Best of the Ak-Suu Traverse in 5 Days — Ala-Kul Lake & Tien Shan Mountains
The most beautiful part of Kyrgyzstan's greatest trek — five days through the best of the Ak-Suu Traverse. Three high mountain passes, the natural hot springs of Altyn Arashan, and Ala-Kul Lake — the most iconic mountain lake in the Tien Shan. All the highlights. None of the filler. Perfect for those who have five days and want only the best of the traverse.
Price from:
250USD
/ per person
Category:
Hiking
Season:
All year around
Duration:
/3 night
5 Days
Trek Kyrgyzstan's finest trail — five days, three passes, one legendary lake.
National Geographic named the Ak-Suu Traverse one of the world's greatest hikes. This five-day version covers the most spectacular section of the full route — the part every trekker on the nine-day traverse talks about most.
You start in Jergez Gorge, moving through wide glacial valleys where nomadic shepherd families camp on every hillside. You cross Ailanysh Pass at 3,676m with glacier wall views ahead, descend to Almaluu Gorge, then climb Ortok Pass at 3,650m before dropping into Altyn Arashan — warm mineral hot springs in a pine-forested valley. Day four brings the biggest climb of the trek: 1,400 metres from the valley floor to Ala-Kul North Pass at 3,906m, then down to the turquoise glacial waters of Ala-Kul Lake at 3,550m. The final morning descends through the historic Karakol Gorge back to the city.
Three passes. One legendary lake. Five days that cover everything that matters on the greatest trek in Kyrgyzstan. Ready to conquer one of the best trekking trails in the world? Let's go — we will help you to make it!
You start in Jergez Gorge, moving through wide glacial valleys where nomadic shepherd families camp on every hillside. You cross Ailanysh Pass at 3,676m with glacier wall views ahead, descend to Almaluu Gorge, then climb Ortok Pass at 3,650m before dropping into Altyn Arashan — warm mineral hot springs in a pine-forested valley. Day four brings the biggest climb of the trek: 1,400 metres from the valley floor to Ala-Kul North Pass at 3,906m, then down to the turquoise glacial waters of Ala-Kul Lake at 3,550m. The final morning descends through the historic Karakol Gorge back to the city.
Three passes. One legendary lake. Five days that cover everything that matters on the greatest trek in Kyrgyzstan. Ready to conquer one of the best trekking trails in the world? Let's go — we will help you to make it!
Camp beside Ala-Kul Lake — turquoise glacial water at 3,550m surrounded by mountain peaks
Highlights
Climb to Ala-Kul North Pass at 3,906m and see one of the best views in Kyrgyzstan
Soak in the natural hot springs of Altyn Arashan after days of mountain hiking
Cross three high mountain passes through the heart of the Tien Shan
Meet local shepherd families along the trail and share tea with them
Distance: 15 km · Time: 7–8 hours · Elevation: +1,400m / -350m
Altyn Arashan — Ala-Kul North Pass — Ala-Kul Lake
Day 4
Itinerary
Distance: 17 km · Time: 5–6 hours · Elevation: +600m
Day 1
Karakol — Kara-Kyz Village — Jergez Gorge — Yurt Camp
Jergez Gorge — Ailanysh Lakes — Ailanysh Pass — Almaluu Gorge
Day 2
Distance: 13 km · Time: 5–6 hours · Elevation: +900m / -1,300m
Meet your guide in Karakol for a briefing and gear check before the short vehicle transfer to Kara-Kyz village — approximately 30 minutes. The trek begins immediately on foot from the village, heading into Jergez Gorge through open alpine terrain. A gentle introduction to the traverse with no passes today — the first day is designed to warm up the legs and let the altitude settle properly. The gorge opens steadily around you as the trail gains height, with shepherd yurts visible on the hillsides above and the river running alongside. Nomadic families graze their horses through the upper valley. Camp in the yurt at the end of the gorge with the first proper mountain views of the trek.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner ·
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Jergez Gorge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner ·
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Jergez Gorge
The day the traverse begins in earnest. The trail climbs from Jergez Valley, crosses a small river, and pushes toward Ailanysh Pass at 3,676m. The two Ailanysh Lakes at 3,445m sit in a quiet cirque of grey rock just below the pass — cold, clear, and among the most beautiful spots on the entire five days. From the pass, the Ak-Suu glacier wall and surrounding peaks approaching 4,000m open completely before the long descent into Almaluu Gorge. Nomadic shepherd families camp throughout this section — the chance to stop, share tea, and spend a moment in their world is one of the most memorable parts of the trek. An optional waterfall hike is available in the afternoon for those with energy. Yurt camp in the valley below.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Almaluu Gorge (2,800m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Almaluu Gorge (2,800m)
