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Kyrgyz Melons

ITB - International Travel Fair - Berlin

"Asia Mountains" will once again be represented at this most famous of travel fairs in Germany during March. We are already looking forward to your visit and hope to be able to advise you in German as well as English. A film about the planned Inylchek Glacier Expedition 2004 as well as other information material should be available.

New Trips and Journeys - Enquiries per Telephone or Email - New Journeys and Trips

Walking through the Terskey Ala-Too Mountains

The Tienshan mountains are famed for their fantastic scenery. This unique trek takes you through one of its main ranges, the Terskey Ala-Too southeast of the huge Lake Issyk-Kul. A superb landscape with fabulous fir forests and green alpine pastures nestled between the many giant snow and ice peaks of the "Celestial Mountains". Glaciers and gorges wherever you care to look.

Day 1	Arrival in Bishkek. Guest House "Asia Mountains“. City sightseeing.
Day 2	Day trip to Ala-Archa National Park 40 km south of the town.
Day 3	Transfer to Lake Issyk-Kul. Walk through the Chon Kyzyl Suu gorge, camp.
Day 4	Trek to Archa-Ter Pass. tents.
Day 5	Over the pass (3800m) and descend into the Djety Oguz valley with its famous thermal wells, camping.
Day 6	Ascend to Telety Pass. tents.
Day 7	Across the Telety (3800m) and trek into the Karakol valley, camping.
Day 8	Onwards to Lake and Pass Ala Kol; tents.
Day 9	Across the pass (3860m), walk to the Altyn Arashan gorge with more warm wells, camp.
Day 10	Mountain walk in the Altyn Arashan area. Drive down to Karakol. Accommodation in guest house or hostel..
Day 11	Rest day at Lake Issyk-Kul.
Day 12	Along the lake, visit Burana Tower. Guest House "Asia Mountains", Bishkek.
Day 13	Day 13 Return flight.

Tienshan - Magical West

This magical tour leads you through the mostly untouched Talas and Chatkal ranges, the original land of Manas. You will walk over high and lonely passes with majestic views and you will visit the most beautiful Kyrgyz mountain lakes. The best time for this remote area is the autumn.

Day 1	Arrival in Bishkek, city tour, Guest House "Asia Mountains".
Day 2	Day trip to the Ala-Archa National Park, walk, Guest House.
Day 3	Transfer to Talas (visit of the Gumbez Manas Mausoleum) through the Susamyr valley to the junction of the rivers Urmaral and Chim-Tash, camp.
Day 4	Trek along the Chim-Tash to its junction with the Shor-Alysh, 15 km; afternoon walk through the Urmaral valley, tents.
Day 5	20 km walk to two fantastic lakes near the Chim-Tash Pass, camp.
Day 6	Across the pass (3601m) and down to Kara-Kuldja River, camp near Kara-Kuldja Pass, 18 km.
Day 7	Over the pass (3161m) to the river Kaska-Suu, camp at Kara-Kuldja river, 23 km.
Day 8	Along the river, then over the Kashka Suu Pass (3300m) to the junction of Kashka und Kara-Suu, 25 km, tents.
Day 9	Rest day, stroll through the Kara-Suu valley, camp.
Day 10	Trek over Pass Kuturmu (2446m) and past Lake Kara-Suu to camp near Lake Liri-Kul.
Day 11	A two to three hour walk leads to the well-known Sary Chelek lakes where you can enjoy a swim before driving to Osh, hotel accommodation in the 3000 year old town.
Day 12	City tour, market, historical museum, the holy Suleiman hill within the centre of town; hotel..
Day 13	Flight to Bishkek, Guest House "Asia Mountains".
Day 14	Return Journey.

Kyrgyzstan - China - Kyrgyzstan via Irkischtam and Torugart

This unique three week trip over these two famous passes on the Chinese border takes you to remote stretches of the Silk Road. You can trek into the mountains near the highest Kun Lun mountain Kongur (7719m) and also to the base camp at Mustagh Ata (7546m). A shorter [cheaper] two week journey without the walks can also be organised between May and October.

