Ala-Kul (Ala-Köl) is the most famous trek in Kyrgyzstan, and for good reason: a turquoise glacier lake at 3,530 m below the snow peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too. In three days you walk about 27 km from the Karakol gorge up to the lake, cross the Ala-Kul pass (3,900 m) with views over the whole lake, and descend to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan. Nights in a yurt camp and a tent camp by the lake, meals and a local guide included. Good fitness needed, no technical skills. Mid-June to mid-September.
Price per person, depends on group size
Private trek on your dates from mid-June to mid-September for 2–12 people. The price per person falls with the group size — see the table.
Included
Not included
Camps
You stay in established camps on the trail: shared yurts for 4–8 people on night 1 and tents by the lake on night 2. Bedding, warm sleeping bags and three meals a day are provided, vegetarian on request. Single yurts are not available; a single tent can be arranged for an extra fee.
Luggage
Carry only a day pack with water, snacks and warm layers. Leave the main luggage at your hotel in Karakol. Porters can be arranged.
Water and altitude
Water comes from springs and streams — bring a filter or purification tablets. Walk slowly, drink a lot and tell the guide if you feel unwell.
What to bring
Broken-in trekking boots, trekking poles, warm fleece and down jacket, rain jacket, hat and gloves, sunglasses and sun cream, head torch, swimwear for the hot springs and some cash.
It is a demanding but non-technical trek. Day 2 climbs about 1,050 m to the lake, and day 3 crosses a 3,900 m pass with a long, steep descent. You should be fit for 6–7 hours of walking on mountain trails. Most people manage the altitude well if they walk slowly.
Night 1 in a yurt camp in the Karakol valley, night 2 in a tent camp by the lake. Yurts are shared by 4–8 people; bedding, sleeping bags and all meals are provided. A single tent is possible for an extra fee.
From Bishkek by shared minibus (6–7 hours), by private transfer, or on a seasonal flight. We can book a private transfer for you. Or combine the trek with our weekly Song-Kol & Karakol group tour.
The price per person depends on the group size — from 550 $ each for two to 280 $ each for twelve (see the table). Book early: the camps fill up in July and August. We confirm your dates and send an invoice for a 15% deposit.
No. Tents, sleeping bags and food are in the camps, so a day pack with water, snacks and warm clothes is enough. Porters are available on request.
Yes. Stay a night at the hot springs and walk down to the valley on your own the next day (about 16 km). There is no extra guide fee — you only pay for the extra night.
Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.
