Trekking in the Chinese Tian Shan

The Chinese Tian Shan mountains run west from the Turpan Depression, the second lowest place on Earth, to shared borders with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. There are no guidebooks.There is no trekking infrastructure. The only maps are US and Russian military maps decades out of date. Westerners aren't even supposed to be there without expensive guides and permits. The area holds world class trekking terrain, perfectly accessible for independent travellers, but nobody's here - yet.

The author lived in Xinjiang's Provincial Capital, Urumqi, between 2005 and 2012. Heading into the mountains whenever he could, he built up a knowledge of the area not found in any guidebooks. So he wrote this one. Whether you're coming to Xinjiang specifically to go trekking, or simply want to head for the hills on the spur of the moment, this booklet will help you plan your trip. Includes notes on 1) equipment: what you need to bring, what you can buy locally and where you can buy it; 2) transport links; 3) resupply options en route; 4) an overview of the areas of interest; 5) links to online content (Google Earth kmz files, hi-res pictures), and 5) glossaries of Chinese place names and useful vocabulary.

UPDATED VERSION: now with chapter links, reference map and revised text.

Tian Shan photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21991139@N07/sets/72157634752705875/