Local Costs

	UK	Kyrgyzstan
Tea/Coffee	£1.50	£0.20
Soft Drink	£1.50	£0.40
Bottled Water	£1.50	£0.30
Bottle of Beer	£3.50	£1.00
2 Course Meal*	£15.00	£3.00
3 Course Meal**	£20.00	£5.00
Bottle of Wine	£14.50
Breakfast	£5.00

*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.

Important Information

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.

If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.

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Visa Requirements

Kyrgyzstan: All nationalities will require a single entry visa for Kyrgyzstan. We recommend that all visas applied for in the UK should be processed through Explore’s visa service, Visa Swift. Land Only passengers not originating in the UK should check the procedure for obtaining visas with their Explore agent. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

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Vaccinations & Protection

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, infectious hepatitis, typhoid and polio.

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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.

Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

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Know before you go

We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/

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Preparing for your tour

Walking Grades and Fitness

Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individual’s own perception of his or her abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our walking grades. This tour is rated Strenuous.

Strenuous: For the more serious hillwalker and a higher level of physical fitness is required. Walking days can be 6-8 hrs and may involve up to 900m plus of ascent/descent. be prepared for many consecutive days walking, often at high altitudes, so stamina is very important.

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Additional Information for your Trekking Tour

The Tien Shan Trek features more mountain walking than many of our other holidays. For this reason we feel that it is of value to provide this extra information to help you prepare for your trip. If you are in any doubt about the suitability of the trip you have booked, call us now.

The Explore 'General Information Booklet', together with the appropriate trip dossier, deals in detail with most of the things you need to know (passports, visas, health care, etc). The purpose of this additional sheet is to be more explicit regarding luggage, packing and equipment.

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Grading & Fitness for Treks

To enjoy a trek such as the Tien Shan Trek, it is essential to be fit before you arrive. It is not wise to regard a trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a programme of conditioning well before departure – in fact as soon as you book – and be aware that short walks on the flat do little to prepare you for the gradients involved on this trek. Running, hill walking and other more active sports are suitable.

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Altitude

The altitude combined with the length of the trek, makes this trip most suitable for the more serious walker with previous experience of hill walking. Extreme cases of Acute Mountain Sickness are rare, but if it becomes necessary for someone to abandon the trek in the interests of safety, the tour leader's decision on this is final.

Insurance: Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the altitude indicated below in the section entitled “Medical examination” before you come on tour. If you have Explore insurance you will be covered to this altitude.

Medical Examination: You should visit your doctor and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trek reaches, i.e. 4032m.

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Altitude: On Trek

Gradient Chart

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Climate

Summer day temperatures can reach a maximum of 28°C in the lower slopes of the Tien Shan in July and August, although, as with any mountain area, temperatures can vary greatly and you should be prepared for extremes of weather. Night temperatures drop dramatically, possibly reaching zero degrees at night.

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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.

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Luggage

Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company

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Luggage: On Trek

Your luggage should consist of three main pieces:

Main Baggage

You will arrive in Bishkek with everything you need stored for the entire trip in a piece of luggage (normally a suitcase or rucksack) This main piece of baggage will become the receptacle for anything you will not need whilst on trek in the mountains and this is stored at the hotel in Bishkek. Items you will need whilst on trek should be repacked into your Trek Kit Bag and your daysac/rucksack. Advice on how and what to pack for the trek will be given at the briefing in Bishkek but it may be useful to do a trial pack before you leave home. When doing your initial packing, please bear in mind the airline weight limit for hold luggage (normally 20kg).

Trek Kit Bag

Before leaving Bishkek there is time to resort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left (see above). Your trek luggage, including sleeping bag, will be carried by the porters. The weight limit for this is 15kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much. Rucksacks and bags with wheels are unsuitable.

Rucksack/Daysac

During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage which is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac, which is carried by yourself, should therefore be large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, spare sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, 2 water bottles (minimum 1 litre). Most people normally find that this adds up to about 6 to 7kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Remember to carry spare film with you during the day. It is usually more comfortable to carry a larger pack than one which is overfull or with bits tied to the outside – aim for a 30-35 litre capacity pack. We advise you to line the sack with a large plastic bag to keep the contents dry. Other optional items in a daysac might be a diary or a book to read at lunch time. On a few occasions it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch. Your daysac could be used as hand luggage on the flight to Kyrgyzstan bearing in mind that shoulder bags are not practical for the trek.

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Clothing & Footwear: On Trek

Being properly equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. Use the Explore 'General Information Booklet' for guidance for day-today but use the following check list and notes to be sure that you have what you need for the actual trek.

Walking Boots

Probably the trickiest part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good 4 season boots that will be suitable for the extremes of weather that may be encountered on this trip. Trainers, tennis shoes, etc. simply do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Avoid boots often found in high street shoe shops which are simply cheap trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on – they give little support and will probably not last the trek. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable.

