Ak-Suu Traverse to Ala-Kul Lake 9 days trek

OVERVIEW

This 9-day classic Ak-Suu Traverse begins with a scenic transfer from Karakol to the remote Jyrgalan Valley, leading through alpine pastures and high valleys toward Terim-Tor. Early stages include crossing multiple high mountain passes and reaching the serene Boz-Uchuk Lakes, surrounded by dramatic ridgelines and open landscapes.

The trek continues through the scenic Jergez and Almaluu gorges before arriving at the famous Altyn Arashan, where natural hot springs offer a well-earned rest. From here, a challenging ascent leads to the iconic Ala-Kul Lake and its high pass (over 3,900m), revealing breathtaking views of glaciers and surrounding peaks.

The final section follows a less-traveled route over Panorama and Telety passes into the upper Karakol Gorge, before descending through lush valleys and the striking red rock formations of Jeti-Oguz Gorge. This diverse loop combines remote valleys, high-altitude passes, glacial lakes, and authentic yurt stays, completing one of the most comprehensive trekking experiences in Kyrgyzstan.

TRIP ESSENTIALS

Tour Type: trekking

Total Duration: 9 days, 8 nights

Best Season:  June  – end of September

Level of Difficulty: difficult for trekking

Maximum Altitude on the Trip:  3 900 meters ASL

Start and End Point: Karakol

Transport: jeep/minivan/minibus depending on the size of the group

Best group size:  4-10 persons

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Karakol is a unique historical city located at the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul, serving as the ultimate gateway to the highest peaks of the Tien Shan mountains. The city is famous for its eclectic architecture, featuring the wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral and a Dungan Mosque built entirely without nails. For travelers, Karakol is not just a base for trekking, but also the culinary capital of Kyrgyzstan, where trying the legendary Ashlan-Fu (a spicy cold noodle soup) is a mandatory part of the cultural experience.

 Lake Ala-Kul is a true jewel of the Terskey Ala-Too range. This high-altitude glacial lake is perched at an elevation of 3,500 meters, surrounded by jagged, snow-capped ridges. Its name translates to “The Colorful Lake,” as the water constantly shifts between shades of turquoise, emerald, and deep violet depending on the sunlight. The ascent to the lake is widely considered one of the most stunning and visually rewarding hiking trails in Central Asia.

Day 1: Karakol – Jyrgalan – Terim Tor

Transfer from Karakol to Jyrgalan ~1 hour (60km). Starting our 8 days trekking.  Overnight in the yurt camp. Overnight in Yurt camp at 3200m.

Day 2: Terim-Tor – Boz Uchuk lakes

Breakfast. Today we have two passes. First one is Bulak-Ashuu 3450m. After climb from the valley floor to the 3363m Boz-Uchuk pass. Stop along the way for lunch. Our camp will be located next to the Bozuchuk lakes which is also in the same altitude with a pass. If we’ve arrived early enough to still have some daylight, the northern tip of the stubby ridge that marks the western boundary of the valley below offers fine sunset views facing back towards the Issyk-Kol basin, though many find it hard to tear themselves away from the Boz-Uchuk Lakes. Overnight in the yurt camp.

Day 3: Boz Uchuk lakes – Jergez gorge

Early breakfast because of the long day. This day’s route starts by crossing the small ridge immediately West of camp and descending to the main valley floor below. We will follow the trail uphill as it parallels the river for around 2km before crossing and heading more steeply uphill to the obvious pass in the distance at 3524m. From the top, the Jergez valley spreads out below and an excellent view of Tashtanbek Tor Bashi peak dominates the southern horizon. Descend down to the camp and lunch. After lunch we hike to the waterfall and back. Overnight and dinner in yurts.

Day 4: Jergez gorge – Almaluu gorge

From the camp, the trail continues on towards the first Ailanysh Lake (at 3 445 m), already visible to the SW across the valley, via the Jergez river and up the first stretch of the Ailanysh valley. The climb steepens past the second lake, up to the Ailanysh Pass at 3 676 m. About 5 km into this final descent of the day, as the trail curves to just above the main branch of the Ak-Suu river, we can see unbelievable views down towards an unnamed 3 855 m peak and the blinding snowy whiteness of the Ak-Suu Wall’s glaciated slopes. Overnight in yurts.

Day 5: Almaluu – Altyn Arashan  gorge

Today’s a relatively easy day, distance-wise, but it begins with an 800m+ climb Ortok pass (3650 m). The trail continues along the East side of the river to the main Ak-Suu Arashan valley. After lunch small walking to the wild hot springs and taking a dip in the hot springs that have made the valley locally famous since before the Soviet era. Rest up tonight, because tomorrow is a long but rewarding uphill day. Overnight guesthouse.

Day 6: Altyn Arashan – Ala Kul lake

Breakfast. Today we go to cross another pass which called Ala-Kul pass. From Altyn Arashan, cross the large bridge over to the West side of the Ak-Suu River and continue South for just over 2km to the first large valley that rises off to the Southwest. From the turn out of the Arashan valley it’s around an 8km uphill that rises from 2570m at the valley floor to 3906m at the Ala-Kul North pass, with the last 200m of elevation feeling nearly-vertical as it rises through loose scree over which two obvious paths have been stomped out by the multitude of hikers that hike up Issyk-Kol’s most popular trekking route. The views from the top of the pass are something sublime, though, taking in an incredible panorama of 5000m+ peaks and the breadth of Ala-Kul lake. In this day we will camp next to the Ala-Kul lake. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 7: Ala Kul lake – Karakol gorge

From the camp, we will continue to the west. Most tourists will continue downhill here to the Karakol Valley via the Sirota hut, but loop instead of around the curve of the lake along a small path which is visible from afar that climbs from the lake along a rockfall to the 3 781 m Panorama Pass.  From East to West across the horizon the most obvious summits are Djigit Peak (5 178 m), Karakol Peak (5 216 m), and Öguz-Bashi Peak (5 126 m).  Expect around two hours for the full 4km of hiking, more if you’re generally slow on downhills. Your knees will probably need a break by the time you’ve reached the valley, so break for lunch here and rebuild your strength for the next climb. Our camp will be located at 3 200 m.

Day 8: Karakol gorge – Teleti camp

After breakfast head up the valley around 3km to where a path branches up the Telety Valley.  The valley is spoiled for choice of campsites, but for views it’s hard to beat a long flat area about halfway up the valley where the river broadens briefly, with great panoramas of Telety to the Southwest and back towards Ala-Kol’s passes to the Northeast. we will pack up camp and head up the valley on the week-long trek’s last uphill section – to the 3792m Telety Pass it’s less than two easy hours (though the way does get a little steeper on that last bit), continuing down another hour and a half to the river valley on the far side (around 7km from camp to pass to river). We walk down to the valley and camp not far from the river. Overnight in the tent.

Day 9: Teleti camp -Karakol town

Walking down to Djeti-Oguz valley. We will have lunch in yurts and make small hiking to the waterfall named Girl’s braids. Transport will take us from Kok-Jaik pasture to Karakol town.

PLANNED DEPARTURE DATES 2026:

 All groups start from 4 pax. If there are 2 or 3 pax, the tour will start with additional fee for 2 or 3 pax.  

You can also choose any date for your private departure.

PRICING 2026

 Pricing below is per person. Have a small group of your friends or family? You can choose your own date and you will have your own private guide and transport for your adventure.