Route at a glance
- Difficulty
- hard, a technical mountain trek
- Pass height
- about 4,000 m
- Time
- 3 days or more
- Finish
- the Issyk-Ata resort
- Good for
- experienced hikers with equipment only, ideally with a guide
The route
The route starts from the village of Koi-Tash and follows the Alamedin Gorge right up to its headwaters. From there the trail climbs to the pass, crosses a glacier and descends into the Issyk-Ata Gorge. Shepherds sometimes drive livestock over the pass to summer pastures, and then a clear trail leads up to it.
Why it's worth the effort
The pass opens a panorama of the highest peaks of the Kyrgyz Range, including Semenov-Tian-Shansky Peak. And at the end of the journey a well-earned reward awaits — the hot springs of Issyk-Ata.
Important to know
- The route crosses a glacier with crevasses. You need crampons, a rope and the skills to use them.
- Altitude sickness can strike at around 4,000 m. With a severe headache and nausea, descend.
- Weather in the high mountains changes very quickly; snow is possible even in summer.
- Always leave your route and a check-in time with someone close to you or with the rescue service.
- If you have no experience of technical treks, go only with a professional guide.