Traverse of Turkestan range ― South-West Kyrgyzstan (2011)

Leg 2: From Sary-Kyngoy valley to Aksu valley (July 13-17)

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The car that we found below Sarkant pass took us to the upper Sary-Kyngoy valley, below Abdivishar pass (marked 1.10.7 on the map below). This was an interesting ride, as the car′s engine was constantly heating up and we had to add water every few minutes.

We first hiked up toward Abdivishar pass (3810m), but again we had problems crossing it: the pass is very steep and made of rotten rock; the only way to cross it would have been to ascend a very long, fastidious scree on its side. Instead, we decided to return to the Sary-Kingoy river. We hiked down along this river and crossed Bel-Kuduk pass (1.10.10, 2650m) followed by another pass (not labeled on the map). From there, a long and sometimes strenuous descent (without trail most of the way) took us to Laylar-Mazar river. We hiked this river upward (westward), then Uram river. We crossed Uram pass (1.1.59, 3760m) to reach Aksu valley, below Aksu peak.

(Black vertical lines in the map are distant by 9.5 km.)

The canyon above Sary-Kyngoy valley, below Abdivishar pass.

Maksim with a local shepherd, looking at the map below Abdivishar pass.

Abdivishar pass (3810m).

Kosh along Sary-Kyngoy river.

Entry of a cemetery.

Canyon of Sary-Kyngoy river turning 90dg toward the north, seen during the ascent of Bel-Kuduk pass.

Lower valley of Layly-Mazar river, as seen during the strenuous descent from the un-named pass after Bel-Kuduk pass.

Along Layly-Mazar river.

Sign posted along Layly-Mazar river.

In the canyon of Uram river.

The canyon of Uram river seen from above.

Maksim helping Slava to cross a slippery bridge over Uram river.

Views of the upper Uram valley.

Another view of Uram canyon while ascending Uram pass.

A twisted tree along the way.

View toward the wesr while ascending Uram pass.

Westward view from Uram pass.

Eastward view from Uram pass.

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