HikingChallenging
Four days on foot from Karakol to a turquoise lake under the glacier.
Duration4 days · 3 nights
Distance58 km
RouteKarakol → Karakol valley
SeasonJul – Aug
LevelChallenging
Groupup to 10
Hiking
About this tour
The classic Ala-Kul trek needs no climbing skills, but the altitude gain is real. Nights are in tents and at the Alakul yurt camp.
Itinerary
Day by day
- Day1
Karakol to Altyn Arashan
Drive and walk in to the hot springs.
14 km +600 m elevation gain Overnight: Yurt camp - Day2
Ala-Kul pass
A long day to the lake at 3,532 metres.
16 km +900 m elevation gain Overnight: Tents - Day3
Down to the valley
Descend the pass and camp by the river.
18 km +200 m elevation gain Overnight: Tents - Day4end
Out to Karakol
A short walk out and lunch in town.
10 km Overnight: Guesthouse
Good to know
Included / not included
Included
- Guide
- Tents and kitchen
- Trek meals
- Karakol transfer
- National park permits
Not included
- International flights
- Personal insurance
- Alcohol
- Tips
What to bring
- A warm layer even in summer
- Rain shell
- Boots with a small heel
- Sun protection
- Personal medicines
- Cash in som
Route
Route on the map
- 1Karakol
- 2Altyn Arashan
- 3Ala-Kul
- 4Karakol valley
Season
Scheduled departures
Pick a date below or suggest your own — private dates are possible on any route.
StartingEndingSeatsPrice
- Sun, Jul 4, 20274 daysWed, Jul 7, 20276 seats left$640
- Sun, Aug 1, 20274 daysWed, Aug 4, 20272 seats left$640
- Sun, Aug 29, 20274 daysWed, Sep 1, 202710 seats left$640
Photo