This 4-day trek from Karakol takes you through the scenic Karakol Gorge to the stunning Ala-Kul Lake (3500m) and over the dramatic Ala-Kul Pass (3950m), offering breathtaking views of the Tian Shan mountains. Descend into the lush Altyn-Arashan Valley, famous for its natural hot springs, and finish the hike in Ak Suu village. A perfect mix of alpine beauty, adventure, and relaxation.

Itinerary 

DAY 1: HIKING TO KARAKOL GORGE

Transfer from Karakol city to the starting point through lush Karakol Valley with gushing rivers along. Drop off near the bridge where our hike starts towards the lunch spot. Enjoy walking in this gorge with green slopes decorated by evergreen trees. Spot grazing herd of horses beautifying nature. After lunch, we hike in this serene environment up to Campsite standing at 2550 meters. After camping, take a walk around the area and relax in this solitude area surrounded by spruce trees.

Trekking distance/time: 10km / 5-6 hours,   Ascent: 440 meters,    Accommodation: tents

DAY 2: TO ALA-KUL LAKE VIA SIROTA HUT

This day challenges you with strenuous walking through screws and boulders before you get to the lake, 3 hours. After few hours of demanding ascent, be rewarded with the jewel of Ala-Kul Lake standing at 3500 meters and fed by glaciers around. The view of this alpine lake takes your breath away. Arrival in the campsite. Be accommodated in tents. Free stroll around the lake. Dinner and overnight.

 Trekking distance/time: 10 km, 6-7 hours,   Ascent: +1030m,   Accommodation: tents

DAY 3: TO ALTYN-ARASHAN VALLEY AND HOT SPRINGS OVER ALA-KUL PASS

After breakfast, we head on to Ala-Kul Pass standing at 3950 meters. Craggy and glaciated peaks of Terskey Ala-Too open on top of the pass. Give a time to gaze at these towering peaks of great Tian Shan Range. Descend the steep path towards campsite at beautiful Keldike Valley at (3200m). Have some lunch. Then we head on to our yurt camp along lush green pastures with gently flowing rivers of Altyn-Arashan Valley, 3-4 hours. At some point, you will cross one of the streams, but the level is low. Arrival at our yurt camp standing at 2450 meters. In fact, Altyn-Arashan means ‘Golden Spa’ and this valley is famous for its hot springs. We take a bath in hot spring pools after three long days of hiking to relieve muscle pains. 

Trekking distance/time: 13 km, 6-7 hours,   Ascent: – 340m,         Descent: – 1400m,      Accommodation: yurt camp

DAY 4: TO AK SUU VILLAGE – KARAKOL CITY

We take a hike around the area to visit wild springs before leaving the campsite at lunchtime. You will never be able to forget the sight of the snow on Peak Palatka at 5260 m or “Swallow’s Nest Pool”, nestling beneath the open sky. Afternoon, we hike to Ak Suu village (4 hours) where we will be picked up by our driver to get to Karakol city (30 minutes). The trail goes most of the time along a beautiful river in the valley. Accommodation at your hotel.

Trekking distance/time: 10 km / 3-4 hours, Descent: – 450m, Accommodation: hotel

Included:

• English speaking guide 
• Meals: B, L, D
• Meals of personal
• Transport to the trailhead and back to Karakol City after the trek
• Entrance tickets
• Private yurt camp – 1 night 

Not included:

• Accommodation in Karakol City 
• Services out of the program
• Tips
• Bottled water
• Travel Insurance
• Sleeping bags (Available at 6 USD per day/person)
• Porter to carry your personal items like clothes, camera, sleeping bags (Available at 50 USD per day/person)

Price 

• 1 person = $950 USD
• 2 people = $675 USD per person
• 3 people = $580 USD per person
• 4 people = $530 USD per person
• 5 people = $510 USD per person 
• 6-8 people = $500 USD per person