Ala-Kol Lake Trek from Karakol — 5 Days
About this tour
Ala-Kol (also Ala-Kul, Ala-Kel) is a high glacial lake at 3,560 m in the Terskei Ala-Too, near Karakol, famous for its changing colours — and one of the most popular treks in Kyrgyzstan. This short tour combines the hike with the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan and the sights of Issyk-Kul.
Highlights
- Trek from the Karakol gorge to Ala-Kol lake
- Hot springs of Altyn-Arashan
- Optional horse ride in Altyn-Arashan
- Burana Tower and the Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs
- Jeti-Oguz, Skazka canyon and a swim in Issyk-Kul (July–August)
Group departures
Join a group on one of these dates, or propose your own. A departure is guaranteed once 2 travellers have joined, and the price per person drops as the group grows.
Join a group: choose your date
Publish your dates and other travellers can join you. They go live as soon as you confirm your email.
- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary
01
Day
Bishkek – Karakol
Pick-up in Bishkek and drive along the north shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol, visiting the Burana Tower and the Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs.
Overnight: Karakol.
02
Day
Karakol gorge – Ala-Kol lake – Altyn-Arashan
Our driver drops us in the Karakol gorge and we climb to Ala-Kol lake for lunch with a view, then descend to the Altyn-Arashan valley. A bath in the hot springs in the evening or next morning.
Overnight: yurt or tent in Altyn-Arashan.
03
Day
Altyn-Arashan – Ak-Suu – Karakol
An optional horse ride in the morning, then down to civilisation by UAZ or on foot (about 3 hours). Lunch in Ak-Suu village and a 2-hour evening walk in Karakol.
Overnight: guesthouse in Karakol.
04
Day
Karakol – south shore – Bishkek
Back to Bishkek along the south shore of Issyk-Kul: Jeti-Oguz, the Skazka canyon and, in July–August, a swim in the lake. Lunch in a local restaurant, dinner in Bishkek.
Overnight: Bishkek.
05
Day
Departure
Transfer to the airport. With an evening flight, there is time for a Bishkek city tour or Ala-Archa gorge.
What's included
Included
Transfers
Guide
Accommodation
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Entrance fees
Not included
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $120 (4 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Horse riding fees
Extra activities
Trekking equipment
UAZ transport from Altyn-Arashan
Who is this tour for?
- Hikers with good fitness and only a few days
- Travellers who want the classic Ala-Kol trek with transfers arranged
Difficulty & safety
Ala-Kol lies at about 3,560 m and the trek is steep in places — walk slowly and drink plenty of water. Weather in the mountains changes quickly.
What to bring
Trekking boots and poles
Sleeping bag if you prefer tents
Trekking equipment (not included)
Warm layers — mountain nights are cold even in summer
Rain jacket
Comfortable hiking shoes
Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Personal medicine
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Can I ride a horse instead of walking down?
Yes — a horse ride in Altyn-Arashan can be arranged; it is paid locally.
