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Jeep tour to the Chatkal Valley and Lake Eshenkul. The Lost Tian Shan.
Jeep tour to the Chatkal Valley and Lake Eshenkul. The Lost Tian Shan.
- 6 days / 5 nights
- The best time to visit is from June to August
- June–September season
- 6 days / 5 nights
- The best time to visit is from June to August
- June–September season
What awaits you on this trip
Wildlife
There are places where nature still reigns supreme. The Chatkal Valley is just such a place: vast landscapes, winding mountain passes, alpine meadows, rivers, and remote corners rarely visited by mass tourism. The journey’s main destination is Lake Eshenkul—a high-mountain gem framed by towering rock walls.
Unity with nature
This is not a whirlwind tour involving endless hours on the road. We have set aside six days to explore not only the lake but also the sights along the way, soak up the atmosphere of the Western Tian Shan, and enjoy time in nature. You can look forward to drives along mountain roads, scenic stops, hikes to lakes, camping, and overnight stays in traditional yurts and guesthouses.
Modified off-road vehicles
We go to where the asphalt ends and the fun begins. Mountain gorges, off-road terrain, breathtaking panoramas and places that cannot be reached by a regular car. Our prepared SUVs are designed for these routes, and our experienced drivers will help you get through the journey in comfort and confidence.
Route plan
General route overview
Almaty - Kordai - Too-Ashuu pass - Suusamyr Valley - Talas - Kirov Reservoir - Chatkal Valley - Lower Lake and Kara-Tokoy - Hiking to Lake Eshenkul - about 3,300 m - Chatkal Valley - Talas - Suusamyr Valley - Kordai - Almaty.
Day 1. Almaty – Kordai – Too-Ashuu pass 3200m – Suusamyr valley – Talas city.
On the first day, a long drive to the city of Talas awaits us. Along the way, we will visit beautiful and iconic spots, such as the Too-Ashuu Pass and the Suusamyr Valley. We will travel across high mountain passes and along winding, serpentine roads—the journey itself is a work of art. We will stop at scenic viewpoints to take photos and soak in the surrounding beauty. We will also buy some incredibly delicious apricot *kurt* (dried yogurt balls) along the way. In the evening, we will arrive in Talas and check into a guesthouse to rest after the long drive and enjoy some home-cooked cuisine.
Day 2. Talas City – Kirovskoye Reservoir (Bas-relief with Lenin's head) – Chatkal Valley.
We head toward the trip's main natural landmark. En route, we visit the Kirov Reservoir to view the monumental bas-relief of Lenin’s head on the dam, as well as Soviet-era reliefs depicting the work and lives of the people of the Kyrgyz SSR. We then continue along the mountain road, ascend a pass offering a panoramic view of the Chatkal Valley, and arrive at our campsite. In the evening, we pitch our tents, have dinner, and watch the sunset over the valley.
Day 3. Chatkal Valley – Lower Lake and Kara-Tokoy.
The day is dedicated to exploring the area around the camp on foot. We set off on a hike to beautiful mountain lakes and spend time by the water, enjoying the scenery, taking photos, and relaxing. This day’s route serves as preparation for the main hike to Lake Eshenkul. The total hiking distance is up to 10 km.
Day 4. Hike to Lake Eshenkul – 3,300 m.
This is the highlight of the journey and the culmination of the expedition. The route to Eshenkul traverses a varied mountain landscape, taking you across trails, rocky debris, river crossings, and stretches of alpine meadow. Along the way, you are treated to views of wild nature and towering rocky peaks. The reward for your efforts is the waterfall and Lake Eshenkul, set amidst majestic cliffs.
Day 5. Chatkal Valley – Talas city – Suusamyr Valley (overnight in yurts).
After an eventful hike, we break camp and make our way back. En route, we stop in Talas for lunch before continuing to the Suusamyr Valley. In the evening, we settle into our yurts, have dinner, and relax amidst the atmosphere of the high-mountain valley.
