The 3-day, 2-night trek to Ala-Kul Lake from Karakol was, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful experiences of my trip to Kyrgyzstan. This multi-day trek in the heart of the Tian Shan Mountains combines the best of hiking: dramatic mountain landscapes, high mountain passes, an impossibly blue glacial lake, and the opportunity to connect with the purest nature.
The trek began in the Karakol Valley, ascending through fir forests to reach the impressive Ala-Kul Lake, perched at an altitude of over 3,500 meters. From there, I crossed the Ala-Kul Pass, which offers spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks, and then descended into Altyn Arashan, a valley known for its hot springs and its fairytale setting.
It was one of the most rewarding treks I've done in Central Asia. The constantly changing landscapes, the opportunity to camp or sleep in yurts, and the sense of isolation in the mountains make it an adventure I would recommend to any hiking enthusiast.
Table of Contents
🗺️ Technical sheet for the Ala Kul Lake Trek
| Start |
| Karakol |
| Final |
| Ak-Suu |
| Duration |
| 3 days |
| Distance |
| 49 km |
| Estimated time in hours |
| 22 hs |
| Max. Altitude |
| 3900m |
| Difficulty |
| Moderate |
| Signaling |
| Little but with well-marked trails |
| Water/food |
| Water is obtained from rivers and food from yurt camps. |
Do you want to follow this route precisely?
Download the KML/KMZ file for the Ala-Kul Lake trek and open it in apps like Maps.me or Gaia GPS to view the complete route offline. This is ideal if you want to navigate the valley with confidence, even without a signal.
Download the file on Gumroad for a symbolic contribution.
🚐 Karakol, the base city for starting the trek to Lake Ala-Kul
Karakol is the main city in eastern Kyrgyzstan and the ideal base for exploring the Tian Shan Mountains. Most travelers arrive from Bishkek, the capital, on a six- to eight-hour drive. Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) depart regularly from Bishkek's western railway station, as well as some shared taxi options. Alternatively, you can come from south of Lake Issyk-Kul if you're touring that area first. The journey offers beautiful views of the lake and mountains, and Karakol, although small, has a good tourist infrastructure for organizing treks.
Where to sleep during the trek to Ala-Kul
The typical trekking route takes two nights, and there are a couple of overnight options depending on your budget and travel style.
First night
It's usually found around Lake Ala-Kul, either at one of the established camps like Sirota Camp, which is a couple of kilometers before reaching the lake. This place is quite comfortable: they offer beds, hot meals, and even a basic bathroom, but it's also quite expensive by Chilean standards. According to what other travelers told me, they were charging around 4,000 som, with dinner and breakfast included.
If you prefer to save money or have more freedom, bringing your own tent is a great option. There are several camping spots along the trail, and camping near the lake is especially beautiful (albeit chilly). The average price per night if you rent a tent in Karakol is approximately 350 som.
Second night
Most trekkers spend their second night in Altyn Arashan, a valley known for its hot springs and mountain setting. Here you'll find more accommodation options, from rustic guesthouses to more organized campsites.
In general, prices are more affordable than in the lake area, and meals are usually included. I paid 2,000 som for the night, with dinner and breakfast included.
You can also choose to camp on the riverbank or near the forest if you're bringing your own tent and looking for a more adventurous experience.
Whether you choose to sleep indoors or prefer your tent, the important thing is to bring enough clothing and always respect the natural environment, which is one of the great treasures of this trek.
🥾 Useful tips for trekking to Ala-Kul
It's a demanding but absolutely unforgettable trek, ideal for those seeking adventure in the heart of wild nature.
- Bring a coat, even if the day starts out hot. At altitude, the weather changes quickly and it can get very cold, especially near the lake and at night.
- Bring trekking poles if you have them. They're a great help on steep climbs and descents. They're also a great way to help you navigate through rapids.
- Bring water, although there's no need to carry so much water from the start, as there are many streams and creeks along the trek where you can refill your water. However, be careful: It's advisable to avoid areas where animals are nearby, as they could contaminate the water. For added safety, you can use water purification tablets or bottles with built-in filters, which allow you to drink directly from the stream more safely.
Don't underestimate the altitude. The maximum altitude reached at the Ala-Kul Pass is approximately 3800m, so while it's not extreme, it's a good idea to acclimatize a bit if you're coming from lower altitudes.
Appropriate footwear is essential. There are steep sections with loose stones and even snow if it's not the height of summer. The paths are marked and well-trodden by other travelers during the season.- While it's possible to bring your own tent along the trek, it's not strictly necessary. Along the way, there are a couple of campsites where you can sleep, especially one before reaching the lake, another crossing the Ala-Kul mountain pass, and finally on the descent toward Altyn Arashan. However, the campsite before the lake tends to be quite expensive, so if you want to avoid that expense, bringing a tent is a good option.
