Kyrgyzstan is a land of endless mountain horizons. As the famous saying goes: “Better than mountains can only be more mountains.”
This unforgettable trekking journey takes you deep into the wild landscapes of the Terskei Ala-Too mountains, crossing remote valleys, high alpine passes, and pristine lakes hidden among towering peaks.
Starting from the peaceful village of Jyrgalan, the route winds through untouched mountain valleys and ancient shepherd trails before reaching the spectacular Lake Ala-Kol, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most breathtaking alpine lakes. The journey continues through dramatic gorges and ends in the iconic red sandstone valley of Jeti-Oguz.
Along the way you will discover crystal-clear glacier streams, silent alpine meadows, and countless hidden mountain lakes. Nights are spent under an immense star-filled sky, surrounded only by the sounds of nature and the spirit of the nomadic mountains.
This is a true wilderness adventure — a journey for those who seek authentic mountain exploration far from civilization.
Dream. Explore. Discover.
A spectacular high-mountain trek across the Terskei Ala-Too linking Jyrgalan Valley, Lake Ala-Kol, Altyn-Arashan hot springs, and Jeti-Oguz gorge.
The route crosses remote valleys, alpine passes, and pristine wilderness landscapes of the Karakol region.
Duration: 10 days
Distance: 97.6 km
Max Elevation: 3,880 m
Min Elevation: 2,279 m
Total Ascent: 6,945 m
Total Descent: 6,874 m
Season: Mid-June – September
Group Size: 2–12 people
Accommodation: Tents & Yurt
Level: Challenging
• 4–7 hours hiking per day
• Several high mountain passes
• Remote wilderness trekking
Guided trek with pack horses transporting equipment and luggage (except the Ala-Kol section)
Perfect for travelers who love challenging mountain trekking and remote wilderness.
Ideal for:
• Experienced trekkers
• Adventure travelers
• Nature and landscape photographers
• Explorers seeking authentic Tien Shan landscapes.
Follow a spectacular trekking route through the Terskei Ala-Too, linking Jyrgalan Valley, Lake Ala-Kol, Altyn-Arashan, and Jeti-Oguz. Explore the itinerary day by day below.
The adventure begins in the mountain village of Jyrgalan, located about 1.5 hours from Karakol.
From here, the trek gradually ascends along the Jyrgalan River toward the alpine valley of Terme-Tor. The name “Terme-Tor” translates from Kyrgyz as “assembled peaks.”
Upon arrival, we set up camp in a beautiful mountain meadow surrounded by dramatic ridgelines.
Trekking time: 4 hours
Today’s trail leads toward the small alpine lakes of Kosh-Kol, where we enjoy a scenic picnic lunch near the water.
Afterward the trek continues through the Turgen Valley, descending toward our next campsite in the peaceful Kurgon Valley.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Today we enter the beautiful Boz-Uchuk Gorge, known for its collection of remote alpine lakes.
After arriving around midday, we take a relaxed afternoon hike to viewpoints overlooking several high-mountain lakes — perfect for photography and quiet moments in nature.
Overnight camping in tents.
Trekking time: 4 hours
A challenging day awaits as we cross two mountain passes on our way toward the remote Jergez Valley.
The effort is rewarded with sweeping panoramas over the Terskei Ala-Too range.
Camp is set in a quiet alpine meadow.
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Today’s trek leads through the green valley of Almaluu, surrounded by dense spruce forests.
The scent of mountain pines fills the air as we walk through peaceful alpine landscapes. Camp is set in a forest clearing.
Trekking time: 4 hours
The trail descends into the famous Altyn-Arashan Valley, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful mountain landscapes.
Here we enjoy a well-deserved rest in a guesthouse and soak in the natural hot thermal springs — a perfect way to relax after several days of trekking.
Dinner and overnight in a mountain guesthouse.
Trekking time: 4 hours
After breakfast, we begin the ascent toward the spectacular Lake Ala-Kol, crossing one of the most impressive high-altitude passes of the trek.
The turquoise waters of Ala-Kol appear suddenly between dramatic peaks — an unforgettable sight.
Camp near the lake under the stars.
Today we descend from the high alpine zone into the lush Karakol Gorge, surrounded by steep cliffs and forests.
Our campsite is located near a mountain river, creating a peaceful atmosphere for the evening.
Another spectacular day as we cross the Teleti Pass, entering the stunning landscapes that lead toward Jeti-Oguz Valley.
After descending the pass, we camp in a remote alpine meadow.
On the final day we descend toward the picturesque Kok-Jaiyk Valley in the Jeti-Oguz region.
A vehicle meets the group and transfers us back to Karakol, where the expedition concludes.
The tours start upon request, please contact us. The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit into your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.
After having solved all the questions and programs confirming we issue an invoice for payment. You can make a bank transfer or pay upon your arrival time in Bishkek before the trip starts.
The price of the tour depends on the number of people and the season. According to the request and interest, we can negotiate the optimal price for your budget.
The altitude is high and you will cross several mountain passes. We recommend you train with sport or jogging 2-3 times a week in the run-up to your trip.
Clothing for hiking in temperatures from +20C to -0C.
SUGGESTED CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST FOR TREKKING
We recommend you to travel with a soft material bag and a small day-pack. Please
bear in mind the porters will be carrying your luggage so please ensure they are of
good quality, have strong straps and secure zips.
