Archa-Tor / Ala Kul / Ak-Suu Valley Trek - Terskey Ala-Too Ridges - Kyrgyzstan

This trek is a combination of three treks in Kyrgyzstan. These are the Archa Tor trek, the Ala Kul lake trek and finally the Ak-Suu valley trek. The first two treks pass through valleys that meet in the Karakol Gorge. It would therefore be a shame to do only one when you can do both at once. The third allows you to visit another magnificent valley and is the extension of the second.

This combination is therefore a wonderful adventure in the heart of the Tian Shan, accessible only with backpacks and tents. The name of the Tian Shan mountain system, translated from ancient Chinese, means "divine mountains". Tian Shan crosses the territory of five Asian countries, has a length of more than two thousand five hundred kilometers and more than 30 of its peaks rise to more than 6000 m.

We therefore suggest that you join us in the majestic Tian Shan Mountains, namely along the Terskey-Alatau ridge in Kyrgyzstan : "Mountains of Eternal Snow". These places are known for a variety of beautiful landscapes : there are red sand cliffs, dense forests, snow-capped peaks and picturesque glaciers. It is important to consider that your mental and your endurance will be two great capacities in the realization of this trek but you must see all this splendor with your own eyes.

This trip through the Tian Shan will appeal to experienced trekkers or participants in good physical shape. Communion with nature and disconnection from gadgets are guaranteed - there is no connection outside the cities.

It is better to have good wind protection - pants and a jacket, during the day the weather often changes. For overnight stays, warm thermal underwear and a good sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of -5 to -15 are recommended. Sun hat, sunscreen with H50 protection mandatory.

The courses will take all day according to the rhythm of the group. You must be in good physical shape. Altitude headache may occur - remember to bring aspirin with you. We also always have a group first aid kit on hand. You acclimatize gradually and you don't gain altitude suddenly, so there's no need to be afraid.

To cross the border, you must be in possession of a passport. When crossing borders, your passport will be stamped or you will be issued a migration card. It is recommended to check that everything has been affixed correctly. Duration of stay 90 days. It is important to keep the return ticket stubs. If you arrived by car or train, you must also register at the airport border post.

The local currency is the Kyrgyz som. Money can be changed upon arrival (rubles or dollars or euro) directly at the airport, or you can go to the Mossovet stop in Bishkek and find a bank with the most favorable rate.

There is no mobile communication on the route, in the cities you can buy SIM cards from local operators - Oshka and Megacom. Sims can be bought almost everywhere in Bishkek and at the airport, but it is better to contact your relatives via the Internet using What'sApp. Do not expect shops and electricity on the course. Only the last days, when we spend the night in the cities, it will be possible to recharge the batteries, so take batteries for your devices.

The price of the trip includes :

• 2 IDTrek guides speaking French/English/Russian and Spanish
• Transfers (Karakol - Chon Kyzyl-Suu / Ak Suu - Karakol)
• Food delivery at 3 points along the trek route (to limit your loading weight)
• Full board during the trek
• Kitchen equipment, tents, carimats (groundsheets for sleeping)
• Staff : guide, cook, porter (each porter carries 15 kg for 1 person, weight including food, tents, cooking equipment and private objects of the customers)
• Accommodation and hot springs in Altyn-Arashan
• Entrance fees to Karakol National Park
• Groups of more than 8 people benefit from 1 help-guide supplement
• Groups of more than 5 people benefit from an additional assistant cook
• First aid box

The price of the trip does NOT include :

• International flights to come to Kyrgyzstan
• Accommodation in Bishkek/Karakol before/after the trek
• Transfer from Bishkek to Karakol (we can organize a transfer if you wish and let us know in advance (minimum 5 days))
• Restaurant meals and other personal expenses not included in the trek
• Guides tips
• Personal care items
• Services not mentioned above
• Breakfast on the first day, and dinner on the last day
• Personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag, foam mattress, etc.)
•  Sleeping bags are not included in the price but you can rent them from us for 5 EUR per day
• Additional porter 45 EUR per day (a porter carries a maximum of 15kg)
• Travel conditions
• Any insurance (cancellation, accident, rescue, sickness, repatriation etc.)

Take out IDTrek Travel Insurance with our partner

Preparing well for your trek means having the right equipment. Find here the list of the necessary equipment to travel in trek. Attention, when we specify that the tent or/and the mattress are provided, you do not need to bring your own.

Travel sales conditions

Applications for participation are accepted until 5 july. The minimum quantity to confirm the group is 3 people, maximum - 10 people.

Please make sure you have read the conditions of sale by clicking here. Any purchase of the trip immediately validates the conditions. They define in particular the conditions of cancellation and the methods of payment or visa, or even insurance.