Download offline maps or bring a GPS with the track of the route. Although most of the trail is marked, there are forks that can cause confusion. I recommend using Maps.me with the downloaded map of the area. The app has marked hiking trails in the surroundings of the Tian Shan Mountains.
📅 When is the best time to trek Ala-Kul?
The best time to trek to Ala-Kul is between mid-June and early October, when the mountain passes are snow-free and the weather is more stable. During these months, the trails are well-maintained, there is more daylight, and campsites or accommodations along the route are usually open.
July and August are the most popular months, as they offer the mildest temperatures (although it's always cold at altitude) and the lake displays its turquoise color in all its splendor. However, there may be more people on the trail, especially near Altyn Arashan.
If you're looking for fewer crowds, September is also a great option: the days are still pleasant and the landscapes are beginning to take on autumnal hues, adding a special charm.
Outside of that window (October to May), however, weather conditions can be very harsh: snow on high passes, impassable roads, and closed campsites. Only recommended for experienced mountaineers with appropriate equipment and preferably a guide.
Ala-Kul Trekking Guide Map
How to get to the starting point of the Ala Kul trek
To begin the trek to Ala-Kul, you must reach the Karakol Valley, which is located a few kilometers from the city. A convenient option is to take a taxi from the center of Karakol to the entrance of the National Park, or even continue another 6-7 km to a bridge where the road becomes difficult for cars. Many choose to start the hike from there.
Entrance to the park costs around 250 soms per person and 150 soms per tent. Prices can vary over time, so it's always a good idea to carry extra cash for these occasions.
A cheaper alternative is to take the local bus/marshrutka number 101, which departs from Karakol and drops you off at the park entrance (see location on map). From there, you can begin your hike or try hitchhiking to the aforementioned bridge, which is usually where the actual trekking begins.
During high season, transportation may also be arranged through hostels or local agencies.
Day 1: From the entrance of the National Park to Lake Ala-Kul
| Distance |
| 22 km |
| Estimated time |
| 8-9 hs. |
| Elevation Profile |
| From 1.900 mts to 3.600 mts |
The trekking begins at the entrance to Karakol National Park, where we reach by taking the local bus. From there, I walked for about 6 or 7 km along a gravel road that runs along the river, passing a few local family homes, small corrals, and grazing areas. While it serves as an introduction to the natural surroundings, it's not exactly the most scenic stretch of the trail.
I tried hitchhiking several times, but the cars that stopped were taxis already carrying tourists, offering me a ride for a price similar to that of a private transfer. Since the idea was to maintain the backpacker spirit, I decided to keep walking.
From the wooden bridge, the trail continues for about 8 to 9 km through a much more wooded and green environment. The slope is gentle in this section and the path always winds close to the river, making it pleasant and not so physically demanding. It's a peaceful and very enjoyable section, with the constant sound of running water accompanying the walk.
Upon reaching the second bridge, the landscape changes. From there, a steady climb begins, extending for about 5 to 6 km until reaching Lake Ala-Kul. The trail gains altitude, and as you advance, the views become increasingly expansive. Little by little, you begin to leave the valley you came from behind, and incredible panoramas of the mountains and the river below open up.
Halfway through this climb, there are some established camps, such as Sirota Camp, where you can spend the night and even have dinner if you're willing to pay a higher price. This is an option for those who prefer to split the day into two more leisurely sections. In any case, from these camps there is still a good stretch of ascent before finally reaching Ala-Kul Lake, one of the highlights of the trek.
After leaving the camps behind and continuing a little further, the trail passes by some small waterfalls that announce that the lake is near. Finally, after the last climb, seeing Ala-Kul appear is a very special feeling. The mountainous environment that surrounds it and its high location give it an almost magical air. However, since it was already late, the sun was low and the turquoise color of the lake was not as striking as at other times of the day.
I decided to camp on some rocks on a small rise next to the lake. The view was incredible; I had the entire Ala-Kul in front of me. But the wind was also strong and merciless. While it was a beautiful experience, it probably would have been more comfortable to find a more sheltered spot. The night was quite cold, typical of these altitudes, and a good coat is essential to have a good time.
🏞️Day 2: Crossing the Ala-Kul mountain pass and arriving at Altyn Arashan
| Distance |
| 12 km |
| Estimated time |
| 6-8 hs |
| Elevation Profile |
| 3.600m – 3.900m – 2.500m |
I woke up really early, while the cold was still strong, but I was excited to see the sunrise over Lake Ala-Kul. And it was totally worth it: the sun beginning to illuminate the water transformed the entire landscape. The turquoise color appeared in all its splendor, and it was one of those moments that will stay with you forever. I was able to capture some photos that truly show the beauty of the place at that time.
