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Exploring Kyrgyzstan

Terskey Ala-Too Mountain Range Trek

The Terskey Ala-Too is a mountain range in the Tian Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan that stretches southeast of Lake Issyk Kul, from the river Joon Aryk near Kochkor in the west to the far northeastern part of Kyrgyzstan. Its highest peak is Karako Peak at 5216m.  On this adventurous hike you will be accompanied by a local mountain guide and your luggage will be portered between night stops. This is a remote area of rugged mountain beauty and an ideal extension for mountain trekkers. This tour operates from mid-May to the end of September.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1 - TRAVEL TO JUUKUCHAK GORGE

Long days drive from Bishkek to Karakol and onto Juukuchak gorge, a 50km valley where spruce thickets grow on steep sides, waterfalls flow and glaciers can be seen high above.  Late this evening meet your trekking guide at the camp and discuss the programme you will follow for the next few days.

DAY 2 - TREK TO KICHI KYZYL SUU

After breakfast begin your hike. Today’s hike is 16km and will take around 5 to 6 hours. The trail starts at the foot of the mountain and ascends through Orto Bulak pass in the Kichi Kyzyl Suu gorge. The pass reaches 2540m and affords great views of the surrounding mountains. Tonight’s camp is at an altitude of 2300m and a hot dinner will be served.

DAY 3 - TREK TO CHON KYZYL SUU

In the morning, hit the trail to Chon Kyzyl Suu gorge. The green pastures and mountain rivers of Chon Kyzyl Suu attract nomadic families and you will see them along the way with their livestock and yurts. In the evening arrive at the hot springs of Djili Suu where there is a small pool in which you can relax after a long day of walking. Today’s hike is around 18km and will take 6 to 7 hours.  The overnight camp is just above 2000m.

DAY 4 - TREK TO JETY OGUZ

Continue your mountain hike to the jeti Oguz gorge, one of the most beautiful and famous canyons in Kyrgyzstan. To reach this gorge, you have to cross the river and cross the Kok jaiyk pass (2750 m).  From this pass, there is an unforgettable panorama, and later on you will get magnificent views of Lake Issyk-Kul. At the end of the day, you will reach a yurt camp (2300m) where you can take a shower and have supper. Today’s trekking distance is 18km, trekking time 6 to 7 hrs.

DAY 5 - TREK TO THE FOOT OF OGUZ-BASHI PEAK

The picturesque Jety-Oguz valley ends with a wall of majestic mountains, the Teskei Ala-Too ridge, and one of the highest points of this mountain wall is the Oguz-Bashi peak, 5168 m high. This is the third highest peak of the Terskei Ala-Too range, after the Karakol (5281 m) and Dzhigit (5170 m) peaks. Oguz-Bashi means ‘head of a bull’, and this name was given to the peak due to the fact that it has two peaks that resemble the horns of this animal. Oguz-Bashi peak is often thought to be the most beautiful peak in the Issyk-Kul.  Altitude of today’s tented camp is 2300m, trekking distance 20km, trekking time 6 to 7 hrs).

DAY 6 - RETURN TO BISHKEK

After breakfast continue your travel to Bishkek, arriving late afternoon where the tour ends.

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DETAILS:

This itinerary costs from £1370 per person B&B based on 2 sharing and including all private transfers but not international flights.

You can get flights from as little as £570 per person return and do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

What's included?

INCLUDED:
  • Prices start from £1370 per person
  • 3 nights tented accommodation & 2 nights yurts on B&B basis
  • Accompanied by an English speaking guide days 1 & 6
  • Accompanied by an English speaking trekking guide
  • Private vehicle and transfers
  • All entrance fees for excursions
  • Lunch on Days 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
  • Dinner on Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
  • Local taxes
  • Meals for guides and drivers
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are financially protected
 Make a booking
Bishkek
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan lies at the foot of snow-capped mountains and is the starting point for our Kyrgyzstan tours. Staying in good quality accommodation, you can head off on a rewarding guided sightseeing tour to visit the main sights of the city, open-air art galleries and Osh Bazaar.
Cholpon Ata
Cholpon Ata is the main town on the north shore of Issyk Kul Lake. In the summer months visitors can stay at one of the large resorts, relax on the beach, swim in the crystalline water or go white water rafting on the Chu River.
Bokonbaev
Bokonbaev village is an administrative centre of Ton region that covers most of the south shore of Issyk Kul Lake. You can stay in a traditional yurt by the lake, see an eagle hunting show and swim in the world’s second largest alpine lake.
Son Kul Lake
Soak in the huge vistas and open spaces on the shores of this magnificent mountain lake, lying at an altitude of 3016m above sea level. Stay overnight in a yurt, see how the Kyrgz nomads live and ride horses around Son Kul Lake.
Jety-Oguz Canyon
Jety-Oguz Canyon is a unique geographical formation of red sandstone cliffs, surrounded by the Teskei Ala-Too mountains. Here you can sleep in a yurt, go horseback riding or enjoy walks through the canyon with the famous view of the Seven Bulls, soaking up the scenery of the picturesque hills and valleys.
Karakol
Karakol town was founded by Russian pioneers in 1869. It’s a small town with the oldest Orthodox Church in Kyrgyzstan, a Chinese-style Muslim mosque and a colourful bazaar and livestock market. The Hillside Karakol Boutique Hotel is a great place to stay in Karakol.

Tash Rabat
Located in a remote valley in the far south of Kyrgyzstan in the Naryn Region, Tash Rabat is famous for its Silk Road caravanserais which were an extensive network of traveler’s inns along old caravan roads. Based in a yurt, you can enjoy leisurely walks or ride horses through the mountain valleys.
Chon Kemin Valley
Chon Kemin valley National Park is a beautiful part of Kyrgyzstan, with lush green valleys where forested mountains tower over meandering rivers and rare wildlife roams. The area is great for horse riding, trekking and fishing, and you can stay in Ahu Guesthouse, one of the best guesthouses in Kyrgyzstan.

Sary Chelek Biosphere
Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve is a beautiful, protected nature reserve. Situated up among the steep rocky slopes of the surrounding mountains, approximately 1870 metres above sea level, Sary Chelek is the largest of the seven lakes within the nature reserve and is home to hundreds of species of animals and plants.

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