Trekking & active
Tian Shan Trek: Ala-Kul & Altyn-Arashan
5 days · Round trip from Karakol · From $640 USD
Tour overview
Your adventure at a glance
- Trip code
- KTG-TR05
- Days
- 5
- Starts
- Karakol
- Ends
- Karakol
- Group size
- 2–10
- Season
- July – mid September
This is the most famous trek in Kyrgyzstan for good reason. From the spruce forests of Karakol valley you climb to Ala-Kul, a glacier-fed lake of improbable turquoise, cross the Ala-Kul pass at 3,860 m and descend into Altyn-Arashan, where natural hot springs wait at the end of a long day.
Porters or a pack horse carry the camping gear; you carry a daypack.
Is this tour for me?
What's included
Highlights
Moments you'll remember
- Turquoise Ala-Kul lake at 3,532 m
- Ala-Kul pass (3,860 m) with views of the Terskey Ala-Too glaciers
- Hot springs at Altyn-Arashan under Palatka peak
- Mountain guide and pack support
5 days, Karakol
Day by day
-
Day 1 Karakol
Karakol
Meet your mountain guide in Karakol, gear check and briefing. Dinner of ashlan-fu at the bazaar.
-
Day 2 Into Karakol valley
Karakol → Sirota camp
Drive to the national park gate and hike 5–6 hours through spruce forest along the river to the Sirota camp (2,800 m).
-
Day 3 Up to Ala-Kul
Sirota → Ala-Kul
A steep climb past waterfalls to the lake (3,532 m), 4–5 hours. Afternoon to rest and walk the shore.
-
Day 4 Over the pass to the hot springs
Ala-Kul → Ala-Kul pass → Altyn-Arashan
The big day: around the lake and up to the pass (3,860 m), then a long descent into the Altyn-Arashan valley, 7–8 hours. Soak in the hot springs.
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Day 5 Back to Karakol
Altyn-Arashan → Karakol
Morning soak, then walk down the valley (3 hours) to meet the 4×4 back to Karakol.
Dates
Travel on your own dates
Pick any start date in the season. You travel with your own guide and vehicle, so the trip is shaped around your group. The price depends on group size.
Price details
What's in the price
Included
- Certified mountain guide
- Tents, mats, cooking gear and porter/horse support
- All meals on the trek
- National park fees
- Transfers in the Karakol area
Not included
- Transport Bishkek – Karakol (we can arrange)
- Sleeping bag
- Travel insurance with trekking cover
Frequently asked questions
All the answers to your questions
How hard is it?
You need good fitness and some hiking experience: 5–8 hours a day with up to 1,000 m ascent at altitude. We add an acclimatisation day on request.
Request this tour
Tell us your dates and group size. We'll confirm availability and the final price within 24 hours — no payment needed to ask.
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