Precautions to take before a trip to Kirghizistan :

Difficulty : This route is suitable for people in good health and with good physical training, since the route consists of long transitions on melting ground, strong temperature fluctuations and a climb to a height of 3900 meters above sea level. The terrain can be difficult and the climbs and descents are often demanding, especially in rainy or snowy weather.

Conditions : It is necessary to take with you warm clothes, spare clothes and shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen. If you have a specific illness, you must bring your own medication with you.

Precautions : Before embarking on a trip to Kyrgyzstan, it is advisable to consult your doctor in order to prevent mountain sickness. Especially if you are being treated for heart or blood pressure problems. Your treatments might be a little different before and during the trip.

For people going to hike in the mountains (trekking) over several days, it is recommended to check with a mountain medicine center before your trip.

Mountain sickness...

• has nothing to do with your age
• nor with your physical condition
• just because you didn't get it on a first trip to altitude doesn't mean you'll never get it
• your state of stress and fatigue, all this added to jet lag are major factors

Take the time to do things calmly.

Equipment and items for the trekking part :

• Sleeping bag down from -5°C to -15 C • Good trekking shoes with good ankle support. Extra shoes or pair of sandals, in case the main pair gets wet during rain, etc. • Waterproof rain jacket and pants • Extra warm jackets and pants for swapping • Hat and cap, sunglasses, high factor sunscreen • 40-50 liter backpack and rain cover. • Headlamp • Water bottle • Quick-dry towel • First aid kit, if you have an illness

Recommended to have in addition : • Walking sticks • Toiletries • Insect repellents (for lower altitudes) • Water purification tablets or a water filter (more details in the notes) • Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness • Pocket knife

IMPORTANT NOTES

WATER :

Water is important during the trek, we provide boiled water or tea/coffee during breakfast, lunch, dinner, however boiling water is limited, and it is not enough if you need to refill your bottles for the next day. Water can be a cause of stomach problems during a trek. However, you should drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated. Water from some hills is also the source of water for domestic animals and/or wild animals on higher areas. Always fetch water from streams where it is fastest in terms of current. Standing water has a high risk of carrying pathogens, regardless of the environment. While gushing, fast-moving water is very unlikely to contain pathogens in it. It even has less particulate matter. You can fill up with water from natural springs, this is the best because it acts as a natural filter and there is very little chance of particles getting in. Local people, like many tourists, have no problem drinking water from a spring, but if you are unsure, please bring water purification pills with you for the trek. You will not be able to find water purifying pills in Kyrgyzstan.

LUGGAGE TRANSPORT DURING THE TOUR :

• Main luggage : The luggage used to transport all your belongings in the hold of the plane and used to store all the items you do not need on the trek. This can be left at the hotel (ask your hotel).

• Baggage to porters : We provide by default 1 porter to 1 person, who carries 15 kg, this weight including food, tents, cooking equipment and private belongings of customers, generally around 3 to 5 kg the first days . Decreasing the daily food weight will allow you to give your carrier extra weight. You can order an extra carrier, if you have some bulky items like camera with lens, special equipment, etc. You will have to pay an extra 45 euro per porter per day.

• Daypack/backpack : 30-50 liters recommended. During a day of trekking, you do not have access to luggage, which is carried for you by the porters. In mountainous regions, the weather can change very quickly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your day bag should therefore be large enough to carry raincoat, fleece jacket, long pants (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, cap, sunscreen, water bottle and other personal items you need during the trek . Sometimes it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch.

ASSURANCE :

Travel insurance is NOT included. We recommend that clients have their own travel insurance against illness, injury, loss/damage to personal effects. In case of emergency, our staff will do everything possible to drive you to the hospital or another point and solve your problem, the insurance will cover your costs, if you do not have insurance, you will have to cover the costs by yourself.

MEAL :

Breakfast : consists of some of the following dishes: porridge, omelet, omelet with fried sausages, pancakes, scrambled eggs with sausage, boiled eggs, etc. + bread, jam, butter, honey, sweets, tea/coffee.

Lunch boxes or lunch : Dried fruits, chocolate, yogurt, juice, cheese, sandwich, vegetables/fruits and tea/coffee.

Dinner : our cooks prepare European and Asian cuisine, so we can prepare a special menu for you.

TIPS :

Local personnel service is included in the program; however, it is polite to tip local staff if the service has been very good. Also at your discretion, you may also consider tipping your tour manager for appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.

For any questions, do not hesitate to contact by phone/WhatsApp :

+7 916-0735757 Yulia

+33 688672423 Guillaume

WE WILL BE GLAD TO SEE YOU IN OUR TEAM !