Bishkek

Driving distance: 380km, Hiking distance/time: 7km/2-hours We leave Bishkek for Kok–Jaiyk Nature Reserve in Jeti-Oguz Valley. Our journey goes along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake before we turn into Jeti-Oguz Valley. We take a short break to marvel at Jeti-Oguz Canyons with seven red rock formations. A trip continues a few kilometers up to the valley. Arrival at Kok–Jaiyk Valley and be impressed by the beautiful scenery decorated by evergreen trees covering the mountain slopes. We pack our luggage and hike in the valley up to our yurt camp facing one of the most scenic peaks of the country Oguz Bashy. After being accommodated at your yurt camp (2615m), take a short walk to see a local life busy with their daily activities.

Hiking distance: 16km Ascent / Descent: 292 m / 292 m Today we hike up to the foot of the massive and glaciated Oguz Bashy Peak standing at 5170 meters. The trail goes along the river through evergreen trees covering the mountains around. As we approach the foot of the peak (3000 m), you get a sense of awe by the beauty of the landscape. While hiking, you spot a grazing herds of sheep and horses looking at you as strangers lost in the mountains. After your picnic lunch at the foot of the peak, we hike back to our yurt camp.

Oguz-Bashi Peak

Trekking distance: 12km, Ascent / Descent: 908m / 417m Leave the yurt camp behind as the trail takes you to the conjunction of rivers where we head to the foot of Telety Pass. We will begin the long and gentle ascent to the campsite (2993 м) for around 4 hours. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the gushing river. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the rolling green hills and surrounding gorges filled with sheep and cattle. The campsite is at the foot of the pass and provides the perfect spot to gaze glaciated peaks around. Overnight and dinner at the tent.

Karakol Gorge

Trekking distance: 14km, Ascent / Descent: 836m / 1250m As you leave the campsite behind, you’ll begin a steep ascent to Telety Pass (3787m) for around 2-3 hours. From the pass, enjoy the wonderful views of the nearby gorges and craggy peaks in the south over lunch. Then begins a long descent (4 hours) into Karakol Valley where we’ll set up tents for the night. Enjoy the lush and green valleys of Karakol after this difficult descent.

Ala Kul Lake

Trekking distance: 7km, Ascent / Descent: 1053m / 28m After breakfast, we cross the bridge and begin to hike in a steep gorge with green slopes decorated by evergreen trees. This day challenges you with strenuous walking through screws and boulders. We break for lunch near Sirota Campsite standing at 3000 meters. After few hours of demanding ascent, be rewarded with the jewel of Ala Kul Lake standing at 3500 meters and fed by glaciers around. The view of this turquoise alpine lake takes your breath away. We set a camp on the shore of the lake.

Altyn Arashan

Trekking distance: 14km, Ascent / Descent: 442m / 1471m After breakfast, we head on to Ala Kul Pass standing at 3950 meters. Craggy and glaciated peaks of Terskey Ala-Too open on top of the pass. Give time to gaze at these towering peaks of the great Tian Shan Range. Descend the steep path towards beautiful Keldyke Valley at (3200m). We break for lunch in this valley. After a few hours of descending along lush green pastures, we arrive at camp standing at 2450 meters. In fact, Altyn-Arashan means ‘Golden Spa’ and this valley is famous for its hot sulfur springs. We take a bath in hot spring pools to relieve muscle pains.

Bishkek

Trekking distance: 15 km, Descent: 450m, Driving distance/time: 460km/7-hours We hike to Ak Suu village (4 hours) where we will be picked up by our driver to get to Karakol city (30 minutes). The trail goes most of the time along a beautiful river gushing through the valley. You will never be able to forget the sight of the snow on Peak Palatka at 5260 m or “Swallow’s Nest Pool”, nestling beneath the open sky. Arrival at Karakol city for lunch. After lunch, we head on to Bishkek. Late arrival in Bishkek city.