Information

The snow leopard is a big strong cat. This species was recorded in 1996 in the "Red Book" of rare and endangered animals.

The habitat of snow leopards are steep cliffs and vast snowy valleys, as they are usually found in the alpine and high alpine zones. This is a typical landscape in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. In summer snow leopards live  at the altitude of up to 6,000 m above the sea level. In winter they do not live at the altitude of less than 2,000 m. While hunting snow leopards are agile and strong. Their jump can reach the height of 3 m and the length of14 m. They have a playful character. They play like angry gladiators with each other. They love to slide down on their back on steep rocky slopes and they spend hours basking in the sun.

The skin of the leopard is gray with black spots. It helps to make itself invisible between the dark rocks,  stones and white snow and ice. The wool of the coat is very dense and long. It protects them from coldness of icy winters and at high altitudes. The snow leopard is not afraid of humans that is the main reason why it is one of the endangered species. According to the statistics, nine out of ten snow leopards are killed by poachers, because its fur is highly coveted on the black market. Today worldwide only six thousand snow leopards left.

During the Soviet period mountaineers who had climbed five of the seven-thousander, were awarded with the unofficial title "Snow Leopard". A snow leopard is also shown on the emblem of Bishkek.

One can meet a snow leopard here easily, because scientific studies of biologists show that snow leopards spend more and more time in these places.

This tour is suitable for animal lovers, who have a very good trekking experience. Daily walking distance is  from 5 to 10 km and generally not more than 500-600 m difference in height is to overcome. The route passes through the deep snow, over the steep slopes (up to 30 degree slope), along the  river beds and over the rough terrain.

Days 1-7

Day 1:
Bishkek - Issyk-Ata gorge - Tuyuk

Arrival at Manas airport in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan and transfer to a guest house for a short rest before the city tour and transfer to the base camp in the Tuyuc valley. Lunch is taken on the route in a café or in case of an early arrival-  in the camp.

Dinner and overnight in the camp in tents.

Days 2-4.
Tuyuk Gorge

After breakfast the way up to the camp that is  located in the middle of the gorge Tuyuk starts. The glacier can be reached after the Tuyuk Ashuu-pass will be crossed. At the lower end of the pass there is a gently sloping, ice-covered plateau.

The Tuyuk ravine leads to the north where there are pine forests, mountains, streams and waterfalls . The main luggage (maximum 10 kg) is carried by porters. The hikers carry a light backpack with their personal daypack.

Days 4-5
Tuyuk Gorge

Day 6
Tuyuk Gorge

After breakfast the descent to the lower camp takes place. Along the river Tuyuk extends a moraine lake. On the way one can enjoy the view to the glaciers and peaks that form a kind of lock at the southern side of the canyon. In the gorge Tuyuk Issykatinski old Tyan-Shansky fir and juniper grow. Moreover, one finds there currants, evergreen trees, barberry, honeysuckle and buck-thorn. The meadows are covered with alpine flowers.

Day 7
Tuyuk Gorge - Bishkek

Services

Not included in price:

• For detailed explanations to the degrees of difficulty please follow this link: Explanation to the degrees of difficulty
• Information about visa and entry regulations, health information and tips for equipment, see this link: Things to know-1
• Please note our information about possible exchange rate fluctuations: Exchange rate fluctuation