Type of tour : trekking
Season : June – September
Terrain :Issyk-Kul region, Terskey Ala-Too mountain range
Highest point. : Pass between Ala-Kul Lake and Keldike valley 3860 m
Weather : All weather
Availability of cellular connection: No signal connection
Length : Total 140 km (hiking part 88 km)
INTRODUCTION
Discover the wild beauty of the Tien Shan on the Ak-Suu Gorge trekking tour!
This seven-day route will take you through picturesque valleys, high mountain passes and crystal clear lakes. You will plunge into the atmosphere of real adventure, test your strength in the mountains and get acquainted with the traditional culture of nomads.
Each day will bring new impressions: breathtaking panoramas, untouched nature and cozy evenings under the starry sky. And at the end of the journey you will have a rest in healing hot springs.
This tour is an ideal way to feel yourself a part of the majestic world of mountains and get away from the city bustle. Ready for a trip?
Highlights of the tour include:
- Crossing a high pass with the height of about 4000 m.
- Overnight stay in a traditional yurt
- Visit Ala-Kul Lake
- Enjoy scenic views
- Relax in the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan valley
- Enjoy the inexpressible view of mountain peaks
Requirements :
Equipment and accessories for the trekking part:
- Sleeping bag down to -5 C
- Good trekking boots with a high shank and good carving. Extra boots or a pair of sandals in case the main ones get wet in rain etc.
- Waterproof raincoat and pants
- Warm clothes and extra things to change into
- Hat and cap, sunglasses, sunscreen with high factor protection
- Backpack for 40-50 liters and a rain cover. It's also not a bad idea to cover the backpack with a good quality plastic bag.
- Headlamp
- Water bottle
- Quick-drying towel
- First aid kit if you have any medical conditions
It is recommended that you also carry:
- Walking sticks
- Toiletries
- Insect repellent (for lower altitudes)
- Water purification tables or water filter (more details in the notes)
- A few Diamox tablets against possible altitude sickness (if you don't have altitude adaptation)
- Pocket knife
ITINERARY
Distance: 7 km
Gain in altitude: +500 m
Travel time: 3-5 hours
In the morning meet at the hotel and go to the beginning of our trekking – to Jety-Oguz valley. On the way we will cross several villages where you can see the traditional life of local people. The last village on our route is Djety-Oguz, which means “Seven Bulls”. It is famous for its red sandstone rock formations, among which “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart” stand out.
Further the road will lead us to the picturesque mountain forests and then to the foot of the Teleti pass, from where the hiking part of the route will start. Today’s crossing will lead us to the alpine zone where we will make a tent camp at the height of 2800 m at the foot of the rocky Muz-Too massif.
Accommodation: tents.
Distance: 12 km
Gain in altitude: +700 m
Travel time: 5-6 hours
Today one of the key tests of the route awaits us – the ascent to the Teleta Pass (3800 m). The first sections of the ascent are quite steep, but the efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the pass.
After a short rest we start descending to the Teleta-East valley. Here, in a cozy place among the mountains, we will take a break and enjoy lunch. Then we continue our descent to Karakol valley, where our next camp – Alpkemp (2500 m) is located.
Accommodation: tents or yurts.
Distance: 9 km
Gain in altitude: +1200 m
Travel time: 6-8 hours
Today one of the most picturesque places of this route is waiting for us – high-mountainous Ala-Kul Lake (3533 m). Our way will start with a steep ascent, but as you gain altitude you will see breathtaking views.
Ala-Kul is a natural treasure hidden among the rocks and glaciers of the Terskey Ala-Too ridge. Its turquoise waters, fed by a glacier, create a fantastic contrast to the rugged mountains. From the Ala-Kul Pass (3800 m) you can enjoy panoramic views of the majestic peaks Jigit, Karakol and Tashtanbek Peak.
After enjoying the views we start descending to Keldike valley where we will camp.
Accommodation: tents.
Distance: 11 km
Altitude difference: -1100 m
Travel time: 3-4 hours
After breakfast we start descending to one of the most beautiful valleys of Tien-Shan – Altyn-Arashan. This picturesque place attracts travelers from all over the world due to its stunning landscapes and healing hot springs.
Altyn-Arashan is famous for its radon springs, where several pools with water of different temperatures are located. Some of them are located right under the open sky by the river, creating a unique atmosphere of privacy and relaxation. Here you can relax after busy days of hiking and enjoy the silence of the mountains.
Accommodation: guest house or yurt.
Dinner: traditional dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Distance: 13,5 km
Gain in altitude: +1280 m
Descent: -800 m
After a rest in Altyn-Arashan we continue our way through a picturesque valley covered with flower meadows and surrounded by dense coniferous forests.
On the way we will get a majestic view of Palatka Peak (5020 m) – its ice dome really resembles a tent. Further the trail passes through pastures where you can meet herds of horses, mountain goats and local shepherds.
In the afternoon we will start climbing to the Ortok Pass (3780 m), where we can see stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountain ranges. Then we will descend to Ak-Suu Almaluu river, where we will camp and spend the night.
Accommodation: tents.
Distance: 23,14 km
Gain in altitude: +1124 m
Descent: -1024 m
Today one of the most difficult but picturesque sections of the route is waiting for us. We start the day in the Almaluu valley surrounded by rocks and bushes and ascend to the Ailanysh pass.
After the pass we descend to the Djergez valley to the height of 2400 m, from where we start a new ascent – to the 3524 m high pass. Passing it, we will be at the picturesque lakes Boz-Uchuk. These small reservoirs, surrounded by rocks and hills, create an atmosphere of complete solitude among wild nature.
The day will be intense, with steep ascents and descents, so comfortable and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Accommodation: tents.
Distance: 16.1 km
Descent: -1300 m
The final day of trekking is a smooth descent from the highlands to Boz-Uchuk valley. After a few days in the mountains the road will seem easy and you will have time to enjoy the last views of the Tien Shan wildlife.
After descending to the valley, we will complete the hiking route, after which our team will take you back to Karakol. Here you will have a rest in a cozy guest house, where you can relax after a busy adventure.
Accommodation: guest house.
Included / Excluded
- English-speaking guide (intermediate level)
- Cook and porters (number of porters corresponds to the number of clients)
- Full board 7B, 8L, 7D
- Equipment:
- 1 tent for 2 people
- (single occupancy possible on request at extra cost),
- mats and table equipment
- Accommodation in a guest house or yurt in Altyn-Arashan
- Hot springs
- Transportation
- Entrance fee to Karakol National Park
- Fresh food delivery to Karakol National Park
- Sleeping bags (if you don't have one, you can rent one for $3 per day)
- Tips
- Insurance
Price
- - 1 person - 2940 USD
- - 2 persons - 3920 USD (total)
- - 3 persons - 4650 USD (total)
- - 4 persons - 5765 USD (total)
- - 5 persons – 6650 USD (total)
- - 6 persons - 7490 USD (total)