About the Ala Too valleys trek
The beautiful glacial valleys of the Ala Too massif await you on a wild and little-traveled itinerary. Between alpine passes, glacial lakes and jagged mountains, you’ll meet the nomads who live here. It’s an opportunity for rich exchanges with these herders, perpetuating an ancestral tradition in search of the best pastures.
You will leave with :
Pierrick
Trekking Guide
“The most important thing for me is to allow walkers to discover new places, new cultures and to exchange with the locals.”
Ala Too valleys trek photo gallery
The Ala Too valleys trek route
Upcoming departures
What's included in the formula
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International flight and airport taxes
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Ground transportation as described in the program
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Accommodation in hostels and tents
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Supervision by a qualified French mountain leader and a local French-speaking guide.
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What's not included in the package
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Meals in Bishkek
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Soft drinks in general
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Personal hiking and travel equipment (shoes, poles, sleeping bag, personal first-aid kit, etc.).
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Single room supplements in accommodations
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Everything not mentioned in the price includes
Day 1-2: Arrival in Kyrgyzstan
International flight – 5-hour drive – Overnight stay with local people
We leave France for Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. After a few hours’ rest in the city center, we head for Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the world’s largest mountain lakes, at an altitude of 1,600 metres.
Finally, we arrive at a local’s house in Pakrovka, where we can try out the real Russian sauna.
Day 3: Trek to the Kara Batkak valley
1 hour’s drive – 6 hours’ walk – Overnight in tents – D+: 700
A short transfer takes us to the Chong Kyzyl-Suu gorge, where our trek begins towards the Jyluu-Suu valley and its hot springs. We then make our way through the forest before reaching the Kara-Batkak valley, where we set up camp for the night.
Day 4: Crossing the Artcha pass
6 hours 30 mins walk – Overnight in tents – D+: 1000 m / D-: 1000 m
This morning we set off for our first high-altitude pass, Col Artcha at 3800 m, located between two glaciers. The views of the surrounding peaks get better and better as we approach the pass. The Oguz-Bashi summit at 5168 m comes into view as we discover the descent to the Djeti-Ogüz valley, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 5: Ascent to Ogüz Bashi peak
5 hours 30 mins walk – Overnight in tents – D+: 800 m / D-: 800 m
Today, we hike to the Ogüz Bashi peak (5168 m), a chance to contemplate these beautiful peaks and sample the alpine scenery of the area before reaching our camp at Djeti-Ogüz.
Day 6: Towards the Teleti valley
6 hours 30 mins walk – Overnight in tents – D+: 700 m / D-: 200 m
It’s a beautiful day ahead as we head for the Teleti valley, a beautiful valley suspended between glaciers. We sleep in a camp at the foot of Col Teleti.
Day 7: Over the Teleti pass
6 hours’ walk – Overnight in tents – D+: 1000 m / D-: 1000 m
For this day, we leave our horses and entrust our belongings to porters, the only ones able to cross the Teleti pass (3760 m), which we pass in the middle of the day. Then follows a beautiful descent to the On-Tër valley, where we spend the night.
Day 8: Teleti valley to Kurgak-Tër valley
5 hours’ walk – Overnight in tents – D+: 600 m / D-: 200 m
We continue down this beautiful Teleti valley and meet up with the Karakol river before starting the climb towards the camp in the Kurgak-Tër valley.
Day 9: Ala-Kul lake to Altyn-Arashan village
7 hours 30 mins walk – Overnight in tents – D+: 950 m / D-: 950 m
A beautiful alpine day begins with the ascent to Lake Ala-Kul, the blue pearl. This small lake of glacial origin offers shades of blue and violet depending on the weather. We continue on to the Ala-Kul pass at 3860 before descending to Altyn-Arashan, a small village surrounded by spruce trees where we’ll spend the night. The village is famous for its thermal waters.
Day 10: End of trek in Karakol
5 hours’ walk – 20 minutes’ transfer – Overnight in hostel – D+: 600 m / D-: 800 m
We have a free morning to enjoy the hot springs before a final afternoon’s walking. We cross the Ortok pass at 3609 m before reaching the village of Ak-Suu. From here, a transfer takes us to Karakol for the night.
Day 11: Return to Bishkek
7 hours drive – Overnight in hotel – Meals at your own expense
We take the road back to Bishkek, again passing the pearl of Kyrgyzstan, Lake Issyk Kül. In the afternoon, it’s possible to visit Bishkek for those who wish, or enjoy some free time.
Day 12: Flight to France
40-minute drive – International flight
Arrival in France.
