Inylchek Glacier Trekking Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport, 2 flights included.
Inylchek Glacier Trekking Tour Highlights
Explore the rugged beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s Central Tien Shan on this 9-day high-altitude trek along the mighty Inylchek (Engilchek) Glacier. From Karakol you drive to the green Karkara Valley near the Kazakh border, where an easy acclimatization hike to the Chymyn-Sai Pass (2,700 m) shows you the whole valley and the yurts of nomadic herders. The next morning a helicopter flies you into the Inylchek Valley, the starting point of the trek.
Over six trekking days you follow the moraines past the Putevodny Glacier to Merzbacher Glade, the last grassy place of the route, and spend a full day crossing the South Inylchek Glacier to the mysterious Merzbacher Lake, which fills every summer and bursts through its ice banks, usually in August. Past the Komsomolets and Dikiy glaciers you reach the South Inylchek Base Camp at about 4,000 m, with views of Khan Tengri (7,010 m) and Pobeda Peak (7,439 m), before a scenic helicopter flight along the Central Tien Shan takes you back to Karkara and Karakol.
All nights are spent in fixed tent camps with full board, and porters carry your trek bag. The tour suits fit trekkers with good trekking experience who are comfortable walking 5–6 hours a day on moraine and glacier ice at altitudes of up to 4,000 m. The route lies in the border zone, so a border permit is needed.
Difficulty: Challenging For people with good trekking experience: six trekking days of 8–12 km (3–6 hours) on moraines and glacier ice, with steep ascents and descents, rockfall sections and stream crossings, plus a 7 km radial hike to Merzbacher Lake. All 8 nights in tent camps at 2,200–4,000 m; a helicopter flies you in and out.
Tour Itinerary
In the morning we drive from Karakol to the Karkara Valley, which takes about 2 hours. The road passes through the village of Tyup and continues east to the Karkara checkpoint. As we enter the border zone, we show our border permits and passports to the soldier on duty. Accommodation is in the tent camp, where lunch is served as a buffet so you can choose your meal to your taste. After lunch (or with a lunch box taken in advance) we hike to the Chymyn-Sai Pass (2,700 m), walking along the border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. From the pass you see the entire Karkara Valley, the Char-Kuduk area and the Tyup Gorge. The hike is not difficult and helps you prepare for higher altitudes. The trail runs through a wide gorge dotted with the yurts of nomads, a good chance to see the way of life of a disappearing culture. Dinner and overnight at the base camp. Hiking: 10 km, about 3 hours, ascent +400 m / descent –400 m.
Karkara base camp
- Karakol → Karkara base camp
Overnight: Karkara base camp (Tent camping)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast a helicopter takes us to the starting point of the trek in the Inylchek Valley, a place called Prijim. From here we trek up the valley to the foot of the Inylchek Glacier. On the way you can see Nansen Peak (5,690 m) and the Tuz Pass (4,001 m). Nansen Peak was noticed in 1902 by the German geographer Gottfried Merzbacher. Even he, who had seen the mountains of the Alps, the Caucasus, the Himalayas and the Karakoram, was surprised and delighted by the giant ridge that bounds the Inylchek Valley to the south. Its mighty snow-capped peaks of the most varied shapes are visible all the way from west to east – in his opinion one of the greatest alpine panoramas on earth. In the afternoon we arrive at the Iva tent camp, meet the local staff and settle in. Dinner and overnight in tents. Trekking: 10 km, 3–4 hours, ascent +700 m.
Iva camp
- Karkara base camp → Iva camp
Overnight: Iva camp (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we take our lunch boxes and leave the camp. Today's trek follows the lateral moraine of the Inylchek Glacier to its confluence with the Putevodny Glacier, the first big glacier of the trek. Very steep ascents and descents make the day quite exhausting and add some challenge; wherever possible we keep to the right slope of the terrace. There are many rockfall sections along the trail, so take extra care – the way goes up and down all the time. Lunch is on the glacier. Then we climb another steep terrace on a narrow trail; the variety of terrain and the steep slopes add some more adrenaline. At Glina camp we have tea or coffee and rest. The camp takes its name (Russian for "clay") from its location on a green clay field. Dinner and overnight in tents. Trekking: 8 km, 5–6 hours, ascent +200 m.
