Ak-Suu Traverse Trek
The Ak-Suu Traverse Trek is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most breathtaking multi-day treks, taking you deep into the Terskey Ala-Too Mountains. Over 7 unforgettable days, you’ll hike through lush alpine valleys, cross high-altitude mountain passes, and camp beside pristine lakes, experiencing the raw beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s untouched wilderness.
This trek features iconic natural landmarks, including the red rock formations of Jeti-Oguz, the vibrant turquoise waters of Ala-Kul Lake, and the soothing hot springs of Altyn-Arashan. You’ll also summit panoramic mountain passes and discover the hidden Boz Uchuk Lakes, offering some of the best trekking scenery in Central Asia.
Perfect for adventure travelers and seasoned hikers, the Ak-Suu Traverse Trek is a challenging yet rewarding experience, blending Kyrgyz nomadic culture, breathtaking landscapes, and true wilderness exploration.
Best time to trek: June–September
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Book your Ak-Suu Traverse Trek today!
Tour Highlights:
- Cross high pass around 4000 m
- Overnight in traditional yurt
- Visit Ala-Kul lake
- Enjoy the scenic views
- Get relaxation in hot springs of Altyn-Arashan valley
- Enjoy inexpressible view of mountain summits
Ak-Suu Traverse Trek
7 days | June - September
This tour is offered by Visit Karakol Tour Company. As a member of Destination Karakol, this business is actively invested in promoting tourism and community development in Karakol and the surrounding region.
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Tour Details
Price
- 1 person - 2815 USD
- 2 person - 3700 USD (total)
- 3 person - 4590 USD (total)
- 4 person - 5592 USD (total)
- 5 person - 6500 USD (total)
- 6 person - 7360 USD (total)
Price Include:
- English speaking guide (middle level)
- Cook and porters (number of porters same as number of clients
- Full board 7B, 8L, 7D
- Equipment: 1 tent for 2 person (single accommodation is available upon request for extra payment), mats and table equipment
- Accommodation in guesthouse or yurt in Altyn-Arashan
- Hot springs
- Transportation
- Payment to Karakol National Park
- Fresh food delivery to Karakol National Park
Price exclude:
- Sleeping bags (If you don't have then you can rent from us for 3$ per day)
- Insurance
- Tips
Start your trekking adventure in Kyrgyzstan with a scenic drive from Karakol to the trailhead in the picturesque Jeti-Oguz Valley, one of the most famous hiking destinations in the Terskey Ala-Too mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Kyrgyz villages, offering a glimpse into local culture and breathtaking rural landscapes.
Before reaching the trailhead, we stop in Jeti-Oguz, a village named after its iconic red sandstone formations—the famous "Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart" cliffs. These stunning geological formations are among the most well-known natural landmarks in Issyk-Kul region.
As we continue, the road ascends through lush alpine forests, leading to the base of Telety Pass, where the trek officially begins. The hiking trail takes you through pristine mountain scenery, gradually gaining altitude. Upon reaching our campsite at 2,800m, settle in for the night, surrounded by breathtaking views of rugged peaks and alpine landscapes.
⛺ Overnight in tents, surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of the Terskey Ala-Too mountains.
Today's journey leads deeper into the Karakol Valley, one of the best trekking routes in Kyrgyzstan. The day starts with a challenging ascent to the Telety Pass (3,800m), featuring two steep sections that require endurance and steady pacing. The effort is well rewarded with panoramic views of the Terskey Ala-Too mountain range and its rugged peaks.
From the top, we descend into the Telety-East Valley, where we stop for a scenic lunch break in nature. The trail then continues downhill, gradually opening up to the vast landscapes of the Karakol Valley. Our destination is Alp Camp (2,500m), a perfect place to rest and soak in the majestic alpine scenery of Kyrgyzstan.
⛺ Overnight in tents or a traditional yurt, surrounded by the dramatic mountain landscapes of Issyk-Kul region.
Today’s adventure takes us to the breathtaking Ala-Kul Lake (3,533m), an alpine gem hidden among the towering Terskey Ala-Too Mountains. This stunning rock-dammed lake sits at high altitude, offering mesmerizing turquoise waters and dramatic mountain scenery. Along the way, you'll pass glacial streams and witness the Ala-Kul Glacier, which feeds the lake, adding to its otherworldly beauty.
After reaching Ala-Kul Lake, we ascend further to Ala-Kul Pass (3,800m), where an unforgettable panoramic view awaits. From the top, you’ll see the majestic Djigit, Karakol, and Tashtanbek peaks, standing tall against the sky. This is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Kyrgyzstan, offering a breathtaking sight of snow-capped summits and deep alpine valleys.
After soaking in the scenery, we begin our descent into the picturesque Keldike Valley, known for its rolling green meadows and dramatic rock formations. Upon arrival, we set up camp and enjoy a peaceful evening in this remote wilderness.
⛺ Overnight in tents, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Kyrgyz mountains.
Today, we descend into the stunning Altyn-Arashan Valley, a place known for its breathtaking mountain scenery and natural hot springs. This picturesque valley attracts travelers from around the world—some visit for a day, while others stay longer to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil alpine atmosphere.
The highlight of Altyn-Arashan is its healing hot springs, rich in radon minerals and famous for their therapeutic properties. The area features several pools with varying temperatures, including outdoor pools near the Arashan River, offering a unique and peaceful bathing experience. For those seeking relaxation, a private soak under the stars can also be arranged.
