Day
Tien Shan Traverse -
Karakol → Jyrgalan Valley → Boz-Uchuk → Altyn Arashan → Ala-Kol → Karakol
The Terskey Ala-Too is Central Asia's finest long-distance trekking ridge - and this 9-day route is its most complete expression. Starting from the emerging adventure hub of Jyrgalan Valley, you'll cross six mountain passes, sleep beside three glacial lakes and end in Karakol after a journey that few travellers ever complete.
No roads. No crowds. Just alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, nomadic yurt camps and the extraordinary feeling of crossing an entire mountain range on foot. The Terskey Ala-Too ridge rewards those who commit to it fully — and our guides have been doing this for years.
9 days 8 trekking days
~104 km Total distance
3,906m Highest point
2–8 Guests per group
What makes this unforgettable
Yurt camps, not tents Sleep in traditional yurts with wooden beds and mattresses. Real hospitality at the end of each hard day.
Wild hot springs at Altyn Arashan Day 5 ends with a soak in natural thermal springs - famous since before a century.
Ala-Kol: Issyk-Kul's crown jewel
The turquoise glacial lake at 3550m with views of Djigit (5178m), Karakol (5216m) and Öguz-Bashi (5126m).
Starlink in every camp
Stay connected from the first yurt to the last. Included in price — a genuine rarity on remote treks.
Eagle hunter encounter
Depending on timing, visit a family of traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunters — a living link to nomadic heritage.
Emerging destination advantage
Jyrgalan Valley is on the cusp of discovery — unspoiled trails with none of the crowds you'd find in Nepal or the Alps.
Day-by-day itinerary
The programme may be adjusted for weather or group fitness. All distances are approximate trail distances.
Transfer Karakol → Jyrgalan → TerimTor camp
1-hour drive from Karakol to Jyrgalan (60km), then begin the trek into the mountains. A gentle opening day to find your legs and let the grandeur of the Terskey range sink in.
🥾14 km trekking · 🏕Yurt camp at 3200m · 🍽B / L / D
What's included
✓ All accommodation (yurts, guesthouse, tent)
✓ Full board — breakfast, lunch, dinner
✓ English-speaking local guide
✓ Starlink internet at every camp
✓ Sleeping bags & sleeping mats
✓ Entrance fees & permits
✓ Hot springs access (Day 5)
✓ Horse support (carries 12kg of gear)
✗ Porters for personal luggage
✗ International flights & transfers to Karakol
✗ Single supplement (contact us)
✗ Shower / sauna at camps
✗ Travel & health insurance (required)
✗ Gratuity for guides & drivers
How we travel responsibly
Kyrgyzstan's mountains are a treasure — we're committed to keeping them that way for future generations.
🌱 Trail conservation We stick to marked trails only, preventing soil erosion and protecting the fragile high-altitude ecosystem.
🏘 Local community first All guides, drivers and yurt hosts are local Kyrgyz people. Your trip fee stays in the community it visits.
🚯 Leave No Trace All waste is packed out. Group sizes are limited to 8 to minimise impact on fragile terrain.
🦅 Wildlife & cultural respect Safe distances from wildlife, respectful cultural exchange, and active support of traditional practices like eagle hunting and felt-making.
Useful information