Trek from Jeti Oguz to Altyn Arashan in Karakol, KyrgyzstanKyrgyzstan is one of the world’s best countries for hiking, trekking, mountaineering, and alpinism. 90% of the country’s area is occupied by mountains. The country has a subcontinental climate. These factors make Kyrgyzstan one of the best destinations for great treks. 

I have hiked and trekked loads of trails in Kyrgyzstan, but the 8-day trek from Jeti Oguz to Altyn Arashan is the most stunning trek on the territory of Karakol. This mighty trek will let you enjoy the view of some of the most beautiful landscapes in your life. If you are looking for adventure travel, then “Conquerors of the Heights” will satisfy your demands. 

SHORT SUMMARY OF THE TOUR

AVAILABLE DATES: From July to September
PLACES WE VISIT: Bishkek, Karako, Jeti Oguz, Teleti Pass, Karakol gorge, Karakol valley, Sirota Hut, Ala Kul lake, Keldike valley, Altyn Arashan.
LENGTH OF THE TOUR: 8 DAYS
NUMBER OF PEOPLE: 15-20
PRICE: 1000$

TOUR ITINERARY

Here is a detailed itinerary of the tour. Keep in mind that the length of the tour can be extended due to unpredictable circumstances such as bad weather, accidents, etc. If you would like to add some other places to the itinerary, it can be negotiated with me. 

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BISHKEK

Bishkek city

Bishkek City

You will be picked up at Manas airport by a private driver and taken to your comfortable hotel. Together with the group, we will visit some of the brightest landmarks of Bishkek city. 

In the evening, we will have a good dinner in one of the best restaurants in Bishkek. You will rest the night in your hotel and prepare for the upcoming adventure. 

DAY 2: JETI OGUZ RESORT AND JETI OGUZ VALLEY

Jeti Oguz resort

Jeti Oguz – The Seven Bulls

In the morning, we will start our journey to Jeti Oguz. You will enjoy unforgettable views on the way to our destination point. 

We will spend some time in Jeti Oguz resort marveling at the famous red rocks and a beautiful gorge. Then we will start our epic trek passing through stunning gorges, valleys, and rivers. 

By the evening, we will be in Jeti Oguz valley. Here, we will have several yurts (Kyrgyz national huts) to keep you warm during cool mountain nights. We will also have dinner in one of the yurts.

DAY 3: TELETI PASS BASE CAMP

You will pass these landscapes on the way to the Teleti Pass

In the morning, we will continue our trek. This daily hike will take us through some of the most lovely places of Jeti Oguz valley. We will hike slowly thereby fully enjoying the wonders of surrounding nature. 

In the second half of the day, we will arrive at the head of the Teleti pass ascent. This is a base camp and a designated camping place. 

You will have a warm night in the yurts in the valley. If you want, you can also pitch your tent at the camp. 

Our private cook will prepare a delicious dinner and we will have a small party in the evening. Campfire conversations and stories will bring warmth to the cool night in the mountains. 

DAY 4: TELETI PASS AND KARAKOL VALLEY

Teleti pass

The highest point of Teleti Pass is at 3800 meters above sea level

Today, we will wake up in the morning. Have breakfast, and start our ascent to Teleti Pass. The highest point of this pass is situated at 3800 meters. Thus, it isn’t the easiest ascent of your life. 

After crossing Teleti Pass, we will be in a beautiful Karakol valley. Now, we will need to hike for a long time until we reach a wild camping spot near a big river. 

Here, we will pitch our tents. Our private cook will prepare delicious meals, and we will have a great dinner near a campfire. 

DAY 5: SIROTA HUT

On the way to Sirota Hut

Sirota Hut is situated at the elevation of 3000 meters

Today, we will start our hike from Karakol Valley to Sirota camp. You will go through a wide valley, cross a bridge, and then do a long climb to a high mountain.

We will spend the rest of the day in the camp. Before ascending Ala Kul lake which is located at 3900 meters above sea level, you will need to get acclimatized. 

DAY 6: ALA KUL LAKE

Ala Kul lake

Ala Kul lake is the pearl of Tian-Shan mountains

In the morning, we will make the final push to Ala Kul lake. This will be the most difficult and strenuous day of the trek. You will need to climb up a steep path for several hours. 

By the middle of the day, we will reach Ala Kul lake. There, we will have lunch, make photos, selfies, and have a good rest. 

If you want we can spend the night near the lake, or can descend to Keldike valley and sleep in yurts. I will discuss it with you, and we will make a group decision. 

DAY 7: KELDIKE VALLEY AND ALTYN ARASHAN

Trek from Jeti Oguz to Altyn Arashan

Today, we will make a long hike through a picturesque valley toward the final point of our great trek. A cool river will be on the right side of the valley. We will have lunch near the stream.

You will have a bath in warm Altyn Arashan springs. After relaxing and resting in the resort, our driver will take us to Issyk-Kul lake. 

DAY 8: ISSYK KUL

Issyk Kul lake

Today, the tour is officially over. We will be in a comfortable resort in the famous Issyk Kul lake. During the day, we will swim in the lake and rest on the beach. 

I will say Good Bye to everybody, and you will be free to continue your holidays in Kyrgyzstan as you want. Some of you will stay in Issyk Kul, some will move to other regions of the country, and maybe a couple of you will depart to their countries. 

TOUR ESSENTIALS

Here is a list of the amenities that are essential to the tour and they will be present everywhere and every time. 

ACCOMMODATION

At all stages of the “Conquerors of the Heights” trek, you will be accommodated in warm yurts (Kyrgyz national huts), or quality tents. You can also bring your tent to the trek and use it if you want. 

TRANSPORTATION

You will be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel. We will also take you to the head of the trail in Jeti Oguz, and you will be brought to Issyk Kul upon the completion of the trek. Within the territory of valleys, gorges, and mountains, you won’t have any transportation except your feet and hiking poles. Horses and other animals won’t be provided to you on the trek.

MEALS

On the “Conquerors of the Heights” trek, we will have a personal cook who will prepare breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for us. You will have very delicious and energetic meals. 

PORTERS

On the trek, porters will carry our food, equipment, and other necessities. Porters won’t carry your personal belongings, and you will be responsible to carry your backpack.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

Expert Tour Leader
Accommodation
Meals
All mentioned activities
Porters 

WHAT ISN’T INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

Flights to/from Kyrgyzstan
Passport/Visa
Travel Insurance
Optional activities not listed here

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Written by ProBackpacker
I am an avid backpacker who shares his knowledge and travel tips with the world. Check out my latest journeys, travel guides, and backpacking gear reviews.