Distance: 14 km · Time: 5–6 hours · Elevation: +800m / -1,600m
Day 3
Almaluu Gorge — Ortok Pass — Altyn Arashan Hot Springs
A sustained morning climb through Almaluu Gorge to Ortok Pass at 3,650m — 800 metres of ascent before the terrain transforms completely on the descent. Rocks give way to grass, grass to pine forest, the temperature rises with every kilometre down. Altyn Arashan means Golden Spa in Kyrgyz — named for the natural mineral hot springs that have made this valley famous among trekkers for generations. After three consecutive days of mountain terrain, the hot springs in the late afternoon are exactly what the body needs. Yurt camp in the pine forest valley. Tomorrow is the hardest and finest day of the five — rest well tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ·
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Altyn Arashan (2,500m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ·
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Altyn Arashan (2,500m)
The defining day of the trek. From the valley floor at 2,500m the trail climbs 1,400 metres to Ala-Kul North Pass at 3,906m — a sustained and demanding ascent through alpine meadow, boulder fields, and finally loose scree in the final steep section. Your guide sets the pace and manages rest stops throughout. At the top, the full Terskey Ala-Too range spreads in every direction — the widest and highest view of the entire five days. Then the short descent to Ala-Kul Lake at 3,550m. Deep turquoise, glacier-fed, completely still, surrounded by peaks above 5,000m. The colour is not what you expect from any lake you have seen before. Camp directly at the water's edge as the temperature drops. Nights at 3,550m are cold — prepare for it.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Ala-Kul Lake (3,550m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Ala-Kul Lake (3,550m)
Distance: 11 km · Time: 4–5 hours · Elevation: -1,000m
Ala-Kul Lake — Karakol Gorge — Karakol Town
Day 5
Wake early if the sky is clear. The lake at first light — the surrounding peaks catching the sun before the water does — is the best photography moment of the entire five days. After breakfast the trail continues westward from the lake, mostly downhill through the upper section of Karakol Gorge. Pine forest returns around you, the river appears alongside the path, and the descent is gentle and satisfying after four days of serious mountain effort. A historic Soviet-era alpine base camp midway through the gorge marks a natural tea stop before the final section to the road. Your vehicle is waiting for the short transfer into Karakol town. The trek is complete.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer: Karakol Gorge — Karakol Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer: Karakol Gorge — Karakol Town
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
English-speaking local trekking guide (5 days)
Transfers: Karakol — Kara-Kyz Village (Day 1) & Karakol Gorge — Karakol Town (Day 5, 4×4 vehicle)
Accommodation: Yurt camps (Nights 1, 2 & 3) & tent camp at Ala-Kul Lake (Night 4)
Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Hot springs session at Altyn Arashan (Day 3)
All national park and area entrance fees
Starlink Wi-Fi at yurt camps
Inclusions
Not Included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Accommodation in Karakol before/after the trek
Porter or horse services (available on request)
Personal hiking equipment
Personal travel insurance (required — must cover trekking above 4,000m)
Alcohol and personal expenses
Any services not mentioned above
English-speaking local trekking guide (5 days)
Transfers: Karakol — Kara-Kyz Village (Day 1) & Karakol Gorge — Karakol Town (Day 5, 4×4 vehicle)
Accommodation: Yurt camps (Nights 1, 2 & 3) & tent camp at Ala-Kul Lake (Night 4)
Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
Meals: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Hot springs session at Altyn Arashan (Day 3)
All national park and area entrance fees
Starlink Wi-Fi at yurt camps
Itinerary
3-4 people
250 USD
2 people
300 USD
1 person
500 USD
Tour Booking
Price per person
Inclusions
Not included
Customise your tour
Flexible departures / customisable itineraries
Day 1
Karakol — Kara-Kyz Village — Jergez Gorge — Yurt Camp
Distance: 17 km · Time: 5–6 hours · Elevation: +600m
