Uzbekistan — North & Central Asia, China & Tibet intro — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

Lake Issy Kul KARKARA Base camp Terracotta Warriors, Xian Architecture of Uzbekistan/Simon Bostic KYRGYZSTAN INYLCHEK GLACIER km 0 100 4000m campsite Glacier walks 7-day trek to Sary Dhas valley Kan Tengri 7010m Pobeda 7439m T I E N S H A N CHINA Herbs, spices and medicines came from the Orient, including rhubarb used by the Chinese as a cure against fevers and malaria, as well as various teas and infusions. Ultimately, perhaps even more important was the exchange of knowledge and ideas along the same route. There was a great cross-fertilisation of styles and techniques in art, music and dance. Philosophies and religions were also exchanged; Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, Nestorian Christianity and, most importantly for the region, Buddhism and Islam. ALMATY City tour Charyn Gorge Walk Ochre landscape Kokjar Gorge Ch ar yn NORTH & CENTRAL ASIA, CHINA & TIBET KAZAKHSTAN * KYRGYZSTAN South Inylchek Glacier Heart of the Celestial Mountains TREKKING GRADE C Ref KA JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 16 DAYS HOTELS/CAMPING MAJOR TREK IN THE TIEN SHAN MOUNTAINS The Silk Road:Trading & cultural exchange Trade in silk between China and the West required the crossing of some of the world's most inhospitable terrain, travelling through parched deserts, high mountains and empty lands where fearsome tribes roamed. For millennia merchants travelled this road, laden with cargoes of silk, gemstones, spices and all things exotic from the Orient, bringing back glass, horses and plants from the Occident. Merchants formed long camel trains for greater security; alone they could easily fall prey to bandit attack, or become lost whilst crossing the desert. The most valuable commodity traded for many centuries was silk. Although mention was made of 'Seres' the Kingdom of Silk by the Greeks and the Romans as long ago as the fourth century BC, it was not until the first century BC that the Romans began to spend enormous quantities of money on exotic and luxurious silk fabrics. For the next few hundred years much of the fortune of the Roman Empire was spent on silk, and by the fourth century AD the Byzantine Empire was spending up to two thirds of its annual treasury on luxury items. The softness of the woven fabric dyed in vivid rainbow colours was highly sought after by the elite, but the method of fabrication was a closely guarded secret, known only to the Chinese until the 6th century. Many other products found their way along the trade routes. The grape came from the west as did fruit trees such as dates, peaches, and pears from Persia. Perfumes from narcissus flowers and frankincense and myrrh astonished Chinese courts. Other items traded were vegetables: onions, cucumbers, spinach and also different types of nuts. From China came beautiful flowers like roses, camelias and chrysanthemums. Our ultimate aim is to stand before the massive, marble peak of Kan Tengri one of the most northerly peaks over 7000 metres on our planet. To achieve this, we undertake a fantastic trek which involves hiking through majestic alpine scenery, possible encounters with nomad people in wild Kazakhstan valleys, and a helicopter flight to Inylchek Glacier to walk in the shadow of Tien Shan's highest peaks. From Almaty to Karkara Leaving Almaty, balanced between the endless plains to the north and snow-capped mountains to the south, we drive to the ochre red landscape of the deep Charyn gorge. After a short walk in the gorge, we'll drive to the Karkara base camp where we begin our trek. Land of Gorges & Nomads Heading up a long gorge on horseback or on foot, we follow the Kokjar river which we have to navigate in places. Once over a high pass, we come to a wild, beautiful area where we may see the yurts of nomads pitched on the plateau. Then, descending through forests and along the Tyouk Kokpak Canyon, we enjoy stunning views of untamed snowy peaks as we trek towards Akkol Lake. Kan Tengri & Pobeda Peaks Finally, we make an exhilarating helicopter ride up to our base camp on South Inylchek Glacier (4000m) one of the longest glaciers in the world. From this incredible setting we trek beneath the imposing snow-covered wall of Pobeda Peak (7439m) and to the very foot of Kan Tengri summit (7010m). FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Almaty. 2 Arrive Almaty; city tour. 3 Drive via Charyn Canyon to Karkara base camp. 4 Trek up Karkara river valley (3hrs); 6WD to Kokjar river gorge (3hrs). 5 Morning trek to Kurbegenty Pass (3580m) to high plateau and descend Tyouk Kokpak Canyon to river camp (7hrs, 2900m). 6 Continue descent to Ulken Kokpak gorge (7hrs). 7 Over 3120m pass to Karakol Lake (6hrs, 3000m). 8 Trek to Lake Akkol (5.5hrs, 3100m). 9 Over 3800m pass to Ashutor river (7-8hrs). 10 Over Ashutor pass (3900m), descend into Sary Dhas Valley (5-6hrs, 3400m). 11 Helicopter to camp on South Inylchek Glacier (4000m). 12 & 13 Walks on glacier towards Kan Tengri and Pobeda Peaks. 14 Helicopter back to Karkara base camp. 15 Drive Almaty. 16 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 2nts hotel, 5nts fixed camp, 7nts wild camp; 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches & 12 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/6WD/Trekking/Helicopter. Comment: A major trek to one of the most beautiful and remote mountain ranges anywhere. The terrain varies tremendously and there are some steep sections at high altitude. The glacier walks are nontechnical and crampons are not required. Acclimatisation is gradual, however, this tour is recommended only for experienced mountain walkers. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s); mountain guide; pack horses on trek, plus camp staff and cook. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. Heart of the Celestial Mountains Ref KA K AZAKHSTAN Charyn Gorge/Bethan Lawson-Brown Trek length and gradients 4400m 4000m 3600m 3200m 2800m 2400m 2000m Day 4 5km Kokjar Gorge Tyouk Kokpak Valley camp Ulken-Kokpak Valley camp Karakol Lake camp Akkol Lake camp Ashutor Gorge camp Sary Dhas Valley South Inylchek South Inylchek Rest Day Optional walk Day 5 16km Day 6 9km Day 7 10.5km Day 8 8.5km Day 9 14.5km Day 10 7km Day 11 7km Day 12 7km Day 13 7km 166 Request a tour dossier for comprehensive tour information

North & Central Asia, China & Tibet intro contd… Uzbekistan