Getting there
- Flights to Karakol (IKG) right by the start
- Flights to Bishkek (BSZ) 325 km from the start
- Flights to Almaty (ALA) 145 km from the start
Treks / Kyrgyzstan
Ala-Kul Trek
Kyrgyzstan · Nearest city: Karakol (also Bishkek, Almaty)
TypeMulti-day trek
Days3–4
Distance≈ 55 km
Climbingvaries
Highest point3,860 m
Kyrgyzstan's most famous trek, from the Karakol valley up to the turquoise Ala-Kul lake, over a 3,860 m pass and down to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan.
Fitness
Hard
Best seasonJuly to September
High pointAla-Kul Pass
High altitude
Watch out: Weather at the pass changes fast and snow is possible in any month. Acclimatise before crossing.
Why people choose it
It's Kyrgyzstan's signature trek: a turquoise glacial lake, a high pass and hot springs at the end.
What makes it different
- Turquoise glacial lake at 3,560 m
- Hot springs in Altyn-Arashan
- Yurt camps and guesthouses
Day by day
The popular three-day route from the Karakol valley over the Ala-Kul pass to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan. Many people add a fourth day to camp at the lake.
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Day1
Karakol valley → Sirota camp
A long, gradual walk up a forested valley beside a glacial river.
Sleep: Tent or basic camp at Sirota
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Day2
Sirota camp → Altyn-ArashanBest views
A steep climb to the turquoise Ala-Kul lake at about 3,560 m, then over the pass and down into a green valley.
Sleep: Guesthouse, yurt or tent in Altyn-Arashan
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Day3
Altyn-Arashan → Ak-Suu
A morning soak in the hot springs, then down the valley to the road.
Sleep: Back in Karakol
Where the best view is
Day 2, from the Ala-Kul pass at 3,860 m, looking back down on the turquoise lake with the glaciers of the Terskey Ala-Too behind it.
Where to take a rest day
Altyn-Arashan, after day 2: soak in the hot springs and stay in a guesthouse or yurt before walking out.
Before you go
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services that fit this trek.
Phone and data
Roaming in Kyrgyzstan is expensive on most phone plans. A data eSIM bought before you fly gets you online as soon as you land.
Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.
Insurance that covers this trek
This trek reaches 3,860 m, and many policies stop covering hiking at 2,000 to 3,000 m unless you add an activity upgrade. World Nomads needs its Level 3 activities above 2,000 m, Heymondo its Adventure add-on above 3,000 m, and SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers trekking up to 4,500 m.
Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section.
True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.
Camping and where to sleep
Wild camping is common and widely accepted in Kyrgyzstan's mountains. There are simple camps at Sirota and yurt stays and guesthouses in Altyn-Arashan.
Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.
Route map
Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.
Straight lines between stops One colour per day (dashed: straight line, not the exact path) Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city
Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. We don't have the exact trail for this route yet, so stops are joined with straight lines. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.
Stops: Karakol → Ala-Köl → Altyn-Arashan
Simple overview map
Step by step
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Months before
Plan and book
- Book your first and last nights, and check whether accommodation along the way needs reserving.
- Best time to go: July to September.
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6–12 weeks before
Train and test your gear
- Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
- Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
- Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.
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Getting there
Travel to the start
- Most people start from Karakol.
- Take enough cash for the whole trek. Cards rarely work in the mountains.
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On the trail
Walk it
- Start early each day, so you arrive before the afternoon weather and the rush for beds.
- You can carry a tent and camp where it's allowed, which saves money and gives more flexibility.
- See the day-by-day plan below for distances, high points and where to sleep.
- Climb slowly and take the acclimatisation days seriously.
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The finish
Get home
- It's a one-way route, so plan your transport back from the finish in advance.
How the season changes things
Best time: July to September
June to early July
Early summer
Snow still on high passes, fast rivers from snowmelt and green pastures filling with herders.
Bring
- Gaiters and warm layers
- River-crossing shoes
- Cash for yurt camps
Mid-July to August
Peak season
The best weather window, but high passes can still get snow and storms.
Bring
- Warm sleeping bag for cold nights
- Sun protection for strong UV
- Water filter
September
Late season
Clear skies and autumn colours, with freezing nights and herders leaving the high pastures.
Bring
- Down jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
- Check that yurt camps are still open
Be ready for
High altitude
Above about 3,000 m the air holds less oxygen. Walk slowly, drink plenty, don't rush acclimatisation days, and go down if you get a bad headache, nausea or confusion.
River crossings
You'll ford rivers without bridges. Cross early in the day when levels are lower, unclip your hip belt, and use poles. Bring sandals or light shoes for crossing.
What you'll see
3 photos taken on and around the route by Wikimedia Commons photographers. Tap one to see it bigger.
Gear for the Ala-Kul Trek
Photo credits: E8269-Tamchy-skyline by Vmenkov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Cloud-topped mountains by Pavel Fertikh pavelfertikh, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Tian Shan in Kyrgyzstan by Bgag, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photos resized for the web. Figures are approximate and vary with the variant you choose.
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