Trainers or Trekking sandals

Useful around camp, in towns and when travelling.

Old Sandals, Trainers or Tevas

For river crossings.

Walking stick/poles

Walking sticks and poles are highly recommended particularly for river crossing.

Waterproofs

Breathable waterproofs jacket and trousers made from material such as Gore-Tex not only protects against rain and wind but also stops you from overheating. They ‘breathe' and avoid condensation which you will experience from nylon waterproofs.

Down Jacket

Highly recommended for the cool evenings in camp.

Long Trousers

For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Knee length shorts are acceptable in the more remote areas, but to avoid giving offence in the villages, you should cover up with trousers. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.

Thermals

Jogging Pants and sweatshirt

Comfortable around camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas.

Shorts

Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold!

Gloves

Especially useful around camp in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Thermal types are most suitable.

Socks

It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.

Swim suit

For for the rafting optional. 

Gaiters Gaiters are recommended to keep snow out of your boots on the high passes.

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Equipment Provided: On Trek

The following equipment list is provided by Explore once you are on the trek:

Tents.

All cooking and kitchen gear.

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Personal Equipment: On Trek

Sleeping Bag

As you do not carry it yourself this may be down or synthetic, but it must be 4-season (temperature –10°C to –5°C). As most treks pass through a variety of climatic conditions, a long side zip is a good idea. A cotton liner helps to keep your bag clean.

Sleeping Mat or Thermarest

Water Bottle

Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. A 2 litre bottle is recommended. If you dislike the taste of sterilised water, is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice. You will find it useful to have iodine based sterilisation tablets. Also energy snacks including chocolate and sweets are recommended whilst on trek.

Plastic Bags 

Essential If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your kit bag they will stay dry in case of rain and be easier for you to sort through in camp. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A bin liner to pack inside your daysac is also a good idea.

Torch/Batteries/Bulb

A small torch is essential for finding things in your tent, going to the loo in the night etc. Petzl head torches are particularly useful. Remember that in most developing countries only a limited selection of batteries is available so bring spare batteries and bulb. The most common are pen cells (or AA size) and SP/HP2 (D size).

Toiletries

Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, biodegradable soap, small towel, small nail brush and toilet rolls! 'Wet Wipes' are great for a quick clean up in your tent, so bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes!)

Sunglasses/Snow Goggles

A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve

Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 30 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.

Personal First Aid Kit/Dental Kit

Each trek carries an extensive first aid kit but you should have your own supply of plasters, aspirin, diarrhoea tablets and also a comprehensive blister kit. (Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader.) See the list in our General Information Booklet. 

Whistle

To attract attention in an emergency.

Spare Laces

Chlorine Dioxide Sterilisation Tablets

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General Information

Trip Summary

The former Soviet Central Asia republic of Kyrgyzstan has a wealth of nomadic traditions plus some of the most beautiful mountains in Central Asia: the celebrated Tien Shan, the traditional mountain homeland of the Kyrgyz and Kazakh people, who have a colorful history of nomadic wanderings. Our trek focuses on the Kyrgyz- Alatoo section of the northern range of the Tien Shan. A continuous wall of ice and rock forms the central portion of the range, crowned by Semenov-Tien-Shanski (4895m), the highest peak in the region. The trek takes us along alpine flatlands, grassy hills choked with pretty wildflowers, through forests of unique Tien-Shan blue fir trees, and close to stunning glaciers. As we hike along the deep Alamedin, and Karakol gorges, we’ll keep to the tracks beaten by sheep and horses that are taken to high altitude summer pastures by local Kyrgyz shepherds. On trek we’ll gain insights into the lifestyle of these local nomads who have grazed their flocks here since ancient times. Hospitable and friendly, they may welcome us to their summer huts (called yurts) and persuade us to try kumyz, the national fermented drink made of mare’s milk, or airan (a yogurt-like dairy product). The gorges are laced by great 5000m summits whose glaciers feed numerous rivers, both large and small, with crystal clear water. We cross the range twice: via Alamedin pass (4032m) either the Tyuk Pass (3600m) or the Kegeti Pass (3779m). With the breakup of the former Soviet Union, this region is rarely visited, and we have good chances to see the diverse wildlife, including mountain turkey, mountain hen, golden eagle, mountain sheep, goat, and perhaps even a rare snow leopard. A team of porters carries all the gear and we hike with only a day pack.

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General Information

Area: 198,500 sq km.

Population: 5.26 million.

Language: Kyrgyz, Russian.

Religion: Muslim, Russian Orthodox.

Local time: GMT +5.

Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v, 50hz.

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Electric Supply & Plugs

For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/

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