Jergez to Altyn-Arashan & Ala-Kol on Horseback — 7 Days
About this tour
A horse trek in the Terskey Ala-Too above Karakol. You ride through dense spruce forest and herders' valleys, cross the Aylanysh pass (3,560 m) past its lakes and the glacier of Tashtanbek-Torbashy peak, and climb the steep Ortok pass (3,780 m) before dropping into Altyn-Arashan with its hot springs.
From there a day trip leads to the Ala-Kol north pass (3,860 m) and the view of the turquoise Ala-Kol lake beneath 5,000 m peaks. The trip starts and ends at the Kara-Kyz yurt camp on the south shore of Issyk-Kul, with Skazka canyon, the Barskoon waterfalls and Karakol on the way.
Highlights
- Turquoise Ala-Kol lake from the 3,860 m pass
- Hot springs of Altyn-Arashan
- Aylanysh (3,560 m) and Ortok (3,780 m) passes
- Skazka canyon and the Barskoon waterfalls
- Karakol: church, mosque and the Przhevalsky museum
Group departures
Join a group on one of these dates, or propose your own. A departure is guaranteed once 2 travellers have joined, and the price per person drops as the group grows.
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- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary
01
Day
Bishkek – Kara-Kyz
Arrival, breakfast and drive to the Kara-Kyz yurt camp on the south shore of Issyk-Kul, visiting Skazka (Fairy-tale) canyon, lunch in Tamga and the Barskoon waterfalls. Night in the yurt camp.
02
Day
Kara-Kyz – Jergez
Riding briefing and meeting the team. The trail leads through dense spruce forest; herders live in yurts and tents in the gorge, and there is a balbal stone near the river. Lunch near the shepherds' camp, then 1.5–2 more hours to camp. 5–6 hours in total. Night in a tent.
03
Day
Jergez – Almaluu
Over the Aylanysh pass (3,560 m) to the Almaluu valley, with the Aylanysh lakes and the glacier of Tashtanbek-Torbashy peak. 4–5 hours. Camp near the shepherds.
04
Day
Almaluu – Altyn-Arashan
One of the hardest days: a steep climb to the Ortok pass (3,780 m) with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, then descent into Altyn-Arashan and its hot springs. 4–5 hours. Night in tents or cabins.
05
Day
Ala-Kol day trip
Radial ride towards Ala-Kol lake (3,500 m) and up to the Ala-Kol north pass (3,860 m) — the last steep stretch is on foot. Views of the turquoise lake and 5,000 m peaks. Return to camp. Night in tents or cabins.
06
Day
Altyn-Arashan – Kara-Kyz
Descent from the Arashan gorge (3–4 hours), visit the arboretum and return to the Kara-Kyz yurt camp. Lunch and rest.
07
Day
Kara-Kyz – Bishkek
Drive back along the north shore of Issyk-Kul. In Karakol: the Orthodox church, the Dungan mosque and the Przhevalsky museum. Lunch in Cholpon-Ata, then departure.
What's included
Included
Private transport for the whole route (car for up to 3 travellers, minibus for larger groups)
English-speaking guide
2 nights in hotels, guesthouses or yurt camps (shared twin rooms)
4 nights camping: tents, camp kitchen and a cook
Breakfast and dinner every day
Picnic lunches on trekking, riding and walking days
A horse for each traveller and your guide, with local horsemen
Pack horses with a horseman for the luggage and camping gear
Entrance tickets and park fees
Not included
International flights
Visa fees (if you need a visa)
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $60 (2 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Lunch on travel days
Sleeping bag and mat (ask us if you need to rent one)
Drinks and snacks
Tips for your guide, driver and horsemen
Personal expenses
Who is this tour for?
- Riders with average fitness and some riding experience — expect 5–6 hours in the saddle on riding days
- Travellers who want to sleep in yurts and live a few days like nomads
- Travellers who want the famous Ala-Kol and Altyn-Arashan in one trip
Difficulty & safety
The highest point of the route is about 3,860 m. Drink plenty of water, go slowly on the first days and tell your guide about any headache or dizziness. Riding days are 4–6 hours at a walking pace with an experienced horseman; mountain weather changes fast, so keep a warm layer and rain jacket at hand.
The last part of the climb to the Ala-Kol pass is very steep and is done on foot.
What to bring
Warm clothes — nights in the mountains are cold
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Rain jacket
Sunscreen and sun hat
Sleeping bag
Swimsuit for the hot springs
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Can I sleep in a cabin instead of a tent at Altyn-Arashan?
Yes, cabins are available at Altyn-Arashan on request.
