Merzbacher Trek
A lesser-known six-day hike
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Karakol
Karakol, on the eastern side of Lake Issyk-Kul, is a traveler’s favourite... -
At-Jailoo
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Engilchek Glacier
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Merzbacher Lake
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Karakol
Karakol, on the eastern side of Lake Issyk-Kul, is a traveler’s favourite...
- 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 recommended Kyrgyzstan trek. 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.
Key information
| Destinations | Merzbacher Lake |
|---|---|
| Activity | Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Responsible Travel, Slow Travel, Solo Travel |
| Physical Level | Moderate |
 Season |
June - August |
Merzbacher Trek itinerary
Karakol to Engilchek Valley
Day 1 in Karakol
From Karakol eastwards to the Engilchek valley over the Chon – Ashuu pass (3830 m). In total, the ascent and descent from the pass takes about 5-6 hours by car. Further on we will enter the Engilchek Valley along the Engilchek River, passing the abandoned Soviet mining town of Engilchek along the way. After passing the second checkpoint of the border area, we will head to the At-Jailoo River where we will pitch our tents. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Cross the At-Jailoo River
Day 2 in At-Jailoo
A long walk today. The trail starts by crossing the At- Jailoo River. Depending on the amount of water, we may have to use horses to cross. On the other side we continue up the valley along the Engilchek River , having lunch at a mountain waterfall. After another 2-3 hours of hiking we arrive at the foot of the stunningly beautiful icy peak Nansen (5697 m) where we will set up camp at Iva camp.
18km hiking
Engilchek Glacier
Day 3 in Engilchek Glacier
After breakfast we leave on a difficult path along the south side of the Engilchek Glacier. The beautiful route along a number of lakes of different colours. You will be surprised and delighted by the unspoilt nature of the area. Dinner and overnight stay in Glina camp.
(10km hiking).
Merzbacher Lake
Day 4 in Merzbacher Lake
This will be one of the easiest days of our trek. We take the small path from the Podvodniy glacier to the Merzbach plain (3600 m). Lunch upon arrival at camp. On this stretch of the trail, the open field and the lake are all that separate you from the seven thousand meter peaks of Khan- Tengri (7010 m.) and Victory (7439 m.). The crossing from the campsite to the lake is extreme dangerous because of the many cracks and crevices. For this reason we cannot reach the lake shore. Nevertheless, the day is one of the most interesting. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
(15km hiking).
Return
Day 5–6 in Karakol
After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Iva Camp along the same scenic path, with a stop for lunch en route. If the weather is sunny, there's an opportunity to swim in one of the small glacier lakes. We will have dinner and spend the night at the camp. The next day, we continue hiking back to At-Jailoo, covering 8 km, before taking a jeep back to Karakol, where we will stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Need to know
Offered as an organised/supported trekking tour from mid-June to the end of August, this hike requires good physical fitness and previous high-altitude hiking experience. Prepare with warm clothing, a sleeping bag, and waterproof gear.
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