Ak-Suu Traverse day 5: Altyn Arashan to Telety Pass
4000m passes, Ala-Kol lake, and a steep descent
Hiking Extreme
- Distance
- 23 km
- Ascent
- 2.2 km
- Descent
- 1.7 km
- Duration
- 1 day +
- Low Point
- 2.5 km
- High Point
- 3.9 km
- Gradient
- 24˚
Leaving behind Altyn Arashan you make the long 8km uphill climb to the Ala-Kol North Pass (3906m). The final push is over loose scree which can be unnerving at that altitude. At the end of the lake rather than taking the main path down to the Karakol valley, you loop around to a smaller route that takes you to Panorama Pass (3781m). From the pass it's a steep and difficult descent to the Karakol river. The lower slopes of the Telety Pass, the final pass of the traverse, prove a perfect place to rest after a very long day.
- •
- •
- •
- •
Difficulty
Extreme
Scrambling up mountains and along technical trails with moderate fall exposure. Handholds are necessary to navigate the trail in its entirety, although they are not necessary at all times. Some obstacles can be very large and difficult to navigate, and the grades can often be near-vertical. The challenge of the trail and the steepness of the grade results in very strenuous hiking. Hikes of this difficulty blur the lines between "hiking" and "climbing".
Extreme Exposure
Some trail sections are extremely exposed where falling will almost certainly result in serious injury or death.
Remoteness
In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.