Merzbacher Expedition
Duration_6 days
Route_Karakol, Enilchek Valley, Merzbacher Lake
Accomodation_tent
Type_trekking
Recommended_May to September
Min. Number of People_2
Embark on a challenging trekking expedition with our team to explore the remote and untouched beauty of Kyrgyzstan. You'll cross glaciers and navigate through awe-inspiring landscapes in the largest ranges of the Tien Shan. As we traverse the moraine, you'll encounter scattered glacial lakes and witness the breathtaking Merzbacher Lake. Around the lake, you'll have a chance to spot Khan Tengri and Jengish Chokusu, the largest peaks in the country. Join us for a profound adventure into one of Kyrgyzstan's most secluded and captivating corners.
The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.
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Upon request, our team can provide presentations by our expert on the local flora and fauna, showcasing the species found in the area. You'll develop a keen eye for the subtle traces of life that intertwine with your path and discover the art of identifying species encountered, gaining insights into their unique characteristics and understanding the captivating world of animal behaviour that unfolds around you.
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Furthermore, with an anthropologist on the team, you'll have the chance to delve deep into the nomadic history and way of life to develop a profound appreciation for this alternative take on existence, and build out a good general understanding of how our ancestors organised their everydays in the past.
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Our team's professional photographer can also guide you in capturing breathtaking moments along your way. With professional assistance, you'll learn to master camera settings, ensuring every shot reflects vibrant spirit of this remarkable destination. You'll even get a chance to use a drone and other similar equipment.Visit our Visual Portfolio to see some of our work.
If you are interested in any of these extra services, please, let us know below when writing about your special requests.
day_1
Karakol to Englichek Valley
After breakfast, we'll drive east from Karakol to the Engilchek Valley, passing through the Chon-Ashuu pass (3830 m.). The scenic route could take up to 6 hours depending on circumstances, but it offers diverse landscapes rarely encountered elsewhere, from dense fir tree forests to glacier-capped peaks. Along the way, we'll pass the abandoned Soviet mining town of Engilchek. After entering the Engilchek Valley, we'll reach the At-Jailoo River, where we'll set up camp for the night. Dinner will be served in the tranquil wilderness before retiring to our tents for the evening.
day_4
The Lake and the Peaks
This will be one of the easier days of our trek. We'll take a small path from the Podvodniy Glacier to Merzbacher glade (3600m). Lunch will be served upon arrival at the camp. From here, you'll be confronted by the breathtaking views of the Khan-Tengri (7010 m, meaning: "Lord of the Sky") and Jengish Chokusu (7439 m, meaning "Victory Peak"). These two are the highest elevations in Kyrgyzstan. Crossing to the lake and exploring the area will require stamina and strength, as we'll encounter glaciers, moraines, cracks, streams, and ice blocks. While we won't reach the lake's shore, it remains one of the most fascinating days of our journey. Dinner and overnight at camp.
day_2
Iva Campsite
The second day's journey covers 18 km. We'll start by crossing the At-Jailoo River, which may require horses depending on the river's fullness. We'll then proceed up the Engilchek Valley, stopping for lunch. After 2-3 more hours of trekking, we'll reach the base of the magnificent icy peak Nansen (5697 m.). At the Iva campsite, we'll set up our camp and enjoy dinner.
day_5
Heading back to Iva
After breakfast, we'll retrace our steps along the same path back to Iva camp. We'll have lunch on the way, and if the weather is sunny, you might even have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in one of the small lakes on the glaciers. Dinner and overnight at camp.
day_3
Glina Campsite
After breakfast, we embark on a challenging path along the moraine, following the southern side of the Engilchek Glacier. The route offers stunning views of scattered small lakes with diverse colors, immersing you in the untouched beauty of the area. Dinner and overnight stay at Glina camp.
day_6
Heading Home
After breakfast, we'll head back to At-Jailoo camp. We'll have lunch at At-Jailoo before departing for Karakol. If you need further transport to Bishkek or a guesthouse for the night in Karakol, please, let us know.
