Keskenkija Loop

About the Keskenkija Loop trek

Be clear about the format before you book, because the name misleads. Keskenkija is sold as a trekking tour, not a horse trek: the destination organisation lists it under trekking only, and horses appear as porters, carrying up to 60 kg per two people. You walk. The one time you sit on a horse is the Tüp river crossing on day two, where there is no bridge and riders are ferried over — and that crossing is the genuine hazard of the route, with strong rapids, slippery submerged rocks and icy water. We have included it because it is one of the named routes people ask for and because the horse support is integral, but if you want days in the saddle this is not it. As a walk it is excellent: a four-day loop out of Jyrgalan village over three passes between 3,310 and 3,380 m, through shepherds' roads, forest, high jailoo and alpine plateau, camping all three nights. Published distances vary between 44 and 64 km depending on the variant; even the trailhead sheet concedes the sources disagree. Practical notes: cattle make the water unsafe to drink, so carry purification; the route is marked with red paint arrows but some sections are sparse, so download offline maps; nights at the 3,200 m camp drop below freezing; and horseflies are a real nuisance in late August, so wear proper trousers rather than leggings.