Jeti-Oguz to Altyn-Arashan Adventure Trek

Private tour

Price

On request

Availability

June-September

Duration

9 days

Difficulty

Moderate-Hard

Tour type

Trekking

Overview

This is an exciting 8-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

Arriving at the airport in Bishkek, we’ll transfer to the hotel. After a bit of rest following the flight, we’ll start exploring Bishkek. We’ll visit places like the statues of Manas, Kurmanjan Datka, and Lenin, Oak Park, the Opera and Ballet Theater, Victory Square, and key government buildings like the Parliament and the White House.

To end our day, we’ll have dinner at a local restaurant and stay overnight at the hotel.

Meal: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2. Bishkek city - Karakol town

In the morning, we’ll travel to Karakol (about 400 km). Along the way, we’ll visit the Burana Tower, a historic site from the ancient city of Balasagun built by the Karakhanids. You can explore remnants of the city like grave markers, earthworks, and a castle, as well as visit a small museum and see Balbals, ancient stone markers.

Our next stop will be an open-air art gallery with ancient stone carvings dating back to 500 BC – 100 AD. These carvings depict various animals and scenes from that time period. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Karakol, where we’ll have dinner at a traditional cafe, prepare for our trekking trip starting the next day, and spend the night.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse

Day 3. Karakol town – 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: Guesthouse/Yurt camp

Day 7. Altyn-Arashan valley - 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.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse

Day 8. Karakol town - Fairytale (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, Lunch, Dinner
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 / Excluded

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

Personal expenses
Alcohol and soft drinks
International airfares
Travel insurance
Walking sticks (available for $2-3 per day)
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