Terskey Ala-Too is one of the largest ranges of the Inner Tian Shan, stretching along the southern and southeastern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Despite a possible technical association with Bishkek in the listing of the site, this mountain area is actually located in the Issyk-Kul Region and is closely connected with Karakol, Jety-Oguz, Barskoon, and other settlements on the southern shore. It is Terskey Ala-Too that largely shapes the relief and appearance of this part of the region.

The length of the range is about 350 km, and its average width is approximately 40 km. Its highest point is Karakol Peak, 5,216 m. Terskey Ala-Too is characterized by sharp elevation changes, glaciers, high-mountain plateaus, alpine meadows, spruce forests in the lower parts of the gorges, and fast-flowing rivers fed by snow and glaciers. Within the range there are many gorges and valleys that are used as tourist and trekking routes.

The range plays an important role in the natural system of the Issyk-Kul basin. Under its influence, the southern shore of the lake is usually wetter and cooler than the northern coast. For travelers, Terskey Ala-Too is interesting because, over relatively short distances, the change of natural zones is clearly visible here - from foothills and forested slopes to high mountains with passes, moraine areas, and glaciers.

This area is especially attractive to those interested in hiking, horseback routes, mountaineering, and trips to mountain gorges. The best-known destinations are concentrated around Karakol, as well as in the areas of Jety-Oguz, Barskoon, and other valleys of the southern slope. Terskey Ala-Too is often regarded not as a single point on the map, but as a large mountain region through which it is convenient to get acquainted with the nature of southern Issyk-Kul.