Celestial Peaks Of Kyrgyzstan

Upon arrival in Karakol, you will meet a member of the team and transfer to your accommodation. You will receive a private room to be shared with one or two other members of the expedition. The afternoon agenda will involve a gear check, allowing us the time necessary to make any purchases or revisions to our packs. In the evening we will host an expedition briefing, where guests will have the opportunity to raise queries about the upcoming trip, followed by a traditional Central Asian feast at one of Karakol's finest local restaurants.

Today we explore the charming town of Karakol. We get the chance to visit the Russian Orthadox Church, Dungan Mosque and taste authentic Uighar Cold Noodle Soup (aka Ashlyan-Fu). We will also visit Ak Tilek (Central) Bazaar to catch a glimpse of the local side of Karakol and stock up on some essential trail snacks for the hike. In the evening, we can choose from a variety of local or western restuarants depending on the groups choice as we feast for the last time before our trek.

With a long drive ahead of us (roughly 4 hours), we meet our driver and begin our journey to Kyrgyzstan’s highest and most majestic peaks. At the junction where most turn left towards Jyrgalan, we continue eastwards into the abyss. Passing through lush, spruce forested valleys in the beginning the landscape soon transitions into a drier, barren climate as climb towards Chon-Ashuu Pass (3860m). From the pass, if the skies remain clear we will be treated to a spectacular panorama of Kyrgyzstan’s Main Enilchek Range, with views of Khan Tengri (7010m), where we can take lunch before continuing.

We then proceed down the pass where we will be stopped at a military checkpoint to show border permits and passports. (The permits will have been prepared for each individual in advance by a member of the Great Goat Expeditions Team) Following successful passage, we bear left at the convergence of the Ottuk and Sary Jaz Valleys to follow the Sary Jaz River along a narrow gorge. As we drive closer to Echkilli-Tash, the valley widens into a Jailoo-like plateau where we can see expansive views of the Central Tien-Shan.

Arriving in Echkilli-Tash, we are met by more military personnel who will likely perform further document checks before we are free to hike. We will finish the day with a short, leisurely 2-3km hike up the Tjuz Valley to a flat, grassy plateau and will set up camp close to a Shepherd Camp for the night.

Although the distance covered today is considerable, the trail is well-marked and the terrain gentle, making for an enjoyable and manageable day. We will ascend just 423 meters over 18 kilometers as we make our way to camp. After breakfast, we set off heading east along the northern bank of the Tjuz River, following well-worn shepherd trails. The first half of the hike passes through the familiar rolling foothills where we camped the previous night. Occasionally, the riverside trail is washed out, prompting us to take slightly steeper higher trails, but the path remains easy to follow.

As we hike further upstream, the valley broadens and the scenery gradually transforms into a more alpine environment, offering stunning views of the rugged landscape ahead. We pause for lunch at an emergency shepherd’s hut. Our journey continues deeper into the valley, but before reaching camp, there’s one final challenge: crossing the Tjuz River. The river is shallow and flows gently, so the crossing is straightforward, though your feet will definitely get cold! On the far side, a beautiful campsite awaits along with a warm, hearty evening meal to reward your efforts.

Though it’s only our second full day on the trail, today marks the highlight of our journey as we reach our highest altitude of 4,215 meters and take in one of the world’s most breathtaking alpine panoramas. With a long day and significant elevation gain ahead, we rise early—starting as soon as 6 a.m.—to maximize our chances of clear skies and spectacular views from Tyuz Pass.

Leaving camp, we turn right and the trail quickly steepens, testing both our fitness and acclimatization. We ascend a few hundred meters to enter the alpine zone, where lush vegetation gives way to rocky, rugged peaks dominating the horizon. At altitude, the pace slows, but eventually we reach a small plateau before tackling a final sharp ascent across loose scree and moraine. Upon reaching Tyuz Pass, we are rewarded with a jaw-dropping vista: Kyrgyzstan’s highest peaks rising majestically from the South Enilchek Glacier.

Weather and energy permitting, we have the option to summit Pik Vit (4,215m) — a nearby peak offering even more spectacular views. For those content to soak in the scenery, a well-earned lunch and hot drinks await at the pass. However, we mustn’t linger too long. The descent begins with a steep, technical section over glacial moraine requiring careful footing, before easing into gentler, tussock-covered hills that maintain the stunning alpine views. Continuing down, we eventually reach the Enilchek Valley, where we’ll set up camp near tomorrow’s glacier crossing.

We begin the day hiking up the Enilchek Valley, with the roaring Enilchek River carving a dramatic path along our left. After 5–6 km over gentle moraine, we reach the edge of the glacier, where our crossing begins. Glacier conditions can change rapidly, so we pause to carefully plan our route. (This section follows a moraine-covered glacier, so no technical mountaineering gear is required.)

Moving forward, we navigate rolling, scree-strewn ice walls for about a linear kilometer before leaving the glacier and picking up a trail on the opposite side of the valley. Stopping for lunch, we take in the breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks dominating the Central Tien-Shan. Our descent down the valley is gradual, allowing us to cover ground quickly over easy terrain, arriving at Iva Camp by late afternoon. Here, we enter the approach route to Khan Tengri, Kyrgyzstan’s iconic giant. With luck, we may encounter teams of mountaineers pushing toward these majestic peaks, giving a thrilling glimpse into high-altitude expedition life.

After a couple of strenuous days crossing high altitude passes and glacial moraine, today’s hike is to be much more relaxed. After a leisurely morning drinking coffee and chai at Iva Camp, we set off down the Enilchek valley, gently descending on easy terrain for the whole day.

As we walk, we move closer to the impressive Nansen Peak, 5697m, looking up from the base with around 3000 metres of vertical relief between ourselves and the summit. We set up camp at the intersection of the Enilchek & At-Dzhailoo in a small region of spruce forest beside the valley, sheltered and perfectly camped for the night ahead.

We begin the day with a steady 900m ascent towards At-Dzhailoo Pass, leaving the Enilchek Valley behind. At the pass, we stop for lunch by an alpine lake, with the option for a refreshing dip before warming up with tea and coffee. After our break, we descend with a gentle 5 km hike down the valley to our campsite, where we set up for the night and enjoy views of At-Dzhailoo Valley. If we’re lucky, we may spot wild horses roaming the jailoo.

Beginning our day camped besides At-Dzhailoo Lake, we walk swiftly down valley for 24km ion gentle terrain, camping besides the shepherd camp ruins.

On our final day, we leave camp early and head towards the Kara-Tash Hot Springs, following a 4WD track out of the At-Dzhailoo Valley. We stop for lunch and a short soak in the 42°C waters before continuing. From here, it’s a final 6 km walk to the town of Enilchek, where we finish our trek with a hot meal and a warm bed in a family-run guesthouse.

In the morning, we explore the semi-abandoned town of Enilchek, wandering through its ruins and learning about its history from the few locals who remain. After lunch at Khan Guesthouse, we meet our driver for the journey back to Karakol. By evening we return to Snow Leopard Hostel, where we can freshen up before celebrating the end of our expedition with a group dinner in town.

If delays occur on the trek, this day serves as a buffer. Otherwise, we spend it in Karakol, exploring the town and enjoying our favourite local cuisines.

Departure day - Today we say our farewells and offer logistical help for onward travel if necessary.