Glina camp
- Iva camp → Glina camp (8 km)
Overnight: Glina camp (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we trek up and down various terraces for about 9–10 km. We cross a small glacier once, pass a river and have lunch on the shore of a small lake, where you can rest. From there it takes about an hour to reach the camp, where tea or coffee awaits along with wonderful views of Merzbacher Lake. Merzbacher Glade is the last grassy place in the area, just across from the unique Merzbacher Lake. There is a scientific research station on the glacier, where scientists from all over the world come every summer to study the movement of the glaciers, the weather of the region and Merzbacher Lake itself. The large green area around it is flat enough for camping. Dinner and overnight in the tent camp. Trekking: 9 km, 5–6 hours, ascent +300 m.
Merzbacher Lake
- Glina camp → Merzbacher Lake (9 km)
Overnight: Merzbacher Lake (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning we start a radial hike across the South Inylchek Glacier to Merzbacher Lake. The glacier is ice covered with rocks, stones, sand and mud. Sandwiched between the northern and southern branches of the glacier lies the mysterious Merzbacher Lake. It forms every summer and then, sometime in August, bursts through its ice banks, and its water flows into the Inylchek River. The lake empties twice a year – once in summer and once in winter – but most people only know about the summer event. It is named after the German geographer and mountaineer Gottfried Merzbacher, who discovered it in 1903 while leading an expedition into the Tien Shan to reach the summit of Khan Tengri. Back at the camp you can relax in the sauna. Dinner and overnight in the tent camp. Hiking: 7 km, 4–5 hours.
Merzbacher Lake
Overnight: Merzbacher Lake (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we take lunch boxes and start a long day of trekking through beautiful landscapes of snow, rocks and multicolored ice – black, white and sometimes even striped. The first part of the trek follows the right side of the terraces and goes gently down just before the huge Shokalsky Glacier. The trail reaches the glacier and the black moraine that flows out of the Komsomolets Glacier, and we follow it up to the glacier itself, with magnificent views of the Petrovsky, Kolyady, Tyurina and Bronenosets peaks. The terrain is very varied – rivers, crevasses, ascents and descents – and getting around them takes much time and energy. Tonight is our first night on the glacier. A strong wind usually starts here after 4 pm and it can be much colder than before, so hot drinks are very welcome. Dinner and overnight in the tent camp. Trekking: 12 km, 5–6 hours, ascent +400 m.
Komsomolets camp
- Merzbacher Lake → Komsomolets camp (12 km)
Overnight: Komsomolets camp (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the camp and departure. Trekking in this part of the Tien Shan is fabulous; a distinctive feature of the region is the great number of nameless, still unclimbed peaks of about 5,000 m. Straight from the camp we cross the moraine of the Proletarsky Glacier, reach the middle of the Dikiy Glacier moraine and walk along it up to the Dikiy Glacier. The first part of the way is uneven, up and down all the time; closer to the glacier the moraine becomes more even, with fewer crevasses and creeks to work around. After a lunch break we go straight up in front of the Proletarsky Glacier. Dikiy camp lies behind Pesnya Abaya Peak, about 30 minutes further. This place used to be the starting point for climbers to Pobeda Peak, and from the camp you have a beautiful view of Khan Tengri, Pobeda, Gorky, Chapaev and Trekhglavaya peaks. Tea and coffee are available at the camp. Dinner and overnight in tents. Trekking: 10 km, 4–6 hours, ascent +100 m.