🍽️ Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse or traditional yurt, surrounded by the serenity of the Altyn-Arashan Valley.
Today's journey begins with a descent through the Altyn-Arashan Valley, a breathtaking area filled with wildflowers, alpine meadows, and dense forests. Whether you're arriving from Ala-Kul Lake or trekking from Karakol, this route offers spectacular natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
One of the day's highlights is Peak Palatka (5,020m), a striking glacier-covered mountain whose name means "tent" in Russian – aptly describing its sharp, triangular shape. As we continue through the valley, the trail provides fantastic opportunities to spot grazing horses, wild goats, and local shepherds tending their flocks.
By midday, we begin our ascent to Ortok Pass (3,780m), where we are rewarded with expansive panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. After crossing the pass, we descend toward the Almaluu River, where we set up camp for the night, immersed in the tranquility of the Kyrgyz mountains.
⛺ Overnight in tents, surrounded by the peaceful wilderness of the Terskey Ala-Too mountains.
Today's trek is one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of the journey. We begin in the Almaluu Valley, a rugged landscape dotted with rocks and dense bushes. From here, we start our ascent to Ailanysh Pass, taking in the dramatic mountain scenery along the way.
After crossing the pass, we descend into the Jergez Valley (2,400m), where we take a short break before tackling our next challenge – the 3,524m pass leading to Boz Uchuk Lakes. These stunning alpine lakes, nestled among rocky hills and towering peaks, offer a breathtaking and well-deserved reward after a demanding day on the trail.
Due to the steep and uneven terrain, sturdy trekking shoes are essential for this day’s hike.
⛺ Overnight in tents, surrounded by the raw beauty of the Kyrgyz wilderness.
On the final day of the trek, we enjoy a gradual descent from the Boz Uchuk Lakes into the Boz Uchuk Valley. This section offers a relaxing and scenic hike, allowing you to take in the last views of the untouched wilderness before returning to civilization.
By midday, we reach the lower valley, where our team will be waiting with a vehicle to transfer you back to Karakol. After days in the remote mountains, a warm shower and a cozy stay in a comfortable guesthouse will feel especially rewarding.
🏡 Overnight in a guesthouse in Karakol.
- Sleeping bag rated for temperatures down to -5°C
- Trekking boots with high ankle support and a good grip
- Extra shoes or sandals in case your main footwear gets wet
- Waterproof rain jacket and trousers
- Warm clothing and extra layers for changing
- Hat and cap, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen
- Daypack (40-50 liters) with a rain cover – Lining it with a plastic bag for extra protection is recommended
- Headlamp (head torch)
- Water bottle
- Quick-drying towel
- First aid kit, including personal medications if needed
- Trekking poles
- Toiletries
- Insect repellent (for lower elevations)
- Water purification tablets or a filter (see Notes for details)
- Diamox pills (for altitude sickness, if you are not acclimatized)
- Pocket knife
WATER
Staying hydrated is crucial during the trek, but untreated water can cause stomach issues. We provide boiled water, tea, or coffee during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, boiling is limited, and it may not be enough to refill your bottles for the next day.
When collecting water from natural sources, always choose fast-flowing streams, as stagnant water carries a higher risk of pathogens. The best option is natural springs, which act as natural filters with minimal contaminants. While many locals and travelers drink directly from these sources without issue, we strongly recommend bringing water purification tablets or a water filter from your home country, as these are not available in Kyrgyzstan.
LUGGUGE ON TOUR
Main Baggage
This includes the luggage you check in for your flight and any belongings you won’t need during the trek. It can be safely stored at your hotel before the trek begins.
Luggage for Porters
Most of our trekking programs last 4 to 8 days. We provide one porter per person, who carries up to 15 kg—this includes food, tents, cooking equipment, and personal belongings, typically leaving 3-5 kg for personal items at the start. As food supplies decrease daily, you may shift extra weight to the porter.
If you have heavy equipment, such as professional camera gear, you may hire an extra porter for €30 per day.
Daypack / Rucksack (40-50L Recommended)
You will not have access to your porter-carried luggage during the day, so your daypack should be large enough to hold:
- Waterproof jacket & trousers
- Fleece jacket & long trousers (if trekking in shorts)
- Warm hat & gloves
- Sun cap & sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Any personal items needed for the day
- Packed lunch on certain days
Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so be prepared for all conditions.
TREKKING GRADE
This trek requires good physical fitness and previous trekking experience is recommended. Daily hikes are long and challenging, reaching altitudes of up to 3,800m. Terrain can be rough, with steep ascents and descents, especially in rain or snow.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance is NOT included. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance that covers illness, injury, and loss/damage of personal belongings. In case of an emergency, our staff will assist in transporting you to a medical facility, but you will be responsible for all medical expenses if you do not have insurance.
MEALS
Breakfast
A mix of: porridge, omelets, fried sausages, pancakes, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, bread, jam, butter, honey, sweets, and tea/coffee.
Lunch / Lunch Boxes
Includes dried fruits, chocolate, yogurt, juice, cheese, sandwiches, vegetables/fruits, and tea/coffee.
Dinner
Our cooks prepare a mix of European and Asian cuisine.
If you are vegetarian or have dietary preferences, please inform us in advance so we can prepare a suitable menu.
TIPPING
Service for local staff is included in the program, but gratuities are appreciated if you are satisfied with their service. You may also choose to tip your tour manager as a gesture of appreciation.
Tour Map
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