🌍 Trip Overview

This 9-day trek follows the full Ak-Suu Transverse, one of the most iconic long-distance trekking routes in Kyrgyzstan. Crossing remote valleys, high mountain passes, alpine lakes, and glacier basins, this route showcases the most dramatic landscapes of the Terskey Ala-Too Range. Travelers experience authentic nomadic culture through yurt stays, wild camping, natural hot springs, and high-altitude pastures.

Starting in Karakol and finishing in Djeti-Oguz / Karakol, the trek connects the wild Jyrgalan region, the panoramic Ala-Kul Pass, Altyn Arashan hot springs, and the alpine basins surrounding the Ak-Suu Wall.
This is a demanding but incredibly rewarding expedition for experienced trekkers seeking a full traverse of the Tien Shan.

📍 Route: Karakol → Jyrgalan → Terim-Tor → Boz-Uchuk → Jergez → Almaluu → Altyn Arashan → Ala-Kul → Karakol Gorge → Telety Pass → Djeti-Oguz → Karakol
📅 Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
🏕 Accommodation: Yurts, tents
🍽 Meals: All meals included (B/L/D)
🎒 Difficulty: Challenging — suitable for experienced hikers

🏔 Main Highlights

Mountain Passes

• Bulak-Ashuu Pass — 3,450 m
• Boz-Uchuk Pass — 3,363 m
• Ailanysh Pass — 3,676 m
• Ortok Pass — 3,650 m
• Ala-Kul North Pass — 3,906 m
• Telety Pass — 3,792 m

Each pass opens up new dramatic views of alpine walls, glaciated peaks, and deep valleys, making this route one of the most panoramic in the Tien Shan.

💧 Key Lakes

• Boz-Uchuk Lakes (3,215 m) — Stunning chain of turquoise alpine lakes
• Ailanysh Lakes — Secluded crystal-clear high-altitude tarns
• Ala-Kul Lake (3,550 m) — One of Central Asia’s most famous glacial lakes, surrounded by 5,000+ m peaks
• Small alpine lakes scattered around the upper Jergez and Ailanysh valleys

🌄 Route Highlights

• Traverse the complete Ak-Suu Transverse, from Jyrgalan to Djeti-Oguz
• Trek through remote high-mountain zones rarely visited by tourists
• Overnight in traditional yurt camps and wild high-altitude tent camps
• Explore the panoramic ridge above Boz-Uchuk Lakes
• Enjoy breathtaking views of Djigit Peak, Karakol Peak, and Oguz-Bashi
• Cross one of the region’s most dramatic passes — Ala-Kul Pass (3906 m)
• Relax in the natural hot springs of Altyn -Arashan
• Trek across Telety Valley with one of the best panoramas of the Terskey Ala-Too

Requirements

• Basic physical readiness recommended for high-altitude trekking

• Proper hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof clothing

• Ability to walk 5–8 hours per day on varied mountain terrain

• Travel insurance covering trekking activities

Transfer from Karakol to Jyrgalan (approx. 1 hr / 60 km). Start your 8-day mountain trekking adventure. The trail leads through high-altitude pastures and scenic ridgelines.
Overnight: Yurt camp at 3200 m
Trekking distance: 14 km
Meals: L, D

Breakfast. Today we cross two mountain passes: Bulak-Ashuu Pass (3450 m) and Boz-Uchuk Pass (3363 m). Enjoy lunch on the way. Our camp is located beside the stunning Boz Uchuk Lakes. If time allows, enjoy a sunset viewpoint overlooking Issyk-Kul basin.
Overnight: Yurt camp at 3215 m
Trekking distance: 16 km
Meals: B, L, D

Early breakfast. The route begins with a short ascent over the ridge and a descent into the valley. The trail continues uphill to a panoramic pass at 3524 m with a stunning view of Tashtanbek Tor Bashi peak. After reaching the campsite, we hike to a nearby waterfall.
Overnight: Yurt camp at 3170 m
Trekking distance: 7 km + 5 km waterfall hike
Meals: B, L, D

From camp, the trail climbs toward the first Ailanysh Lake (3445 m) and continues past the second lake to Ailanysh Pass (3676 m). The descent reveals breathtaking views of a 3855 m peak and the icy faces of the Ak-Suu Wall.
Overnight: Yurt camp at 2750 m
Trekking distance: 13 km
Meals: B, L, D

A shorter but challenging day starts with an 800+ m ascent to Ortok Pass (3650 m). Descend to the Ak-Suu Arashan Valley. After lunch, take a relaxing walk to the wild natural hot springs and enjoy a swim.
Overnight: Guesthouse / Yurt at 2500 m
Trekking distance: 14 km
Meals: B, L, D

Breakfast. Today we cross the famous Ala-Kul Pass. After crossing the bridge, we ascend steadily for about 8 km from 2570 m to 3906 m. The final section is steep scree, but the panoramic view of 5000+ m peaks and the turquoise Ala-Kul Lake is unforgettable. Camp beside the lake.
Overnight: Tent at 3550 m
Trekking distance: 15 km
Meals: B, L, D

Continue west along the lake and follow the trail over a small viewpoint ridge before beginning a steady descent into the valley. Today is mostly an easy downhill walk. We follow the path along the river until reaching our campsite at 3,200 m. A relaxed day with plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Overnight: Yurt camp

Trekking distance: 11 km

Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast, head further up Karakol Valley to the turnoff into Telety Valley. Ascend gradually to Telety Pass (3792 m) and descend into the river valley on the opposite side. Camp near the river at 3100 m.
Overnight: Tent
Trekking distance: 15 km
Meals: B, L, D

Hike down into the famous Djeti-Oguz Valley. Enjoy a panoramic view of the iconic Broken Heart Rock and have lunch right in this scenic area. After the break, continue to Kok-Jaik pasture, where a vehicle will pick you up for the transfer back to Karakol.

Overnight: Not included

Trekking distance: 13 km

Meals: B, L