Day 1 - Djety Gorge to Telety Camp

We met the porter team this morning who will support us through the 6 day Tien Shan Trek by carrying our main luggage to the next camp where we will be reunited with it each evening. We also met our second guide, Akul, who will stay at the back of the pack. Our 6 hour, 13.5 km trek, started directly from the camp, winding along the riverbank of a narrow wooded gorge which led us up to an alpine meadow where we walked on a carpet of wild flowers and were at one with the stunning nature around us. We continued trekking until we reached our tent camp at the foot of the Telety Pass. As we approached the camp we got lots of practice with river crossings, some stone and others by make shift wooden bridges. After we had a warm drink, snack and good 30 minute rest we walked a further 45 minutes, 5km round trip to a nearby waterfall. The tents were adequate but there was only a small dining tent that was shared with others campers, which restricted when we had access to it and the outhouse left a whole lot to be desired. I will need all my strength to get through the next 5 days if I want to receive my hardcore campers badge!Read more