Lakes of Terskey Ala-Too
9 Breakfasts,
9 Lunches,
9 Dinners Season April-November Route Bishkek - Issyk-Kul Lake - Karakol - Terskey Ala-Too - Bishkek
| Day 1 - | Bishkek - Karakol. |
On arrival in Bishkek, the bustling capital of Kyrgyzstan, you will be met and transferred to Karakol (400 km from Bishkek) along the North shore of Lake Issyk-Kul , via 11th-century Burana Tower and the prehistoric Petroglyphs at Cholpon-Ata. Upon arrival you have a dinner and overnight in Turkestan Yurt camp in central Karakol. After dinner you will be shown a folklore concert.
| Day 2 - | Karakol - Djety-Oguz. |
Today your adventure brings you to spectacular Djety-Oguz, the famous'Valley of Seven Bulls'. There you have a short hiking towards Kashka-Suu valley, meadows in the forest of fir-trees and old juniper trees. Set your tent under the biggest tree and make warm campfire before overnight.
| Day 3 - | Yrdyk. |
Morning hiking over the low pass will bring you to Yrdyk valley.There are three glacier lakes on the moraine. Bird watching here is more successful because of remote area. Your next campsite is in the central canyon near the highest trees and bush.
| Day 4 - | Mokroye valley. |
After Yrdyk you hike to Mokroye Uschelye (valley). This name means "wet" valley. Night in the tents.
| Day 5 - | Karakol valley. |
Over the low pass you have a descend to Karakol Valley is famous with "Kulichinye bolota" ("Sandpiper Bogs"). Here is area where you can watch Sandpiper-sickle beak. There is a nesting-place there. You set your tents nearby and overnight.
| Day 6 - | Ala-Kul Lake - Altyn-Arashan. |
This day is hard. This morning you will climb up to an altitude of 2900m to the forest oasis of Sirota (meaning "orphan" thanks to it's location in the middle of a barren, rocky valley). Here you will find a littleal pine log hut built by group of mountaineering enthusiasts several years ago. Sirotais one of the region's most arrestingly beautiful areas with its unique landscape and spectacular views. From here you will be able to see some of the neighboring valleys with their corner peaks and high ridges. Then you will continue your climb to the pearl of Karakol canyon - Lake Ala-Kul. This lake is famous for its eerie, ever-changing color and for being situated at an altitude of 3500m above sea level. Everybody finds the spectacle of this miracle of nature absolutely unforgettable. If you just here for the first time, we guarantee that you will fall in love with Ala-Kul and its surroundings. The color of the lake surface changes from greeny-blue to violet every hour depending on weather conditions. Lucky visitors have good weather and see the sun set over the lake - a truly wonderful experience, but you go further crossing the 3860m. Ala-Kul pass, having allowed plenty of time for acclimatization. The short, flat summit makes a good vantage point for picking out Terskey Ala-Too's highest peaks: Karakol (5216m), Djigit and Oguz-Bashi Peaks. The ridge that these peaks creates runs across the horizon from west to east. After this, you will descend to the valley of Altyn-Arashan. The resort at Altyn-Arashan is famous for its Hot Sulphur Springs. Your evening is at leisure for taking bath in this lovely spot. Overnight in camp.
| Day 7 - | Altyn-Arashan - Anyr-Tor. |
Today you may have well-earned leisure. Full day of bathing and relaxation. Optional you can go to the neighbor valley Anyr-Tor for watching a wild red-colored ducks called Atayka (rus.) or Anyr (kyrg.). Overnight tent camping or optional guesthouse stay.
| Day 8 - | Altyn-Arashan - Karakol. |
Today the morning will be at leisure for your own exploration of Altyn-Arashan. This afternoon you will descend along the river Arashan to the village of Ak-Suu. On the way you will cross one more pass of less than 2500m. but by this time the altitude is almost unnoticeable. This pass forms the border between two valleys - Arashan and Ak-Suu. Another, less remote and more commercial resorts located in Ak-Suu valley. The Ak-Suu hot baths may be similar to those at Altyn-Arashan but you will find yourself competing for a soak with tens of day-trippers! A final descent brings you back to Karakol. Overnight in Turkestan Yurt camp.
| Day 9 - | Karakol - Lake Issyk-Kul (South) - Bishkek. |
This morning you must bid farewell to this isolated nook of Eastern Kyrgyzstan. The car or private bus (depending on group size) will be waiting to transfer you back to Bishkek. This time you will be driven along the beautiful Southern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. The road hugs the water's edge and winds through remote Kyrgyz villages of wooden chocolate-box cottages, against the backdrop of the captivating Central Tien Shan mountains. After a short stop in Balykchi for lunch your trip will continue via Boom gorge. On arrival in Bishkek you will be taken to the Hotel/guest house for your last overnight and a much-appreciated warm shower.
| Day 10 - | Bishkek - depart for home. |
Today you will be transferred to Bishkek Manas airport (or to the train or bus station if you plan to travel onwards), taking with you many unforgettable, spectacular memories of your adventures in Kyrgyzstan.
Tour price in euro: (€):
Group of:
Price per person:
2
1322
3
1100
4
1021
5
937
6
869
8
793
10
750
This itinerary can be recosted to suit your specific requirements.
Additional group sizes available.
Tour includes
• meeting at the airport
• transfer Bishkek -Burana tower - petroglyphs -Karakol
• entrance fees to Burana tower and petroglyphs
• accommodation in Yurt Camp Turkestan (2 nights)
• folklore concert
• transfer Karakol town - Djety-Oguz valley (by army-jeep 6WD)
• guide (days 2-8)
• interpreter (days 1-10)
• cook (days 2-8)
• porters (days 2-8), every porter carries 15 kg of useful luggage
• Rent of tents and sleeping mats
• Rent of gas cylinders
• Rent of gas stove
• Rent of kitchen utensils
• Transfer Ak-Suu village- Karakol
• transfer Karakol town - Bishkek
• Accommodation in hotel/guest house, B&B (1 night)
• transfer to airport
Food:
• Day 1- lunch, dinner
• Days 2-9 - Full Board
• Day 10- breakfast in hotel
Not included
• Visa support
• Porters for personal luggage
• Rent of sleeping bags
• International flights to and from Bishkek
Our highlights
• Bishkek
• 11th c Burana Tower
• Boom gorge
• Lake Issyk-Kul
• Karakol
• Kyrgyz Ala-Too
• Djety-Oguz valley
• Yrdyk valley
• Mokroye uschelye
• Karakol valley
• Ala-Kul Lake
• Altyn-Arashan resort
• Anyr-Tor valley
• Karakol river
