International flights - Arrive Bishkek Transfer to the hotel. Expedition/Course briefing before we explore the city of Bishkek and purchase supporting food supplies. (H, B)

Bishkek – Ala Archa National Park – Rutsek hut
Transfer to the Ala Archa National Park. The approach path follows a beautiful track up through a forest of fir trees to a mountain plateau. Mid way through the day we arrive at the Ak Sai waterfalls, a lovely place for lunch. We continue to the Racek mountain hut at 3350m. Night in the hut or Camp
Distance: Bishkek – Ala Archa 45km, 1hr 30min drive; Ala-Archa – Racek hut 5-6km, 4-5 hours walking. (B, R, D)

Rutsek hut – Glacier & Rock Training Day 1 -– Rutsek hut

Acclimatisation & Training Day - In the morning we practice/recap on ice axe and crampons combined with glacier training for movement in roped teams and crevasse rescue in preparation for moving up the Ak-Sai glacier to our planned peaks. The afternoon is spent on rock climbing & belay training. (R, B, L, D)

Rutsek hut – Box Peak (4211m) or Rutsek Peak (3870 m) -– Rutsek hut
This peak is situated opposite Uchitel peak. The ascent of this peak allows you a great view of the Ak-Sai mountains including Korona peak (4860m) our final climb. We climb the normal route, the easiest one, which follows the South-East side of the peak and provides good training in alpine ridge climbing. (R, B, L, D)

Distances and travel time: to Box Peak 7-8 km, +950m, 6-7hours.

Rutsek hut - Uchitel Peak (4560m) – Rutsek hut
On the opposite side of the valley we make the ascent of Uchitel Peak, one of the highest peaks in the region again a technically easy summit over scree and rock increasing our acclimatisation ready to tackle the glaciated peaks later in the week. On a clear day you will get great views of Chu valley and the many peaks of the Ala Archa. (R, B, L, D)
Distances and travel time: to Uchitel Peak is 5-6 km, +1190m, 6-7h

Rutsek hut – Korona hut
Today we move to the higher Korona hut (3800m), a small metal cabin, standing on the side moraine of Ak Sai glacier at the base of Korona Mountain. The route takes us across the glacier, where crampons and harnesses are necessary. Further glacier training may be given. (R, B, L, D)

Night in the Korona hut – 3800m.
Distances and travel time: 7-8km, 3-4hours, +450m.

Please note the Korona Hut is extremely basic and we may decide to camp.

Ascent to Korona peak 4862m (same height as Mont Blanc!)

Korona Peak is one of the most beautiful peaks on Kyrgyz Ala-Too Mountain range with six rock towers forming a crown and the summit. Our aim is to climb Tower 2 at 4862m. The ascent is almost entirely on glaciated terrain, so we climb as a roped team. The final 20 metres to the summit of the Tower is an optional rock-climbing ascent. The summit panorama from this beautiful peak is a spectacular climax to the Expedition training course. Descend the same way. (R, B, L, D)

Night in the Korona hut – 3800m.
Distances and travel time: 6km, 8-10 hours, +850m.

Reserve Weather Days. (R, B, L, D if staying in the mountains). Possible ascent of Izyskatel a snow and ice ascent.

Korona hut to Ala Archa National Park, transfer to Bishkek
After breakfast we descend back to the Racek hut and then walk out to meet our transport for the journey back to Bishkek (R, B, L)
Trek 12 km, 6-7 hours, Descent 3950-2100-800m

In Bishkek (H, B)

Return International flights.