guide and trekers with just the right amount of attention and independence.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This is not an easy, luxurious trip. Conditions can be cold and harsh with frequent rain, hail and snow squalls. Then the sun comes out and it gets very hot. There a are no campsites on most of the trek and only cold water to wash in. Although the walking is mostly on trails some of them are hard going underfoot and hard on ankles. The days are long but not particularly hard. However, always be prepared for change in itinerary as river crossings, animals and logisitics can often change or fail. Limited weight allowance necessitates limited kit. Bring down jacket, 4-season sleeping bag and good rain gear. "City wear" and a clean change of clothes can be left in Karakol. Bus/truck travel can be very hot but exodus supplied plenty of water.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would recommend this trip to selected people as it is not for everyone.
Martin Lucas

THE TIEN SHAN
Written July 2008
A wonderful holiday - the walking was tough but worth all the effort to enjoy the absolutely spectacular scenery which never failed to amaze. If only the photographs could show the true beauty of the the snow-capped mountains.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The holiday would have been wonderful without it, but the optional helicopter ride was awesome. We were lucky with the weather on the morning of the helicopter ride, but to fly over the glacier to Base Camp and get close to Pobeda was truly special.
What did you think of your group leader?
Susie was brilliant - always ensuring we were alright and concerned for anyone feeling under the weather. Always cheerful and keeping a close eye on the local guides and porters to ensure all was going as smoothly as possible.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Some of the walks were tougher than I had envisaged (as much as 23 km in a day with lots of steep ascent at altitude), however, as I said above, definitely worth the effort - but it does pay to be reasonably fit!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
In addition to what I've already said, Kyrgyzstan is a great holiday for anyone wanting to see wonderful scenery in a place where few Westerners venture. The weather can change from roasting one minute to snow or hail the next, but that just added to the sense of adventure. Do not be surprised to wake up to ice on the tent and wash in a glacial melt stream, or have to cross an icy river and get frozen wet legs, but if you like a bit of adventure and some unpredicatability on holiday, it is fabulous.
The vodka's also good!