Day 1. Bishkek to Jeti-Oguz
We’ll begin our scenic drive from Bishkek to Jeti-Oguz village, leaving no later than 9 a.m. On the way, we’ll stop in Bokonbaevo for a delicious lunch with a local family. Afterward, we’ll visit the stunning Skazka Canyon, known for its fairytale-like rock formations. Though it’s a long day on the road, there will be chances for short nature walks and cultural experiences. By early evening, we’ll arrive at a cozy guesthouse in Jeti-Oguz. A warm dinner will await us. We will also enjoy a relaxing overnight stay.
Driving time: 6-7 hours
Day 2. Kok-Jaiyk
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Svetlaya Polyana valley to begin our trek to Kok-Jaiyk. The trail leads through a lush, green valley surrounded by the dense Tien-Shan fir forest. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the wilderness before descending into Kok-Jaiyk valley in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight will be at a yurt camp.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours.
Trekking distance: 12-14 km
Day 3. Teleti
After breakfast, we gear up with our backpacks and trekking poles, ready for the adventure ahead! We’ll hike through a picturesque gorge dotted with jailoos — traditional pastures for dairy cattle. After a couple of hours, the majestic Oguz-Bashi Peak (5,170 m) will come into view. At the trail fork, we’ll take the left path toward Telety Pass. The ascent is steep, so it’s important to pace yourself, especially as this will be your first climb to 3,000 meters where the thinner air makes oxygen harder to absorb. Before reaching the pass, we’ll settle into a tent camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
Trekking distance: 10-12 km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Day 4. Karakol gorge
The next day, we’ll ascend to Telety Pass, where snow lingers year-round. However, if the sun is shining, you won’t need to bundle up — it can get quite warm. The pass itself is non-technical and relatively easy to cross, especially after a night at altitude, which helps with acclimatization.
The descent into the flowering valley is scenic, though without any striking landmarks. Around lunchtime, as the gorges and couloirs on your right taper off, keep an eye out for the trail starting along the ridge to the right. We’ll follow it briefly before descending directly into the Karakol River valley. This descent can be steep and tricky, especially in wet conditions, as the clay soil becomes slippery.
By the time we reach the next camp, a hot dinner and a cozy overnight stay will be waiting to welcome us.
Trekking distance: 15-17 km
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Day 5. Lake Alakol
In the morning, we’ll cross the bridge and follow the well-trodden path that ascends to the right. This trail is frequently used by groups hiking to Lake Ala-Kul. About halfway up, we’ll reach the “Sirota” shelter by a small lake—a simple wooden hut with benches, food supplies, and firewood, built as a refuge from bad weather. It’s an ideal spot for a lunch break.
Afterward, the trail climbs higher, leading us to a beautiful waterfall that flows from the lake. After about three to three and a half hours of trekking, we’ll finally catch sight of Lake Ala-Kul (3,650 m). The lake, known for its changing colors depending on the weather, is surrounded by smaller lakes, each with its own unique hue.
We’ll descend to the lake’s pebble shores, where we can take in its mesmerizing beauty. If the weather is warm enough, you can take a quick dip—though the glacier-fed waters are frigid! From there, we’ll continue along the left bank, making our way to the eastern shore where we’ll set up camp for the night.
As darkness falls, don’t forget to gaze up at the night sky. At 3,600 meters, the stars will seem incredibly close, like a golden blanket draped across the heavens—an unforgettable sight only visible in the highlands!
Trekking distance: 8-10 km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Day 6. Altyn-Arahan
The morning begins with our ascent to Ala-Kol Pass, where a strong wind often greets us, so we’ll put on our hats right away. The climb is moderately steep and offers stunning views, with wild irises and edelweiss blooming beneath our feet. Upon reaching the pass, we’ll once again be awed by the cosmic beauty of the lake before starting our descent into the Altyn-Arashan valley.
This descent is steep and on loose pebbles, so we’ll need to tread carefully. We have a three to four-hour trek ahead of us, which includes crossing a river (where the water can be quite high) and a bridge before we arrive at a cluster of white sheds—our destination.
These are the hot springs! Here, you can indulge in a soothing soak, easing your tired muscles after days of hiking. Our day will end with dinner and a cozy overnight stay in a yurt camp.
Trekking distance: 10-12 km
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Day 7. Karakol town
Day 7: Karakol town
After breakfast, we’ll embark on our final downhill hike along the Arashan River until we reach the Ak-Suu point, where our transport will be waiting to take us to Karakol town. We expect to arrive in town just in time for a late lunch.
Trekking distance: 15-16 km
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Day 8. Bishkek
Day 8: Bishkek
After breakfast, we’ll transfer back to Bishkek, stopping in Tamchy village to visit a local family of skilled handicraft artisans. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to make a traditional Kyrgyz felt carpet during a hands-on demonstration at their home.
We’ll enjoy lunch with the family before continuing our journey. We expect to arrive in Bishkek by late afternoon, where you’ll check into your hotel for the evening.
Driving time: 7-8 hours.
Category: Trekking
Some extra information , the rest of the details on request .
Duration: Auto – 2 days, trekking – 6 days
Level of Difficulty: moderate to difficult, pass at 3,800 meters ASL
Best Season: mid-June – mid-September
Accommodation & meals: yurt camping places for the trekkers
Group size: any
Ascent 4,073 m
Descent 4,403 m
Max Elevation 3,880 m
Min Elevation 1,975 m
Distance 70 – 75 km
Kyrgyzstan natureguiding 