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Ala-Kul Lake Trek — 3 Days from Karakol

Up the Karakol valley to a glacial lake at about 3,530 m, over the Ala-Kul pass at around 3,860 m, and down to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan. Three days, and two of them are long.

3 days / 2 nights Challenging July – September From Karakol High point ≈ 3,860 m
Turquoise Ala-Kul lake below glaciers, seen from aboveAla-Kul lake
Turquoise water and a small beach on the shore of Ala-Kul, from aboveAla-Kul shore
Yurts in the forested Altyn-Arashan valleyAltyn-Arashan
An old Soviet-era truck on the dirt road to Altyn-Arashan, among spruce treesThe road to Altyn-Arashan
hot springs at Altyn-Arashan

Why this trip

Ala-Kul is a rock-dammed lake about 2.8 km long on the northern slope of the Terskey Ala-Too, above Karakol. The classic way to reach it is on foot: up the Karakol valley, a steep climb to the lake, over the Ala-Kul pass, and down into the forested Altyn-Arashan valley, where hot springs wait at around 2,400 m.

It is rated Challenging for good reasons. The loop is roughly 45–55 km with well over 1,500 m of ascent, most of it on the second day, on steep and sometimes loose trail above 3,500 m. The season is short too: the pass is normally clear of snow only from July to mid-September.

What you get with us is a published price and a named team. The route is planned by Ilgiz, our lead guide from Kochkor, with more than 15 years of guiding travellers, and we tell you who walks with you before you commit.

Doing your own research? Read our Ala-Kul trek guide first.

Transparent pricing

Per person, in USD. What is included is listed below and confirmed in writing with your quote.

Group sizePrice / person
Group of 4$390 per person
Solo, pair and larger groupsIn our reply

Solo, pair and larger groups: exact price in our reply within 24 hours.

Day by day

Sample itinerary — Ilgiz confirms the exact route and camps for your dates.

  1. Day 1

    Karakol → up the Karakol valley

    Morning transfer from Karakol to the Karakol valley in the national park. Walk up through forest and meadows along the river to a tent or yurt camp in the upper valley, below the climb to the lake.

    ≈ 5–6 h walkingCamp night
  2. Day 2

    Ala-Kul lake → the pass → Altyn-Arashan

    Early start. A steep climb of about 1,000 m brings you to the lake. Time on the shore, then the final climb to the Ala-Kul pass at around 3,860 m, looking back over the lake and glaciers. The descent into the Keldike valley is steep and loose; the trail then eases down to Altyn-Arashan. Evening in the hot springs.

    ≈ 9–10 h walkingNight in Altyn-Arashan
  3. Day 3

    Altyn-Arashan → Ak-Suu → Karakol

    A morning soak, then down the valley to Ak-Suu village — on foot, about 15–18 km and 4–5 hours, or by 4x4 on the rough valley road. Transfer back to Karakol by the afternoon.

    ≈ 4–5 h walking, or 4x4Karakol drop-off

What's included

Our standard plan for this trek. Your written quote confirms every line before anything is charged.

Included in $390

  • Transfers: Karakol to the trailhead, and Ak-Suu back to Karakol
  • English-speaking guide for all 3 days — we tell you who before you commit
  • Night 1 in a tent or yurt camp in the upper Karakol valley
  • Night 2 in Altyn-Arashan
  • Meals on the trek

Not included

  • Karakol National Park entry fee, paid in som
  • Travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover
  • Your trekking kit: boots, warm layers, waterproof, sleeping bag
  • Nights in Karakol before or after the trek
  • Tips for the guide (optional)

Meet your guide

Ilgiz

Ilgiz — founder & lead guide

Ilgiz is from Kochkor and has guided travellers across Kyrgyzstan for more than 15 years. He plans this route and the team that walks it. When you enquire, we tell you which guide is assigned to your dates before you commit to anything. More about Ilgiz

Questions about this tour

How hard is the Ala-Kul trek?
It is rated Challenging. Day 2 is the crux: around 1,000 m of steep climbing to the lake, a further climb to the pass at about 3,860 m, then a steep, loose descent, in total 9 to 10 hours on foot. You should be comfortable hiking six hours or more on consecutive days. Most people feel the altitude above 3,500 m, so the pace is slow and steady.
When can the trek be done?
July to mid-September. Outside that window the Ala-Kul pass is normally under snow. Even in season, weather above 3,500 m can turn quickly, and snow on the pass is possible in any month.
Can the trek be done in four days instead of three?
Yes. A four-day version adds a night and splits the long Day 2, which makes the climb to the lake and the pass much easier on the legs. Ask for it in your enquiry and the price comes in our reply.
Is there phone signal on the trail?
Expect little or none on most of the trail. Download offline maps before you go, and tell anyone expecting to hear from you that you will be out of contact for two to three days.

Before you book: Ala-Kul trek guide · Best time to visit Kyrgyzstan · All travel guides

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