Day 1	Arrival in Bishkek and flight to Osh, hotel.
Day 2	City tour Osh, hotel.
Day 3	Transfer into the Kojo Kelen valley, tents.
Day 4	Ascend to Djiptik Pass (4175m), camp.
Day 5	Downwards to Sary Magol in the huge Alai Valley with views to Peak Lenin (7134m), camping.
Day 6	Drive over the Irkishtam Pass to Kashgar, Quinwak Hotel.
Day 7	Transfer past Mustagh Ata (7546m) to the enormous Karakol Lake, yurt.
Day 8	Trek with the help of camels to Kongur base camp (4800m), tents.
Day 9	Mountain walk around base camp of Kongur (7719m), camp.
Day 10	Trek back to Karakol Lake, tents.
Day 11	Walk to the settlement of Kangxiwa (4050m), camping
Day 12	Trek to Subashi (3780m) on the Karakoram Highway, tents.
Day 13	Walk to Mustagh Ata base camp (4500m), camp.
Day 14	Via Janbulak Glacier to Mustagh Ata camp 1 (5300m) and back to base camp, tents.
Day 15	Trek to Qulmark and visit to village inhabitants before returning to the Highway, camp.
Day 16	Transfer to Kashgar, Quinwak Hotel.
Day 17	City tour, Hotel.
Day 18	Transfer over Torugart Pass to Tash-Rabat, yurt or tents.
Day 19	Drive to Bishkek via Lake Issyk-Kul, Guest House “Asia Mountains”.
Day 20	City sightseeing Guest House.
Day 21	Return journey.

Mustagh Ata (7546m) - China

Mustagh Ata, "the father of ice mountains" in the Sinkiang region rises high above the plateau of western China. The peak is known as a relatively easy summit without technical difficulties. Though an attempt to reach the summit was made as early as 1891 by Sven Hedin, the top was only reached by a Russian-Chinese team in 1956. The best time for an attempt is between June and September, but even then the temperature can drop to minus 20 to 30 degrees below zero! Three high altitude camps are usually required.

Day 1	Arrival in Bishkek, Guest House "Asia Mountains“.
Day 2	Transfer to Tash-Rabat, yurt.
Day 3	Drive via Torugart Pass to Kashgar, Hotel Quinwak.
Day 4	Along the Karakoram Highway to Subashi (3780m) and with the help of camels to base camp at 4500 m, tents.
Day 5	Rest day or local walk to the Kmatolja Glacier.
Day 6-25	Ascend of Mustagh Ata via the reasonably easy western flank with three high camps (5300, 6100, and 6500m), which have to be established by the participants. Several days are set aside in case of bad weather.
Day 26	Descend to Subashi and drive to Kashgar, Hotel Quinwak.
Day 27	City tour, Hotel Quinwak.
Day 28	Return over Torugart to Tash Rabat, yurt.
Day 29	Transfer to Bishkek, Guest House "Asia Mountains“.
Day 30	Return journey.

Inylchek Glacier Expedition 2004
Glacier Speleology and Glacier Research

The 65 km long Inylchek Glacier with its area of 815 km2 is by far the largest Tienshan glacier and the second longest glacier outwith the polar regions! At the location where its northern and southern arm joined until around 1900 Merzbacher Lake [4 km by 1.5 km by 100 m depth] forms every year at a height of 3300m. Every year the lake suddenly drains within a few days through a 14 km long tunnel system within the Southern Inylchek Glacier to emerge at its snout.

This happening is world-wide the largest known outburst. The speleological exploration of the tunnel system would be a special geographical event. There have been only two attempts so far to penetrate the tunnels: by the speleologists of the Moskow State University under B. Mavljudov during October/ November 1997 and by scientists of the Moskow Physical-Technical Institute under the leadership of A. Selvachev in November 2002. Both groups only managed to proceed for about one hundred metres to a depth of just 105 m.

There are several theories attempting an explanation for the lake drainage but exact facts remain scarce up to now. The exploration of the englacial tunnels during summer 2004 could perhaps find further explanations. A solution is not just of theoretical interest but of great practical use as the yearly outburst often creates massive destruction in the valley areas below the glacier.

The expedition offers beside the speleological event a chance to research further problems of glacier hydrology, structure and mechanics [with the use of GPS]: extremely valuable research results are to be expected. It is as such an undertaking in a wild and impressive area which will be of equal interest for cave researchers, glaciologists and all lovers of mountains. The rare pursuit of glacier speleology will certainly receive a massive boost.

There will be two phases to the expedition: 7.-1.8.2004 observation of the drainage; approximately 5.-20.10.2004 exploration of the tunnels. Organisation in Bishkek, transport to base camp at Merzbacher Glade [4 km from the lake] by bus, lorry and helicopter. An explanatory film and further details should be available at the ITB Berlin.

The Sunken Towns of Lake Issyk-Kul

Lake Issyk-Kul is one of the largest mountain lakes on earth and is without doubt the most beautiful one in Central Asia. It is situated between the snow-covered peaks of the Kungey Ala-Too to the north and the Terskei Ala-Too in the south. No wonder, that such exquisite landscape lures tourists from near and far.

At around twenty places ruins of old townships can be found on the bottom of the lake and research into the finds has been ongoing during the last few years. More settlements evolved around the lake along the Silk Road from the 7th century onwards. Some of them have disappeared since in the lake; amongst others the ruins of the famous town Chigu the residence of the mighty Usun Khan [2nd century BC]; more than ten old medieval villages; the monastery which houses the relics of St. Moteus, and reportedly various treasures.

