Trekking to the valley of mountainous lakes

The Teskey Ala Too range is located in the North-Eastern part of Kyrgyzstan and surrounds the Issyk-Kul lake on the South. Its length is up to 375 kilometers and it rises in its highest part at 5281 meters above sea level (Karakolsky peak). The average height of the ridge is about 4500m.
The Teskey Ala Too range follows the massif of the Victory peak and Khan Tengri peak. It is the second largest center of the Tien-Shan glaciation there are about 1100 glaciers.
In the mountains of Teskey Ala Too there are many beautiful places: Altyn Arashan, Barskaun, Djety Oguz, Karakol. Teskey Ala Too ridge is very beautiful in a variety of landscapes. In one day you can see the beauty of red sandy cliffs, wild forest and snow peaks, widely spread over the Issyk-Kul Lake. Each gorge is unique and unrepeatable.

Arabel valley region is the mountain tundra. Permafrost fills the entire space of the Arabel valley. Winds are constantly blowing here and its cold here most of the time - the average annual temperature is -7-8 degrees Celsius. The harsh climate in many respects influenced the plant world: there are no trees and shrubs only low dense grass, mosses and lichens grow. Nevertheless the landscapes of such beauty can rarely be seen. There are many amazingly beautiful lakes in the valley. Lakes are shallow and of a variety of shapes. Here is located Lake Chunkur Kel which we are going to visit. And further we go to the high-altitude plateau Altyn Kungey. At the plateau there is a stunning panorama of Issyk Kul Lake.

This trip is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the beauty of the Terskey Ala Too ridge in a short time.

Day 1
Tamga – Barskoon gorge (30km) – start of the trek
Transfer to Barskoon gorge to the beginning of the trek. Hike to the confluence of Barskaun and Djany Korgon rivers. After wading small stream, we begin ascent along steep grassy slope. Stop on the top of the slope, where it makes little plateau with good panorama on Barskaun gorge. Then hike along the river toward Djany Korgon pass. Overnight in tent camp. (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Tamga – 1685m, Start of trek – 2400m, overnight at 3500m.
Elevation: +1100(1800)m. Distance: around 6km. Time: around 6-7hours on the way.

Day 2 
Djany Korgon pass –  Chunkur Kel Lake
Crossing over Djany Korgon pass. Descent to the valley of high mountainous lakes. Setting up the camp at blue lake’s shore below Kyz Korgon pass.  Excursion to Chunkur Kel Lake. Overnight in tent camp. (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Djany Korgon pass – 3745m, Chunkur Kel Lake – 3670m, overnight at 3700m. 
Elevation: +250,-50m. Distance: around 12km. 
Time: around 4-5 hours on the way.

Day 3 
Kyz Korgon pass – Altyn Kungey plateau
Ascent to Kyz Korgon pass. Ascent is very difficult and mainly follows along grassy slopes. But only final part before the top, we should go along scree slope and rock bands. Descent from the pass along scree slopes. Having reached the bottom of the pass, step on grassy trail again and continue walking toward Altyn Kungey plateau. From the plateau you will see beautiful panorama of Issyk Kul Lake. Overnight in tent camp.  (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Kyz Korgon pass – 3960m, overnight point – 3100m. Elevation +250m-850m. Distance around 10km. 
Time: around 7-8 hours on the way.

Day 4
Chegedek gorge – Tamga village – finish of the trek
Further descent from plateau into Chegedek valley. Soon we reach an old road in Tamga gorge and hike to Tamga village. (BLD)
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Tamga – 1685m. 
Elevation –1400m. Distance around 15km. 
Time: around 6 hours on the way.

Service includes:
Double or twin accommodation in tents;
Transport for transfers to the beginning of the trek, transfer to Tamga;
Cook and full board during tour;
English speaking mountain guide;
Tents, kitchen and camping equipment during tour;
Porters during trekking to carry up to 10kg of your private stuff (for each person).

Service doesn't include:
Single supplement;
Accommodation in hotels before and after the program;
Alcohol and soft drinks;
Transfers, excursions or horse riding over the program etc.;
Visa and invitation letter to Kyrgyzstan;
Medical insurance.

Clothing and Equipment:
Sunscreen (at least 20SPF);
Lip balm;
Sunglasses with UV protection;
At least a 25 Liter backpack for personal items;
Sleeping bag;
Sleeping mat;
Telescopic trekking sticks poles (optional);
Head lamp spare bulbs & batteries;
T-Shirts, long-sleeved T-shirt, shorts;
Trekking pants;
Underwear;
Fleece jacket or pullover;
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional);
Down vest and/or jacket (optional);
Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex) with hoody;
Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex);
Thick, warm wool hiking socks - 2 pairs (for sleeping in tents cotton socks - 3 pairs);
Thin gloves for trekking and overnight;    
Sun hat or scarf;
Warm fleece hat or light balaclava;
Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces;
Footwear for around camp.