SHORT AND LONG AK-SUU TREKKINGS
5-15-day tours, experienced hikers only
Crossing high passes and wild streams, suitable for adventurous hikers
These very challenging trekking of 5, 7, 11 and 15 days, require a good physical condition and experienced in hiking in the high mountains.
About tour
The Ak -Suu-Travers is a most spectacular Alpine adventure. It offers a combination of raw wilderness and cultural richness. Each hiking day feels like discovering a hidden corner of the world. Trails are quiet, encounters with locals feel authentic am the sense of remoteness is profound. Yet the trek is accessible enough for fit hikers who want a true off-the -beaten-path adventure without technical climbing. It is the adventure of a lifetime for hikers who crave stunning landscapes and true wilderness.
The daily hiking distance is between 10 and 16 km and some day you have to go up as much as 1300m.
During the trek you will be accompanied by an English speaking guide and spend the night in semi-permanent yurt / tent camps with reasonable/ good accommodation. Sleeping bag and matrass are available. Bring own sleeping bag liner. Everyone carries its own personal luggage.
You can book this tour as a solo traveler, together with some friends or join the tour on the planned date. Of course this makes a difference in price.
Day By Day Programme
Programme of 15 days with dayhikes and a 7 day trek, start in Bishkek and finish in Karakol
| Day 1 | Departure from your local airport. |
| Day 2 | Arrival at Manas Airport where your guide/interpreter will be waiting to meet and take you to the Umai Hotel. After a short rest and light lunch, we go sightseeing around Bishkek. Supper and stay in the Umai. |
| Day 3 | Day hike in Ala Archa National Park, 40 km from Bishkek to get used to time change and high altitude. Hike to the waterfalls at 2665 m. Stay in Hotel Umai. |
| Day 4 | By minibus to the Boom Gorge, 120 km from Bishkek. Here we hike for a couple hours in the Konorchok Canyons. Next, we drive to the yurt camp Bosogo at the south side of Lake Issyk-Kul. Stay in yurt. Swimming possible. |
| Day 5 | Along the south side of Lake Issyk-Kul to Karakol, stop in Skaska, for a short hike. Skaska is a small, hidden valley with strange eroded bright colored rock formations. Continue to Karakol, the largest town at the east side of the lake, Stay in guesthouse. |
| Day 6 | Transfer from Karakol to Turgen-Aksu Valley (60 km), about 1 hour. Start of 7 days of trekking and crossing the first pass of 3.363 m. over the Boz-Uchuk to the lakes where we will stay in yurts for the night (3,220m). If we arrive in time, we can go and see the sunset over the Issyk Kul basin. Total trekking 10km. |
| Day 7 | Today a long hike, first downhill and then 2 km more steeply up hill to the pass at 3,524 m. Trail continues to Ailanysh Lake (3,445m), next over the Ailanysh Pass of 3,676m. From here we see the stunning views of the Ak-Suu glacier. Yurts next to Ala Kol Lake (3,350m). Total 19km hiking. |
| Day 8 | Today an easier day, but starting with an 800m climb to go over the Ortok Pass (3.650 m) and then descend to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs, 6-7 hours hiking. After lunch, a short hike to the hot springs where we can bathe in the hot water. Overnight in tents or dormitory-style hut at 2,500. Trekking 14km. |
| Day 9 | Today we cross the Ala-Kol Pass. We cross the bridge to the west side of the Ak Suu River and then, after 2km, we turn into the mountains and, after 8km uphill, we reach the Ala-Kol North Pass (3,906m). The final 200 metres are very steep. Amazing views. We will camp next to Ala-Kol Lake. Trekking 15km. |
| Day 10 | It is possible to explore the glacier side by the morning. Hike around the lake and go up to cross the pass that is on the south side of the lake. From here there is a very steep descent into the Karakol Valley, at least 4 hours for the downhill. Lunch in the Karakol Valley and then another 200m to set-up camp for the night. Trekking 11 km. |
| Day 11 | The last long uphill trek to the Telety Pass (3,792m). Downhill for about one and a half hours to the river valley and then along the river to our camp (3,100m). Stay not far from the river at 3.100 m. Trekking 10 km. |
| Day 12 | Walk down to the Djeti-Oguz Valley, where we will have lunch in yurts, and then hike to a nearby waterfall called Girl’s Braids. Trekking 14 km. The minibus will meet you not far from here at Kok-Jaik Pastures. From here back to Karakol. Stay in guesthouse. |
| Day 13 | Today we drive along the north side of Lake Issyk-Kul to Tamchy a nice village at the north side of the lake, in Oruktu we will stop to take a bath in an open-air-hot spa. Stay in B&B. |