Merzbacher Lake
Located in the northeastern corner of Kyrgyzstan, Lake Merzbacher is a remarkable natural wonder situated at the convergence of the two largest ridges of the Tian Shan mountain range. With peaks soaring over 6000 meters, this region is characterized by its breathtaking beauty and remoteness. The lake finds its place in the shadow of Khan Tengri (meaning "Lord of the sky"), the northernmost peak in the world that exceeds 7000m. We also find the Inylchek Glacier there, which covers an area of 583 square kilometres with its icy expanse, some parts reaching a thickness of 540 meters. In the not-too-far distance, one can spot the highest peak of Kyrgyzstan, the Jengish Chokusu (meaning "Victory Peak"), towering at an elevation of 7439 m. It is no wonder that Lake Merzbacher has earned a place among the most unique destinations in Central Asia.
Typically, in the month of August, and occasionally in winter as well, the lake ruptures through the icy banks, causing its waters to flow into the Englichek River. Interestingly, the body of water is divided by an ice bridge, resulting in the lower half consistently emptying while the upper portion remains filled. This phenomenon first came to light in 1903 when German geographer and mountaineer Gottfried Merzbacher, on an expedition to reach the summit of Khan Tengri, stumbled upon this enigmatic lake that now bears his name. While Merzbacher and his team were in close proximity, the lake suddenly drained, leaving behind stranded icebergs on its dry bed. A similar occurrence was witnessed by another group of explorers 28 years later. They vividly described the spectacle of water gushing from ice crevices, accompanied by thunderous roars that startled their horses.
To reach the lake, one must embark on a strenuous multi-day trek through the inaccessible terrain of the Tian Shan Mountains. The journey entails navigating small glaciers, descending onto the Southern Enilchek Glacier, and crossing some hazardous sections affected by landslides. The hike is relatively easy, with regular water access. This gem in extreme isolation offers some of the most amazing landscapes in Kyrgyzstan.
Within the expansive Khan Tengri State Natural Park, which encompasses the Englichek trail leading to Lake Merzbacher, 19 snow leopards have been recorded through the use of camera traps. The estimated population is even higher. The park's carefully designed grid system, with cameras installed in each 5x5 km cell, has facilitated the identification and registration of 14 adult snow leopards and 5 cubs. Ongoing research activities aim to investigate the entire park area, monitoring and recording the existing snow leopard population. Favourable environmental conditions within the park provide an ideal habitat for animal reproduction, establishing a foundation for the growth of this endangered species.
Overnights?
Accommodation during the tour will vary between guesthouses, yurt camps, and tents. The detailed description for each day will specify the type of accommodation. If you prefer, you can bring your own tents and sleeping bags, but we are also able to provide them for you. We can also provide inflatable mats for an extra price. Please let us know in advance if you have any special accommodation needs.
Water?
While trekking, the importance of water cannot be overstated. We provide boiled water or tea/coffee during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but please note that the availability of boiled water is limited and may not be sufficient for refilling your bottles for the next day. Fortunately, we’ll find running streams in the mountains. They have a low risk of carrying pathogens and contain fewer particulate materials compared to stagnant water. Natural springs are the best option for refilling water as they act as natural filters. Locals and tourists drink water directly from the source without issues, but if you are uncertain, bring water purification tablets from your home country as they have limited availability in Kyrgyzstan.
Book and pay?
Contact us and let us know your preferred dates using the form below. We offer flexible scheduling options and can customize the itineraries to suit your needs and preferences. Additionally, we are delighted to create personalized tours based on your specific requests. Please note that certain tours require a minimum number of participants to proceed (check the description). Once all the details and arrangements have been finalized, we will provide you with an invoice. You can conveniently make the payment through a bank transfer in USD.
Prices differ based on
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group size
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season
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special needs
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custom elements