9-Day Ak-Suu Traverse (Transverse) — Full Trekking Route
9-Day Ak-Suu Traverse (Transverse) — Full Trekking Route
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Overview
This 9-day trek follows the full Ak-Suu Transverse, one of the most iconic long-distance trekking routes in Kyrgyzstan. Crossing remote valleys, high mountain passes, alpine lakes, and glacier basins, this route showcases the most dramatic landscapes of the Terskey Ala-Too Range. Travelers experience authentic nomadic culture through yurt stays, wild camping, natural hot springs, and high-altitude pastures.
Starting in Karakol and finishing in Djeti-Oguz / Karakol, the trek connects the wild Jyrgalan region, the panoramic Ala-Kul Pass, Altyn Arashan hot springs, and the alpine basins surrounding the Ak-Suu Wall.
This is a demanding but incredibly rewarding expedition for experienced trekkers seeking a full traverse of the Tien Shan.
Route: Karakol → Jyrgalan → Terim-Tor → Boz-Uchuk → Jergez → Almaluu → Altyn Arashan → Ala-Kul → Karakol Gorge → Telety Pass → Djeti-Oguz → Karakol
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Accommodation: Yurts, tents
Meals: All meals included (B/L/D)
Difficulty: Challenging — suitable for experienced hikers
Main Highlights
Mountain Passes
- Terim-Tor — 3,450 m
- Boz-Uchuk Pass — 3,363 m
- Jergez pass- 3671
- Ailanysh Pass — 3,676 m
- Ortok Pass — 3,650 m
- Ala-Kul North Pass — 3,906 m
- Telety Pass — 3,792 m
Each pass opens up new dramatic views of alpine walls, glaciated peaks, and deep valleys, making this route one of the most panoramic in the Tien Shan.
Key Lakes
• Boz-Uchuk Lakes (3,215 m) — Stunning chain of turquoise alpine lakes
• Ailanysh Lakes — Secluded crystal-clear high-altitude tarns
• Ala-Kul Lake (3,550 m) — One of Central Asia’s most famous glacial lakes, surrounded by 5,000+ m peaks
• Small alpine lakes scattered around the upper Jergez and Ailanysh valleys
Route Highlights
• Traverse the complete Ak-Suu Transverse, from Jyrgalan to Djeti-Oguz
• Trek through remote high-mountain zones rarely visited by tourists
• Overnight in traditional yurt camps and wild high-altitude tent camps
• Explore the panoramic ridge above Boz-Uchuk Lakes
• Enjoy breathtaking views of Djigit Peak, Karakol Peak, and Oguz-Bashi
• Cross one of the region’s most dramatic passes — Ala-Kul Pass (3906 m)
• Relax in the natural hot springs of Altyn -Arashan
• Trek across Telety Valley with one of the best panoramas of the Terskey Ala-Too
Requirements
- Basic physical readiness recommended for high-altitude trekking
- Proper hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof clothing
- Ability to walk 5–8 hours per day on varied mountain terrain
- Travel insurance covering trekking activities
Karakol → Jyrgalan → Terim-Tor
Transfer from Karakol to Jyrgalan (approx. 1 hr / 60 km). Start your 8-day mountain trekking adventure. The trail leads through high-altitude pastures and scenic ridgelines.
Overnight: Yurt camp at 3200 m
Trekking distance: 14 km
Meals: L, D
Terim-Tor → Boz Uchuk Lakes
Breakfast. Today we cross two mountain passes: Bulak-Ashuu Pass (3450 m) and Boz-Uchuk Pass (3363 m). Enjoy lunch on the way. Our camp is located beside the stunning Boz Uchuk Lakes. If time allows, enjoy a sunset viewpoint overlooking Issyk-Kul basin.
Overnight: Yurt camp at 3215 m
Trekking distance: 16 km
Meals: B, L, D
Boz Uchuk Lakes → Jergez Gorge
Early breakfast. The route begins with a short ascent over the ridge and a descent into the valley. The trail continues uphill to a panoramic pass at 3524 m with a stunning view of Tashtanbek Tor Bashi peak. After reaching the campsite, we hike to a nearby waterfall.
