AK-SUU TRAVERSE
15-day tour, experienced hikers only
This trek crosses 7 high passes and is suitable for adventurous hikers
A challenging tour for hikers who must be in good physical condition
and experienced in hiking
See the life of the Kyrgyz nomads, hike in the surrounding mountains and go horse riding
About tour
This 15-day programme crosses 7 high passes in the eastern part of the country.
The trek is suitable for adventurous hikers in good physical condition and experienced in hiking in high mountain areas.
After arriving in Bishkek time will be needed to get used to the change in altitude so we have included a hike in the Konorchok Canyons and a stay in the yurt camp at Temir-Kanat (2.450 m). In Temir-Kanat we will experience the life of the Kyrgyz nomads, hike in the surrounding mountains and possibly go horse riding. On the way to Karakol we stop to meet a man who hunts with golden eagles, and then for a short hike in Skaska (which means fairy-tale), a small valley with strange eroded hills of different colours. The trek over 7 passes starts from Karakol.
During the trek we will be accompanied by a guide, a cook and porters. Everyone carries their own daypack and helps erect the tents in the evenings.
The group will consist of 4 to 8 people who must be able to hike 5-7 hours a day, and are not afraid of hiking on a steep, stony route, sometimes without a clear path.
Day By Day Programme
Here you can find a detailed description of the tour with routes and locations
| 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 Sonun 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 Turgu-Aksu Valley (60 km). Start of 7 days of trekking and crossing the first pass of 3.460 m. over the Boz-Uchek to the lakes where we will put up tents for the night 11 km, tents at 3.450 m. |
| Day 7 | Today a long hike, after 2 km more steeply up hill to the pass at 3524 m. Trail continues to Ailanysh Lake, next over the Ailanysh Pass of 3676m. From her we see the Ak-Sau glacier already. Stay in tents at 2750m. Total 21km hiking. |
| Day 8 | Today an easier day. Leaving the campsite, we will go over the Ortok Pass (3.650 m) and descend to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs, 6-7 hours hiking, (14 km). 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. |
| Day 9 | Today we cross the Ala-Kul Pass. This is a rather difficult trek and it will take all day to cross the pass (3.860 m) and reach Ala-Kul Lake where we will put up the tents for the night. Walking distance is around 15 km. Stay in tents at 3.600 m. |
| Day 10 | 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. Lunch in the Karakol Valley and onto the Telity Valley. Stay in tents at 3.200 m Total 12-13 km. hiking. |
| Day 11 | We continue through the valley and at the end cross a pass (alt 3.750 m) the last pass of this trek. Walk down to the valley and stay in tents not far from the river at 3.100 m. 10 km hiking. |
| Day 12 | Walk down to the Djeti-Oguz Valley, where we will have lunch in yurts, and then hike to a nearby waterfall. The minibus will meet you not far from here. 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 Cholpon-Ata 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. |
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 | |
| On request | On request |
| Group | |
| 4 and more persons | |
| For eight persons | |
| Price | € 1.450 p.p. |
| For six persons | |
| Price | € 1.650 p.p. |
| For four persons | |
| Price | € 1.960 p.p. |
For bookings of 6, or more, persons we offer a 5% discount. 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
• Porters and cook
• Camping equipment
• Programme as described
• English/German (as required) speaking guide/interpreter
• Flight
• Insurances
• Personal expenses
• 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.
WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Kyrgyzstan is a land full of beautiful experiences and wonders unique…
click the link below
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.