CBT Chong-Kemin

Cliffy mountains of Boom Gorge conceal colorful shrubs and gorgeous fir tree forests. These forests grow densely and cover all mountain slopes as if covered by velvet. On the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range there are 582 glaciers, with the total area of 520 êm². Most of them are situated at the central part of the range. The upper reaches of Chong-Kemin river is considered to be the biggest glaciations center. Mountains range on the eastern part forming the mountain junction known as Kemin-Chelek. At the eastern part of Chong-Kemin is situated Kok-Oirok jailoo. Kemin State has a Reserve aimed at preserving pheasants and hares, and also places of growing ephedra (Bot.: Ephedra intermedia). The nature in Kemin is unique by its own beauty, rich with thermal and mineral springs. Chong-Kemin gorges are also truly attractive by its beauties and conveniences. By the gorges of Kyrgyz Ala-Too there are lots of sparse growths of fir trees, juniper, birch, maple, rowan-tree etc. The friendly group of CBT Chong-Kemin would be glad to welcome you at the land of brave Shabdan Baatyr (Shabdan Hero). Experienced guides can show you track through passes to the azure coasts of Issyk-Kul. During the tour one can see rare species of flora and fauna of Central Tien-Shan, learn more about local inhabitant’s culture, visit Reserve and take part in many other interesting activities.

Tour: From Chong-Kemin to the Issyk-Kul lake

Category: horseback or trekking 

Duration: 3 days (2 days options is also available)

Level of Difficulty: Moderate (1 pass at 3 400 m)

Best season: mid June – mid September

Accommodation & meals:

2 nights in tents; 3 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts.

Group size: any

Requirements: trekking boots; weatherproof warm clothes; hat; sunscreen; tent; sleeping bag and mat

Remarks: Trekking equipment is available upon request.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Transfer from Bishkek to Karool-Dobo village (150 km, 3 hours). On the way visit Burana tower. Arrival in Karool-Dobo village, lunch. Relax after lunch, walking to Karool-Dobo Hill “Watch Tower Hill”. Dinner and B&B in a local home stay.

Day 2: After breakfast start the tour to the east to jailoo Chym-Bulak (jailoo is a mountainous summer pasture). The route goes along Chon-Kemin river through Bai-Kishi, Toguz-Bulak and Chym-Bulak gorges. Slopes of these gorges are covered by fir forests. Lunch. Continue the tour trough the forest till Toru-Aigyr jailoo. Set up the camp, dinner and overnight stay in a tent. Horse time: 5-6 hours. Trek time: 6-7 hours.

Day 3: This day we reach Kol-Tor lake, which has a trapezoidal shape and lies at 3 000 meters above sea level. Set up the camp at the lakeshore, dinner and overnight stay in a tent. Horse time: 5-6 hours. Trek time: 6-7 hours.

Day 4: Breakfast. Continue the tour from Kol-Tor lake to Tamchy pass and cross the pass (3 400 meters a.s.l.). Short break for a lunch. Continue to Achyk-Tash Jailoo, where car picks you up and transfers to Tamchy village. Horse time: 5 hours. Trek time: 6 hours. Arrival in Tamchy village, relax on the Issyk-Kul shore. Dinner and overnight are in a local home stay. End of tour.