| Day 14 | From Tamchy back to Bishkek. In the afternoon we will have some time for shopping and/or visiting the Osh Bazaar. Farewell dinner and stay the Umai. |
| Day 15 | Transfer to Manas Airport and departure. |
Programme of 11 days with a 9 day trek, start in Bishkek and finish in Karakol
| Day 1 | Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to the bus station. By public transportation to Karakol (not included), stay in guest house Sweet House. In the evening the guide will meet you and make the appointment for the departure next day. |
| Day 2 | Transfer from Karakol to Jyrgalan (60km). Starting our place of the trekking. Hike up to 3450, descent to where we will stay in yurt camp at 3200 m. Trekking distance: 14 km. |
| Day 3 | Today we have to cross the Bulak-Ashuu 3450m.. Stop along the way for lunch. Our camp will be located next to the Bozuchuk (Elevation: 3450m).Trekking distance: 16 km, stay in yurt. |
| Day 4 | Early breakfast because of the long day. We will follow the trail uphill and heading more steeply uphill to the pass in the distance at 3524m. From the top, the Jergez valley spreads out below and an excellent view of Tashtanbek Tor Bashi peak dominates the southern horizon. Descend down to the camp and lunch. After lunch we can hike to the waterfall and back. Overnight and dinner in yurts, Trekking distance: 7 km+ 5km to waterfall and back. |
| Day 5 | From the camp, we continue to the first Ailanysh Lake (at 3445m.The climb steepens past the second lake, up to the Ailanysh Pass at 3676m. We can see unbelievable views down towards an unnamed 3855m peak and the blinding snowy whiteness of the Ak-Suu Wall’s glaciated slopes. Overnight in yurts at: 2750m.Trekking distance: 13 km. |
| Day 6 | Today’s a relatively easy day, distance-wise, but it begins with an 800m+ climb to the Ortok pass (3650 m). We continues Ak-Suu Arashan valley. After lunch small walking to the wild hot springs and taking a dip in the hot springs that have made the valley locally famous since before the Soviet era. Take a rest as tomorrow will be a long but rewarding uphill day. Overnight on yurt or guesthouse at 2500m. Trekking distance: 14 km. |
| Day 7 | Today we cross the Ala-Kol Pass. We cross the bridge to the west side of the Ak Suu River and then, after 2km, we turn into the mountains and, after 8km uphill, we reach the Ala-Kol North Pass (3,906m). The final 200 m. are very steep. Amazing views. We will camp next to Ala-Kol Lake. Trekking 15km. Stay in tents at alt. 3550m. |
| Day 8 | From the camp, we will continue to the west., but instead of around the curve of the lake, along a small path which is visible from afar that climbs from the lake along a rockfall to the 3781m Panorama Pass. Expect around two hours for the full 4km of hiking, more if you’re generally slow on downhills. Your knees will probably need a break by the time you’ve reached the valley, so break for lunch here and rebuild your strength for the next climb. Our yurt camp will be located at 3200m. Trekking distance: 11 km. |
| Day 9 | After breakfast head up the valley around 3km to where a path branches up the Telety Valley with great panoramas of Telety to the Southwest and back towards Ala-Kol’s passes to the Northeast. we will head up the valley to the 3792m Telety Pass, continuing down another hour and a half to the river valley on the far side (around 7km from camp to pass to river). We walk down to the valley and camp not far from the river. Overnight in yurt 3100m.Trekking distance: 15 km. |
| Day 10 | Walk down to the Djeti-Oguz Valley, where we will have lunch in yurts, and then hike to a nearby waterfall called Girl’s Braids. Trekking 13 km. The minibus will meet you not far from here at Kok-Jaik Pastures. From here back to Karakol. Stay in guesthouse Sweet House. |
| Day 11 | Departure from Sweet house after breakfast. |
Programme of 9 days with a 7 day trek, start in Bishkek and finish in Karakol
| Day 1 | Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to the bus station. By public transportation to Karakol (not included), stay in guest house Sweet House. In the evening the guide will meet you and make the appointment for the departure next day. |
| Day 2 | Transfer from Karakol to Jyrgalan (60km). Starting our place of the trekking. Hike up to 3450, descent to where we will stay in yurt camp at 3200 m. Trekking distance: 14 km. |
| Day 3 | Today we have to cross the Bulak-Ashuu 3450m.. Stop along the way for lunch. Our camp will be located next to the Bozuchuk (Elevation: 3450m).Trekking distance: 16 km, stay in yurt. |
