Elmira is founder of Ecotour Kyrgyzstan, which was founded in 1998 and is one of the best established trekking and adventure travel specialists in Kyrgyzstan.
- Distance: Approx. 80km
- Duration: Six days
- Start/end point: Enilchek Valley
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
This is a really special hike, and probably my top recommendation in all of Kyrgyzstan. It's quiet and remote (you're unlikely to see any other trekkers the entire time), and it culminates at one of the most quirky geological locations in the whole country – the so-called "disappearing" Merzbacher Lake, on the border with China and Kazakhstan.
This is a seasonal glacial lake that fills with meltwater from the Inylchek Glacier each spring and drains in spectacular fashion in late summer. This phenomenon is a rare – and incredibly dramatic and noisy – only witnessed by a lucky few. You'd be exceptionally lucky to time your arrival to witness the lake draining, and the lake itself is not hugely impressive, but the surrounding landscapes make it all worthwhile.
You'll be hiking four to six hours each day, often along rugged and challenging paths. You'll spend the night in tents, or maybe in semi-permanent yurt camps if you're booking an organised trip.
At a glance
Destinations
Kyrgyzstan
Activity
Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Culture, Responsible Travel, Slow Travel, Solo TravelPhysical Level
Moderate
Season
June - September
Duration
7 days
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Trek to Merzbacher
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