Only a small part of sunken settlements and treasures have been located so far and most remain un-researched. The planned outing will start at the northern shore with accommodation at the lake side. Diving will be done from the shore as well as from boats; it will be best to bring your own equipment; however, there may be a chance to hire some.

Jeep Safari

This jeep safari takes you right across the whole of Kyrgyzstan and therefore offers a fantastic possibility to see the most beautiful and remote places of our country. You will experience nature, flora and fauna, the magnificent mountain lakes as well as the unique culture of our people at close quarters. Most of the route follows old mountain trails and leads across various passes higher than 3000 m. There are plenty of opportunities for participants to take long or short walks into nearby valleys and mountains.

Day 1	Arrival in Bishkek. Transfer from Bishkek to Tokmok - Balykchy - Tosor (300 km).
Day 2	Drive via Archaly - Eki Naryn - At-Bashi - Bosogo to Chatyr-Tash (320 km).
Day 3	Transfer from there via Ak-Say - Chatyr Kul Lake - Tash-Rabat to Baetovo (270 km).
Day 4	To Kongorchok - Makmal - Kazarman, across the Kok Ar Pass to Kok Yangak und Jalal-Abad (260 km).
Day 5	Drive Kochkor-Ata - Burganda - Tash-Kumyr - Kzyzl - Tash - Kerben - Ala-Buka - Terek Say (300 km).
Day 6	Transfer Terek Say - Jany-Bazar - Kanysh Kya, over the Chapchama Pass to Kyzyl Adyr, then over the Kara Bura Pass to Talas (300km).
Day 7	Drive through the beautiful Susamyr Valley (150 km).
Day 8	Back to Bishkek over the Tuya Ashuu Pass.

Heli-Ski - Kyrgyz Ala-Too

Kyrgyzstan offers the experienced off-piste skier a great multitude of unparalleled opportunities for heli-skiing in its many mountains. 95 % of the country is situated in the mountains of Tienshan where hundreds of virgin slopes are waiting for skiers who love unspoilt nature and amazing free runs on fresh powder. Experienced pilots can land the MI-17 helicopters with a group of fifteen skiers on various peaks and passes up to an altitude of 4500m. Runs vary in length of up to 5 km or more and a variety of regions are used for skiing. "Asia Mountains" offers two main areas.
The first region is the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range not far from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. There are a lot of beautiful slopes for any taste and level of ability in the Ala-Archa and Susamyr mountains and valleys. Accommodation is in mountain chalets at Kashka-Suu.

Day 1	Arrival at “Manas Airport". 40km transfer to Bishkek. Accommodation in Guest House “Asia Mountains”. Afternoon excursion around Bishkek with its beautiful parks, the statue devoted to friendship and freedom and visiting the main square “Ala-Too”. Meeting the trip support team during dinner.
Day 2	Transfer to Lake Issyk-Kul visiting the Burana Tower (11th century) and a historical at Cholpon-Ata on the way. Accommodation in “Hotel Aurora” on the shore of the lake.
Day 3	Excursion to Karakol: visit to the wooden Russian church and the Chinese Muslim mosque. Back to Issyk-Kul.
Day 4	Return to Bishkek.
Day 5	Transfer to the ski resort “Kashka-Suu” (40km from Bishkek). Chalet accommodation.
Day 6-12	Heli-skiing in the areas “Bolshja Ala-Archa” (20 minutes flying time) and “West Kara-Kol” (30 minutes flying time). In good weather it should be possible to achieve 3000 - 4000m ski descent every day. [Poor weather alternative: piste skiing around the resort].
Day 13	Transfer back to Bishkek. Accommodation in Guest House. Parting Dinner.
Day 14	Departure.

Price per person in 2004: 630 Euro [excluding helicopter flights, see below].
Price includes: visa support and all formalities, transport, accommodation [double rooms, shower, WC] full board [three meals a day], consultant/ translator, radio transmitter. 14 days in Kyrgyzstan, 6 of them heli-skiing.
Price does not include: Helicopter flights at 1200 Euro per one hour flight. The required professional guide at 40 Euro per day.
Additional service: sauna, bar, billiard, etc.
Conditions: All skiers must be experienced off-piste skiers and be able to endure high altitude. Everyone must have a medical/ accident/ rescue insurance and his own equipment [including avalanche beacon].

Heli-Ski - Kungey Ala-Too

The second area is the Kungey Ala-Too range north of Lake Issyk-Kul. Accommodation is in the 3 star "Hotel Aurora" on the shore of the lake. The great size of this lake makes for a milder climate with a lot of snow in winter. This region presents great possibilities for skiing. A further region is the Terskey Ala-Too close to Karakol southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul which is used as alternative bad weather venue.