Dikiy camp
- Komsomolets camp → Dikiy camp (10 km)
Overnight: Dikiy camp (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is a fairly short trekking day. After breakfast we cross the whole glacier to the central moraine where the base camp is located. The path is covered with rocks, ice, creeks, lakes and cracks, but it can be walked without ropes or crampons. We arrive at the base camp in time for lunch and tea or coffee. The South Inylchek Base Camp lies in the heart of the Central Tien Shan on the South Inylchek Glacier at about 4,000 m, with a picturesque view of Khan Tengri (7,010 m) and Pobeda Peak (7,439 m), which climbers from all around the world attempt every summer. Optionally, you can take a radial hike to the foot of Pobeda Peak. Dinner and overnight in tents at the base camp. Trekking: 8 km, 5–6 hours, ascent +200 m.
South Engilchek Base Camp
- Dikiy camp → South Engilchek Base Camp (8 km)
Overnight: South Engilchek Base Camp (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the base camp, then a helicopter flight back to the Karkara base camp. The flight runs along the Central Tien Shan range and gives you a chance to see Merzbacher Lake from above. From Karkara we drive back to Karakol, where the program ends. Helicopter flight and drive: about 120 km and 2 hours in total, descent about –2,400 m.
Karakol
- South Engilchek Base Camp → Karkara base camp
- Karkara base camp → Karakol
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
Included
- Accommodation in fixed tent camps (twin/double tents) – 8 nights
- Full board: 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners, including cook service on the trekking days
- Helicopter flights from Karkara to the Inylchek Valley and from the South Inylchek Base Camp back to Karkara
- All transfers as per program (Karakol – Karkara – Karakol)
- Porter service on the trek (up to 12 kg of personal belongings per person)
- Drinking water on the trekking days (boiled water, about 1 liter per person per day – please bring your own bottles)
- Entrance and ecological fees for the whole tour
- English-speaking guide and trekking guide on the trek
Not included
- Single tent supplement (170 USD per person)
- Sleeping bags
- All airfares
- Visa and visa support fee (if necessary)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals not included in the program and alcoholic drinks
- Extra luggage on the trek above 12 kg (20 USD per extra kilogram for the whole trek)
- Personal expenses and tips
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Where you'll stay
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Night 1
Karkara base camp
Karkara base camp or similar
-
Night 2
Iva camp
Iva camp or similar
-
Night 3
Glina camp
Glina camp or similar
-
Nights 4–5
Merzbacher Lake
Merzbacher Glade camp or similar
-
Night 6
Komsomolets camp
Komsomolets camp or similar
-
Night 7
Dikiy camp
Dikiy camp or similar
-
Night 8
South Engilchek Base Camp
South Inylchek Base Camp or similar
Good to know
- Group size: minimum 4, maximum 12 travelers.
- Transport: transfers by Mercedes Sprinter minibus (17 seats, with air conditioning) for groups of 4–11 travelers.
- Luggage on the trek: porters carry your trek bag. Its packed weight should be no more than 12 kg of personal belongings; each extra kilogram costs 20 USD for the whole trek. Travel clothes and other items not needed on the trek can be left in our office and are delivered to the Karkara camp for your return from the base camp.
- Camps: all 8 nights are in fixed tent camps with twin or double tents. Sleeping bags are not provided – bring one with a comfort rating of –5°C.
- Border zone: the route runs through the border zone; border permits and passports are checked at the Karkara checkpoint.
- Health and insurance: if you have a specific medical condition, bring your own first aid kit with the necessary medication. When booking, please send us a copy of your travel insurance and your passport.
What to bring
Obligatory on the trek:
- Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Waterproof jacket or rain cape
- Sun hat or cap with ear and neck flap
- Daypack of 30–40 liters with rain cover
- Warm hat and warm gloves
- Sleeping bag (comfort rating –5°C; please ask us about temperatures)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for stream crossings and steep slopes)
- Basic first aid kit: antiseptic and antihistamine cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea treatment, painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent and rehydration salts
- Sun protection (including total block for ears and nose) and lip balm
- Fleece jacket or warm sweater
- Good-quality sunglasses
- Trekking trousers and thermal underwear
- Two 1-liter water bottles (we encourage refilling rather than single-use plastic) and water purification tablets
- Dry bags to keep your trek bag contents, phone and electronics dry
- Head torch and spare batteries
Optional:
- Tennis shoes or shoes for city walking
- Trainers or sandals for river crossings
- Socks (1 pair for every 2–3 days of trekking)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Shorts and/or swimwear
- Buff or scarf against dust and cold
- Washbag, toiletries and antibacterial hand wash
- Small quick-dry towel
- Thermarest or similar sleeping mat
- Pocket knife (pack sharp objects in your hold baggage)
- Repair kit (e.g. needle, thread, duct tape)
- Ear plugs against river noise and snoring neighbors
Kyrgyzstan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Kyrgyzstan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan before booking.