Jergez Gorge — Ailanysh Lakes — Ailanysh Pass — Almaluu Gorge
Day 2
Distance: 13 km · Time: 5–6 hours · Elevation: +900m / -1,300m
Meet your guide in Karakol for a briefing and gear check before the short vehicle transfer to Kara-Kyz village — approximately 30 minutes. The trek begins immediately on foot from the village, heading into Jergez Gorge through open alpine terrain. A gentle introduction to the traverse with no passes today — the first day is designed to warm up the legs and let the altitude settle properly. The gorge opens steadily around you as the trail gains height, with shepherd yurts visible on the hillsides above and the river running alongside. Nomadic families graze their horses through the upper valley. Camp in the yurt at the end of the gorge with the first proper mountain views of the trek.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Jergez Gorge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Jergez Gorge
The day the traverse begins in earnest. The trail climbs from Jergez Valley, crosses a small river, and pushes toward Ailanysh Pass at 3,676m. The two Ailanysh Lakes at 3,445m sit in a quiet cirque of grey rock just below the pass — cold, clear, and among the most beautiful spots on the entire five days. From the pass, the Ak-Suu glacier wall and surrounding peaks approaching 4,000m open completely before the long descent into Almaluu Gorge. Nomadic shepherd families camp throughout this section — the chance to stop, share tea, and spend a moment in their world is one of the most memorable parts of the trek. An optional waterfall hike is available in the afternoon for those with energy. Yurt camp in the valley below.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Almaluu Gorge (2,800m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Almaluu Gorge (2,800m)
Day 3
Almaluu Gorge — Ortok Pass — Altyn Arashan Hot Springs
Distance: 14 km · Time: 5–6 hours · Elevation: +800m / -1,600m
Distance: 15 km · Time: 7–8 hours · Elevation: +1,400m / -350m
Altyn Arashan — Ala-Kul North Pass — Ala-Kul Lake
Day 4
A sustained morning climb through Almaluu Gorge to Ortok Pass at 3,650m — 800 metres of ascent before the terrain transforms completely on the descent. Rocks give way to grass, grass to pine forest, the temperature rises with every kilometre down. Altyn Arashan means Golden Spa in Kyrgyz — named for the natural mineral hot springs that have made this valley famous among trekkers for generations. After three consecutive days of mountain terrain, the hot springs in the late afternoon are exactly what the body needs. Yurt camp in the pine forest valley. Tomorrow is the hardest and finest day of the five — rest well tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Altyn Arashan (2,500m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp, Altyn Arashan (2,500m)
The defining day of the trek. From the valley floor at 2,500m the trail climbs 1,400 metres to Ala-Kul North Pass at 3,906m — a sustained and demanding ascent through alpine meadow, boulder fields, and finally loose scree in the final steep section. Your guide sets the pace and manages rest stops throughout. At the top, the full Terskey Ala-Too range spreads in every direction — the widest and highest view of the entire five days. Then the short descent to Ala-Kul Lake at 3,550m. Deep turquoise, glacier-fed, completely still, surrounded by peaks above 5,000m. The colour is not what you expect from any lake you have seen before. Camp directly at the water's edge as the temperature drops. Nights at 3,550m are cold — prepare for it.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Ala-Kul Lake (3,550m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tent camp, Ala-Kul Lake (3,550m)
Distance: 11 km · Time: 4–5 hours · Elevation: -1,000m
Ala-Kul Lake — Karakol Gorge — Karakol Town
Day 5
Wake early if the sky is clear. The lake at first light — the surrounding peaks catching the sun before the water does — is the best photography moment of the entire five days. After breakfast the trail continues westward from the lake, mostly downhill through the upper section of Karakol Gorge. Pine forest returns around you, the river appears alongside the path, and the descent is gentle and satisfying after four days of serious mountain effort. A historic Soviet-era alpine base camp midway through the gorge marks a natural tea stop before the final section to the road. Your vehicle is waiting for the short transfer into Karakol town. The trek is complete.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer: Karakol Gorge — Karakol Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer: Karakol Gorge — Karakol Town
