Wild Nature of the Terskey Ala-Too — 14 Days
About this tour
The trip starts in Bishkek with a visit to Ala-Archa National Park, then heads to Issyk-Kul, 'the pearl of the Tien Shan', framed by the Terskey and Kungey Ala-Too ranges.
The Terskey Ala-Too runs 350 km along the south shore of the lake. Its northern slopes are cut by deep gorges covered with spruce and juniper; the southern slopes are gentler, with alpine meadows and lakes where herders spend the summer. After the trek you relax in a yurt camp on the shore.
Highlights
- Passes of Tosor (3,893 m), Keregetash (3,684 m) and Dungurome (3,773 m)
- Camp at Chunkur-Kol lake (3,673 m)
- Jashyk lakes and the Juuku pass
- Hot spring in the Juukuchak gorge
- Yurt camp on Issyk-Kul, Burana Tower and Ala-Archa
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.
Join a group: choose your date
Publish your dates and other travellers can join you. They go live as soon as you confirm your email.
- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary
01
Day
Arrival in Bishkek
Airport pick-up, check-in, rest and a city tour.
02
Day
Ala-Archa National Park
Walk to the Ak-Sai waterfall in Ala-Archa National Park and back to Bishkek.
03
Day
Bishkek – Issyk-Kul
Drive to the south shore of Issyk-Kul via the Burana Tower near Tokmok. Night in a yurt camp by the lake.
04
Day
Tosor pass – Chunkur-Kol
Drive to the Tosor gorge and start walking: over the Tosor pass (3,893 m), down into the Ashulutebe gorge, over the Keregetash pass (3,684 m) and camp at Chunkur-Kol lake (3,673 m).
05
Day
Sary-Moinok pass – Barskoon
Over the Sary-Moinok pass (3,126 m) and down into the Barskoon gorge to camp.
06
Day
Towards the Dungurome pass
Walking towards the Dungurome pass. Night in tents.
07
Day
Dungurome pass
Over the Dungurome pass (3,773 m) into the Dungurome gorge. Night in tents.
08
Day
Down to the Juuku gorge
Down the gorge to where it meets the Juuku gorge. Camp and rest.
09
Day
Jashyk lakes day trip
Radial walk to the Jashyk lakes and the Juuku pass (3,633 m); back to camp.
10
Day
Down the Juuku gorge
Down the Juuku gorge to its confluence with the Ashuu-Kashka-Suu. Night in tents.
11
Day
Juukuchak hot spring
Further down the Juuku gorge to the Juukuchak gorge and its hot spring. Night in tents.
12
Day
Back to Issyk-Kul
Drive to Issyk-Kul. Night in the yurt camp; rest.
13
Day
Issyk-Kul – Bishkek
Morning at the lake, afternoon drive to Bishkek. Night in a hotel.
14
Day
Bishkek
Bazaar, gifts and souvenirs.
15
Day
Departure
Transfer to Manas airport.
What's included
Included
Private transport for the whole route (car for up to 3 travellers, minibus for larger groups)
English-speaking guide
6 nights in hotels, guesthouses or yurt camps (shared twin rooms)
8 nights camping: tents, camp kitchen and a cook
Breakfast and dinner every day
Picnic lunches on trekking, riding and walking days
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: $180 (6 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?
- Hikers with good fitness — walking days last 5–7 hours
- Travellers who want wild mountain country and nights under the stars
Difficulty & safety
The highest point of the route is about 3,893 m. Walking days last 5–7 hours. Drink plenty of water, keep a steady pace on the first days and tell your guide about any headache or dizziness. Mountain weather changes quickly — always carry a warm layer and a rain jacket.
What to bring
Warm clothes — nights in the mountains are cold
Hiking boots
Rain jacket
Sunscreen and sun hat
Sleeping mat
Sleeping bag
