From Kyzyl-Suu to Karkara valley, via Djety-Oguz, Karakol, Altyn-Srashan, Tyup, Tup, Djergalan, Jyrgalang and Saryjaz valleys. Tour code T3. Yurt Camp, Chon-Kyzyl-Suu valley, Terskey Ala-Too, At-Jailoo valley, Jyluu-Suu pass, Djety-Oguz valley, Yrdyk valley, Kashka-Suu gorge, Karakol peak, Djigit peak, Oguz-Bashi peak, Altyn-Arashan resort, Ak-Suu valley, Djergez valley, Ailanysh pass, Boz-Uchuk pass, Turgen-Aksu gorge, Bulak-Ashuu pass, Chakyr-Korum pass, Inylchek glacier, Hot Sulphur Springs, Tyuz pass, Chon-Tash, Merzbacher Meadow, Merzbacher Lake, Khan-Tengri Peak (6995m), Pobedy Peak (7439m), Saryjaz Gorge, Karkara Gorge, Charyn Canyon, Medeo Complex

Day 1. Arrive Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
The tour begins in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, (optional Almaty (KZ), Tashkent (UZ)). Your afternoon is at leisure - an opportunity to relax in Bishkek's tree-lined boulevards and pavement cafes. Overnight at the Hotel Issyk-Kul, 9km from the city centre.

Day 2. Out and about in Bishkek
Begin your day with a sightseeing tour, hosted by our guide. Highlights include the ORTHODOX CHURCH, ORIENTAL BAZAAR, NATIONAL SQUARE and ARTS MUSEUM. Afternoon tour by car to ALA-ARCHA valley (a Kyrgyz National Park). Overnight at the Issyk-Kul Hotel.

Day 3. Karakol - Yurt camp
Today you will be met and driven along the northern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul to KARAKOL, 400 km from BISHKEK. Your journey will take you via BOOM GORGE with its intricate rock canyons and 11th century BURANA TOWER. Overnight in a yurt at the Turkestan Yurt Camp in Karakol town centre.

Day 4. Chon-Kyzyl-Suu
After breakfast in a nearby cafe (or a traditional Kyrgyz breakfast served in your yurt - optional extra) you will be transferred to CHON-KYZYL-SUU valley (50km from KARAKOL) to begin your trek. After a day of hiking you will strike camp in the forest under the main gorge of the TERSKEY ALA-TOO. Here, a stream of crystal clear water from the nearby glacier refreshes and replenishes visitors.

Day 5. At-Jailoo
Today you will reach At-Jailoo valley and cross JYLUU-SUU pass (3400m). Tonight we camp once more in the forest, on the banks of the rivers DJETY-OGUZ and AT-JAILOO. The overnight altitude is 2500m.

Day 6. Yrdyk
A day of hiking to YRDYK valley, reached by crossing a 3410m pass. This area is famous for its striking red rocks. Tonight you strike camp surrounded by enormous boulders, jagged mountains and fir-tree forests.

Day 7. Kashka-Suu
This morning you will cross a pretty alpine pass to KASHKA-SUU valley, where the Karakol town ski-base is situated. Kashka-Suu is a popular picnic spot amongst local people and boasts low, accessible peaks, ideal for beginner mountaineers. Overnight forest camp at an altitude of 3000m.

Day 8. Altyn-Arashan
A whole day to cross 3410m KASHKA-SUU pass. The flat summit makes an ideal vantage point for glimpsing the highest peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too: KARAKOL (5273m), DJIGIT and OGUZ-BASHI PEAKS. After crossing the pass, you will descend to ALTYN-ARASHAN valley. This resort is famous for its HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS. Your evening is at leisure for bathing in this lovely spot. Camping in tents (or in a local guest house-optional extra).

Day 9. Altyn-Arashan
A day to relax and enjoy the spectacular natural environment of Altyn-Arashan. This famous, remote valley is truly unique, surrounded by high mountains and unspoilt nature. Optional excursions and time to bathe once again in the natural hot sulphur springs.

Day 10. Ak-Suu
Today's trek takes you to AK-SUU valley. On the way you will cross one more pass at 3600m. This pass forms the border between ARASHAN and AK-SUU valleys. Another hot spring resort, less remote than Altyn-Arashan, is situated down in AK-SUU - but visitors may find themselves competing for a soak with hordes of day trippers! Camp near the river on altitude of 2800m.

Day 11. Djergez
After breakfast we will hike up to AILANYSH pass at 3650m and then descend to DJERGEZ valley to strike camp. This is a truly isolated spot - the nearest village is 30km away. A great opportunity to appreciate the silent peace of the great ranges all around.

Day 12. Turgen-Aksu
A whole day to cross two particularly beautiful passes. The first pass at 3516m has no name but leads into BOZ-UCHUK valley, the second is BOZ-UCHUK Pass at 3360m. After descending to TURGEN AKSU valley and crossing its river via a rickety wooden bridge you will strike camp on its riverbanks.

Day 13. Kok-Keja
After breakfast you will set off to trek over the BULAK-ASHUU Pass (3467 m), then descendto Kok-Keja river. Overnight camp at an altitude of 3100m on the main trekking route towards the Central Tien-Shan and its highest peaks.

Day 14. Tiup
The Chakyr-Korum pass at 3710m is your challenge for today. A challenging hike to the summit is rewarded by unrivalled views of the surrounding valleys. The descent to TIUP GORGE, where you will strike camp, takes in the region of two-three hours. Overnight at 3,000m in an isolated, picturesque spot next to a stream of crystal-clear mountain water.

Day 15. Saryjaz Gorge
A half day of trekking brings you to SARYJAZ GORGE - the valley gouged out by the river SARYJAZ, Kyrgyzstan's biggest waterway. The hike over Echkilitash pass (3723m) is followed by an overnight riverside camp at 2900m. This is the ideal place to spot wild yaks, grazing on the mountainside.

Day 16. Karkara Gorge
KARKARA VALLEY your next destination. Today's hike is through an unforgettable moonscape of craggy rocks, windy slopes, and wide flat valleys. Camping in a picturesque meadow at the KARKARA base camp.

Day 17. Karkara
A day at leisure to discover the Karkara Valley. In summer, the valley is dotted with nomads and their yurts, grazing cattle and horses on the plains. Possible activities include hikes around the base camp, or a thrilling helicopter flightseeing tour over INYLCHEK GLACIER and along the wild KOKSHAAL-TOO and TENGRI-TAG ridges (optional extra). The views of Khan-Tengri (6995m) and Pobedy (7439m) peaks are unforgettable. Second night at the base camp.

Day 18. Almaty
This morning you must bid farewell to KARKARA Base camp before continuing your journey to Almaty. The 7 hour drive takes you through the towns and villages or rural Kazakhstan and to famous CHARYN CANYON. If you have visited America's Grand Canyon you will feel the same sense of awe (albeit on a somewhat smaller scale!). Overnight at the Hotel Otrar - a blissful luxury after your long mountain adventure.

Day 19. Almaty - Medeo complex
Begin your day with the city tour, hosted by our guide. Today's highlights include the ZENKOV CHURCH, GREEN MARKET, NATIONAL SQUARE and MUSEUMS. This afternoon you will be taken on a trip to MEDEO COMPLEX - the largest skating rink in the world. Overnight at the Hotel Otrar.

Day 20. Almaty - Depart for home
After an airport transfer, you will depart for home, taking with you with many spectacular memories of Kyrgyzstan's beautiful Terskey Ala-Too mountains.

TOP OF PAGE