Day 6. Suusamyr Valley – Kordai – Almaty.
After breakfast, we head towards the border and then on to Almaty. The tour concludes in Almaty upon arrival.
Trip schedule
Day 1
06:00–10:00 — Transfer from Almaty to the Korday border crossing; breakfast en route at the “Compass” gas station.
10:00–12:00 — Border crossing (estimated time).
12:00–14:00 — Transfer to the start of the ascent to the Too-Ashuu Pass.
14:00–15:00 — Lunch at a café.
15:00–19:00 — Transfer to Talas with stops at scenic locations.
Day 2
08:00–09:00 — Breakfast.
09:00–11:00 — Transfer to the Kirov Reservoir.
11:00–12:00 — Viewing the bas-reliefs and photo stop.
12:00–13:00 — Transfer to the village.
13:00–14:00 — Lunch at a café.
14:00–18:00 — Transfer to the campsite; stops at the mountain pass and viewpoints.
18:00–22:00 — Setting up camp, dinner, and relaxation.
Day 3
08:00–09:00 — Breakfast.
09:00–17:00 — Hike to the lakes; packed lunch.
17:00–18:00 — Rest at the camp.
18:00–19:00 — Hot dinner.
19:00–21:00 — Free time and relaxation.
Day 4
05:00–06:00 — Breakfast.
06:00–18:00 — Round-trip hike; total distance from camp to camp is approximately 24 km.
18:00–19:00 — Rest at camp.
19:00–20:00 — Hot dinner.
20:00–22:00 — Free time and sleep.
Day 5
09:00–10:00 — Breakfast.
10:00–11:00 — Breaking camp.
11:00–15:00 — Transfer to Talas.
15:00–16:00 — Lunch at a café in Talas.
16:00–18:00 — Transfer to the Suusamyr Valley.
18:00–22:00 — Check-in at yurts, dinner, and rest.
Day 6
08:00–09:00 — Breakfast.
09:00–12:00 — Transfer to the Korday border.
12:00–14:00 — Border crossing (estimated time).
14:00–15:00 — Lunch at a café in Korday.
15:00–19:00 — Transfer to Almaty; end of the tour.
*The times are approximate and may vary during the trip. The itinerary may be modified or adjusted by the tour organizer if necessary (due to weather, safety, or scheduling).
Price
360 000 KZT - 1 person
Minimum group size 3 people
The services are based on a group of three people. This is the price for a group tour. Private tours are priced separately.
Discount on tours
Discounts are available for early booking on group tours. You can keep track of group tours on our Telegram channel. We also offer attractive discounts for returning customers.
- The price includes
- Driver-guide services.
- Transportation service in a comfortable SUV.
- Environmental fees and all payments in national parks, border zone permits.
- Accommodation and meals at the guesthouse.
- Not included
- All additional expenses not covered by the program.
- Meals at a café along the way.
What to take with you on a trip
*Recommended clothing. You can review the list to get an idea of what to bring; similar items may be substituted.
Clothes
- Spare warm socks.
- Trekking boots.
- Thermal underwear.
- A fleece or a warm sweater.
- Wind jacket.
- A down jacket or other warm jacket.
- Trekking pants, leggings.
- Long johns.
- Headwear. Buff.
- Headwear. Cap.
- Warm clothing for the evening and night.
Stuff
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen (SPF 50 is best for the mountains).
- Hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.).
- Foam sleeping pad.
- Personal first-aid kit.
- Hiking backpack (10–30 L).
- Thermos (0.5–1 L).
- Slides for relaxing your feet in the evening.
- Headlamp.
Additionally
- Identity card or passport. Required for crossing the border.
- A supply of cash. Card payments aren't accepted everywhere.
- Earplugs for relaxation and sleep.
Write to us
Contacts
IP “Adrenalinic Silence”
BIN/IIN: 880604300461
Bank: JSC “Kaspi Bank”
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