Overnight: Yurt camp at 3170 m
Trekking distance: 7 km + 5 km waterfall hike
Meals: B, L, D
Jergez Gorge → Almaluu Gorge
From camp, the trail climbs toward the first Ailanysh Lake (3445 m) and continues past the second lake to Ailanysh Pass (3676 m). The descent reveals breathtaking views of a 3855 m peak and the icy faces of the Ak-Suu Wall.
Overnight: Yurt camp at 2750 m
Trekking distance: 13 km
Meals: B, L, D
Almaluu → Altyn Arashan Gorge
A shorter but challenging day starts with an 800+ m ascent to Ortok Pass (3650 m). Descend to the Ak-Suu Arashan Valley. After lunch, take a relaxing walk to the wild natural hot springs and enjoy a swim.
Overnight: Guesthouse / Yurt at 2500 m
Trekking distance: 14 km
Meals: B, L, D
Altyn Arashan → Ala-Kul Lake
Ascend Ala-Kul North Pass (3,906 m) and descend to camp beside Ala-Kul Lake (3,550 m).
Trekking distance: 15 km | Time: 7–8 h
Accommodation: Tent camp | 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ala-Kul → Karakol Gorge
In the morning, you may explore the nearby glacier before we begin our descent. From camp, we head west along a scenic trail. The 11 km route takes about 4 hours, longer if you prefer an easier pace downhill.
Reaching the valley, we take a well-deserved lunch break after the steep descent. Then we cross the bridge and continue about 200 meters up the valley to our campsite for the night.
Overnight: Yurt camp
Trekking distance: 11 km
Altitude difference: +200 m / –1100 m
Karakol Gorge → Telety Camp
After breakfast, head further up Karakol Valley to the turnoff into Telety Valley. Ascend gradually to Telety Pass (3792 m) and descend into the river valley on the opposite side. Camp near the river at 3100 m.
Overnight: Yurt camp
Trekking distance: 15 km
Meals: B, L, D
Telety Camp → Djeti-Oguz → Karakol
Hike down into the famous Djeti-Oguz Valley. Enjoy a panoramic view of the iconic Broken Heart Rock and have lunch right in this scenic area. After the break, continue to Kok-Jaik pasture, where a vehicle will pick you up for the transfer back to Karakol.
Overnight: Not included
Trekking distance: 13 km
Meals: B, L
| Amount of people | Per person (USD) | Per group (USD) |
| 1 | 1608 | 1608 |
| 2 | 1112 | 2225 |
| 3 | 947 | 2841 |
| 4 | 864 | 3458 |
| 5 | 814 | 4074 |
| 6 | 781 | 4690 |
| 7 | 863 | 6046 |
| 8 | 832 | 6663 |
| 9 | 808 | 7279 |
| 10 | 789 | 7895 |
| 11 | 773 | 8512 |
| 12 | 760 | 9128 |
| 13 | 749 | 9745 |
| 14 | 740 | 10361 |
| 15 | 731 | 10977 |
| 16 | 724 | 11594 |
| 17 | 718 | 12210 |
| 18 | 712 | 12827 |
| 19 | 707 | 13443 |
| 20 | 702 | 14059 |
Included
- All accommodation
- 3 times meal
- English speaking guide
- Hot springs
- All park enty fees
- Sleeping bag, mattress
- Transfers
- Starlink internet
- Extra guide if over 7
Not Included
- Alcohol
- Porters for luggage
- Personal expenses
- Single supplement
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people stay in one yurt? Depending on camp occupancy, 1–5 people share a yurt. Accommodation is shared.
- Are sleeping bags and mattresses provided, or should I bring my own? Sleeping bags and mattresses are provided. Clean sheets are available upon request.
- Are towels provided? No, please bring your own towels and personal hygiene items.
- Can I charge my phone or other devices? Yes, charging is possible, but electricity may be limited and queues may form. We recommend bringing a power bank.
- Is there heating in the yurts? Yurts are insulated, but there are no stoves inside.
- Is bed linen provided? Yes, you can rent bed linen at our office in Karakol (deposit required).
- Is there a shower and hot water? Hot showers are available only at the Altyn-Arashan camp.
- Where are toilets and washbasins located? They are within walking distance of the yurts at the camps.
- Are there shops nearby? Yes, most camps have small shops for basic necessities.
