- Length
- 5 days
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers
- Season
- July – September
- Starts and ends
- Bishkek
The Ala-Kul trek is the best short trek in Kyrgyzstan. In five days you climb from the Karakol valley to the turquoise glacial lake of Ala-Kul at 3,532 m, cross the Ala-Kul pass at 3,860 m and drop to the hot springs at Altyn-Arashan.
Itinerary
Day 1: Karakol to Ak-Suu
Drive to the trailhead and walk to the first camp in the Karakol valley.
Day 2: Up to Ala-Kul lake
A steady climb of five to six hours to the lake, where you camp.
Day 3: Ala-Kul pass
The hardest day: a steep climb over loose scree to the pass, then a long descent to Sary-Jaz valley.
Day 4: Altyn-Arashan
Walk to Altyn-Arashan and soak in the hot springs.
Day 5: Back to Karakol
A short walk or jeep ride to Karakol.
Who is it for?
Fit walkers comfortable with long days at altitude. No technical climbing is needed.
