3 Tage | Karakol – Altyn-Arashan – Tien-Shan-Gebirge
Entdecken Sie Kirgisistans bekannteste alpine Trekkingroute.
Der Ala-Köl-See zählt zu den spektakulärsten Hochgebirgsseen Zentralasiens. Auf 3.500 Metern Höhe, im Herzen des Terskei-Ala-Too-Gebirges verborgen, schimmert sein türkisfarbenes Gletscherwasser unter dramatischen, schneebedeckten Gipfeln.
Dieses 3-tägige Trekkingabenteuer vereint anspruchsvolle Bergpässe, Wasserfälle, Gletscherpanoramen, alpines Camping und die berühmten heißen Quellen von Altyn-Arashan – alles in einer unvergesslichen Reise.
Type: Vehicle + Trekking
Duration: 3 days (optional 4-day extension)
Start: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan (transfer to Karakol Gorge ~1 hr)
Best Season: Mid-June – Mid-September
Highest Point: 3,860 m (Ala-Köl Pass)
Accommodation: Camping tents / yurt camp
Group Size: Private or small group (2–12 pax)
Style: Trekking
Distance: ~35 km
Altitude Range: 1,911 m – 3,888 m
Elevation Gain/Loss: ↑ 2,217 m | ↓ 2,559 m
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Level: Moderate to Challenging
Fitness: Good condition + confidence on mountain trails
Safety: Briefing before start + experienced local guides throughout
Ideal for active travelers who want Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic alpine lake trek — high passes, turquoise Ala-Köl, and unforgettable mountain scenery — in a small, personal group.
Why This Trek?
Cross the Ala-Köl Pass at 3,860 m
Camp in pristine alpine wilderness
Hike beside waterfalls and glacier rivers
Experience panoramic views of 5,000 m peaks
Relax in natural hot springs in Altyn-Arashan
Perfect short high-altitude adventure
We depart from the city of Karakol to the Karakol Gorge in the morning. The drive to the trail head will take about 30 minutes. Today comparatively easy day . 10 km walking deep to the gorge. It will take around 3 h.
Accommodation in yurt by arrival. Rest.
Overnight and dinner in yurt
Trekking distance: 10 km
Altitude: +500;
Time: 3 h
Early breakfast. Our camp and starting point at 2500m. We cross the bridge and ascend to the lake Ala-Kul lake. After about 2-2.5 hours of hiking up the valley, we will stop for rest at a small hut.
After, we will continue trekking to the lake. Lunch on the route. The distance is around 10km but 1100m altitude difference. Walking till the and of the lake or taking a boat or kayak to the other side of the lake (It depend on the situation with melting the ice).
Accommodation: Tent
Trekking distance: 12 km
Altitude: +1100; -100
Time: 6-7 h
Breakfast. From here, we continue going up again toward the pass (3860m), from which you can see all of the nearby peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too ringing the lake and rising up to over 5000m above sea level.
We descend the gorge to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan (2500m). The descent takes 3-3,5 hours depending on the pace.
Upon arrival, we will enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs.
Transfer to Karakol by Uaz
Trekking distance: 15 km
Altitude: +350; -1400
Time: 6-7 h
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Notes
Prices are per person and depend on final group size.
Rates are valid for the 2026 trekking season.
We strongly recommend booking in advance. Ala-Köl is one of the most popular trekking routes in Kyrgyzstan, and yurt camps along the trail can fill up quickly during the season.
Once you confirm your preferred dates, contact us and we will issue an invoice for a 15% deposit to secure your booking.
The remaining balance can be paid upon arrival in Kyrgyzstan.
There are several options to reach Karakol from Bishkek:
Shared minibus (marshrutka) from the Eastern Bus Station (6–7 hours)
Private taxi transfer (faster and more comfortable)
Domestic flight Bishkek → Karakol (approx. 1 hour, seasonal)
We can also arrange a private transfer for you upon request.
No. This trek can be done light.
You do not need to carry tents or cooking equipment. Accommodation and meals are arranged in yurt camps along the route.
We recommend bringing:
Sleeping arrangements are provided in camps. Sleeping bags are available upon request.
Special yurt camps are set up along the Ala-Köl trekking route specifically for trekkers.
4–8 people per yurt (depending on group size and season)
If availability allows, 2 people per yurt may be possible
Single yurt accommodation is not available
Single tent option available for additional cost
Yes. Fresh water can be collected from mountain springs and rivers along the route.
However, we recommend bringing:
A water filter or Water purification tablets
This is standard practice for mountain trekking.
Yes.
After descending to Altyn-Arashan on Day 3, you may stay an additional night in Altyn-Arashan and hike down independently the next day (approx. 16 km).
There is no extra guiding fee for extending the hike.
You only need to cover your additional overnight accommodation in Altyn-Arashan.
This trek is rated moderate to challenging due to the ascent to Ala-Köl Pass (3,860 m).
Participants should:
Be in good physical condition
Feel comfortable hiking 6–9 hours per day
Be prepared for high-altitude mountain terrain
No technical climbing skills are required.
Most travelers do not experience serious altitude issues, but the pass reaches nearly 3,900 m.
We recommend:
Staying hydrated
Walking at a steady pace
Informing your guide immediately if you feel unwell
Our guides are experienced in high-altitude trekking.
Yes. Porter services can be arranged upon request for an additional fee.
Tell us about your travel plans and we'll craft a personalized proposal within 24 hours. No pressure, no generic packages — just a genuine conversation about your dream trip.
