Kyrgyzstan Trekking tour to Altyn Arashan (8 days)

Trekking 4 - Altyn Arashan

Season: mid June – mid August
Places to visit: Bishkek - Karakol – Karakol valley– Ala Kul lake– Keldike gorge – Altyn Arashan gorge - Karakol - Bishkek
Duration:  8 days
Recommended list of personal items: warm clothes, a coat, tracking-boots, sleeping bag, mat, rucksack, flash light, your own First Aid Kit and sunglasses.
Conditions: There are no technical difficulties on the trekking route, but the tourists should be in good form as they will walk around 3-6 hours a day and will go over the pass (3860 m).

Tour summary:

Day 1: Airport - Bishkek
Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing tour: Oak Park , Ala -Too Square, Philarmonic, Statue of Manas, Victory Square . Overnight in the hotel.

Day 2: Bishkek – Karakol
In the morning transfer to Karakol. Afternoon sightseeing (Russian Orthodox cathedral and Dungan Mosque). Overnight in Karakol in a guest house.

Day 3: Karakol – Karakol valley – Sirota camp (3-4 hours on foot)
Early in the morning drive to Karakol and change bus to 4WD Russian army vehicle (uazik).  Then you will set off south along the Karakol river valley. 4 WD army truck goes by exciting mountain road winding through fur tree forest and between stunning rocks of Karakol valley. Next stage is trek up the Ala-Kul valley through fur tree forest. Dinner and overnight in tents at Sirota camp (2800 m).

Day 4: Sirota camp – Ala Kul lake – Keldike gorge (5-6 hours on foot)
After breakfast continue trekking up the valley gradually gaining the altitude. Today you will pass Alakol lake. Lunch at the lake. It sits at the altitude of 3532 meters above sea level. Being 2,3 km long and 700 meters across, it takes waters from a melting glacier and turns to a nice waterfall on the other end.
Today we will also go over the Ala Kul pass (3860 m) and then descend to Keldike gorge. Dinner and overnight in tents in Keldike gorge (3200 m).

Day 5: Keldike gorge – Altyn Ararshan (3-4 hours on foot)
In the morning trek to Altyn-Arashan valley. "Altyn Arashan" is Kyrgyz for "golden springs" and famous with it's natural curative Sulfur hot springs. Free time for rest or visit hot springs. Dinner and overnight in a wooden cottage (2600 m). 

Day 6: Altyn Ararshan – Karakol
Breakfast. Meet vehicle. Drive to Karakol town by very spectacular mountain road. Arrival in Karakol.
Switching vehicle to comfortable aircon bus. Driving to Cholpon-Ata. Afternoon to relax at the lake. Overnight at a guest house.

Day 7: Issyk Kul - Bishkek
After breakfast transfer to Bishkek. On the way stop to see Burana tower, which is left from ancient city Balasagyn (XI - XIII). Afternoon is free. Overnight in a guest house or hotel.

Day 8: Bishkek - Airport
In the morning transfer to Bishkek. Departure.

Accomodation

Price includes

1. Twin accommodation;
2. Meals – Days 1,2,6,7,8 – only breakfast included, other days (on trek) – full board;
3. Transportation through out the whole trip.
4. English speaking guide (on trek: for group of 1, 2 people - cook and guide is one person);
5. Sightseeing tour program in all cities according to the program, including entrance fees to sights, museums, Karakol National Park. Camera/video fees are not included and paid separately;
6. Rent of kitchen equipment and a tents;
7. Assistance of porters. Please note that porters can carry maximum of 8 kg per tourist;
8. Cook’s services;

Price does not include

1. Visa support;
2. Hotel charges for additional services;
3. Single supplement;
4. Accommodation in a single tent;
5. Sleeping bag, mat;
6. Additional kilograms of luggage for porters;
7. Consular fees paid upon collection of the entrance visa to Kyrgyzstan;
8. Registration in Kyrgyzstan;
9. International airfares;
10. Personal insurance and items not mentioned above.