This is a 4-day trekking adventure to Ala Kul lake from Karakol town, exploring the Karakol gorge and Keldike valley, witnessing the beauty of Ala-Kul lake, and unwinding in the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan. This journey offers a blend of physical challenge, natural beauty, and some relaxation.
Trekking distance/time: 11km / 6 hours, Ascent: 600 meters.
Transfer from Karakol town to the trailhead in the beautiful Karakol Valley, passing by lively rivers. You’ll be dropped off near a bridge where our hike begins towards the lunch spot. Explore this gorge on foot, admiring its lush green slopes adorned with evergreen trees. You might even see a herd of horses grazing, adding to the scenery. After lunch, continue hiking in this peaceful setting up to the Sirota Campsite, which sits at 3000 meters. Once at the campsite, take a stroll around the area and unwind in this tranquil spot surrounded by spruce trees.
Meals: Lunch/Dinner, Accommodation: tents
Trekking distance/time: 9 km, 7 hours, Ascent: +850m
This day involves a challenging hike through twists and turns, navigating rocks and large stones, for about 3 hours until you reach the stunning Ala Kul Lake at 3500 meters altitude. This pristine lake is fed by glaciers and shines with a turquoise hue, offering breathtaking views. Enjoy lunch by the lake before continuing to Ala Kul Pass at 3950 meters. From here, you can admire the rugged, icy peaks of Terskey Ala-Too, part of the impressive Tian Shan Range. Take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of these towering mountains before descending along a steep path to our campsite in the picturesque Keldyke Valley at 3200 meters altitude.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner, Accommodation: tents
Trekking distance/time: 11 km, 4 hours, Ascent: – 750m
After breakfast, we set off for our yurt camp, passing through the picturesque Altyn Arashan Valley with its verdant pastures and calm, flowing rivers. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, and you may need to cross a stream along the way, but it’s not deep.
Upon reaching our yurt camp at 2450 meters altitude, you’ll discover that Altyn-Arashan translates to ‘Golden Spa’ due to its renowned hot sulfur springs. Here, you can take a relaxing bath in the natural hot spring pools, easing any muscle soreness after three days of hiking.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner, Accommodation: Yurt camp
Trekking distance/time: 10 km / 4 hours, Descent: – 450m,
We hike around to explore the natural springs before leaving the camp around lunchtime. The sight of Peak Palatka, towering at 5260 meters, and the “Swallow’s Nest Pool” beneath the open sky will stay with you.
In the afternoon, we hike for about 4 hours to reach Ak Suu village, where our driver will pick us up for a 30-minute drive to Karakol city. The trail follows a beautiful river flowing through the valley most of the time.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
| Number of people | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Price per person (USD) | 995 | 695 | 565 | 495 | 455 | 415 |
To get prices for other group sizes, please Request the Tour or Get in Touch with Us.
Weather Preparedness:
In the summer, Karakol can reach temperatures as high as 34°C, while the mountains can get as cold as -5°C. Be ready for sudden changes in weather.
Clothes and Equipment:
Recommended Items:
Luggage for Porters:
Most of our standard programs are designed for hikes lasting 4 to 7 days. We provide one porter per person, carrying up to 15 kg, including food, tents, cooking equipment, and about 3-5 kg of personal items. As food weight decreases daily, you can give extra weight to the porter. If you have heavy items like a camera with a lens or special equipment, you can hire an extra porter for about 40 euros per day.
Daypack/Rucksack:
A 30-50 liter daypack is recommended. During the day, you will not have access to the luggage carried by the porters. In mountain regions, the weather can change rapidly, so your daypack should be large enough to carry waterproofs, a fleece jacket, long trousers, a warm hat and gloves, a sun cap, sun cream, a water bottle, and other essentials needed during the trek. Sometimes, you will also need to carry your own packed lunch.
Trekking Grade:
A good level of fitness is required, and previous trekking experience is recommended. Trekking days are generally long, challenging, and at higher altitudes up to 3800 meters. The terrain can be difficult, with demanding ascents and descents, especially in rain or snow.
Insurance:
Travel insurance is NOT included. We recommend that clients have their own travel insurance covering illness, injury, and loss/damage of personal belongings. In an emergency, our staff will do their best to get you to a hospital or other necessary location. Insurance will cover your charges; without it, you will be required to cover the charges yourself.
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