| Day 2 |
Transfer Tashkent - the Kasansai river (370km, 7h). |
| Day 3 |
Ascent up along the valley of the North Aflatun river. (16km,
6-7h. +500m). The active part of the trek begins. We ascend
up the valley of the North Aflatun river via the famous Aflatun
canyon to the high alpine zone of the valley. During this long
but not exhausting day we watch the stunning landscapes changing
from wide grass terraces to lush forest groves. There is a great
number of outstanding places fit for rest and photos. We descend
to the bottom of an enormous canyon, with its vertical walls
of up to 1000 m and enjoy on the way two small and picturesque
lakes. One is pressed by the long rock walls into the center
of the canyon, the other lies in the upper flow of the Aflatun
river. Camp on the river bank (2900). |
| Day 4 |
Ascent up along the valley of the North Aflatun river. (16km,
6-7h. +500m). The active part of the trek begins. We ascend
up the valley of the North Aflatun river via the famous Aflatun
canyon to the high alpine zone of the valley. During this long
but not exhausting day we watch the stunning landscapes changing
from wide grass terraces to lush forest groves. There is a great
number of outstanding places fit for rest and photos. We descend
to the bottom of an enormous canyon, with its vertical walls
of up to 1000 m and enjoy on the way two small and picturesque
lakes. One is pressed by the long rock walls into the center
of the canyon, the other lies in the upper flow of the Aflatun
river. Camp on the river bank (2900). |
| Day 5 |
Crossing of the Ashu pass (3368m). Descent to the valley of
the Uyalma river. (12km, 6-7h, +400m, -1300m). The ascent to
the pass isn-t strenuous, and it takes 1,5-2 hrs on a good path
to reach the saddle, from where we gaze in awe at the exceptional
panorama of the ranges descending to the Fergana valley. A long
descent from the pass leads us on a good path to a picturesque
gorge covered with high Tien Shan firs. The freshness of the
forest, the path among firs, the landscape with green grass,
all this surprises us and the strenuous descent from the pass
is soon forgotten. Nature grips us, we are charmed and fascinated.
Acquaintance with the traditions of locals on the way. Camp
on a wide green glade in the forest. (2000m). |
| Day 6 |
Crossing of the Ashutor (2550) and Kuldambes (2750) passes.
(11km, 6-7h. +750m. -700m). Fairy-tale, virgin nature, fir forests,
variety of animals and plants surround us. Beautiful panoramas
for taking photos. Along the road of wood-cutters (1h) we come
to the path leading to the Kuldambes pass and climb it up to
the saddle. From Kuldambes we go five km along the comb on a
good path to the Ashutor pass. Here the emerald pearl of the
Saricheiek Lake meets our eyes. We descent to the lake along
a wide pass that goes through a fir trees and bushes of raspberry.
Camp on the shore of Sarichelek lake (1800). Swimming. |
| Day 7 |
Crossing of the Kur-Airyk pass (2800m). Descent to the valley
of the Karasu river. (9km;6h;+1000m;-800m). During the day we
are exposed to the incredible views of the Saricheiek lake.
That lies like an emerald cup surrounded by steep slopes of
the mountains with the pyramids of fir-trees. Shoals of fish
are visible in the crystal-clear water of the lake. Such views
can be hardly ever forgotten. The ascension of the Kur-Airyk
pass is not strenuous, but in the mid-summer the path goes through
thick and high bushes and grass (up to 3m high). The challenge
of the ascension is rewarded by dramatic panoramic views from
the saddle. We give a final glance at the lake. Also we have
unsurpassed views of the Chatkal peak (4503m) the highest summit
of the Chatkal range rising from the distant ranges and the
famous Chatkal Ushba (4346m). Camp on a wide glade on the river
bank (2000m). |
| Day 8 |
Descent along the valley of the Karasu river to the Kyzylkel
river. (1200m;16km;6h;-800m). On the way stop at the Kara-Kamysh
lake. Visiting of national Kyrghiz yurts, acquaintance with
the way of life of the locals, tasting the national round bread,
yogurt with aroma tea. Swimming. Visiting of a spectacular waterfall.
Camp on a green glade on the river bank. |
| Day 9 |
Transfer by bus to Andijan. Flight to Tashkent. |
The region
of the famous Saricheiek Lake is a very beautiful part of the West
Tien Shan. You will appreciate unique and mysterious beauty of the
Chatkal Valley, the fabulous canyon of Southern Aflatun, two of the
most beautiful lakes of Central Asia - Saricheiek and Karasu, immense
fir forests from the bird-s eye view, the variety of animals and plants
and the way of life of the local inhabitants. After the trek you will
experience the warmth and the fascination of the ancient cities of
Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent with their unique historical monuments
and colorful bazaars. 
