Altyn-Arashan to Ala-Köl
10 days
ITERINARY
Day 1
DAY FACTS
Day 2
- Breakfast: Hotel
- Lunch: Restaurant
- Dinner: Guest House
- City tour
- Hiking
Breakfast.
City tour in Almaty.
Explore the beautiful Panfilov Park and visit the Zenkov Cathedral. Head over to the bustling Green Bazaar.
Spend about 30-45 minutes here to experience local life, sample traditional foods, and shop for souvenirs.
Take a short walk to Republic Square. Here, you can see important government buildings and monuments. If time permits, head to Gorky Central Park for a leisurely stroll. Lunch in restaurant.
Transfer to Charyn canyon.
You will admire the view! Walk around 3 km through the maze of the Castles Valley with its walls of bizarre shapes overhanging you. The bottom of the Canyon has slight descend to the end of the walk, where you will get to the fresh oasis on the bank of icy cold Charyn river.
Saty village which is 280km drive. Check into your accommodation and take some time to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Dinner and overnight in guest house.
Day 3
- Breakfast: Guesthouse
- Lunch: Yurt/ Lamb meat
- Dinner: Yurt Camp Traditional Kyrgyz
- Hiking
After we cross Kegen border and have lunch in traditional Kyrgyz yurt where they will slotter a sheep and cook meet in traditional way.
Transfer to Karakol.
On the way we will stop by Santash stones. The grandiose monument of stones is a symbol of the mound complex, located near the San Tash pass. The center, which is a large mound with a stone embankment, is known under the same name – “San Tash”. Around him are grouped the other mounds with earthen and stone-earthen and stone embankments.
This pass is associated with the name of the great commander and conqueror Tamerlane. By arrival to Karakol accommodation in hotel.
Dinner in restaurant.
Day 4
- Breakfast: Yurt Camp
- Lunch: GH ELZA
- Dinner: GH ELZA KEBAB, SHASHLYK
- Hiking
- Off-Road
- City tour
Breakfast.
City tour in Karakol.
Dungan wooden mosque, Orthodox church and local bazaar.
Then transfer to Altyn-Arashan by military off-road truck Gaz 66. The road is shaky.
Lunch.
In Altyn-Arashan we will hike to the Anyr-Tor gorge to as a preparation for the next day. in guest house. Thermal bath.
Camp fire and kebab for the dinner.
Day 5
- Breakfast: GH ELZA
- Lunch: Lunch box, Tea
- Dinner: Restaurant
- Hiking or Horse riding
- Off-Road
Early breakfast.
This day is the hardest day of the tour.
12km one way to the pass of Ala-Kol lake. Possible to take a horses and walk only last few km to the pass. The elevation of the Ala-Kul Pass is 3900m. This ascent is hard and only on foot. But spectacular, as the views from the pass stretch out over beautiful Ala-Kul Lake and the surrounding 5000+m peaks.
Lunch on top of the pass.
Back to Arashan.
Transfer to Karakol.
Dinner in restaurant.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 6
- Breakfast: Hotel
- Lunch: Picnic
- Dinner: Yurt camp
- Hiking
- Bus
- Eagle
- Hunting
After breakfast we will drive to Bokonbaevo village on the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
The landscape around the Issyk Kul varies dramatically. After grassy hillsides, we find bare, desert landscapes lined with red sandy hillsides on one side and sea-sized Issyk Kul on the other.
One the way, we will visit red rocks of Jeti-Oguz gorge and Fairytale Skazka Canyons where we will stop for lunch. In Bokonbaevo village there are still many people continue traditional hunting with eagles. They will demonstrate how they train them and hunt with eagles and hunting dogs. After accommodation in yurt camp by the lake shore.
Dinner with Folklore concert.
Overnight in yurt.
Day 7
- Breakfast: Hotel
- Lunch: Restaurant "Kochkor"
- Dinner: Yurt camp
- Wool working master class
- Hiking
Breakfast and transfer to Son-Kol Lake, visiting the Ak-Sai canyon close to Kyzyl-Tuu village and Orto-Tokoi Reservoir along the way.
Lunch and traditional Kyrgyz wool-working/felt making in Kochkor village on route. Arrival to Son-Kol Lake at the heart of Kyrgyzstan where we can experience the true nomadic Kyrgyz lifestyle and explore the landscape.
Overnight and dinner in yurt camp.
