The road less traveled: a guide to Kyrgyzstan’s Inylchek Glacier

The Inylchek Glacier (otherwise known as Engil’chek) is one of the world’s largest non-polar glaciers that few get the pleasure of visiting. It is tucked away in the Central Tian Shan Mountains, framed by great peaks like the Khan Tengri and Pobeda Peak. This remote ice behemoth makes for an excellent adventure if you’re looking for a challenge involving helicopters, 4x4s, and long treks through breathtaking morainic valleys. This guide covers everything you need to know if you plan to add this memorable adventure to the Inylchek Glacier to your Kyrgyzstan vacation.

Understanding Inylchek

For those who dare, Inylchek offers a raw, unfiltered view of Kyrgyzstan’s wild heart. It carves through the Tien Shan mountains, flanked to the south by Pik Pobedy and to the north by Khan Tengri – “Blood Peak”, spilling into a meltwater lake every summer.

The breathtaking terrain shows off nature’s grandeur. It is ideal for anyone seeking unfiltered landscapes and abundant opportunities for trekking, climbing, and the occasional helicopter flight over the snowy slopes.

In summer, the glacier feeds into the scenic Inylchek River or Lake Merzbacher, which flows between the north and south glaciers. Adventure travelers often take multiple-day hikes through the high lakes of Tian Shan.

This natural phenomenon, while beautiful, can be quite hazardous because of its sudden outbursts, which just as quickly disappear. This is why it is also often called the “Disappearing Lake”.

Getting to the main glaciers

The nearest city to these glaciers is Karakol, the fourth largest city in eastern Kyrgyzstan. It sits near Lake Issyk Kul, near the Kyrgyzstan–China border, and will likely be your starting point for this adventure. Keep in mind, its remote location makes it challenging to reach.

Car

By car, the driving route from Karakol could take up to six hours, depending on the route. This transport route can be challenging, requiring frequent stops, and is filled with mud and rocky sections. Using a 4×4 or military truck is best to ensure your vehicle can handle the rugged terrain.

The easiest route is driving from Karakol to Altyn-Arashan — a stunning nature preserve popular for its hot springs. After about 18 miles (29 km), you’ll see the turnoff to Engilchek and eventually Engilchek village.

Hiking

It is a feat to hike from Karakol to Engilchek village. Consider trekking from Engilchek village to the Engilchek glacier instead. Depending on your pace, hiking the 6.2 miles (10 km) can take three to five hours. There are very few facilities in-between, so make sure you have sufficient water, food, and gear for the trek.

Helicopter

The easiest way to reach the glaciers is by helicopter. These only fly between July and August but still allow wonderful views of snow-capped peaks and slow-flowing glacier lakes. These flights take under an hour to complete from the Karkara base camp to the South Inylchek base camp. Costs depend on your chosen service provider and typically include a return flight to Karakara.

The best time to visit the Inylchek Glacier

The weather in the region can be very unpredictable, with varying conditions like rain, low temperatures, and snowfall.

The best time to book your custom-made vacation to Kyrgyzstan is between July and September. During this time, you’re more likely to have stable weather, which will allow you to use the helicopter services from the Karkara base camp.

Visiting in winter, between December and February, is more challenging but allows for more snow activities like skiing or mountaineering. The days are shorter during this time, meaning you’ll have to plan your days carefully in advance. Consider also extending your tour if you visit in winter.

Things to do near Inylchek at the Tien Shan Mountains

Custom-made trips to Kyrgyzstan are made even more fun when including visits to these fantastic locations near the Tien Shan Mountains:

• Lake Issyk Kul (“warm lake”), a warm thermal body of water. It is an excellent place to swim and go on boat tours throughout the year, as it doesn’t freeze over.
• The Altyn-Arashan hot springs, located in northeastern Kyrgyzstan. Many resorts in this area have private hot springs, and if you want to take a dip for free, you’ll have to hike a bit to look for them.
• Near Enilchek village, you’ll find a natural hot spring a stone’s throw from the Sary-Jaz River. Locals love to bathe here as it reaches temperatures just below 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius).
• Burana Tower, a large museum in northern Kyrgyzstan, home to petroglyphs, grinding stones, and gravestones. Exploring it is a wonderful way to learn more about local cultures and history.
• Tash Rabat Caravanserai, an inn along the ancient Silk Road. The 15th-century stone fortress sits along the Tien Shan foothills.
• Nearby lush pastures, perfect for horseback riding experiences. There are many places you can rent a horse from for a few hours, regardless of your skills.
• The Jyrgalan Valley, great for hikes and horseback rides across tranquil valleys with snow-capped peaks.
• The Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in western Kyrgyzstan. The lush reserve has unspoiled trails and a breathtaking lake, perfect for adventure travel, horse riding, and mountain biking.

A tale of two glaciers

The Inylchek Glacier is divided into two sections: the northern and southern glaciers. While both are sure to take your breath away, the south Engil’chek glaciers typically get the most attention simply because they are the largest of the two. Before booking any glacier lake hiking tours, keep the following tips in mind.

The location: China, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyzstan massif

The massif refers to the Tian Shan mountain range, which borders three countries: China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The mountain mass forms part of the Himalayan orogenic belt and stretches an overall length of about 1,553 miles (2,500km).

Tien Shan roughly translates to “Mountains of Heaven/God” or the “celestial mountains” in Mandarin. This is because of the very high peaks on this mountain range, the highest in this region being Pik Pobeda. (Its name varies depending on who you ask, and it is also referred to as Jengish Chokusu or Victory Peak.) It reaches a height of 24,406 ft (7,439m) above sea level, and is naturally one of the most challenging treks in the region.

