# Ak-Suu Three-Pass Trek to Ala-Kul - 5 Days

The best five days of the Ak-Suu Traverse, from Jergez Gorge back to Karakol. You cross Ailanysh Pass at 3,676 m, Ortok Pass at 3,650 m and Ala-Kul North Pass at 3,906 m, soak in the Altyn-Arashan hot springs and camp on the shore of Ala-Kul. Three nights are in yurts. For fit hikers who want the heart of the route in under a week.

- Duration: 5 days
- Type: Off-the-beaten-path
- Starts and ends in: Karakol
- Pace: Moderately paced
- Activities: trekking - 5 days
- Accommodation: 3 nights at yurt camp, 1 night at tent camp
- Price: on request (depends on group size, season and options). Free quote, no prepayment to enquire.
- Group: small group or fully private, with a local English-speaking guide
- Page: https://azattours.com/tours/ak-suu-three-pass-trek-to-ala-kul-5-days/

## Highlights

- Ailanysh Pass at 3,676 m above two quiet alpine lakes
- Hot springs at Altyn-Arashan after three days on foot
- Ala-Kul North Pass at 3,906 m, the top of the trek
- A tent night on the shore of Ala-Kul at 3,550 m

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Karakol to Jergez Gorge on foot

We meet in Karakol for a briefing and a gear check. A 30-minute drive takes us to Kara-Kyz village, and the walking starts right there.

Today has no pass. It is a warm-up day that lets your legs and lungs get used to the height.

The trail climbs gently up Jergez Gorge beside the river. Shepherd yurts dot the slopes, and families graze their horses in the upper valley. We sleep in a yurt at the head of the gorge, with the first real mountain views.

- Transfer: Karakol to Kara-Kyz village · 30 min
- Activity: Trekking · 17 km · 5-6 h · +600 m
- Meals: Lunch & dinner
- Overnight: Yurt camp, Jergez Gorge

### Day 2: Jergez Gorge to Almaluu Gorge over Ailanysh Pass

This is where the traverse gets serious. We cross a small river and climb toward Ailanysh Pass at 3,676 m.

Just below the pass, two Ailanysh lakes lie at 3,445 m in a bowl of grey rock. They are cold, clear and very still. From the top you look out at the Ak-Suu glacier wall and peaks close to 4,000 m.

A long descent takes us into Almaluu Gorge. Shepherd families camp along this stretch, and stopping for tea with them is often the moment people remember most.

If you still have energy, there is an optional afternoon hike to a waterfall. The night is in a yurt camp at 2,800 m.

- Activity: Trekking · 13 km · 5-6 h · +900 m / -1,300 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Overnight: Yurt camp, Almaluu Gorge (2,800 m)

### Day 3: Almaluu Gorge to Altyn-Arashan over Ortok Pass

The morning is a steady 800 m climb up Almaluu Gorge to Ortok Pass at 3,650 m.

On the far side the land changes fast. Rock gives way to grass, grass gives way to pine forest, and the air warms as you drop.

Altyn-Arashan means Golden Spa in Kyrgyz, after its natural mineral springs. After three days on the trail, a late afternoon soak is exactly what your legs want.

We sleep in a yurt among the pines at 2,500 m. Rest well, because tomorrow is the biggest day.

- Activity: Trekking · 14 km · 5-6 h · +800 m / -1,600 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Overnight: Yurt camp, Altyn-Arashan (2,500 m)

### Day 4: Altyn-Arashan to Ala-Kul Lake over Ala-Kul North Pass

Today you climb 1,400 m, from the valley floor at 2,500 m to Ala-Kul North Pass at 3,906 m. The trail crosses alpine meadow, then boulder fields, then loose scree on the last steep stretch. Your guide sets the pace and the rest stops.

From the pass the whole Terskey Ala-Too range opens up. It is the widest and highest view of the trek.

A short descent brings you to Ala-Kul at 3,550 m. The glacier-fed water is a deep turquoise, ringed by peaks higher than five thousand metres.

We pitch the tents right by the water. Nights up here are cold, so bring warm layers.

- Activity: Trekking · 15 km · 7-8 h · +1,400 m / -350 m
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Overnight: Tent camp, Ala-Kul Lake (3,550 m)

### Day 5: Ala-Kul Lake to Karakol through Karakol Gorge

If the sky is clear, get up early. The peaks catch the sun before the lake does, and that first light gives the best photos of the trip.

After breakfast the trail heads west from the lake and down the upper Karakol Gorge. Pine forest and the river come back, and the walking is mostly downhill and kind to tired legs.

Halfway down, an old Soviet alpine base camp makes a natural tea stop. At the road a 4x4 waits to take you into Karakol.

- Transfer: Karakol Gorge to Karakol · 4x4
- Activity: Trekking · 11 km · 4-5 h · -1,000 m
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch

## Common questions

**How long is this tour?** It runs 5 days, starting and ending in Karakol.

**How fit do I need to be?** It's moderately paced, with 5 days trekking. Good general fitness is enough, and there is no technical climbing.

**Where will I stay?** A mix over the trip: 3 nights at yurt camp, 1 night at tent camp.

## How to book

Send your dates and group size and we confirm availability and a tailored price within 24 hours: https://azattours.com/tours/ak-suu-three-pass-trek-to-ala-kul-5-days/#book

- WhatsApp and phone: +996 502 888 001 (https://wa.me/996502888001)
- Email: azatbeyshenaliev1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azattourskg/
- Enquiry form: https://azattours.com/#plan
- Based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan