Karavshin Trekking Tour

Transfer from Osh to Uzgurush village via Batken. Overnight with a Kyrgyz family in Uzgurush village.

Osh, Uzgurush

• Osh → Uzgurush

Overnight: Uzgurush (Guesthouse)

Meals: Dinner

Hike upstream along the Laylak River, then continue along Ak-Machet to reach the confluence of the Ak-Suu (White Water) and Kara-Suu (Black Water) rivers. Overnight: Aksu Camp Distance: 14 km | Duration: 6 hours | Altitude gain: +1100 m

Uzgurush

Overnight: Tent camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail passes through a juniper forest and climbs a steep moraine up to a glacier, reaching the heart of the Pamir-Alai Mountains at Peak Ak-Suu (5355 m). This pyramid-shaped peak is capped with snow and features a nearly 2 km vertical wall on its northern slope. The surrounding grand cirque is framed by peaks such as Two-Headed Iskander, Admiralteez, Petrogradez, and A. Block. Overnight: Ak-Suu Tent Camp

Overnight: Tent camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Are you ready to go higher? Of course, you are! Today promises a long but rewarding journey. Our horses have already moved ahead with our loads, and now we follow them as we ascend toward the high Ak-Tubek Pass. The trail today isn't very long, but it gains significant altitude, so it's important to pace yourself, preserving your energy to enjoy the climb and arrive at tonight's lodging feeling refreshed, with only a pleasant hint of fatigue. The descent to the Orto-Chashma River Valley is long but captivating, winding through alpine meadows to the confluence of the Ak-Tubek and Dukenek Rivers, both fed by glaciers of the same names. The glacier tongues slip down from the Turkestan Ridge, shrinking each year, while the rivers continue to sparkle over stones, full of lively water. Tonight, we will camp near this confluence at the edge of a juniper forest. As the evening glow fades, the high summits will gradually blend into the darkening sky, disappearing into the night. Yet our group will not feel the darkness: everyone will gather in the spacious tent for a hearty dinner, sharing stories, laughter, and the cozy warmth of the campfire, scented with dry juniper twigs. Afterward, it's time to rest deeply and recharge for the adventures ahead. Overnight in Orto-Chashma Camp (12 km; 5 hrs). Altitude difference: +1890 m / -1390 m.

Overnight: Tent camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Crossing the Orto-Chashma River on horseback, we follow the watercourse along a well-maintained trail toward the Kosh Moinok Pass (3700 m). The serpentine trail winds through juniper forests, passes a refreshing spring, and finally reaches the saddle of Kara-Suu Pass (3760 m). From the top, we are rewarded with a spectacular view: an "ocean" of pointed, snow-capped peaks stretching across the Turkestan Mountains. Before us lie the impressive "fortresses" of the northwestern faces of Kotin (4521 m) and the 1000th Anniversary of Kreshenie Rusi (4507 m) peaks. Overnight: Kara-Suu Tent Camp

Overnight: Tent camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Radial Hike to Kara-Suu Gorge takes us to the foot of several majestic peaks: Piramidalnyi (5509 m), 1000th Anniversary of Kreshenie Rusi (Kyrkchilta, 4507 m), and Asan Usen (4378 m). An old legend tells the story of an elderly man who lived in these mountains and had twin sons, Asan and Usen. He raised them as warriors and took great joy in their achievements. But when war came, both sons were tragically killed. In his grief, the father raised his arms to the sky and prayed to Allah: "Oh Allah! You give life, and You take it. Return my sons to me, and take my life instead." Touched by his prayer, the earth opened, and high peaks rose in place of his sons. To this day, the two bastions at the head of the Karavshin River are named Asan (4230 m) and Usen (4378 m). A little further stands the snow-capped Piramidalnyi (Tubek, 5509 m), towering against the blue sky - a silent reminder of the old man's story. Overnight: Kara-Suu Tent Camp

Overnight: Tent camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking to Ak-Suu Gorge takes us toward Slesov Peak (4240 m). From the gorge, this peak appears as a massive, monolithic rock wall, earning it the nickname "Russian Tower" among foreign climbers. Its official geographic name is 4240, but alpinists from Rostov, Russia, named it Slesov in honor of their compatriot, the famous mountaineer Ivan Slesov. Along the way, we are treated to views of surrounding peaks, including Orto Tubek, Ptiza, and towering summits at 4774 m and 4810 m. Overnight: Ak-Suu Tent Camp

Overnight: Tent camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we look back, Slesov Peak stands in all its snowy grandeur, along with its stately neighbors along the Turkestan Ridge. But now it's time to say goodbye to these magnificent mountains as we begin our descent. The journey ahead is long, but far from dull. We first reach the confluence of the Ak-Suu and Karavshin Rivers, passing the ruins of the ancient settlement of Karavshin, and continue to the confluence with the Meshi River. Along the way, we will pause to rest, boil water for tea, and enjoy a snack, before proceeding to a tributary of the Karavshin River to meet our drivers. From there, we transfer to Ak-Tatyr Village and stay in a comfortable guesthouse for the night.

Karavshin gorge

Overnight: Guesthouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Osh. 265 km (5 hrs).

Osh

Overnight: Osh (Hotel)

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Osh airport. End of the program.

Meals: Breakfast