Bishkek – Issyk-Kul – Karakol – Bishkek
Winter in Karakol: Skiing & Issyk-Kul
5 daysModerateWinter
from$450/ person
Book nowAla-Kul Trek: Lake, Pass & Hot Springs
4 days on foot from Karakol Gorge up to Ala-Kul Lake (about 3,600 m) and down to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs. A cook and porters walk with the group.
Duration
4 days
Difficulty
Challenging level
Season
Summer
Group
Private tour
Itinerary
A classic trek from Karakol. For two days we climb up Karakol Gorge to Ala-Kul Lake and sleep in tents. On day three we descend into the Altyn-Arashan valley and stay in a guesthouse or yurt next to the hot springs. On day four we walk out to Ak-Suu village, where a car takes you back to Karakol.
The trek is hard: steep climbs, rocky ground and altitude up to 3,860 m. You need good fitness and some hiking experience. Porters carry the food and group gear, one porter per guest, and a cook prepares the meals.
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights Total route distance: approximately 65 km, including about 39 km on foot Highest point: approx. 3,860 m Route: Karakol → Karakol Gorge → Ala-Kul Lake → Altyn-Arashan → Karakol Difficulty: challenging Accommodation: tents, then a guesthouse or yurt Mobile signal: none or patchy for most of the route
Day 1
Karakol – Karakol Gorge – Karakol Peak viewpoint
- 11 km · +600 m elevation gain · 5–7 hours of walking
- After breakfast we drive you to Karakol Gorge, where you meet the crew: the cook and the porters.
- We walk up the gorge through spruce forest along the river to the campsite, then go up without packs to a viewpoint facing Karakol Peak.
- In the evening the cook makes dinner and we stay at camp.
- Overnight: tents in Karakol Gorge.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 2
Karakol Gorge – Ala-Kul Lake
- 9 km · +850 m elevation gain · 5–7 hours of walking
- The hardest climb of the trek. Ala-Kul Lake lies at about 3,530–3,630 m.
- The trail goes over rocks and steep slopes. At the top is the turquoise lake, surrounded by rock walls and snow peaks.
- We rest at the lake and look around, then follow the rocky shore path to the campsite.
- Dinner at the lake camp.
- Overnight: tents near Ala-Kul Lake.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Note: depending on the season, the lake can be frozen or partly under snow.
Day 3
Ala-Kul Lake – Altyn-Arashan valley
- 11 km · about 1,100 m of descent · 3–5 hours of walking
- After breakfast we descend into the Altyn-Arashan valley: meadows, pine trees and streams.
- The path is rocky at first, then opens into the valley. This is where the hot springs are, which is exactly what you want after three days on the trail.
- We check in, rest and soak in the springs.
- Overnight: guesthouse or yurt in Altyn-Arashan.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4
Altyn-Arashan – Ak-Suu village – Karakol
- About 10 km · 3–4 hours of walking
- In the morning there is time for the springs and a walk around the valley.
- You can visit the heart-shaped pool and other natural pools, if they are accessible. Then we walk down Altyn-Arashan Gorge towards Ak-Suu village.
- Around midday a car meets us at the agreed point and drives you to Karakol, where the trek ends.
- Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Included
- Trekking assistance in English (intermediate level)
- Full board: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
- Cook and porters (one porter per guest)
- Guesthouse or yurt in Altyn-Arashan
- Hot springs
- Transport as in the itinerary
- Karakol National Park fees
- Altyn-Arashan Gorge fees
- Food delivery into Karakol National Park
- Two-person tent
- Sleeping mats and shared cooking and dining kit
Not included
- Sleeping bag rental: $10 per day, if needed
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the crew
- Personal expenses and anything not listed above
Good to know
- Fitness: steep climbs, rocks, altitude and changing weather. You need good fitness and some hiking experience.
- Altitude: up to 3,860 m. Walk at your own pace, drink water and tell the guide straight away if you feel unwell.
- Mountain weather changes fast. Bring warm layers, rain gear, gloves and trekking boots.
- Nights at altitude are cold. Sort out your sleeping bag with us before departure.
- For the hot springs, bring swimwear and a small towel.
- Mobile signal is weak or absent on the remote sections.
- Snow, ice and trail conditions affect access to the lake and the pass. We confirm the itinerary according to the season and current conditions.
| Group | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveller | $900per group |
| 2 travellers | $1,300per group |
| 3 travellers | $1,700per group |
| 4 travellers | $1,820per group |
| 5 travellers | $2,300per group |
Total price for the whole group (not per person), in USD. Groups of 6+ on request.
Upcoming departures
Dates on request — the tour runs whenever suits you.
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Route map
Route stops in order. Tap a number to see the place name.
- 01Karakol
- 02Karakol Gorge
- 03Ala-Kul Lake
- 04Altyn-Arashan
- 05Ak-Suu village
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