Sary-Chelek and Yukhin Peak. From lake to summit

Description

This tour is a good choice for hikers with moderate hiking experience who are in good physical condition and in good health
Not difficult and not long, the first part of the trekking is laid in the picturesque foothills of the Pamirs - the Kozho-Kelen gorge and the Alay valley - will allow you to acclimatize for the second part, where we will climb to a height of up to 5130 meters, Yukhin Peak, in the area of ​​the majestic Lenin Peak - a colossal spectacle of the peak , the energy of the mountains and a very popular place for climbing among climbers from all over the world! Accommodation in comfortable tent camps along the way, visiting the surroundings and heights.

Located in the Pamirs, on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Lenin Peak is one of five seven-thousanders in the former Soviet Union. Lenin Peak (7134 m) is the second highest peak in the Pamir Mountains after Communism Peak (7495 m). Also on the territory of Kyrgyzstan there are such seven-thousanders as Khan-Tengri peak (7010 m) and Pobeda peak (7439) (Tien Shan). Climbing all 5 peaks ranks you among the elite Russian group of climbers - the Snow Leopards. Lenin Peak is the most accessible seven-thousander. Under the peak you can come by car, the road is quite good.

Photo of the tour:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Re9AZIrrEpN6auq1MTPMvilVZu5vf-i3

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival to Osh city.

Drive: 20 km. / 30 min.

Meet your local guide and transfer to hotel, rest to lunch and then we have sightseeing tour – first place to visit is Osh Bazaar (market), the largest market in Central Asia, will visit the Suleiman Mount, one of the main shrines of the Islamic world in Central Asia, historical museum, located right in the main cave. After excursion in the museum you follow the way of all pilgrims up to the top of the hill where you watch a little Mosque of Babur, the founder of the Great Mogul Dynasty, and take a bird eye’s view of the city. We also can visit the central square and go for a short walk in the city park

Dinner and preparation for the trekking.

Day 2. The city of Osh is the village of Kyzyl-Kul.

Drive: 300 km. / 6 hours. / + 170 m.

After breakfast, we go by the beginning of the tracking – to the village of Kyzyl-Kul. On the way, we will visit the ancient Uzgen minaret, a short tour. Lunch on the way to the cafe. Upon arrival in the village of Kyzyl-Kul, accommodation in a guest house, dinner.

Day 3. Tracking to Lake Kara-Kamysh

Trek: 15 km. / 4-5 hours. / + 680 m.

After breakfast, we start tracking up the gorge of Kara-Suu, in the way we are waiting for scree and rocky slopes covered with shrubs and fir trees. The road passes past the waterfall, and then rises through the pass to the picturesque mountain lake of Kara-Kamysh. The lake was formed as a result of a large collapse that blocked the path of the Kara-Suu River. Upon arrival at the lake in our camp, we will have lunch. The area around the lake will allow us to feel the traditional nomadic lifestyle on the Jiloo (mountain pasture). Dinner and night in a camp in tents/yurts.

Day 4. Sary-Chelek State Biosphere Reserve

Trek: 9 km. / 5-6 hours. / + 150 m.

After a delicious breakfast, we set off to the Sary-Chelek State Biosphere Reserve through the Kotormo pass (2446m). Lunch box. After overcoming the pass, descend to Lake Iri-Kul, placing a tent camp on the shore of the lake. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 5. Walk along the lakes of the Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve

Trek: 8 km. / 4 hours. / – 720 m.

After breakfast, walk to the five lakes of Sary-Chelek and to Lake Sary-Chelek. Lunch in the form of a picnic. After the walk, transfer to the guest house in the village of Arkyt. Dinner and overnight at a guest house in the village of Arkyt.

Day 6. Transfer Arkyt village – Osh city

Trek: 300 km. / 6 hours. / – 280 m.

After breakfast, transfer to the city of Osh. Lunch on the way to the cafe. Upon arrival in Osh, check into a hotel. City tour of the city – visit to Mount Suleiman, one of the main shrines of the Islamic world in Central Asia, a historical museum located right in a cave on the mountain. After a tour of the museum, you follow the path of all pilgrims to the top of the hill, where you will see the small mosque of Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, and view the city from a bird’s eye view. We can also visit the central square and stroll through the city park.

Day 7. Transfer Osh – Base Camp “Achik-Tash” (3600 m.)

Trek: 300 km. / 6 hours. / + 2650 m.

After breakfast, transfer Osh to Achik-Tash Base Camp. Lunch lunch boxes. Upon arrival at Base Camp, free time. Dinner and overnight at camp.

Day 8. Achik-Tash Base Camp – ridge of Petrovski peak.

Trek: 8 km. / 4 hours. / + 600 m. /– 600 m.  

Today, we may go a little further afield by climbing to the ridge of nearby Petrovskiy Peak at 4200 m, from where there are spectacular views of the valley below and the Achik Tash tract.

Also, it’s possible to stay whole day in BC and have a rest and prepare and pack for the climb up to Camp 1 or ride paddle boards.

Day 9. Achik-Tash Base Camp – Puteshestvennikov pass – Camp 1.

Drive: 10 km. / 4-5 hours. / + 900 m.  

Today, we go further to foothill of Lenin peak. After breakfast we go to “Camp 1” over Puteshestvennikov pass (4150m). The ascent to pass usually takes 1-1.5 hours by a good path. From the pass you’ll see excellent views of Lenin peak and Lenin glacier. Sometimes there is snow on the pass.

Then we descend to the left moraine of the Lenin glacier and continue trek up some 3 hours. Further we should cross the river carefully. The best time for crossing is early morning, as the river rises rapidly throughout at this time. Across the left moraine of glacier to the Lenin glacier and hike to “Camp 1”.

Day 10. Camp 1 – Yukhin peak (5130 m) – Camp 1.

Drive: 8 km. / 5-7 hours. / + 730 m. / – 730 m.

After breakfast we go to ascent Yukhin Peak (5,130 m). There is a breathtaking view to the North Face of Lenin Peak and Alai Valley from the top. The classical route does not involve steep rock or ice climbing and does not require special equipment.

After ascent we return to Camp1.

Day 11. Camp 1 – Achik-Tash BC.

Drive: 8 km. / 5-7 hours. / + 100 m. / – 800 m.

After the breakfast, we return to the Base Camp

Firstly, we hike up little bit, then going down for almost 4h.

Upon arrival we’ll take a well-deserved drink and shower!

Day 12. Achik-Tash BC – Osh city.

Drive: 300 km. / 5 hours. / – 2600 m.

We leave the mountain behind as we drive back to the city of Osh.

We check-in to our hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore the town a bit or relax with a cold beer.

Day 13. Flight back home.

Transfer to the Airport to catch your flight back home.

Prices

SGL accommodation in hotels: 80 USD per person.

SGL accommodation in tents: 120 USD per person.

Additional Info

Photos

Map