Day 8
- Breakfast: Yurt Camp
- Lunch: Restaurant
- Dinner: Restaurant
- Horse riding
- Sightseeing
Day 9
- Breakfast: Hotel
- Lunch: Restaurant
- Dinner: Restaurant
- City Tour
- Shopping
Breakfast and start walking tour in Bishkek.
Visit Philharmonia , Manas Statue, Ala Too square, Monument of Independence, State History Museum*, Old square, ZUM.
Today you can enjoy quite a number of typical soviet-style architecture (Philharmonia – concert hall, government building) but also modern monuments pointing out the traditional Kyrgyz culture (Monument of Manas, Monument of Independence).
The city is famous being one of the greenest in Central Asia, due to its countless parks and alleys, which make the town a nice place to live also in the heat of the summer.
At the end of the tour you will have the chance to visit ZUM (one of the best places for buying souvenirs).
After shopping you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Later dinner in restaurant.
Included:
- Transport Sprinter, Gaz 66
- Accommodation (hotels, guest houses, yurts)
- Guide
- Meals
- Horses, horseman in Son-Kol lake
- Entrance fees
- Eagle hunting
- Master class
- Folklore concert
Not Included:
- Fly ticket
- Insurance
- Alcohol
- Single supplement
- Horses in ALtyn-Arashan to Ala-Kol lake
Useful information
Clothing
- Layered Clothing: To adjust to varying temperatures, bring lightweight, breathable layers for daytime activities and warmer layers for cooler evenings.
- Waterproof Jacket and Pants: Essential for protection against rain and wind.
- Comfortable Hiking Boots: Sturdy, well-fitting boots with good ankle support are crucial for trekking and hiking.
- Warm Hat and Gloves: Even in summer, higher altitudes can be chilly.
- Swimwear: For potential swimming opportunities in lakes or hot springs.
Gear
- Daypack: A comfortable backpack for carrying essentials during daily activities.
- Sleeping Bag: While provided at camps, you may prefer your own for added comfort.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: For use in yurts, tents, and during night activities.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
Personal Items
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF to protect against strong mountain sun.
- Sunglasses: With UV protection.
- Personal Medications: Ensure you have enough for the entire trip.
- Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and other personal hygiene items.
Documents and Money
- Passport and Visa (if required): Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
- Travel Insurance: Including coverage for trekking and horseback riding.
Miscellaneous
- Camera and Batteries: To capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments.
- Power Bank: To charge your electronic devices when outlets are unavailable.
- Notebook and Pen: For journaling your experiences or jotting down important information.
FAQ
1.Physical Fitness: The trek involves moderate to challenging terrain with steep ascents and descents. A good level of cardiovascular fitness is important. If you regularly engage in activities like hiking, running, or cycling, you should be well-prepared.
2.Duration of Trekking: You will be trekking for several hours each day (5-6 hours on average), so it’s helpful to have endurance for sustained activity.
3.Altitude: The trek reaches elevations up to 3,650 meters (11,975 feet). If you have not hiked at high altitudes before, it may take some acclimatization, and you should be aware of altitude sickness symptoms.
4.Preparation: Prior training can help. Incorporate hikes with elevation gain into your routine, and practice carrying a daypack.
5.Consult a Professional: If you have any health concerns or pre-existing conditions, consider consulting a healthcare provider before undertaking the trek.
If you regularly engage in physical activity and are comfortable with longer hikes, you should be fit enough for this adventure!
1.Water Availability: Fresh water is usually available from natural sources along the trekking route. Make sure to refill your water bottles whenever you have the opportunity.
2.Water Purification: It’s advisable to purify water from natural sources to prevent illness. You can use water purification tablets, filters, or boil water to ensure it’s safe to drink.
3.Hydration Tips:
- Drink Regularly: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. Aim to drink small amounts regularly throughout the day.
- Monitor Color: Check the color of your urine; pale yellow indicates good hydration, while dark yellow may indicate dehydration.
- Electrolytes: Consider bringing electrolyte tablets or powders to add to your water, especially if you’re sweating a lot.
4.Daily Intake: Aim to drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily, more if you’re sweating heavily or if the weather is hot.
5.During the Trek: Carry a refillable water bottle or hydration system in your daypack for easy access while hiking.v By staying well-hydrated, you’ll maintain your energy levels and enjoy your trekking experience more!