The best multi-day hike in Kyrgyzstan - Ak-su Traverse.

Jyrgalan — Bozuchuk — Altyn Arashan — Alakul Lake — Jeti Oguz.

Bozuchuk lake

Ak-Su traverse is one of the most beautiful hikes near Karakol and probably one of the best multi-day hike in Kyrgzystan. Starting from Jyrgalan Valley you will visit incredibly beautiful lakes, meadows, and snowy passes. 

Duration: 8-9 days.

Difficulty: Moderate. +700 +1000 m elevation gain every day

Distance: 92 km
Elevation: Highest point 3900 m, the lowest point 1700 m
Period: June – September

Jyrgalan Valley

Day 1. Jyrgalan — Terim Tor Pass

First, you have to get to Jyrgalan.  There is the minibus to Jyrgalan. It goes from here :

  • In summer:8:30, 13:30 и 17:30.
  • In winter:8:30, 13:30, и 16:30.

Or you can take a taxi. It cost around 15 euro.

Also, I would recommend downloading Maps.me App. As all the trail is already marked. And read here food and water during the trek in Kyrgyzstan.Travel from Karakol to Jyrgalan Valley(1-hour driving,60km). You will hike(Elevation 2250 m) to the south 13 km (4-5 hours). Overnight in a tent before Terim Tor Pass (3000m)

Ak Su Traverse

Day 2. Terim Tor Pass -  Bozuchuk

Leaving the camp you will summit Terim Tor pass(3467m). After having lunch by the river in Turgen Valley you will summit Buzuchuk pass (3362) then overnight in a tent by Bozushuk lakes(3400m). This day is one of the hardest days during this trek.

Day 3. Ailanysh - Almaluu valley

Leaving the campsite you will hike over Ailanysh pass (3671m) ~5-6 hours (14km) down to Almaluu valley. Overnight in the tent (Elevation: 2500m).

Day 4. Almaluu - Altyn Arashan

Leaving the campsite you will hike to Altyn-Arashan hot springs for ~4-5 hours (10km). Overnight in a yurt with provided food (Elevation: 2500m). Enjoy the hot spring pool.
Ak Su Traverse is the best multi-day hike in Kyrgyzstan

Day 5. Altyn Arashan - Ala kul Pass

Leaving the campsite you will hike to the baseline of Ala-Kul pass (3860m) ~5-6 hours (14km). Overnight in the tent (Elevation: 3300m).
hiking to Altyn Arashan

Day 6. Ala Kul lake - Sirota Camp

Leaving the campsite you will summit Ala-Kul pass (3860m) and descend to Sirota campsite ~6-7 hours (15 km). Overnight in the tent (Elevation: 2700 m).
Travel to Kyrgyzstan. View on the mountain

Day 7. Karakol gorge - Teleti Pass

 On this day you will hike down to Karakol Valley. And summit beautiful Pass Teleti. (3800 m). Overnight in a tent. 

Day 8. Teleti pass - Flower valley - jeti oguz

Leaving the campsite you will hike to Flower valley and Jeti Oguz rocks. (3-4 hours). Travel to Karakol town. (1-hour driving)

Also, we recommend reading Food and Water during treks in Kyrgyzstan.

  • Good, waterproof hiking boots,
  • warm clothes, in warm summer days the temperature is up to +15 C during the day and +5 at night,
  • raincoats, even in summer there can be snow, and sometimes it rains for days,
  • hiking poles.
  • Tent,
  • sleeping bags, minimum 0 ‘C,
  • sleeping mat,
  • camping gas and stove.

You can rent equipment in Karakol with us. 

Also, you can read here Food and Water during hiking in Kyrgyzstan

A map of the Ak-Su traverse.

If you are interested in a guided tour, we offer a full package tour Ak Su traverse.

Full package, The best multi-day hike in Kyrgzystan. 8 days, 7 nights.

Included

tent, sleeping bags, mats, kitchen gear

Food during whole trek

Transport

English speaking guide, porter and cook

Price for 8 days. In Euro - €

1 person — 1900 €

2 persons  — 1700 € per peson

3 persons — 1400 € per person

4 persons — 1200 € per person

5 persons — 1100 € per person

6-14 person — 980 € per person