Ak Suu Traverse seven day itinerary
Highlights of the Ak Suu Traverse
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Jyrgalan
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Boz Uchuk Lakes
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Jergez Gorge
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Almaluu Gorge
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Altyn Arashan Valley
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Keldike Valley
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Karakol Gorge
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The Ak Suu Traverse (or Transverse) has become renowned as the best, most varied, and most spectacular trek in Kyrgyzstan. The full Ak Suu Transverse from Jyrgalan to Djeti-Oguz is typically done in nine days or longer. (Some may try to cram the full route into seven days, but I think that’s too rushed with some very long and demanding days.)
For hikers on restricted schedules, I instead recommend this abridged, seven-day version. It includes the most rewarding sections of the full Ak Suu Traverse route, including Terim Tor Pass (3,467m), Bozuchuk Pass, Ailanysh Pass (3,671m), and Ala-Kul Pass (3,860m). Unlike on the full route after Ala-Kul you descend and exit, rather than continuing on through Karakol Gorge.
But the best part for me was that you still get to stop off at the hot springs in Altyn Arashan. Yes it gets kind of busy at this point, but after days of solitude, I really didn’t mind a bit of company. After here it’s another two day push through the Ala-Kul Pass, a descent to the famous Ala-Kul Lake, and then exit.
All in all, it’s an unforgettable and very rewarding trek, and ideal if you don’t have time (or stamina!) for the full Ak Suu Traverse.
Good to know
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Duration: Seven days
- Distance: Approx. 82km
- Accommodation: Tents or yurt camps
- Start/end: Jyrgalan – Karakol Gorge
Key information
| Destinations | Kyrgyzstan |
|---|---|
| Activity | Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, Responsible Travel, Slow Travel |
| Physical Level | Strenuous |
 Season |
June - August |
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Ak Suu Traverse seven day itinerary itinerary
Jyrgalan to Terim-Tor
Day 1 in Jyrgalan
From Karakol, drive around 60 km to meet the trailhead in Jyrgalan. From here you hike approximately 14 km, steadily climbing up to Terim-Tor at around 3,200 meters. Stay overnight in a yurt or tented camp.
Distance: ~14 km
Terim-Tor – Boz Uchuk Lakes
Day 2 in Boz Uchuk Lakes
Today's hike covers around 11 km, crossing two high passes: Bulak-Ashuu Pass at 3,450 meters and Boz-Uchuk Pass at 3,365 meters. You'll camp near the Boz Uchuk lakes at about 3,450 meters, surrounded by some incredible mountain scenery.
Distance: ~11km
Boz Uchuk Lakes – Jergez Gorge
Day 3 in Jergez Gorge
Starting with a short 2 km hike parallel to the river, you then cross it and ascend to another pass at 3,524 meters. Descend into Jergez Gorge, arriving at a yurt camp at 3,100 meters. In the afternoon, there's an optional 3 km round-trip hike to the nearby Ailanysh waterfall.
Distance: ~5km
Jergez Gorge – Almaluu Gorge
Day 4 in Almaluu Gorge
You hike first to Ailanysh Lake at 3,445 meters, where you'll pause briefly. The trail then steepens as you head up to Ailanysh Pass (3,676 meters). After the pass, hike about 5 km more to the night's yurt camp at 2,750 meters. En route, you'll see an unnamed peak nearly 4,000 meters high and the Ak-Suu Glacier.
Distance: ~11 km
Almaluu Gorge – Altyn Arashan
Day 5 in Altyn Arashan Valley
An easier day, covering 14 km to reach Altyn Arashan via the Ortok Pass at 3,650 meters. After descending along the river, you'll arrive in Altyn Arashan valley. Here, you can relax in natural hot springs and spend the night in a guesthouse.
Distance: ~14km
Altyn Arashan – Keldike Gorge (camp at Ala Kul Lake)
Day 6 in Keldike Valley
This is a challenging hiking day. You'll ascend about 8 km to reach the Ala-Kul Pass at 3,960 meters. The final 200 meters involve a steep, rocky climb. At the top, you'll have expansive views over Ala-Kul Lake. You'll camp beside the lake at an elevation of 3,550 meters.
Distance: ~15 km
Keldike Gorge – Karakol Gorge, drive to Karakol
Day 7 in Karakol Gorge
The final day begins by crossing the second Ala-Kul Pass. You will see numerous peaks rising over 5,000 meters. The remaining trail is mostly downhill, covering about 12 km to reach the pickup point at the bridge near Alpine camp. From here you return by car to Karakol.
Distance: ~12 km
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