| Day 4 | Early breakfast because of the long day. We will follow the trail uphill and heading more steeply uphill to the pass in the distance at 3524m. From the top, the Jergez valley spreads out below and an excellent view of Tashtanbek Tor Bashi peak dominates the southern horizon. Descend down to the camp and lunch. After lunch we can hike to the waterfall and back. Overnight and dinner in yurts, Trekking distance: 7 km+ 5km to waterfall and back. |
| Day 5 | From the camp, we continue to the first Ailanysh Lake (at 3445m.The climb steepens past the second lake, up to the Ailanysh Pass at 3676m. We can see unbelievable views down towards an unnamed 3855m peak and the blinding snowy whiteness of the Ak-Suu Wall’s glaciated slopes. Overnight in yurts at: 2750m.Trekking distance: 13 km. |
| Day 6 | Today is a relatively easy day, distance-wise, but it begins with an 800m+ climb to the Ortok pass (3650 m). We continues Ak-Suu Arashan valley. After lunch small walking to the wild hot springs and taking a dip in the hot springs that have made the valley locally famous since before the Soviet era. Take a rest, as tomorrow will be a long but rewarding uphill day. Overnight on yurt or guesthouse at 2500m. Trekking distance: 14 km. |
| Day 7 | Today we cross the Ala-Kol Pass. We cross the bridge to the west side of the Ak Suu River and then, after 2km, we turn into the mountains and, after 8km uphill, we reach the Ala-Kol North Pass (3,906m). The final 200 m. are very steep. Amazing views. We will camp next to Ala-Kol Lake. Trekking 15km.Stay in tents at alt. 3550m. |
| Day 8 | From the camp, we will continue to the west., but instead of around thou’re generally slow on downhills. Your knees will probably need a break by the time you’ve reached the valley, so break for lunch here and rebuild your strength for the next climb. Our yurt camp will be located at 3200m. Trekking distance: 11 km. |
| Day 9 | Leave Karakol and return to Bishkek by public transportation (not included). |
Programme of 7 days with a 5 day trek, start in Bishkek and finish in Karakol
| Day 1 | Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to the bus station. By public transportation to Karakul (not included), stay in guesthouse Sweet House. In the evening the guide will meet you and make the appointment for the departure next day. |
| Day 2 | Transfer from Karakol to Jergez gorge (30km). Starting our 5 days trekking. On the way: beautiful Tien Shan forest, mountain river Jergez, shepherds that live in the yurt. There is no pass for this day. We will reach the camp place in ~5-6 hours. Overnight in the yurt camp (Elevation: 3100m). Trekking distance: 17 km. |
| Day 3 | This day’s route starts by crossing the small river west of the camp and ascending to the Ailanysh lakes. The climb steepens past the second lake, up to the Ailanysh Pass at 3676m. About 5km to this final descent of the day. Impressive views of an unnamed 3855m peak and the blinding snowy whiteness of the Ak-Suu Wall’s glaciated slopes. Overnight in yurts (Elevation: 2800m).Trekking distance: 13 km. |
| Day 4 | Today is a relatively easy day distance-wise, but it begins with an 800m climb to the Ortok pass (3650 m). The trail continues along the East side of the river to the main Ak-Suu Arashan valley. After lunch short hike to the wild hot springs and taking a dip in the hot water that has made the valley famous. Take a good rest tonight, because tomorrow is a long but rewarding uphill day. Overnight guesthouse (Elevation: 2500m). Trekking distance: 14 km. |
| Day 5 | Breakfast. Today we cross the Ala-Kul pass. From Altyn Arashan, cross the large bridge over to the west side of the Ak-Suu River and continue for over 2km to large valley. After leaving the Arashan valley it’s around 8km uphill,from 2570m at the start to 3906m at the Ala-Kol North pass. The last 200m of are very steep, nearly vertical, as it rises through loose scree over which two obvious paths have been formed by the multitude of hikers. The view from the top of the pass is sublime, with an incredible panorama of 5000m+ peaks and the breadth of Ala-Kol lake. This day we will camp next to the Ala-Kul lake. Overnight in the tent (Elevation: 3550m). Trekking distance: 15 km. |
| Day 6 | From the camp, we will continue to the west. Today it is mostly downhill. 11km to the next camp in the Karakol gorge and here we will be picked up by car to Karakol. There are few other campsites with the yurts on the way. Our end used to be a alpine base camp in Soviet time. We will have some tea in the camp and by car continue to Karakol. Trekking distance: 11 km. Stay in Sweet House. |
| Day 7 | Leave Karakol and return to Bishkek by public transportation (not included). |
