Why you will love this tour
- Enjoy views of alpine lake, fields, and immense mountains
- Visit Altyn-Arashan and Ala-Kol Lake
- Hike to mountains and rivers in the Kyrgyzstan’s wilderness
- Relax in hot springs
Itinerary
Day 1. Karakol – Sirota yurt camp
Fast facts: Transfer: 15 km, Trekking: 13 km – 5-6 h.
Today is the first day of your trek! From your hotel in Karakol, a vehicle will be waiting to drive you to the first bridge on the river of Karakol whence your trekking starts. Lace up your hiking boots and begin your 3-days trekking to the alpine lake of Ala-Kol following the path by the river. The hike is smooth and easy and offers an opportunity to enjoy both hill and mountain landscapes often coming into direct view. On the way you will linger for picnic, then the trail passes through a mixed forest until camping side called Sirota. Finally, make camp and stay overnight under starry night.
Day 2. Sirota – Ala-Kol – Altyn-Arashan
Fast facts:Trekking:13 km – 6-7h.
Starting early in the morning, you will follow a gradual trail to the summit, whence you will have the first views of majestic Ala-Kol Lake – a large alpine lake of glacial origin, located high at a level of 3500 meters with a size of 5 km in length and 500 m in width. From the top you will follow a ridgeline which starts flat and then steepens as you will descent to the lakeshore, where you will stop for picnic provided by your guide. Snap some great pictures and continue your hike up to Keldike pass (3800 m). Enjoy the last moments of your higher elevation panoramic views of Ala-Kol Lake and Takyr-Gol clacier, then the trail begins with a steep descent towards Altyn-Arashan gorge for about two hours with great views of the five-thousand mountain peaks of Terskey-Ala-Too en route. Eventually, you will reach the valley of Altyn-Arashan.
Altyn-Arashan (translated as “Golden Spring”) is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyrgyzstan, thanks to its unique nature, extensive spruce forests and stunning views. Altyn Arashan is also widely known for its hot springs located right in the gorge. Take your time and go to relax in hot springs in the gorge finishing the difficult day. As night falls, you will settle into your accommodations at guesthouse or yurt in the gorge.
Day 3. Altyn-Arashan – Ak-Suu – Karakol
Fast facts: Transfer: 13 km – 4 h. Trekking: 25 km.
After another late morning in Altyn-Arashan, your final day of trekking takes you to the village of Ak-Suu. Following an easy route, you will follow the road past blue pine forests and the Altyn-Arashan River, enjoying the sweeping views and unspoiled nature. Upon arrival in Ak-Suu village you will be transferred to Karakol city where you will enjoy a hearty lunch in restaurant after the difficult trek.
Good to know
- The tour starts and finishes in Karakol. If you want to start from Bishkek, please let us know
- The level of trekking is strenuous
