The Ala Kul hike in Kyrgyzstan is a 4-day adventure that covers approximately 54 km (33.5 miles) with a total elevation gain of around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). Furthermore, the trail offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush valleys, dense forests, rocky mountains and of course, the stunning alpine lake. Every day has its focus and level of intensity, however, expect to spend around 6-8 hours hiking each day. Therefore, this hike is a challenge, however it is incredibly rewarding and will take your mind off your day-to-day responsibilities.
If you are keen on a day hike in Kyrgyzstan, don't miss out on the hike to Kel Suu Lake
Because Kyrgyzstan as a country is one big highlight and has been my favourite travel destination so far! When researching Kyrgyzstan, you will probably quickly stumble upon the ‘famous’ (for Kyrgy standards) 4-day Ala Kul hike. This breathtaking alpine lake is nestled in the Terskey Alatau range and is one of the most stunning places in Kyrgyzstan.
First of all, the hike takes you through diverse scenery. From lush valleys to dense forests and from mountain ranges to the amazing glacial lake. Combine all this with horses walking around the valley and some hot springs you can find on your final day. One thing is for sure, the varied landscapes keep the journey visually interesting.
Furthermore, the hike is challenging, and who doesn’t want to embark on an adventure?! With steep ascents and, on some occasions, difficult terrain, reaching Ala Kul and the Ala Kul summit the next day, is a rewarding accomplishment. Also, sleeping in a tent with these cold temperatures is also a challenge in itself, but an experience to never forget.
Lastly, you won’t bump into many others doing the 4-day Ala Kul hike. During our 4 days exploring Ala Kul, we have probably seen 5 other tourists. Therefore, this hike will bring you serenity and many peaceful moments in nature. gra
Trail Head: From Karakol, it is only a short drive towards the starting point of the trail, which can be found in Karakol Valley. A taxi or tour company can drop you off at the starting point. Alternatively, you can take a 4×4 to the next bridge, in case you want to shorten your hiking time (more about this later).
Where to stay in Karakol: When in Karakol, you can best stay at Duet Hostel or Riverside Guesthouse. They will also be able to support you with arranging your practicalities for hiking Ala Kul and can help you book a Yurt in the second camp (only present in peak season).
Generally, what you should bring on your hike is the following:
With a Guide: Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience by providing insights into the region’s history, culture, and natural features. It’s also safer if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
To book a hike, you can use various options, including tour agencies and online platforms. Here are a few reliable choices:
|| Karakol Travel: A local agency offering guided hikes and detailed information.
|| Destination Karakol: A tourism board that provides information and booking options for guided tours.
|| Trekking Union of Kyrgyzstan: Offers various trekking packages, including the Ala Kul hike.
|| Community-Based Tourism (CBT): A network supporting local guides and offering authentic experiences.
Without a Guide: Experienced hikers with good navigational skills may opt to go solo. Ensure you have detailed maps and are prepared for self-sufficiency. From Duet Hostel, Matrushkas are leaving for the entrance of the National Park. On the trail, it is possible to camp, however, in peak season you can also book a Yurt Camp close to the second bridge and stay in a Guest House in Altyn Arashan (e.g. Elzas Guesthouse or this guesthouse). However, this means that the hike could only last you 3 days, with a very intense second day. Therefore, I would advise you to take a tent to stick to the same timeframe.
There are multiple opportunities to shorten the hike if you are short on time. Personally, I enjoyed the 4-day hike and felt that the days were already quite intense.
However, it is possible to take a jeep (4×4) to Sirota Camp and walk from there. Sirota Camp was our location for the first night, so therefore, you skip the – relatively easy – first day of hiking.
Also, it is possible to take a jeep (4×4) from Altyn Arashan back to Karakol. It isn’t the easiest route to drive, and therefore a taxi costs around €35 a person. If you take a jeep on both legs, you can shorten your hike to 2 days. Some people say this stretch is possible in a single day, however, I definitely won’t recommend this you’ll need to conquer almost 2000 meters of elevation gain.
Alternatively, you can extend your first day and continue after the second bridge. I haven’t seen any yurt camp here in September, but it is said that in peak season there is a yurt camp available. As you’ll cover more of the stretch on the first day, it could be possible to hike the next day to Altyn Arashan. However, you’ll miss a beautiful night at the lake! You can find a complete overview of the 3-day hike on Kamoot.
Lastly, it is possible to start the hike from Altyn Arashan. Stay for example in this guesthouse and they’ll give you all the instructions for the hike.
The hike starts with a gentle ascent through Karakol Valley, passing through picturesque forests and meadows. You’ll cross several wooden bridges over rushing rivers and enjoy the vibrant wildflowers along the trail. Camp at Sirota, a scenic spot by the river. Day 1 is quite an easy start to the hike, as the elevation is gradual. As mentioned, it is possible to do part of this route by jeep, but as the days that will follow are way more intense, it is a great way to get the hang of walking.
Especially the beautiful meadows halfway, where we enjoyed our lunch package, were beyond stunning. The horses grazing and walking around added to the experience and showed the beauty of Kyrgyzstan. In the late afternoon, we arrived at our first campsite, where there was some time to relax.
The second day of the Ala Kul lake hike is seen as the most challenging, but also the most rewarding stretch. The trail becomes steeper as you climb towards Ala Kul, and with a 1200-meter elevation gain, it’s tough. The ascent includes rocky sections and stones. Upon reaching Ala Kul Lake, after ~6 hours, the stunning turquoise waters surrounded by the snow-capped peaks will make it all worth it. We set up our camp by the lake and were able to enjoy the breathtaking views.
This day, was a magical experience. When resting in our tents, we were shocked by entering a winter wonderland when getting out of our tents. Combine this with a magical sunset and the sky clearing, while overlooking one of the most blue lakes I had ever seen… An experience to never forget.
First of all, don’t let the 3rd day fool you. Even though day 2 is known as the toughest day, the initial climb up to Ala Kul Pass is killing. Especially after a short night of sleep (you can imagine that staying in a tent with temperatures below 0 is quite a challenge), a steep ascent up to 3860 meters hits differently. However, when you arrive at the top of the pass, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Afterwards, it is time to start the descent into Altyn Arashan Valley.
When we were descending, there was still quite some snow on the path, and this was very slippery, so be careful and definitely bring some hiking poles. Upon arrival in Altyn Arashan, we decided to stay at the guest house instead of another night in the tent. Also, at the guest house, it was possible to buy a well-deserved cold beer! Next to that, Altyn Arashan is known for its hot springs, and our guesthouse offered a hot spring. The perfect way to soothe your muscles after a long day of hiking.
The final day is the cool-off day. During a mostly downhill trek through the beautiful valleys, the Arashan River leads you back to Karakol. When leaving Altyn Arashan, you can pass by 2 hot springs. In general, this final day provides you with a serene end to your hike. The scenery is still pretty, but if you are tired, it is possible to take a 4×4 without missing out on too much. Make sure to book this in advance, or arrange a jeep through your guesthouse immediately upon arrival.