- Is Wi-Fi or mobile coverage available? Starlink Wi-Fi is available. Guests with a tour package have automatic access. Others can purchase access at our office in Karakol.
- Is it safe to leave personal belongings in the yurt? We recommend keeping valuables with you. The camp administration is not responsible for personal belongings.
- Are there separate yurts for men and women? Yes, standard accommodation is separate. For families or groups traveling together, mixed accommodation is possible on request
- Where can I leave my things during the trek? At our office in Karakol.
- Where can I park my car during the hike? Please consult the manager for parking arrangements.
- Are trails marked? Yes, main routes are marked for easy navigation.
- Where can I get GPS coordinates of camps and key route points? In the "Navigation and GPS" folder, there is a QR code linking to a map with all camps and main route points.
- Which apps or maps are recommended for navigation? Any navigation app can be used. We recommend Maps.me, as it works offline and is well-suited for mountain trails.
- Are there dangerous sections on the routes? Routes are generally safe if safety rules are followed. Natural obstacles such as rocky areas or small river crossings may occur. Please proceed with caution and choose routes appropriate to your fitness level.
- How to navigate in bad weather or low visibility? Check the weather forecast and plan your route accordingly. In fog, rain, or snow, it is better to postpone the hike or wait for improved conditions.
- 3–4 day tours: moderate difficulty
- Longer or high-altitude routes: higher fitness level required
- What is included in the accommodation cost?
- Place in shared yurt
- Sleeping bag
- Mattress
- Does price depend on the season? No, the price is fixed year-round.
- Are there discounts for students or groups? Information available on request via email.
- Can I pay only for accommodation without additional services? Yes, you can select and pay only for the services you need.
- How is payment made? Booking requires a 10% deposit or 100 USD (depending on total tour cost). The balance is paid on arrival at the office.
- What currencies are accepted?
- Kyrgyz som (KGS)
- USD
- EUR Damaged, old, or very small denomination banknotes are not accepted.
- Payment methods:
- Cash
- Card (3% bank fee applies)
- Are there additional fees? Yes, 3% bank commission for card payments.
- When do the yurt camps operate? From June 1 to September 20.
- Which tours are available off-season? Spring, autumn, and winter tours. See "Seasonal Tours" folder.
- What types of guides are available?
- Expert guide: highly experienced, fluent in English, knowledgeable about routes, local culture, and nature.
- Intermediate guide: 1–2 years experience, good English, reliable accompaniment.
- Leader/assistant: knows the route, basic English, responsible mainly for showing the trail.
- What is the maximum weight a porter can carry? Up to 15 kg of personal belongings per tourist.
- Is clean drinking water available in the camps? Yes, you can refill your bottles at all camps.
- Can I drink water from rivers, lakes, or other natural sources? Not recommended without purification. Use a water filter or purification tablets.
- Can bottled water be purchased in camps? Yes, most camps have small shops where bottled water is sold.
- Are there restrictions on water use in camps? In some camps, restrictions may apply, especially in remote areas. Please follow the staff’s instructions.
- Can I check the weather forecast for a specific camp? Yes, check online by the camp’s name.
- How quickly does the weather change in this area? Mountain weather is very variable. Rain, fog, or sunshine may appear and disappear quickly.
- Typical temperatures during the day and night:
- Day: +15…+25 °C (summer, depending on altitude and sun)
- Night: +5…+10 °C, colder at higher elevations Bring warm clothing and a raincoat.
- With a full meal package, the following are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch box for the trail
- Upon arrival: soup or salad
- Dinner (starter and main course)
- Are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-free meals available? Yes, alternative meal options are provided. Please inform us in advance about any dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Is drinking water, tea, or coffee available in the camps? Yes, clean drinking water is available at all camps for refilling bottles, and tea and coffee are provided throughout the day.
- What are the meal times?
- Breakfast: 07:00–09:00
- Lunch: lunch box issued before departure
- Dinner: 19:00–21:00
- Is halal or kosher meat served? Yes, all meat served in the camps is halal.
- Can I bring my own food or supplements? Yes, you may bring additional food or supplements if needed.
- What type of cuisine is usually offered? The menu is diverse, including both local and international dishes. Traditional dishes (kurdak, plov, manti, various soups) are served alongside European and Asian cuisine. All meals are prepared by experienced chefs with attention to quality and taste.