Konorchok Red Canyons

Location:  Kyrgyz Range, Kyrgyzstan

Duration: 7 Days

Highly recommended: All group members should have medical insurance for the particular activities with a minimum coverage of USD 35 000 or EUR 30 000.

Scheme of the program

1^st Day.  Arrival to Bishkek

International flight to Bishkek. We will meet you in the airport upon arrival. After transfer and check-in at the hotel you will have some time to get rest. Afternoon sightseeing tour around Bishkek will include visit to Victory and Ala-Too squares, Philharmonic Society, Osh Bazaar.

Important: Meals in Bishkek is not included in the programme price!

2^nd Day. Kel-Tor Shamsi gorge (110km)

 During bus transfer to the start point of trekking itinerary you will see unforgettable panorama of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range, which shines with its snow-white peaks and glaciers for the all year round. This range is the beginning of Tien Shan mountain system. We will arrange excursion to the Burana Tower (XI century) on the way and short hiking to the ruins of the ancient Balasagun city – the capital of the once powerful Kara - Khanids haganat (001).  We will set up the tent camp in the Kel-Tor Gorge upon arrival and arrange acclimatization walk around after the lunch. You will plunge into the cool of famous Tien Shan firs and juniper forest during this hiking. You will walk along the bank of the mountain river and admire the mountain scenery. We will sit altogether around the campfire at night time and watch the stars. Overnight in tents.

3^rd Day. Valley of the Kyzyl-Suu River

Trek to the valley of the Kyzyl-Suu River. Today we climb up to the ridge that separates the Kel-Tor Gorge from Kyzyl-Suu Valley. Unforgettable scenery of the mountains gorges is surrounded us.  Crystal clear rivers full of cold water run along the bottom of these gorges. After a long trekking, we will come to the area of red stones. The road to the mountain pass goes up here. This place is the start point of the next part of our journey which we will do tomorrow. Overnight in tents on the river side (trekking distance is 13-14 km this day, camping altitude is 2 170 m).

Attention!  If you hire porter for the trek you should take into consideration, that each porter carries 20 kg of commercial weight. Overweight will be charged at the price of USD 3 per kilo.

4^th Day. Konorchok Red Canyons

After breakfast we will do the ascent to the Kok-Djar Pass (2367 m). Smooth descent into the canyons follows further. We will cross small river Kok-Djar Suu through the ford several times this day. Overnight in tents on the bank of Konorchok River. (trekking distance is 13 km, camping at the altitude 1790 m)

5^th Day. Explore Konorchok Canyons

After breakfast we will start exploring of Konorchok Canyons. Canyons were formed as a result of long-term exposure of water and wind. The sea was here many millions years ago, but it receded with years and the bottom came up revealing marine sediments of clays and sandstones. Wind and water have gradually formed modern view of the area. Amazing and beautiful new landscape has appeared. Mountains here look like fairy-tale castles, and we will offer you to walk among these castles. Canyon’s  names speak for themselves: "Bobsleigh", "Skyscrapers", "Grand Canyon", "Synclinal". You can sit around campfire and discuss the events of the day in the evening. Overnight in tents.

6^th Day. Boom gorge

Trek to the Boom gorge (the distance is about 11-12 km) via the Sulu-Terek pass (2320 m). Quite long and difficult ascent to the pass. But this hard job will be offset by fascinating views of the canyons’ scenery surrounded you. We will visit so-called small canyons or Aeolian Castles on the way. It is also very interesting and exciting here! You will have enough time to enjoy wonderful and mysterious figures and formations while your tea is cooking. Transfer to Bishkek this day takes about 2-3 hours(130 km).

7^th Day. The end of the program

Transfer to the “Manas” airport and departure.

Notes:

• Tourists must have a medical insurance policy with coverage of USD 30,000.
• Each porter carries 20kg of commercial weight. Any additional weight in excess of this will be charged at a rate of USD 3 per 1kg
• The State Historical Museum in Bishkek is closed for reconstruction from March 2016 for an indefinite period.