Trek of Ala Kul lake

Discover beauties of the National Karakol park

The Ala Kul lake is a popular destination in Kyrgyzstan, touristy but the lake is amazing nice, from the Karakol valley to Altyn Arashan valley and its hot water springs.

The blue jewel of the Terskey Alatoo range

The program will start at Karakol, and finish in Karakol. 

4 DaysAdventure toursKyrgyzstan

  • 2 people: $510

  • 3 people: $400

  • 4 people: $350

  • 5 people: $320

  • 6 people: $310

  • Starting from

    $310
    USD
    or customize it

    Program

      
                                Karakol - Sirota camp
    Hiking from Karakol to Sirota camp
    Karakol - Sirota camp

    In the morning, we'll board a local bus near the entrance of Karakol National Park. Our hike begins by tracing the path of the Karakol River, following a dirt road that gradually leads into the scenic Karakol gorge. After crossing a bridge, we'll ascend along a steep track, tracing the flow of the Ala Kul lake's pristine waters. Along the way, take in the majestic pine trees of the Tien Shan and the rushing currents of the Karakol River fed by glacial melt. We'll spend the night under the stars, camping at the picturesque Sirota campsite.

    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    23 km
    00:20
    07:00
    1045 m
    20 m
      
                                Sirota camp - Ala-Kul lake
    Short hiking day to Ala-Kul lake
    Sirota camp - Ala-Kul lake

    Embarking from the campsite, you'll ascend to the stunning Ala-Kul Lake, reaching an elevation of 3523 meters. The trail is steep as you approach the lake, offering a thrilling challenge and rewarding views. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of the lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike around the lake, with the option to summit one of the nearby peaks for even more spectacular panoramas. During winter, Ala-Kul freezes solid, its depths shrouded in mystery. Be prepared for nighttime temperatures to drop below freezing as you spend the night in your cozy tent, nestled amidst the wilderness.

    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    4 km
    06:00
    620 m
    20 m
      
                                Ala-Kul lake - Altyn Arashan valley
    Trek accross the Ala-Kul pass then down to Altyn Arashan valley
    Ala-Kul lake - Altyn Arashan valley
    The path, difficult hike up a scree to the neck Ala-Kul to 3890 meters. From the pass, the view is absolutely magnificent lake and surrounding peaks. Descend to the colorful canyon Keldike camp in the valley of Altyn Arashan.
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    12 km
    05:00
    380 m
    1325 m
      
                                Altyn Arashan valley - Karakol
    Walk down into the Altyn Arashan valley and transfer to Karakol city
    Altyn Arashan valley - Karakol

    We'll descend along the piste, passing by hot springs where you can take a relaxing bath if desired. Continuing our journey, we'll hike down the steep, rugged road into the gorge. The final stretch of the trail is gentle as we make our way to the village of Ak-Suu. From there, we'll travel by transport back to Karakol, where we'll enjoy a hearty dinner and spend the night.

    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    23 km
    00:30
    04:00
    0 m
    750 m

    Very reliable company and very helpful staff. The trip was tailor made and ended up as an open group tour with Mirbek as a guide. I can totally recommend Nomads Land. The trip was amazing and I have nothing to complain about.

    Jessica

    With the help of Nomad's Land we had one of the most unforgettable trips of our lives this winter. Starting in Bishkek we headed east towards Karakol where our adventure was set to start. We spent 10 days exploring the region surrounding Issyk Kul and Song-Kul, crossing valleys, streams and mountains on horseback with our wonderful guide Mikel. The experiences we had during our trip would not have been possible without the network and organization of Nomad's Land. Within a week of our trip ending we have already started to look at the other trips they have to offer and will definitely travel with them again in the future. While traveling in the winter is not always the easiest, the trip we had was certainly rewarding. If you are up for the challenge, Kyrgyzstan in the winter is a special experience that more people should consider!

    Andrew Curran

    On your way

    Karakol gorge

    The Karakol valley is fully part of the Karakol Natural Park.

    Karakol

    At the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul, Karakol is a fertile garden town of wooden chocolate-box cottages and shady, poplar-lined avenues.

    Altyn Arashan hot water springs

    One of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan is the Altyn Arashan Gorge (Kyrgyz "source of gold".) Its scenic beauty, a gem of the mountain - Ala

    Ala-Kul lake

    Ala Kul lake (or Ala Koel in Kyrgyz) is located in the upper part of the river Kurgaktor at an altitude of 3523 meters.

    Info

    What is included

    • All transportation in a private vehicle

    • All airport transfers

    • Accommodation as described in the program

    • Meals (3 per day)

    • Bottled water (when possible) & tea

    • English-speaking trekking guide

    • Pack horses with saddle bags & horsemen

    • Camping & cooking equipment (tents, mats, gas, stove, etc)

    • All the activities listed in the program

    • Entry fees at national parks and/or border zones listed in the program

    • Entry fees at museums and historical sites listed in the program

    • Domestic flights mentioned in the program

    • A contribution to our sustainable development projects

    • Organisation of the trip & local taxes

    What is not included

    • International flights

    • International banking fees (PayPal, ...)

    • Travel & repatriation insurance

    • Visas / LOI (if applicable)

    • Alcoholic and soft drinks

    • Personal expenses

    • Personal equipment (sleeping bag, headlight, personal medication, etc)

    • Additional costs due to unexpected personal events (health, loss of luggage, ...)

    • Tips for guide & driver (always optional, always appreciated)

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    Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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    Through various ecotourism projects and initiatives, Nomad's Land aims to increase awareness of ecotourism and responsible travel, for a sustainable development of the tourism sector.