Chong Kemin Valley lies within the Tian Shan Mountain Range separating Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Explore this spectacular valley famed for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife with rich and varied flora. Cliffy mountains of Boom Gorge conceal colorful shrubs and gorgeous fir tree forests covering all mountain slopes as a velvet. The nature in Kemin is unique by its own beauty, rich with thermal and mineral springs, offering several trekking possibilities from easy short walks along the Chong Kemin River to adventurous and tough hikes over 3 000m passes, certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Destination: Chong Kemin Valley, Yssyk Kol region
Time: 4 days / 3 nights
Distance: 31 km by trekking
Max Elevation/ Min Elevation: 3347 m/1719 m
Total Gain/Loss: 2413m+ / 1333m-
Months Possible: June – September
Difficulty: Moderate (1 pass at 3 400 m)
Accommodation & meals: 2 nights in homestays, 2 nights in a tent
Group size: any
DAY 1: BISHKEK – CHONG KEMIN VALLEY
Morning transfer from Bishkek to Karool-Dobo village (Watch Hill) in Chong-Kemin Valley. On the way, visit the Burana Tower architectural complex (10-11th century, an important point on the Great Silk Road), 15 km from the main road. Upon your arrival, lunch at a friendly home stay. After lunch, short hiking around the village to the Watch Hill and Orto-Kaindi Gorge. Return to the village and overnight in homestay with dinner.
DAY 2: HIKE TO TORU – AIGYR CAMPSITE
After breakfast transfer along the Chong-Kemin River to the starting point at Bai-Kishi Jailoo (“Jailoo” is a mountainous summer pasture). Slopes of this area are covered by fir forests. Lunch. Continue the tour through the forest till Toru-Aigyr. Set up the camp, dinner and overnight stay in a tent. Trek time: 6-7 hours.
DAY 3: TO KOL KONUR LAKE
After breakfast continue the tour till Kol-Konur Lake at 2 500 meters. This mountainous lake has a unique trapezoidal shape. Set up the camp. Dinner and overnight stay in a tent. Trek time: 5-6 hours.
DAY 4: KOL TOR LAKE – TAMCHY PASS – ACHYK – TASH JAILOO – TAMCHY VILLAGE
Breakfast. Start the last day of the tour from Kol-Tor Lake to Tamchy Pass and cross the pass (3 400 meters a.s.l.). Short break for lunch. Continue to Achyk-Tash Jailoo, where a car from Tamchy Village will pick you up. Transfer to the lakeshore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Enjoy the lakeside and swim in the refreshing waters of Issyk-Kul Lake after the trek. Dinner and B&B in a local homestay. End of the tour.
Requirements: Trekking boots, weatherproof warm clothes, hat, sunscreen, sleeping bag, sunglasses, raincoat
Remarks: Tents, sleeping bags, and mats are available upon request