Highlights of the trip
General information
SAFETY
You can find the Quai d’Orsay’s position on these countries on the official website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: diplomatie.gouv.fr in the “Conseils aux voyageurs” section.
The information contained on the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs is subject to change and is given for guidance only. Please note that no region of the world or country can be considered safe from the risk of terrorism.
REGISTRATION
By post:
Ask us for a registration form
- by phone: 06 65 93 29 29
- or e-mail: contact@watse.fr
Send us your registration with a copy of your passport, your postal address, telephone number and e-mail address, together with a deposit of 30% of the cost of the trip.
Also, if you wish to take out a Comfort or Comfort Multirisk cancellation insurance policy, this must be paid at the same time as the deposit when you register. You can consult our insurance contracts on our website.
By internet:
Book your holiday directly on our website: directly on the holiday page, choosing your dates and insurance options.
ATTENTION: air fares will be maintained until 3 months before departure and may be readjusted if necessary if you book during this period.
ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY
We strongly advise you to take out assistance insurance for the duration of your trip.
We offer two different types of insurance: Comfort Cancellation and Comfort Multirisk, to be taken out when you register for your trip.
Details of this insurance are available on request or can be viewed by by clicking here.
Other offers include Mondial Assistance, your own insurance company or Club Alpin Français. Check that your trekking activity is covered.
Make sure your insurance covers all medical expenses in the event of an accident.
You must make sure that you are covered for mountain rescue costs. If this is the case, you must provide us with the following information before you set off on your trek:
- a certificate from the insurance company covering mountain rescue costs.
- the contract number and telephone number of the assistance center
Beware of restrictive clauses in certain insurance policies (particularly those linked to Visa Premier, Gold or other cards), such as mountain insurance limited to snow activities, or altitude sickness not recognized as an illness requiring repatriation, which will be refused.
Please check the actual content of your insurance and take the necessary steps if necessary.
Health & climate
JET LAG
+ 5h compared with France in winter
+ 4h compared with France in summer
CLIMATE
Kyrgyzstan’s climate is continental, with cold, harsh winters and hot summers. Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country, and temperatures are cooler in the mountains but can be stifling on the plains.
HEALTH AND VACCINES
No vaccinations required. Just make sure you’re up to date with your usual vaccinations.
You should also take precautions to protect yourself against mosquito bites (repellent, loose-fitting clothing).
We recommend that you have a check-up with your dentist before you leave.
Transport and conditions
Ground transportation is by private vehicle.
AIR
Air fares will be maintained until 3 months before departure and may be readjusted if necessary if you register during this period.
LUGGAGE
Your personal belongings will be transported daily by men and horses. We recommend that you pack your belongings for the trek in duffle bags, which are easier to handle.
The stay
MEALS
You are responsible for your own meals in town and on international flights.
During the trek, we take morning and evening meals at the camps. At lunchtime, we organize a picnic.
Please let us know if you have any food allergies when you register.
ACCOMMODATION
During the trek, we stay in tents. We provide a 3-person tent for two people for greater comfort. You’ll need to bring your own mattresses and sleeping bags.
Hotel in Bishkek and hostel in Karakol as indicated in the trip description.
TRAINING
Supervision by a qualified French mountain leader and a local Kyrgyz team. This team varies according to the day, but a local French-speaking guide is part of our daily team.
Practical info
ELECTRICITY
Alternating current 220 Volts, 50 Hertz, as in France. Bring a battery for camps where recharging is not possible.
FORMALITIES AND VISA
For French, Belgian, Luxembourg and Swiss nationals
– Your valid passport
As these formalities may change, please check with the country’s consular authorities. All travelers are responsible for complying with entry requirements in the countries they visit. Watse cannot be held responsible for changes in formalities.
BUDGET, CHANGE AND TIPS
The currency in Kyrgyzstan is the Som (KGS). The indicative rate is : 1 € = 91 KGS in August 2024
Cash: you can travel with euros or dollars. Exchange is available at exchange offices, banks and even hotels. It’s best to take banknotes of at least €50 for a better exchange rate.
Watse added value
TWO GUIDES FOR THE TRIP
Take advantage of complete and secure supervision by a French guide and a local French-speaking guide throughout your stay.
This accompaniment allows us to adapt to the needs of all walkers, guaranteeing you an unforgettable and enriching experience.
HOT SPRINGS ALL ALONG THE ROUTE
Hot springs dot the landscape, rewarding your efforts with well-deserved relaxation. You can even try out a real Russian sauna!
MEETING THE NOMADS
During your stay, you’ll have the chance to meet and talk with the local inhabitants of the areas and villages you’ll be visiting, and discover their traditions, lifestyles and customs.