Trekking in Terskey Ala-Too Range
Best season: July-September
Location: Terskey Ala-Too Range, Tien-Shan
Duration: 10 days
Highly recommended: All tourists should have medical insurance for the particular activities with a minimum coverage of USD 35 000.
This is probably the most popular trek in Tien-Shan mountains. The itinerary elaborated with visiting the most picturesque places of Terskey Ala-Too: waterfall, mountain glacial lake Ala-Kol and fairytale Altyn-Arashan gorge with hot springs. Height of the trekking trip vary from 2500m up to 4000m, 8-10 hours of active trek each day. Good trip for active people with good health.
Notes:
- The conditions of the road to the Altyn-Arashan Gorge make it necessary to use a 4WD car or a cross country vehicle (so called truckbus)
- Each porter carries 20kg of commercial weight. Any additional weight in excess of this will be charged at a rate of USD 3 per 1kg.
Altitude. If you are new to altitude you may have concerns about the effects. Don’t worry because this trekking goes in quiet manner, without big altitude difference. This altitude rarely causes anyone any problems on this trip. The best way to avoid such symptoms is to walk at a gentle steady pace and drink plenty of fluid.
Clients statement
ITMC insistently advises all participants of hiking, climbing and mountaineering to be aware of and accept possible risks of personal injury or death might be caused by the mentioned activities. Participants should be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
Trip itinerary and service can be changed by request.
1st Day. Bishkek
International flight to Bishkek. Met at the airport in Bishkek. Transfer to the hotel. Rest. Afternoon city sightseeing tour in Bishkek: Philharmonic Society, Ala-Too Square, Victory Square, Handicraft Shops, Osh bazaar, Fine Arts Museum.
2nd Day. Bishkek – Karakol
After breakfast we load up the car, take seats and start our journey. Transfer to Karakol (400km, 6 hours drive), town located on the east side of Issyk-Kul Lake surrounded by mountains with snow on top, a beautiful, cosy and lovely city with green streets. Short sightseeing: Przhevalsky Museum, Moslem Mosque built in the shape of a Dungan pagoda, Orthodox Church. Overnight in Guest House.
3rd Day. Karakol – Jety-Oguz – Telety pass
After breakfast transfer to Jety-Oguz gorge(30km). Jety-Oguz gorge stretched for 40 km and we will see famous rocks “Broken Heart” and “Seven Bulls”, there are several beautiful legends about these places. The slopes of the gorge are covered with Tien-Shan spruce, we will go through forest along river, our path goes from shore to shore and passes to beautiful valley Kok-Jaiyk (valley of Flowers), we will cross it and trek to Teleti Pass. Overnight in tent camp at 3050m. 6-8hours of trek, +800m.
4th Day. Telety pass- Karakol gorge
Continue trekking along the Telety gorge up and over the Teleti Pass (3759m). It is not hard to cross pass as itinerary goes along the track with smooth climb. Then 3-4 hours descent down into the Karakol valley, it also easy descent. Camp at the altitude 2500m and enjoy the stunning views of the steep sided mountains the gorge. Trekking time 6-7 hours. +700m/-1300m.
5th Day. Karakol gorge – Ala-Kol Lake.
Trek down the lush Karakol Gorge to the fairytale place called shelter at Sirota (2800m) . Sirota is log house with table and chair inside and then branch east for approximately 2 hours climb up a small tributary valley (Kurgak-Ter gorge) towards Ala-Kol Lake. Trek up to the Ala-Kol Lake (3600m) and overnight in the tent camp near the lake. Trekking distance this day is 11 km can take 7-10 hrs, +1100 m.) Camp at 3600 m.
6th Day. Ala-Kol Lake – Altyn-Arahsan gorge
Ala-Kol lake translated from Kyrgyz as motley, colour of the water in the lake is changed and depends on light, it can be emerald turquoise, light green, dark gray and black.
Trek from Ala-Kol Lake over the Ala-Kol pass (3860m), from where there are incredible panoramic view of peaks including Peak Karakol (5216m) and Peak Jigit (5200m). From the pass at 3860m the route descends very steeply with loose scree. No water is available from the lake until you have descended the steepest part. (3 hrs.) and then the route eases off as you descend into the Keldike Gorge. Total walking time approx.: 8 hours. Approx. distance: 10-12 kms. Accommodation in guest house in Altyn-Arashan at the altitude 2600m. (6-8 hrs, +200 m/-1200 m.)
7th Day. Altyn-Arahsan gorge
A 3 hour trek down into the Altyn Arashan Gorge Radial trekking “Hidden Lakes”. Visit to Altyn Arashan (Golden Spring) hot springs to swim in (40-45°). Rest. Overnight in Guest House.
8th Day. Altyn-Arshan – Issyk-Kul Lake
Vehicle pick up us after breakfast and deliver to Karakol, where we will change transport and continue comfortable driving to north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Rest on the beach and swimming. Overnight in guest house.
9th Day. Issyk-Kul lake – Bishkek
Transfer to Bishkek (260km), visiting Burana Tower on the way. Free time in the afternoon for short shopping or walking. Overnight in 3*Hotel.
10th Day. Departure
Early check-out, airport transfer and fly to home.
Group of 2 people – USD 1850 per person
Group of 4 people – USD 1265 per person
Group of 5 people – USD 1100 per person
Group of 6 people – USD 1030 per person
Group of 7 people – USD 945 per person
Group of 8 people – USD 870 per person
Single supplement -USD 75 per person per programme (in Bishkek only)
*Prices for other size groups available on request, please contact us.
Price includes the following service:
- Mountain Guide for trekking
- Cook for trek
- Porters to carry food and kitchen utensils only
- Twin bedroom accommodation in the Hotels and Guest Houses as mentioned above
- Meals: according to the programme
- Airport transfers and transport:
- Minivan for groups of up to 4 people
- Minibus for groups of 5 – 10 people.
- Transfers to the Gorges by Cross Country vehicle
- Excursions and entrance fees
Additional services available at extra cost:
- Porter service to carry personal belongings – USD 240 per porter per programme
- Lunches and/or Dinners in Bishkek in restaurant – from USD 12 per person per meal
- Use of swimming pool at hot spring in Altyn-Arashan Gorge – USD 4 per person
- Accommodation in four or five star hotel in Bishkek – available on request, prices on request