Ala-Kul Lake Trek: Three Days in the Heart of the Tian Shan

Ala-Kul Lake is one of Kyrgyzstan's most iconic trekking destinations. Sitting at 3,532 metres in the Terskey Ala-Too range near Karakol, it rewards those who make the effort with a stunning turquoise lake set against glacier-capped peaks.

The route passes through the spruce forests of Karakol Gorge, across alpine meadows and into high-mountain terrain, reaching a pass at around 3,900 metres with panoramic views of the entire ridge. The trek finishes with a descent into the Altyn-Arashan valley and a well-earned soak in natural hot springs.

The three-day itinerary is suited to physically fit hikers comfortable with 6–8 hours of walking per day. Mountain experience is a plus but not required.

Transfer, a professional guide, shared equipment and meals on the route are all included.

⚠️ Please note: this is a challenging route with over 1,500 m of elevation gain and tent camping. Not recommended for those without a solid base fitness level.

What to Expect

• Ala-Kul Lake at 3,532 m elevation
• Ala-Kul Pass (~3,900 m) with panoramic Terskey Ala-Too views
• Altyn-Arashan hot springs at the finish

Included

• Transfer along the route
• Professional guide
• Shared trekking equipment
• Meals on the route

Not Included

• Personal gear
• Personal expenses

What to Bring

Trekking boots, a warm waterproof jacket, a 40 L+ backpack, a headlamp and a personal first aid kit. We'll send you a full gear list after booking.