After enjoying the moment for a while, I broke camp and started the climb to the mountain pass. This part of the trek is the most demanding part of the route, both physically and technically. Not only are we at the highest point of the entire route (above 3,800 meters above sea level), but the trail is steep and somewhat slippery, with loose stones in several sections. You have to take your time and proceed with caution.
But when you reach the Ala-Kul Pass, every effort is rewarded. From there you get impressive views in both directions: on one side, the lake we left behind, now with the sun high in the sky, and on the other, the valley that descends towards Altyn Arashan. It's one of those vantage points that will stay etched in your memory for life, reminding you why it was worth carrying your backpack up there.
Descent towards Altyn Arashan
The first part of the descent from the Ala-Kul Pass is undoubtedly the most difficult. The trail is covered with loose stones and slippery terrain, so you must descend carefully and take your time to avoid injury. Once you've passed this initial section, the path stabilizes. You'll come across a yurt camp, which can be an excellent option for spending the night if you're trekking in the opposite direction, climbing from Altyn Arashan toward the lake.
If we continue descending, the landscape changes again. From there, we descend into a pleasant valley, with green, open surroundings that invite us to enjoy the journey.
The trail along the river is truly beautiful. You can see animals grazing freely, goats, cows and horses, and you can breathe in that pastoral atmosphere so typical of Kyrgyzstan. The steady but gentle descent allows you to progress quite comfortably and at a pace.
From the lake to Altyn Arashan it's about 10 to 12 kilometers, and towards the end of the journey you start to see more and more movement: horses, camps and small buildings that announce that you're reaching your destination. Altyn Arashan welcomes you with its hot springs, its mountainous surroundings and its calm air, ideal for resting after two days of adventure.
Altyn Arashan: A Fairytale Ending
Arriving at Altyn Arashan after the exertion of the previous two days of trekking is like entering a dream place. It is an idyllic valley, surrounded by mountains, crossed by a crystal-clear river, with animals grazing freely, yurts scattered throughout, and the unmistakable scent of untouched nature. The entire setting seems taken from a fairy tale, a corner where time stands still.
One of the great attractions of the place are its natural hot springs, perfect for relaxing your muscles after two intense days. There are options both outdoors and in small wooden cabins, and immersing yourself in those hot waters with that landscape in the background is simply magical.
I stayed at Nomad Life House, where I slept in a traditional yurt, although they also offer rooms in a local-style building. I liked the place: the service was excellent, the prices were among the most affordable in the valley, and the atmosphere was very warm and authentic.
The truth is, it's worth staying a couple more days in Altyn Arashan to enjoy it calmly, take short walks in the area, or simply soak up the tranquility of the surroundings.
Day 3: Return from Altyn Arashan to Ak-Suu
| Distance |
| 15 km |
| Estimated time |
| 5 hours |
| Elevation Profile |
| From 2.500m to 1.900m |
The third day is, without a doubt, the quietest of the entire journey. It's about 14 to 15 kilometers, but the route is almost entirely a gentle downhill, allowing you to enjoy it at a more relaxed pace. There are no major physical challenges, and although the most spectacular views are now behind us, the landscape remains very natural and pleasant, with the river accompanying much of the path and the mountains surrounding the trail.
This stretch invites you to walk slowly, as a farewell to the trek, letting the sound of the water set the pace. You pass some grazing areas and small camps, but overall the surroundings remain quite wild.
The end of the trek is a bus stop where the bus to Karakol passes by (see location on the map). There is no need to go all the way to the village of Ak-Suu, as the stop is located before, right where the main road ends and the inhabited areas begin. From there, you'll be back in the city in less than an hour, completing one of Kyrgyzstan's most beautiful mountain experiences.
Personal reflections on the trek to Ala-kul Lake
Without a doubt, this trek was one of the most spectacular I've done in Central Asia. The variety of landscapes you'll see in such a short time is simply astounding: pine forests, crystal-clear rivers, snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, wide valleys, and a mountain pass with epic views. It all feels like something out of a dream, with constantly changing scenery that takes your breath away at every turn along the trail.
It's true that Ala-Kul is a fairly popular trek, and you'll encounter several travelers along the way, but that doesn't detract from its charm. On the contrary, it's surprising how untouched and natural the entire environment remains, giving you the feeling of being in a remote and pristine place. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys hiking, mountains, and otherworldly landscapes.