The ultimate self-guided trek: Khan Tengri Base Camp, Kyrgyzstan
Hiking and trekking specialist Walks Worldwide has launched what is arguably the ultimate self-guided trekking holiday on the planet; a two-week sojourn into the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan to Khan Tengri Base Camp.
This is the first time ever that the trek to Khan Tengri Base Camp has been made available as a self-guided adventure and it will be unique to Walks Worldwide in the UK.
Also known as the Celestial Mountains, the Tien Shan range has magnificent peaks which soar to heights of over 7,000m including Khan Tengri itself, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and striking peaks in the world.
Comments Mark Knowles of Walks Worldwide: “Thanks to the introduction of fixed camps– which also provide meals – it is now possible to enjoy a superb self-guided trek without the hassle of having to carry tents, cooking equipment, food or the need to hire costly porters and guides.”
“The itinerary takes you into the heart of the Tien Shan and to Khan Tengri Base Camp (4100m) following the South Inylchek Glacier Valley to reveal a throne room of mountain gods. The camp guardians are incredibly friendly, offering trekkers sound advice and hospitality all the way to Khan Tengri Base camp itself; this has to be the ultimate self-guided trek and a good level of fitness and strong sense of adventure is essential!”
After a visit to the old Cossack town of Karakol it's then into the mountains to follow one of the longest alpine glaciers in the world all the way to beneath the snowy pyramid of Khan Tengri (7010m) itself and with views of Pik Pobeda, which at 7439m is the highest summit in the Tien Shan.
Sunsets at Base camp will reveal why the Kazakh name for Khan Tengri means "Blood Mountain", as it glows red in the fading light. After spending time at Base camp, the exit route is as spectacular as the trek, by helicopter through the Tien Shan to Karkara.
Next is a visit to Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world (after Titicaca) before the final night which is spent in the capital of Bishkek.
The holiday, which has regular departure dates in July and August 2012, costs from £1775 pp which includes airport and overland transfers, 14 nights’ accommodation (hotels/guest houses/camps), all meals, helicopter flight, guided tours of Karakol and Bishkek, route notes and map, advice before setting off on trek and from each fixed camp along the route, and all camping gear (except sleeping bag and camping mat). Flight-inclusive prices are available on request.
For more information, visit walksworldwide.com.