Khan Tengri Peak is the highest in Kazakhstan and is also a very popular trek in these mountains. It is slightly shorter than Pik Pobeda and reaches a height of 22,949 ft (6,995m). Still, completing it isn’t easy, so consider taking tailor-made Kyrgyzstan tours with local guides to ensure expert advice and a successful journey.

The North Inylchek Glacier

The North Valley Glacier spans approximately 37 miles (61km) in overall length and sits at an elevation of 208 miles (335km). Its peaks play an important role in the local ecosystem by feeding into the Engilchek River, which in turn feeds the Tarim Basin in China.

The North Engilchek Glacier presents a remarkable chance to discover one of Kyrgyzstan’s most untouched natural marvels while taking in the majestic Tian Shan Mountains. The glacier provides breathtaking vistas of soaring summits and frozen scenery, making it an ideal location for trekking, mountaineering, and photography.

The closest base camp is the North Inylchek base camp near Karkara. It aligns with the north side of the Khan Tengri Peak and even features a helipad. This is because the best route to the glaciers is a helicopter flight.

This base camp offers accommodation in the form of tents and chalets. Some of these have indoor amenities, while others require you to use shared bathrooms. The base also offers various activities such as horse riding, skiing, barbecues, and sports grounds to keep you entertained in-between your daily treks.

The South Inylchek Glacier

The South Inylchek Glacier is a breathtaking natural wonder and is a key feature of the Issyk-Kul region. The icy blue mountain shimmers for 37.5 miles (60.5km) and is often considered the highlight of a trip to this glacier.

The south glacier is the most popular of the two arms, simply because it is more accessible. It is also the primary access route for avid climbers hoping to include the towering peaks of Khan Tengri and Pik Pobeda in their tour.

Thanks to the incredible ice thickness of about 1,246 ft (380m), you can walk the breathtaking terrain safely and freely. Lace up your boots and enjoy your time here, stopping every now and then to snap pictures of the towering mountains and jagged peaks.

The easiest way to get to the base camp is by helicopter from the Karkara base camp in Kazakhstan. This flight will take between 40 to 45 minutes and features a bird’s-eye view of the entire south side and Merzbacher Lake.

The South Inylchek base camp is only open from July to August, so you’ll have to plan your trip accordingly. The camp has everything you could need for a comfortable stay, from satellite phones and radio communications to showers and tents. The staff also consists of experienced climbers who can give you excellent guidance on your trip.

Local travel tips

Our local guides are with you all the way through your tailor-made vacations to Kyrgyzstan to give you some helpful tips. However, here are a few more to keep in mind before your arrival:

• Proper preparation is essential. The trek is quite strenuous for inexperienced hikers, with its high altitudes and steep, rugged terrains. You may experience altitude sickness if you are not acclimatized.
• Temperatures drop to around 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) even in summer, with nighttime dropping to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 Celsius). Layered clothes and thermal undergarments are essential to withstand the frigid weather.
• Pack sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, and crampons to make hiking the icy terrain easier. These essential waterproof tools will not only keep you dry but also assist with making the trek more manageable.
• You’ll need a border zone permit from the Kyrgyz authorities before visiting. This should take about 10 working days to obtain, so be sure to chat to your local expert about obtaining one well before your trip begins.
• You’ll need to rent a 4×4 vehicle or military truck, as the roads can be quite treacherous and rocky. Many tours will include these services in the expedition.
• The glacier is in a remote area, so emergency services are limited. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance and a local guide who is knowledgeable about medical procedures.

FAQs about the Inylchek Glacier

Below are a few frequently asked questions about custom-made trips to Kyrgyzstan and the Inylchek Glacier. Have a read through them, and if you still have more questions in mind, be sure to reach out to our locally-based travel agents for additional guidance.

Which glacier is the largest in Kyrgyzstan and famous all over the world?

The South Inylchek Glacier is the largest in Kyrgyzstan. It is also well known worldwide thanks to its length (38 miles/60.5km).

How many glaciers are there in Kyrgyzstan?

Across Kyrgyzstan, there are over 6,500 glaciers that collectively span about 5,000 square miles (8,048 sq km). These glaciers hold roughly 650 cubic kilometers of fresh water and are crucial to the region’s water supply and ecosystem.

Which is the fastest-moving glacier in Kyrgyzstan?

The fastest-moving glacier in Kyrgyzstan is the South Engilchek Glacier, which travels at speeds of 19.6 inches (0.5m) per day. For comparison, the fastest glacier in the world is the Jakobshavn Isbræ ice stream in Greenland, which moves at 150ft (46m) per day.

Is the Inylchek Glacier accessible year-round?

Yes, Kyrgyzstan’s Inylchek Glacier is accessible throughout the year. However, it is easier to visit during the summer, making this the most popular season. You should experience milder conditions than in winter, when you can expect heavy snow and ice.

Make it happen

Tourism is a funny old business. Some memories you make from a trip are so outstandingly valuable that the photos you have taken don’t do them justice. And you can’t find adequate words to describe what you saw. Kyrgyzstan’s Inylchek Glacier is one of these memories: it is truly a road-less-traveled journey that not many people have the privilege of experiencing.

Our local partners in Central Asia can organize treks to the glacier or helicopter rides (one-way or return) as part of longer, tailor-made adventure tours in Kyrgyzstan. Get in touch with them directly to find out more.