The official currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). Bishkek has plenty of ATMs, but outside the larger towns and the northern shore of Issyk-Kul cash is how almost everything is paid.
ATMs and cards
Some ATMs in Bishkek dispense US dollars as well as som. Beyond the capital, ATMs are found in the few largest towns but mostly not in smaller ones, except on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. Mastercard works in all ATMs, but Visa is still the more widely accepted card. Demirbank's red ATMs have lately been the best option for foreign cards, with moderate fees.
Exchanging money
Exchange offices in the major cities change US dollars, euros and roubles into som. Notes must be clean, fresh and without any signs of wear. Exchange offices prefer larger notes from 50 USD and 50 EUR, and sometimes give a better rate for them.
Paying by card
Cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, large supermarkets and some museums in Bishkek and Osh, and occasionally even in taxis. Elsewhere, apart from the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, paying by card is not practical.
Kyrgyzstan is generally safe for travellers and tourism is growing fast, but the usual precautions matter.
Documents
Always carry your passport or a notarised copy. Without proper identification you can be detained by the police.
In towns
- Robberies, some of them violent, and thefts happen especially in crowded places such as the bazaars. Take care after dark.
- Sexual harassment has been reported on public transport. Avoid walking or travelling alone, especially at night.
- Book taxis in advance from established services.
- Stay away from crowds and demonstrations.
- Watch where you step: some streets have large holes and pavements are often uneven.
Laws and customs
- Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religious practices.
- Possessing or using narcotics is strictly prohibited.
- Do not photograph anything related to the armed forces or security services.
- Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely discussed or publicly recognised.
Border areas
Smuggling makes the southern border zones with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan unstable and best avoided.
Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for travellers from many countries. Others can apply for an electronic visa or through an embassy.
Visas
For a tourist visa, most passport holders need an invitation letter from a tourism company. Kyrgyzstan has had an electronic visa system since 1 September 2017.
Border regions
Visiting border regions requires a special permit.
The best times to visit Kyrgyzstan's lower areas are May–June and September. In the high mountains, July and August are best.
Lower areas: May–June and September
In late spring and early autumn the valleys, Issyk-Kul's shores and the towns are green or golden, days are pleasant rather than hot and there are fewer visitors.
High mountains: July and August
This is when the high pastures, yurt camps and mountain passes are open, and trekking and horse-riding routes that are under snow the rest of the year can be reached. Days in the valleys can reach about 30°C, and nights at altitude can still be close to freezing. Summer is also the time of festivals celebrating Kyrgyz traditions.
Winter
Winters in the highlands are long and close the high passes, but it is still a captivating season. Hiking, horse riding and skiing are all possible, and yurt stays are available too.
Healthcare in Kyrgyzstan is basic and medical facilities are scarce, so comprehensive medical and travel insurance is essential.
Medicines
If you rely on regular medication, bring enough for the whole trip: it can be hard or expensive to find locally.
Insurance
Arrange comprehensive medical and travel insurance before you arrive. A serious accident or illness may mean emergency air evacuation to a neighbouring country.
Food and water
Treat tap water and other local water as contaminated and boil it before drinking; bottled water is the safest choice throughout your stay. Be careful with unpasteurised dairy and other animal products.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations against polio and tuberculosis are recommended before entering the country, and others may also be advisable. Ask your doctor or travel clinic.
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