Ak Suu Traverse trekking tour

Early breakfast because of the long day. This day's route starts by immediately crossing a small ridge west of our camp and descending to the main valley floor below. We will follow the trail uphill as it parallels the river for around 2km before crossing and heading more steeply uphill to the obvious 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. After about 2 hours of walking, we will reach the top of the pass. From the pass, the trail continues on towards the first Ailanysh Lake (at 3445m), already visible to the SW across the valley, via the Jergez river and up the first stretch of the Ailanysh valley. Lunch near Lake Ailanysh. The climb steepens past the second lake, up to the Ailanysh Pass at 3676m. About 5km into this final descent of the day, as the trail curves to just above the main branch of the Ak-Suu river, 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 tent (Elevation: 2750m).

Trekking distance: 21 km

Today's 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 a short walk to the wild hot springs and a dip in the hot springs that have made the valley locally famous since before the Soviet era. Rest up tonight, because tomorrow is a long but rewarding uphill day. Overnight in tents or in dormitory (Elevation: 2500m).

Trekking distance: 14 km.

Breakfast. Today we go to cross another pass which called Ala-Kul pass. From Altyn Arashan, we cross the large bridge over to the West side of the Ak-Suu River and continue South for just over 2km to the first large valley that rises off to the Southwest. From the turn out of the Arashan valley it's around an 8km uphill trek that rises from 2570m at the valley floor to 3906m at the Ala-Kol North pass. The last 200m of elevation feel nearly vertical rising through loose scree over which two obvious paths have been stomped out by the multitude of hikers that hike up Issyk-Kol's most popular trekking route. The views from the top of the pass are something sublime, taking in an incredible panorama of 5000m+ peaks and the breadth of Ala-Kol lake. We will camp next to the Ala-Kol lake. Overnight in the tent (Elevation: 3600m).

Trekking distance: 15 km

From the camp, we will continue to the west. Most tourists will continue downhill here to the Karakol Valley via the Sirota hut, but instead we loop around the curve of the lake along a small path that is visible from afar, and climbs from the lake along a rockfall to the 3781m Panorama Pass. From East to West across the horizon the most obvious summits are Djigit Peak (5178m), Karakol Peak (5216m), and Öguz-Bashi Peak (5126m). 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. From the bridge, head up the valley around 1km to where a path branches up the Telety Valley. The valley is spoiled for the choice of campsites, but for views it's hard to beat a long flat area about halfway up the valley where the river broadens briefly, with great panoramas of Telety to the Southwest and back towards Ala-Kol's passes to the Northeast. Our camp will be located at 3200m.

Trekking distance: 12-13 km

After breakfast we will pack up camp and head up the valley on the week-long trek's last uphill section – to the 3792m Telety Pass. It is less than two easy hours (though the way does get a little steeper on that last bit), 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 the tent (Elevation: 3100m).

Trekking distance: 10 km

Walking down to Djeti-Oguz valley. We will have lunch in yurts and make small hiking to the waterfall named Girl’s Braids. Transport will take us from Kok-Jaik pasture to Karakol town. Overnight in the guest house.

Trekking distance: 9 km