Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For more off-the-beaten-track treks in
Kyrgyzstan, try the three-day trek from
Sokuluk Canyon to Suusamyr Valley;
from the Shamsy Valley south of Tokmok
to yurtstays at Sarala-Saz; or from
Kyzyl-Oi to Köl-Tör lake. Another option
is the trek from Chong-Kemin Valley to
Grigorievka or to Jasy-Köl and back; ar-
range horses in Kaindy.
In Tajikistan there are several in-
teresting short trekking routes in the
western Pamirs that combine trekking
with rural homestays, including at Bod-
omdara and Rivak.
for trekking in Central Asia. The vari-
ous branches of CBT in Kyrgyzstan can
put you in touch with a general guide,
though for someone with a guaranteed
knowledge of mountain routes you are
better off arranging this with a trekking
agency. Trekking and horse guides are
available for around US$20 to US$35
through community-tourism programs
in the Fan Mountains.
There are lots of competent trekking
agencies in Central Asia that can ar-
range a full service trek. See the various
entries in the main republic chapters for
details. Treks organised through local
trekking agencies cost from US$50 per
person per day, far cheaper than inter-
national companies.
What Kind of Trek?
Self-supported trekking is possible but
not always easy in Central Asia. There
are no trekking lodges and few porters,
so you will have to carry all your own
food for the trek. Public transport to
the trailheads can be patchy, slow and
uncomfortable so it's generally worth
shelling out the extra money for a taxi.
Some trekking areas are at the junction
of several republics, requiring you to
carry multiple simultaneous visas and
a fistful of different currencies. It's pos-
sible to hire donkeys at many trailheads
(eg in the Fan Mountains) and hire
horses in Kyrgyzstan (for around US$10
per day) and the Tajikistan Pamirs
(US$20 per day). Organisations like CBT
in Kyrgyzstan, and META and PECTA
in Tajikistan can often offer logistical
support.
There is some outdoor gear for sale in
Bishkek and Almaty. You can also hire
simple tents, sleeping bags and stoves
from Karakol, Arslanbob and Bishkek in
Kyrgyzstan and in Penjikent and Khorog
in Tajikistan, but in general you are
always much better off bringing your
own gear. A multifuel (petrol) stove is
most useful, though you will need to
clean the burners regularly as local fuel
is of extremely poor quality. Camping
gas canisters are generally available in
Karakol.
Karakol is the main centre of trek-
king. The tourist information centre
here sells 1:100,000 topo maps and has a
folder detailing trekking routes. Several
companies here offer a range of logisti-
cal support.
Trustworthy local knowledge, and
preferably a local guide, are essential
When to Go
The best walking season is June to Sep-
tember, but be ready for bad weather
at any time. Most high-altitude treks or
climbs take place in July or August; lower
areas can be scorching hot during these
months.
Trekking Permits &
Problems
Permits are needed for some border
areas of Kazakhstan, including the
central Tian Shan and the Altay region.
These take up to 45 days to procure so
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.trekkinginthepamirs.com
Trekking in the Pamirs and Zeraf-
shan regions.
www.pamirs.org/trekking.htm
Great trekking section on this excel-
lent website, with other sections on
cycling and rafting.
www.kac.centralasia.kg Kyr-
gyz Alpine Club for climbing and
expeditions.
www.pamirs.wordpress.com Bit
dated but till useful blog on kayak-
ing Tajikitan's rivers.
www.kayakussr.com Information
and support on paddling rivers in the
Pamirs and Tian Shan.
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