Terskey Ala-Too Traverse

Upon arrival in Karakol, you will meet a member of the team and transfer to your accommodation. You will receive a private room to be shared with one or two other members of the expedition.

The afternoon agenda will involve a gear check, allowing us the time necessary to make any purchases or revisions to our packs. In the evening we will host an expedition briefing, where guests will have the opportunity to raise queries about the upcoming trip, followed by a traditional Central Asian feast at one of Karakol's finest local restaurants.

Today we explore the charming town of Karakol. We get the chance to visit the Russian Orthodox Church, Dungan Mosque and taste authentic Uighar Cold Noodle Soup (aka Ashlyan-Fu).

We will also visit Ak Tilek (Central) Bazaar to catch a glimpse of the local side of Karakol and stock up on some essential trail snacks for the hike.

In the evening, we can choose from a variety of local or western restaurants depending on the group's choice as we feast for the last time before our trek.

After a hearty breakfast in Karakol, we will begin our journey to Chon Kyzyl-Suu. After passing alongside the southern shore of the notorious Lake Issyk-Kul, we will take a left turn up to Chon Kyzyl-Suu Valley. Here, the road will deteriorate into 4WD tracks as we escape the busy streets around Issyk-Kul.

As the road ends and the valley forks, we set off on foot, bearing left past yurts and through now sparse stands of conifer. After a kilometer and a half more in the valley we will begin climbing sharply toward Archa-Tor Pass, with sweeping vistas of the central range. We will overnight in a meadow before the pass at an elevation of 3440m, where we will be well-positioned to tackle it early the next morning.

Today is defined by the first of several high passes, Archator (3895m). Beginning early to ensure we outpace any potential afternoon weather, we will summit in the morning, where we'll be afforded immense views of the range unfolding outward to our east and west. The descent makes a traverse across a field of scree before dropping onto the remnants of a glacial moraine.

Through here we must take care with our footing, as it can be quite unstable at times. Before long we will descend from the craggy heights back into the vibrant, floral tundras characteristic of the region, then further still through juniper and spruce. We will pitch camp in a large meadow at the foot of Oguz-Bashi, or Bull's Head, whose impressive northern spires tower skyward. Weather-permitting, we can enjoy an evening around a campfire.

Continuing downvalley, we walk for only three easy kilometers before separating from our porter staff, who will set about arranging our camp or negotiating the terms of staying in a traditional yurt. While they do this, we climb onward to an optional panorama point.

On the margin of the range, Peak Djeti-Oguz boasts some of the most magnificent views of the entire route over vast reaches of lush forest and sublime glacial peaks. In the afternoon we return to our campsite, where hot tea and good food await us.

The route to Telety Pass breaks east from our campsite up a long sidevalley, where after 8km we reach Telety Base Camp. From Telety Base Camp the pass lies just over 800m above us, and we will aim to reach the pass early at a steady, sustainable pace.

Similar to Archa-Tor, the views from the top are legendary. Much like the ascent, the descent is relatively gradual, and we can enjoy the shifting mountain ecosystems as we move toward the Karakol Valley. Camp is set at the convergence of the two.

Today is an exceptionally short day, but the terrain is more difficult than on previous days. Parts of Panorama Pass lack a distinct trail, but from the top it becomes evident how worth it this is.

Depending on the condition of a bridge across the Karakol River we may have to follow the banks further downvalley to find a suitable crossing, which may extend the day. Once more we will camp before the pass, ensuring that we catch it while the weather is safe and clear and the views immense.

Today is the climax of our trek. We begin with a sharp climb toward Panorama Pass, from which the views are truly unparalleled. To the east lies the impossible blues of Lake Ala-Kol, and all around us rise immense mountains.

After taking some time to soak it all in we begin our descent toward Ala-Kul, along a trail that is markedly better than the one we've taken throughout the climb. As we round the far side of the lake we begin climbing again toward our second pass of the day, the iconic Ala-Kul Pass. It's a long way down and the most physically demanding day of the entire trek, but for our efforts we will be rewarded in the evening with real beds and the chance to soak in the healing natural hot springs of Altyn Arashan.

After a slow, leisurely morning spent soaking and enjoying a fresh Kyrgyz breakfast from our hotel, we begin downvalley for our final day of walking. It all takes place along a rustic 4wd track, and finishes at a bus stop where we catch a ride back to Karakol. We spend the night in private rooms at the friendly Snow Leopard Hostel.

Today marks the final day of our trip together. Guests have the option to do as they wish during the day. Karakol is a town with plenty to offer: vibrant cafes to hang around in, a wide array of fascinating museums, and an abundance of leafy city parks.

If guests are interested in learning more about Karakol, Kyrgyzstan or even Soviet history, we would be pleased to guide you around the city for further exploration on this day. We will meet in the evening for our final meal as a group, dispense some last-minute surprises, and say our farewells.

If guests need any assistance with onward travel, we are here to help. For those remaining in the country or region, whose trips are not yet over, we can offer advice on what to do next. And for those flying home, we will help book taxis and transportation to get you to your flight on time.