Tien-Shan Trek (Short)

Highlights:
- Beautiful Telety pass (3800 m);
- Possibility to make a fire after dinner;

We leave the tent camp after breakfast and start ascent to Telety pass. The first kilometer of the trail hidden among the bushes of juniper. Further, route goes along a narrow path with a slight ascend. From the top of the pass at 3800 m a.s.l., we enjoy wonderful panoramic view. Descent is rather simple, along a wide slope covered with talus, across alpine meadows with various herbs and flowers, along East Telety river, cross this river at some point and it is advisable to have sandals, since there is no bridge. Later we hike through the wood along the trail covered with roots and go down to Karakol gorge. The last kilometer is going through the old dirt-truck road that leads us to the tent camp, located in the forest.

Dinner and overnight at the tent camp (2500 m).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Trekking: + 750 m, - 1300 m, 18 km, 6-8 hours

Highlights:
- Magnificent Ala-Kul lake;
- The Highest overnight of the trip;

After breakfast we descent along the gorge about 1 km and later cross the river over a bridge and the trail leads us into a forest. Rather long ascent finishes at a steep slope covered with grass, the trail turns into a serpentine, passes by a river overflow, and arrive to an unusual place, which is called “Sirota” mountain log hut. There is a table, benches, fireplace inside. We can find a number of sculptures of animals and idols carved in wood around the hut. It looks like a fairy tale place. It is a nice place to sit down, rest, have a snack. Later, the trail goes up higher, leaving the forest behind we hike along the river and reach a beautiful waterfall, flowing down from Ala-Kul Lake. We pass the waterfall and ascent on a natural dam, from where we can see Ala-Kul lake. The last kilometer till the tent camp goes along the lake.

Dinner and overnight at the tent camp (3600 m).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Trekking: + 1100 m, 10 km, 6-7 hours

Highlights:
- Natural hot springs;
- Highest pass of the trip;

Moraine Lake of Ala-Kul stretches from east to west for 2.8 km, its width is 500 m and depth 70 m. Ala-Kul means Colorful Lake in Kyrgyz language. Depending on the light the water might change its color. It can be emerald green, turquoise with white clouds reflected, light green or dark grey, or even black. After breakfast we start the ascent to Ala-Kul pass. During the ascent, we enjoy wonderful views of the lake. Arriving closer to the lake we see the main range of Terskei Ala-Too with a number of peaks – Ak-Suu, Djigit, Karakol, Oguz Bashi, etc. From the lake edge, it will take us another hour and half to the pass. Descent from the pass along a talus slope, and later across a wide valley of Keldike with picturesque landscapes, herds of cattle and flocks of sheep grazing. Upon arrival to the tent camp you may use an opportunity to relax in the hot springs. There are thermal baths (up to +50C) in the valley.

Dinner and overnight at the Guest house (2600 m).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Trekking: + 1100 m, 10 km, 6-7 hours

Highlights:
- Transfer on a special military truck from the gorge to Karakol town;

After breakfast, we will have a 5-kilometer hike through the gorge, the descent will take place along a mountain road among the spruce forest. Then you will get into the car and go to Karakol.

Meals: Breakfast

Trekking: - 1000 m

Drive: 15 km