Accommodation in Karakol before/after the trek
Porter or horse services (available on request)
Personal hiking equipment
Personal travel insurance (required — must cover trekking above 4,000m)
Alcohol and personal expenses
Any services not mentioned above
MONEY&COSTS
The national currency is the Kyrgyz Som (KGS). In Bishkek and major towns, ATMs are widely available in shopping centers and on main streets, and you can pay by card in most restaurants and shops. Visa is the most widely accepted card, while MasterCard is less common and accepted only by specific banks. However, when traveling to the mountains or small villages, you must carry enough cash as ATMs are non-existent. We strongly recommend bringing new USD banknotes, as old or marked bills are often refused by exchange offices.
SAFETY
Kyrgyzstan is widely considered the safest and most open country in Central Asia, known for its stable political situation and hospitable locals. While the country is very safe, we recommend taking standard travel precautions just like anywhere else in the world: keep an eye on your belongings, avoid unlit streets at night, and always use official taxi services. Your safety is our top priority, and we work closely with trusted local partners to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.
ENTRY&EXIT
Citizens of many developed countries can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 60 days. If you are unsure about your specific visa requirements, simply contact us for assistance. We also arrange all special border permits required for your specific itinerary free of charge.
BEST TIME TO GO
Kyrgyzstan features a dry continental climate with a striking contrast between the valleys and the mountains. In major cities like Bishkek and the Ferghana Valley, summers can be intense, with daytime temperatures soaring between 30°C and 40°C (86°–104°F). However, since most of the country sits above 1,500 meters, the mountain air is much fresher and more comfortable, typically hovering around a pleasant 20°C–25°C (68°–77°F) during the day.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
For outdoor enthusiasts, summer is the ideal season for trekking and jeep tours, granting full access to high-altitude pastures and breathtaking passes. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the landscape into a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding. Regardless of the season, mountain weather is unpredictable—at elevations over 3,000 meters, temperatures can drop below freezing even in July, so packing warm layers is essential for a comfortable journey.
HEALTH
To ensure a healthy trip, avoid drinking tap water or using it for brushing teeth; rely on bottled or filtered water instead. When it comes to food, it is safer to stick to freshly cooked, hot meals and fruits that you can peel yourself. These simple habits are your best defense against common stomach issues and will help you stay energized.
Before you travel, we recommend checking that your routine vaccinations—specifically Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus—are up to date. Since medical infrastructure in remote mountain areas can be limited, having comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Before you travel, we recommend checking that your routine vaccinations—specifically Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus—are up to date. Since medical infrastructure in remote mountain areas can be limited, having comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour starts at 7:40 AM from the meeting place and lasts around 9-11 hours.
The best way to pay is cash (USD or local currency) directly to the guide on the day of the tour. We also accept card payments and can provide a payment link if needed.
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If it rains, we recommend bringing an umbrella or raincoat. If the weather is extreme, the boat ride may not be possible, but the rest of the activities will continue as planned.
Yes! You’ll have time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenery at Issyk Kul Lake, Burana Tower, and cultural sites.
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Comfortable sedan/minibus during the day
- Small-group tour (min 3 and max 15 passengers)
- Admission tickets to Burana Tower, Boat Tour, and Petroglyphs
- Small bottled water
- Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
- Weather-appropriate clothing (hat/sunscreen in summer, warm layers in winter)
- Packed lunch (optional) if you’d like to have a meal during the boat ride
- Towel and swimsuit for the hot springs
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