Programme of 5 days with a 3 day trek, start in Bishkek and finish in Karakol
| Day 1 | Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to the bus station. By public transportation to Karakul (not included), stay in guesthouse Sweet House. In the evening the guide will meet you and make the appointment for the departure next day. |
| Day 2 | We depart from the city of Karakol to the Karakol Gorge in the morning. The drive to the trailhead will take about 1, 5 hours. We hike until close to the foot of Karakol peak. It is 7 km one way. Usually it takes 3-3,5 hours and 2h back. Lunch. We spend around one hour and descend back to the alpine camp. Campfire. Overnight and dinner in yurt. Trekking distance: 14km. Altitude: +600; -600. Time: 5-6 hours. |
| Day 3 | Early breakfast. Our camp and starting point is at 2500m. We cross the bridge and ascend to the lake Ala-Kul. After about 2-2.5 hours of hiking up the valley, we will stop for rest at a small hut. Next, we will continue trekking to the lake. Lunch on the route. About 10km hiking with 1100m difference in altitude. Walking till the end of the lake or taking a boat or kayak to the other side of the lake (what we will do depends on the situation of ice melting). Trekking distance: 12 km. Altitude: +1100; -100. Time: 6-7 h Stay in tents. |
| Day 4 | We descend the gorge to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan (2500m). The descent takes 3-3,5 hours depending on the pace. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Transfer to Karakol by truck. Trekking distance: 15 km. Altitude: +350; -1400 Time: 6-7 hours. Stay in Guesthouse Sweet House (B&B). |
| Day 5 | Departure after breakfast. |
Due to unforeseen circumstances, it might be necessary to make small changes in the program.
We ask for your understanding.
Tour specifics
Our tours can be organized for individual travelers or groups of up to 10 people (and sometimes more) and for families with (young) children. For the majority of our tours you can specify the start date and length of the tour.
| Date | |
| June 20 | July 4 |
| July 15 | July 29 |
| August 2 | August 16 |
| August 19 | August 25 |
| Group | |
| 4 and more persons | |
| For 6 persons | |
| Price with guide (whole tour) | € 1.425 p.p. |
| Price with trek guide only | € 1.235 p.p. |
| For 5 persons | |
| Price with guide (whole tour) | € 1.530 p.p. |
| Price with trek guide only | € 1.305 p.p. |
| For 4 persons | |
| Price with guide (whole tour) | € 1.680 p.p. |
| Price with trek guide only | € 1.415 p.p. |
| For 3 persons | |
| Price with guide (whole tour) | € 1.935 p.p. |
| Price with trek guide only | € 1.600 p.p. |
| For 2 persons | |
| Price with guide (whole tour) | € 2.450 p.p. |
| Price with trek guide only | € 1.970 p.p. |
For bookings of 6, or more, persons we offer a 5% discount. Contact us for more discounts.
In case there are less participants than required, if you pay an additional fee, the trip will go on as planned.
Terms of payment
Your booking will be confirmed upon receipt of a deposit of euros 250 per person. The outstanding balance must be paid either 8 weeks before departure or in cash upon arrival. We do not accept debit or credit cards.
• Transportation by minibus
• Transfer from and to the airport
• All meals, breakfast, lunch and supper
• Stay in hotel, B&B, guesthouse, yurt and homestay, tents
• Camping equipment
• Programme as described
• English/German (as required) speaking guide/interpreter
• Flight
• Insurances
• Personal expenses
• Porters (max 10 kg)
• Entrance charges if applicable
• Tips
• Alcoholic and other bottled beverages
• Activities not mentioned in the programme
If you have to cancel a tour you already booked, we have to charge you cancellation fee.
If Ecotour cancels the tour, of course you will get back the full amount you paid.
If you cancel your trip, depending on the time your message reaches us, you owe Ecotour the following amount:
| till 42 days before departure | one pays the deposit |
| day 42- till day 28 | 35 % |
| day 28- till day 21 | 40 % |
| day 21- till day 14 | 50 % |
| day 14- till day 5 | 75 % |
| day 5 – till day 2 | 90 % |
| on the last day before and the day of departure | 100% |
A trip with Ecotour means an unusual and unforgettable vacation.
Our trips are suitable for those who do not insist on luxury, love the mountains,
appreciate the silence and do not want to travel in large groups.
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Mountain passes, bad tracks, off-road, and firm climbs over 3000 m characterize this route.
Not all slopes are steep, but some are very long and on dirt roads.
But it is worth the effort.