Jeti-Oguz to Altyn-Arashan Adventure Trek

Private tour
Price
On request
Availability
June-September
Duration
9 days
Difficulty
Moderate-Hard
Tour with elements of adventure. Visit mountain base camps, high altitude camps over 2500 m asl, accommodation in tents, yurts, hiking in the mountains up to 7 hours.
Tour type

Overview

This is an exciting 9-day tour, including 5 days of adventurous trekking. We’ll start in Bishkek, visiting the ancient Burana tower and an open-air art gallery with ancient stone carvings in Cholpon-Ata. Our trek will take us through the stunning Jeti-Oguz valley, Karakol gorge, and Keldike valley, where we’ll experience the beauty of Ala-Kul lake and relax in the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan. We’ll camp amidst beautiful mountains and explore the famous Fairytale (Skazka) canyon, enjoying breathtaking views of Issyk-Kul lake on our way back to Bishkek. This journey offers a mix of physical challenge, natural beauty, and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Visiting breathtaking Ala-Kul Lake
  • Relaxing in Altyn-Arashan’s hot springs
  • Trekking in Jeti-Oguz, Telety pass, Karakol, Keldike, and Altyn-Arashan gorges
  • Camping in the beautiful valleys and gorges
  • Staying in traditional Kyrgyz yurts
  • Visiting ancient Burana tower and open air museum
  • Visiting Fairytale (Skazka) canyon in Issyk-Kul

Itinerary

Day 1. Airport - Bishkek city

Arrival in Bishkek. Upon landing at Manas International Airport, our guide will meet you at the arrival gate. Transfer to Bishkek will take 30-40 minutes. Hotel check-in is at 2:00 PM (early check-in is not included). After check-in, you’ll have time to rest from your long flight.

In the afternoon, we’ll start a sightseeing tour of Bishkek. We will visit Ala-Too Square, the White House, Oak Park, Victory Square, the city center, and a souvenir shop.

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: None
Accommodation: My hotel 3* or similar

Day 2. Bishkek - Burana tower - Petroglyphs - Karakol town

After breakfast, we drive to Burana Tower near Tokmok, the last remnant of the 11th-century city of Balasagun. Climb its staircase for panoramic views and explore the nearby balbals, ancient stone grave markers.

Next, we head to Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest mountain lake, sitting at 1,600m and surrounded by the Tien Shan Mountains.

After lunch in Cholpon Ata, we visit the Open-Air Petroglyphs Museum, featuring ancient rock carvings with stunning Issyk Kul lake views.

We then continue to Karakol for dinner and an overnight stay.

Total Drive: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: 78 hotel 3* or similar

Day 3. Karakol – Jeti Oguz valley – Telety pass

Trekking distance/time: 7 km / 3-5 hours,   Ascent: +500 meters.

In the morning, we’ll drive to the start of the Telety pass in Jeti-Oguz valley. Jeti-Oguz, which means “Seven Bulls” in Kyrgyz, is known for its striking red sandstone rock formations. Some of the most famous rocks there are the Seven Bulls and the Broken Heart.

Once we arrive, we’ll begin our trek towards the base of the Telety pass. We’ll set up our tent camp at an altitude of 2800 meters, facing the impressive Muz-Too Rocks. The views from this spot are truly captivating.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents

Day 4. Telety pass – Alp camp

Trekking distance/time: 12 km / 5-6 hours,   Ascent: +700 meters.

Today, we’re heading to Karakol valley and beginning with a climb to the Telety Passover, reaching an altitude of 3800 meters. The pass has two steep sections at the start, but once you reach the top, the view is breathtaking.

Afterward, we’ll descend to Telety-East valley until we find a suitable spot for lunch. Following lunch, we’ll continue our descent to Karakol Valley, where Alp Camp is situated at an altitude of 2500 meters.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents

Day 5. Alp Camp – Ala Kul lake – Keldike valley

Trekking distance/time: 9 km / 6-8 hours,   Ascent: +1200 meters.

Today, we’re embarking on a climb to Ala-kul lake, standing at 3533 meters above sea level. This stunning lake is tucked away amidst the towering Terskey Ala Too Mountains, creating a mesmerizing sight. You’ll also catch sight of the glacier feeding this lake during our ascent.

As we ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of majestic peaks like Djigit, Karakol, and Tashtanbek. Our journey includes reaching Ala-Kul peak at 3800 meters before descending to Keldike valley, where we’ll set up camp for the night in tents.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents

Day 6. Keldike valley – Altyn Arashan valley

Trekking distance/time: 11 km / 3-4 hours,  Descent: -1100 meters.

Our next destination is Altyn-Arashan valley, renowned for its stunning natural beauty that attracts many visitors. The Altyn-Arashan resort is especially famous for its soothing hot springs. You’ll have the opportunity to relax and take a bath in a pool filled with radon water. We’ll end the day with dinner and stay overnight in a guesthouse or yurt.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest house/Yurt camp

Day 7. Altyn Arashan - Karakol town

Trekking distance/time: 10 km / 3-4 hours,  Descent: -450 meters.

In the morning, we’ll visit the natural hot springs in Altyn-Arashan and explore attractions like “Lastochkino gnezdo” (swallow’s nest), Queen Frog, and heart-shaped baths. We’ll then take a walk down the Altyn-Arashan gorge to Aksu village. Around noon, a car will pick us up and take us back to Karakol, where we’ll have lunch and spend the night at a hotel or guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: 78 hotel 3* or similar

Day 8. Karakol - Skazka canyon - Bishkek city

In the morning, we’ll explore Karakol city, visiting the wooden Russian-Orthodox church and the Dungan Mosque. Afterward, we’ll embark on a transfer to Bishkek, covering a distance of 400 km along the Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul lake.

During the journey, we’ll stop to visit Skazka Canyon, a breathtaking gorge with stunning red mountain formations offering one of the best views of Issyk-Kul Lake. Upon reaching Bishkek, we’ll have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 9. Bishkek - Airport

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to the airport. It’s time to say goodbye, and we hope to see you again soon!

Meal: Breakfast

Prices

To get prices for this tour, please Request the Tour or Get in Touch with Us.

Included

  • Accommodation – as per program
  • English-speaking guide
  • Cook
  • Meals as per program
  • Meals of personal
  • Transport services during all the tour
  • Porters (luggage person)
  • Entrance fees
  • Tent, mats, sleeping bags

Excluded

  • Personal expenses
  • International airfares
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guide and porters(optional)

Map

Gallery

Additional info

Clothes & Equipment

You can bring everything you need. Remember that in the summer, Bishkek can get as hot as 40 degrees Celsius, and it can be as cold as minus 5 degrees Celsius in the mountains. Be ready for sudden changes in the weather.

Recommended:

  • Rain-coat
  • Waterproof pants
  • Sweater/fleece
  • Wind-stopper
  • Enough t-shirts and other underwear (think of taking smth with long sleeves to avoid sunburns)
  • Power bank (to charge devices)
  • Hat (remember – the sun can be violent)
  • Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)
  • Insect repellent (skin + clothes)
  • Good, waterproof trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains.
  • Walking shoes (don’t need heavy ones) for the city walks
  • Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhoea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions).
  • Personal hygiene kit (disinfection gel is highly recommended) + some toilet paper.
  • A small towel
  • Sunglasses
  • A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase.
  • Flash light (torch)
  • Walking poles if needed
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