NORTHERN
TIEN SHAN
Almaty to Issyk Kul lake trekking
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| Warning!
The ascent to the Touristov pass is steep! ;-) Someone has a good sense
of humor and was in good shape as well to bring the road sign close to Tourist
pass col ;-) B |
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| The
both sides of the pass are snow-covered and easy to climb, also the final
part of ascent is steep. No rope is need, only ice axe or ski axes for self-belay.
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| The
view from the Touristov pass col (3930 m) down to the Touristov glacier
and Left Talgar gorge. To the right the main Zailiyskiy Alatau range is
clearly seen. B |
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| The
ultimate thing for those who have climbed the pass for the 1st time, is
to take a picture crying "Hurrah!" or "Wow!" or "We
did it!" for your choice ;-) B |
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| The
descent from the pass is of the same kind (use 3-point technique!), also
the glacier on the western side is very small. Leave it on the left side
while descending.
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| After
descending to the junction with Bolshaya Almaatinka gorge, you proceed the
ascend to the Ozerniy glacier on the road. AB |
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| The
road leads directly to the Ozerniy pass (3507 m, N/C CD). The "pass"
in reality is wide desert-like flat place with the remains of some equipment
around. The descent is gentle- to a bit steep trail, which goes in final
part to the left (don't go to the bottom of the gorge!). Finally, you will
reach the flat wide gorge of Chong Kemin with a canyon in the middle part.
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After crossing few side springs (so-called "says"), you reach
the big moraine swell which is hiding the beautiful high-mountain lake -
Zhasik Kul ("Blue Lake") at 2995 m.
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| The
place near the lake is created by the God to stay here for at least one
night! The scenery around is magnificent, you can use the lake as the mirror
with the reflection of Chilik-Kemin junction on the background for your
pictures! AB |
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| While
leaving this beautiful place, don't forget to take a look at the source
of Chong Kemin river on the bottom of moraine swell. AB |
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