Day 1	Arrival at “Manas Airport". 40km transfer to Bishkek. Accommodation in Guest House “Asia Mountains”. Afternoon excursion around Bishkek with its beautiful parks, the statue devoted to friendship and freedom and visiting the main square “Ala-Too”. Meeting the trip support team during dinner.
Day 2	Excursion to the Ala-Archa National Park 40 km from Bishkek visiting the ski resort Kashka-Suu on the way. Return to the Guest House
Day 3	Transfer to Lake Issyk-Kul visiting the Burana Tower (11th century) and a historical site at Cholpon- Ata on the way. Accommodation in “Hotel Aurora” on the shore of the lake.
Day 4	Excursion to Karakol: visit to the wooden Russian church and the Chinese Muslim mosque. Back to Issyk-Kul.
Day 5 - 11	Heli-skiing in the Kungey Ala-Too Range (25-30 minutes flying time from "Aurora”. In good weather it should be possible to achieve 3000-4000m ski descent every day. [Poor weather alternative: Karakol and transport from there to Chon-Ashu Pass (3800m)].
Day 12	Transfer back to Bishkek. Accommodation Guest House, parting dinner.
Day 13	Bishkek, city tour.
Day 14	Departure.

Price and conditions as for Heli-Ski Kyrgyz Ala-Too.

Along the 2003 "Raid Gauloises" Route
Mountain Biking - Trekking - Riding Adventure

This new and exciting mixed-activity journey follows part of the route taken by the world-famous long-distance 'Raid Gauloise' adventure race which was held in Kyrgyzstan during June 2003. A Kyrgyz team took part and finished the gruelling event. The four-strong group included Alona Dudashvili, a key member of our staff!

Day 1	Arrival at “Manas Airport". 40km transfer to Bishkek. Accommodation in Guest House “Asia Mountains”. Afternoon excursion around Bishkek with its beautiful parks, the statue devoted to friendship and freedom and visiting the main square “Ala-Too”. Meeting the trip support team during dinner
Day 2	Transfer to Lake Issyk-Kul and along its southern side to the village Kadgy-Say, resort “Utes”. Preparing for the trip.
Day 3	Mountain biking by road to Tassor, 15 km. Then 4 km to Tossor tern to the track on the left bank of the torrent Tossor. Biking up to the confluence of the rivers Toguz-Bulak and Tossor. 5k m of steep track. Camping near the Tossor.
Day 4	Continue biking for 20km up to the Norgon-Bulak (2540m) pass. Down for 18 km to the town Bokonbaeva. Once again 10 km up hill to the valley Tong. Camping near the river Tong on 2652m.
Day 5	Early morning start for the trek towards pass Ton (4023m). Camping just below the pass at 3900m.
Day 6	Over the pass Ton before descending to the Djyly-suu river to camp near the river
Day 7	By bike to the confluence of the Djyly with the Archaly. Then following the track to the river Kara-Saz and Kichik Naryn. Along the river Kichik Naryn passing the beautiful Kapchigay canyon. Onwards to the Naryn, the biggest river of Kyrgyzstan Naryn. Biking along the road to the town Naryn. Accommodation in a guest house.
Day 8	More biking along the Naryn-Baetovo road to the village Dostuk, then left via a track to the village Ak-Talaa. Again along the left bank of the Naryn river to the village Ak-Kuduk. Camping near the river.
Day 9	Walking over a 3359m pass before descending to the valley of the river Sary-Eimek. Camping.
Day 10	Trek over the Kara-Kia Pass (3500m) and then down to the famous Lake Son-Kul lake. Accommodation in a yurt at 3060m.
Day 11	Ride from the south-eastern shore of Son-Kul to the northern bank of the lake. Accommodation in a yurt.
Day 12	Continue riding to the river Kara-Kichi. Accommodation in a yurt.
Day 13	Transfer over the pass Karakichi to the valley of Kekemeren river, then trough the Susamyr valley over the Pass Tua-Ashu to the Chu valley and back to Bishkek. Accommodation in Guest House “Asia Mountains". Parting diner.
Day 14	Return Journey.

Prices for 2004: 2-4 persons 820 Euro; 5-7 persons 780 Euro; 8+ persons 750 Euro; single room supplement 20 Euro.
At additional cost: rafting on the fast-flowing Kekemeren and Chu rivers.
The price includes: visa support; all necessary documentation; accommodation in guest houses, tents and yurts; full board [three meals a day]; all transfers; tour leader/ interpreter; hire of mountain bikes and horses.
Conditions: everyone must have a medical/ accident insurance and be able to acclimatise to an altitude of 4000 m.