In terms of clothes, it is all about layers as you could experience temperatures (in
celsius) that range from zero to thirty degrees. Though the weather will
usually be less extreme than this, you will find yourself adding and removing layers
a fair amount during a day, especially if you are walking. As such lots of layers are
essential and we would recommend packing a range of clothes from t-shirts, long
sleeve t-shirts, jumpers, shorts and trousers.
CLOTHING
That unzip to make shorts) for walking
Recommend ‘cortex’ as it is light and breathable, though leather is better in wet
and snowy weather. Please ensure you have ‘broken’ the boots in, new ones could cause aggravation.
We recommend you to carry in your daypack
Out walking, we recommend the following items be carried in your daypack:
Overnights during the activity tours mostly you will sleep in the portable tents. You can bring your own tents or we provide you with your request. Nights 6th will be accommodation in the guesthouse Altyn-Arashan.
We provide you with pack horses till the Altyn-Arashan. All heavy bags and all food, and tents will be carried on horseback inside the special saddlebags. All you need to take your light back bags for your things. From Arashan to the lake Alakol and further to the finish point we will take several porters to carry the tents, food, and other staff.
Water is important during trekking, we are providing boiled water or tea/coffee during breakfast, lunch, dinner, however boiling the water is limited, and it is not enough if you will need to fill up your bottles for the next day. Water can be a cause of stomach problems on a trek. On the other hand, you need to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Water in some hills is also the source of water for animals and wild animals in the higher area. Always fetch water from running streams. The faster the better. Stagnant water has a high risk of bearing pathogens, irrespective of the cold surrounding. Whereas, as fast gushing water has very low chances of bearing pathogens in it. It even has less particulate materials. You will be able to fill up water from natural springs, it’s the best as it acts as a natural filter and has very fewer chances of having particles in it. Local people same as a lot of tourists don’t have problems to drink water from the source, however, if you are not sure please bring water cleaning pills with you for the trek from your homeland. You will not be able to find water cleaning pills in Kyrgyzstan.
Die grundlegenden Hinweise für Reisende.
Bitte respektieren Sie während Ihrer Reisezeit die lokale Kultur, Bräuche, Traditionen und Religion.
Versuchen Sie, lokale Produkte zu kaufen und einen Nutzen für die lokale Wirtschaft zu erzielen.
Geben Sie stets faire Preise für Unterkunft, Verpflegung und andere Dienstleistungen an.
Ziehen Sie Ihre Schuhe aus, wenn Sie das Haus oder die Jurte betreten.
Das Rauchen ist zu Hause verboten.
Bitte teilen Sie uns Ihre Ideen zu Essens- und Unterkunftspräferenzen mit.
Bitten Sie die Leute, sie zu fotografieren.
Seien Sie freundlich und versuchen Sie, Kontakt aufzunehmen.
Seien Sie abends und nachts vorsichtig und achten Sie auf Massenversammlungen.
Seien Sie vorsichtig mit Ihren Dokumenten, Ihrem Geld und Ihren Wertgegenständen.
Seien Sie auf Basaren und Straßen auf der Hut vor Taschendieben und Fremden.
Wenn jemand nach Dokumenten, Geldbörsen oder Kameras fragt und sagt, dass er von der Polizei ist, bitten Sie ihn, gemeinsam zur Polizei zu gehen.
Geben Sie Ihre Sachen niemals an Fremde weiter.
Tragen Sie bei Outdoor-Aktivitäten gute Wanderschuhe.
Bringen Sie auch im Sommer warme, wasserdichte Kleidung mit.
Halten Sie Ihre Taschenlampe mit Sonnenschutzmittel und Abwehrmittel bereit.
Trinken Sie kein sehr kaltes Wasser aus unbekannten Quellen.
Alkoholkonsum in großen Höhen ist unsicher.
Wenn das Essen fett ist oder für Sie nicht akzeptabel ist, können Sie es ein wenig probieren und sich bedanken.
Trinken Sie nach dem Essen kein kaltes Wasser, sondern lieber heißen Tee oder Tee. Es hilft bei Verdauungsproblemen in großer Höhe.
Tragen Sie in den Bergen warme Kleidung, normalerweise nach dem Essen.
Bringen Sie Ihre Medikamente und Ihr Erste-Hilfe-Set mit.
Wenn Sie sich unsicher fühlen oder Probleme zu besprechen haben, teilen Sie dies bitte Ihren Mitarbeitern, Ihrem Gastgeber oder Ihrem Reiseleiter mit.
Sammeln Sie Ihren Müll. Packen Sie sämtlichen nicht biologisch abbaubaren Müll ein.
Bitte lassen Sie keine Zigarettenkippen oder Müll fallen.
Die Vegetation in großer Höhe ist sehr empfindlich. Die Umwelt schützen.
Benutzen Sie Toiletten in der Natur, wo immer sie verfügbar sind. Wo keine vorhanden sind, halten Sie einen Abstand von mindestens 40–50 m zu Bächen und Wasserquellen ein und vergraben Sie alle Abfälle und Papiere.
Hinterlassen Sie Fußspuren, machen Sie einfach Ihre Fotos.
Tell us about your travel plans and we'll craft a personalized proposal within 24 hours. No pressure, no generic packages — just a genuine conversation about your dream trip.
