Only the Brave Travelers Will Conquer Takyrtor
In the Issyk-Kul region, there are many gorges, in the middle of which flow numerous mountain rivers. Traditionally, the rivers and gorges are named the same. This also applies to the Takyrtor Gorge. The Takyrtor River merges near the bridge with a second river and becomes the large Arashan River. Earlier, a tributary of the Ekichat River flows into it. Along the right side of this river, there is an opportunity to ascend to the very interesting Kamennisty Pass. Specifically here, at the Ekichat River, travelers face a difficult dilemma. Before them lie two gorges. If you really want to go to Kamennisty, you need to take the southern route, where you will have to overcome rocks. This gorge is covered with dense spruce forests. Besides large spruces, other coniferous trees can also be found here. The flora fills the space up to altitudes of 3000 meters. After that, it gradually disappears, leaving only bushes along the Takyrtor River.
Then meadows stretch out, resembling alpine ones. They are fed by the melting waters of glaciers, so the grasses here are tall and lush. The vegetation is bright and diverse. Geraniums, phlomis, forget-me-nots, and many other flowers present themselves as a colorful, memorable spot. This vibrant trail is especially amazing because cold glaciers will soon begin. However, here, between the two rivers, it is allowed to set up a camp at an altitude of three thousand meters. After that, you can move along a narrow path under the Aksu Wall and reach two glaciers, where you will see the most magnificent frozen waterfalls. At the very bottom, they become a single frozen mass. Crossing the glacier will take you just over an hour, jumping over countless crevasses, and then moving aside and climbing up two hundred meters. From this point, the peaks of the Aksu Wall, Aksu, and MGMI appear to be so close and accessible. They pierce the heavenly expanse like peaks, crowning themselves with magnificent snowy tops. However, be aware that surprises await you on the road. Thus, from the peaks of Kultor, you can make your way over the 50th Anniversary of October Pass, reach the Karakol Pass via the Alakol Pass. From here, you can exit to the Karakol Gorge from the Altyn Arashan valley. Everything intertwines, merging into one big lump of gorges, rivers, and glaciers. And all this will inevitably lead you to the glaciers and peaks. The roads in the Takyrtor Gorge are varied, with different approaches and various trails. However, one thing remains constant – perhaps the new experiences that reveal themselves to travelers every time they enter this beautiful world of the Takyrtor Gorge. For it is not only the beauty surrounding you that draws you here. For many, an expedition to Takyrtor is perhaps a test of themselves and their abilities, as this gorge is by no means trivial; rather, the opposite. That is why only the strongest and most determined climbers come here. Even if they arrive for the first time, after this trek through Takyrtor, they can literally call themselves experienced travelers. For Takyrtor is reserved "only for the brave."
Descending from the passes is, of course, easier than ascending. But that is the only difference. The beauty of the descent is in no way inferior to that of the ascent. Moreover, nothing prevents you from enjoying this beauty anymore. After all, you will not need to exert so much effort. It goes without saying that in some places, the rivers swell as if they are blocking the path. You will need to ford these sections. However, even this will not spoil the enjoyment of the place or the feeling of overcoming obstacles that always arises during the return journey. And perhaps another interesting route through the Terkey Mountains leads to the icy gates of the Aksu Wall. Only the most fearless and brave travelers, who are not afraid of the challenges of high crossings and cold heights, will be able to conquer these crowns.
Gorges