The Tien-Shan, literally “The Heaven Mountains”, occupies nearly all territory of Kyrgyzstan, a former USSR republic. The range extends almost 1000 km west to east and 500 km south to north; the highest summit is Victory Peak (7439 m, 24405 ft) at the Chinese border. More ranges, with more seven-thousanders are located further east in China, but we currently have no information about Chinese part of the Tien-Shan. Northern and western outskirts extend to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The area is irregularly populated; most towns are located along major roads and rivers. There are large, nearly uninhabited areas, mostly in the eastern and southern parts of Kyrgyz Tien-Shan.
The locals (Kyrgyz) are of Mongolian type, doing mainly stock-breeding and little agriculture. They speak a dialect of Turkic but Russian is generally no problem here too (nowadays children in remote villages may not know Russian though). The Islam influence is quite noticeable in the areas adjacent to the Fergana Valley and in Uzbekistan, although the rules are rather relaxed (more like Turkey than Pakistan or Saudi Arabia).
In the ancient times Tien-Shan was an essential part of the Silk Road, a major trading route between China and Europe. Numerous caravans came over the passes from China to the fertile Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan.
The ranges south of Fergana Valley are called Alai (or Pamirs-Alai) and do not geographically belong to Tien-Shan, although the landscapes and the people are all the same.
Type of Paddling
Typically short and medium (rarely self-supported) multi-day runs of any level of difficulty. Most rivers are quite short and require no more than 2-3 days on the water, so it's a good idea to have a car to shuttle between rivers. The car would be also a restock center, because local food supply is limited. Keep in mind that some rivers do not have road alongside and emergency escape may be difficult.
Season & Climate
Late April to late May and late August to October (late October is still possible but may be quite cold). Summer time is high water level because all the rivers have significant glacier drainage, although many sections should be runnable through the summer. The climate is quite dry, especially in the fall, and of continental type – cold nights and hot days. The Tien-Shan is mosquitoes-free area. The rivers typically flow at an altitude between 1000 and 2500 m, rarely up to 3000 m above sea level. Effects of the altitude sickness may appear near and above 3000 m.
Getting There & Away
The major gateway city is Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, with regular flights to Moscow and few cities in Europe and Asia. For the northern (Kazakh) Tien-Shan, another gateway is Almaty, former capital of Kazakhstan, with similar air connections. Yet another option is Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan and biggest air hub of Central Asia (thanks to aggressive politics of Uzbekistan Airways), but it is rather far from most of the Tien-Shan.
For local access, a major road comes from Bishkek via Toktogul to ancient town of Osh in Fergana valley and further south to the Pamirs in Tajikistan. Another important road comes from Bishkek along the western corner of Issyk-Kul Lake to the town of Naryn and further south to China. This route has numerous local forks allowing access to most rivers of the Central and so-called Inner Tien-Shan – arid mountainous country along the Chinese border. For Eastern Tien-Shan, there is a road around Issyk-Kul Lake to the town of Karakol. Most side roads are rough and require a 4x4 vehicle.
There are currently very few local flights in Kyrgyzstan – you can only fly from Bishkek to Osh and possibly to Naryn.
Bear in mind that Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are now independent countries and each entry into them requires a valid visa for foreigners. Uzbekistan is known as having the most restrictive border rules for neighbors and no Kyrgyz or Tajik vehicles may normally enter its territory (and vice versa) therefore you have to change the car at the border. Thus, because almost all the Tien-Shan is located in Kyrgyzstan you probably will want to just come and stay within this country.
The area along the Chinese border (south to Osh, Naryn and Karakol) is a borderland restricted zone and you should get an appropriate permit with Kyrgyz authorities in advance.