Trekking from Karakol to Altyn-Arashan via Ala-Kul Lake in 3 days

TREKKING Itinerary Overview

• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Distance: ~40 km total
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Best Time: mid-June to mid-October
• Highlights: Ala-Kul Lake, Ala-Kul Pass (3800m-3860m), Altyn-Arashan valley/hot springs

Day 1: Karakol → Sirota Camp

• Distance: ~16 km
• Time: 6-7 hours
• Start Elevation: 1700m-1800m
• End Elevation: ~2800m

Morning: Depart from Karakol to the Karakol Valley trailhead. You can take a taxi or arrange transportation through our services. The trail begins along the Karakol River, passing the Karakol National Park gates where a small entry fee is required.

Afternoon: Continue hiking through pine forests, crossing wooden bridges, and gaining elevation as you enter the alpine zone.

Evening: Arrive at Sirota Camp (~2800m) and set up your tents. Enjoy dinner and rest surrounded by mountains.

Day 2: Sirota Camp → Ala-Kul Lake → Ala-Kul Pass → Keldike Valley / Altyn-Arashan

• Distance: 18-20 km
• Time: 8-10 hours
• Highest Point: Ala-Kul Pass (3860m)

Morning: Early start to pass Ala-Kul waterfall and ascend to Ala-Kul Lake (3560m). Take in the panoramic views of the turquoise lake and surrounding peaks.

Afternoon: Continue climbing to Ala-Kul Pass (3860m). Enjoy the stunning views before descending steeply into Keldike Valley.

Evening: Depending on your pace, either camp in Keldike Valley or continue to Altyn-Arashan valley. Overnight in tents or a guesthouse. Relax in Altyn-Arashan's natural hot springs if time allows.

Day 3: Altyn-Arashan → Karakol

• Distance: 15 km
• Time: 4-5 hours

Morning: Enjoy the hot springs at Altyn-Arashan.

Afternoon: Hike down the wide, and sometimes dirt, road alongside the river. At the end of the trail, you can take a taxi or arrange transportation through our services to return to Karakol town (car can bring you down from Altyn-Aarashan to Karakol also).

Logistics & Tips

• Bring a tent, sleeping bag, and sufficient food supplies (or rent from us).
• Warm clothing and trekking poles are essential due to altitude and weather.
• Water can be collected from streams (use purification tablets/filters if worry).
• Guesthouses, yurt camps available in Altyn-Arashan if not camping.
• Permits: Small park entrance fee at Karakol Valley checkpoint (tickets cost $1-$5 per person).

Additional Services

Although this trek is possible to complete independently, for safety and comfort we recommend using our experienced personnel:

• Guide: A professional guide can ensure safety and enhance your experience by sharing knowledge about the region.
  Price: $70 per day (includes guide meals and overnights)
• Porter: Our porters can carry up to 15-17 kg of your gear and assist with camp setup.
  Price: $50 per day (includes porter meals and overnights)
• Cook: Our cook can prepare delicious (for mountains) hot meals throughout the trek.
  Price: $60 per day (includes meals and overnights)
• Porter-Guide Combo: We also offer porter-guides who can guide you and carry your load.
  Price: $110 per day (includes meals and overnights)

Transport Services

We can provide transportation for both the start and end of your trek:

• Day 1: Transfer from Karakol to the bridge over the Karakol River (15 km past Karakol National Park gates) by UAZ vehicle or bigger.
• Day 3: Transfer from Altyn-Arashan back to Karakol town by UAZ vehicle or bigger.

Contact us to arrange guides, porters, cooks, and transport for your adventure!