Karakol to Altyn-Arashan 3-Day Trek via Ala-Kul Pass | Guided Tour Kyrgyzstan
Karakol to Altyn-Arashan 3-Day Trek via Ala-Kul Pass | Guided Tour Kyrgyzstan
Is this trip for me?
🌍 Trip Overview
This demanding but highly rewarding 3-day trek explores one of the most iconic sections of the Ak-Suu Transverse. Starting and ending in Karakol, the route passes through Karakol Gorge, alpine meadows, the turquoise Ala-Kul Lake (3,550 m), and over the Ala-Kul Pass (3,906 m), before descending to the natural hot springs of Altyn-Arashan. Expect rugged alpine terrain, panoramic mountain views, and authentic nights in a yurt and a tent camp—an immersive experience in the heart of Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan Mountains.
📍 Route: Karakol → Karakol Gorge → Ala-Kul Lake → Ala-Kul Pass → Altyn-Arashan → Karakol
📅 Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
🏕 Accommodation: Tents, yurts
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
🏔 Main Highlights
Mountain Passes:
• Ala-Kul Pass (3,906 m) — Challenging alpine pass with panoramic views
• 1 intermediate pass along Karakol Gorge / alpine trail
Key Lakes:
• Ala-Kul Lake (3,550 m) — Iconic turquoise glacial lake
• Small alpine tarns along the route
Route Highlights:
• Trek through Karakol Gorge, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys
• Overnight in a traditional yurt and a tent camp near Ala-Kul Lake
• Relax in natural hot springs at Altyn-Arashan
• Scenic views of Karakol Peak and Terskey Ala-Too summits over 5,000 m
• Small-group trekking with a professional English-speaking mountain guide
Requirements
Basic physical readiness recommended for high-altitude trekking
Proper hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof clothing
Ability to walk 5–8 hours per day on varied mountain terrain
Travel insurance covering trekking activities
7-Day Turgen to Jeti-Oguz Trek on the Ak-Suu Transverse
7-Day Turgen to Jeti-Oguz Trek on the Ak-Suu Transverse
Is this trip for me?
This 7-day trek covers a major section of the full 9-day Ak-Suu Transverse, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most breathtaking long-distance routes. Starting from Boz-Uchuk Lakes and finishing at Jeti-Ögüz, the trail takes you across alpine passes, turquoise lakes, and glaciated valleys. Enjoy authentic yurt and tent stays, soak in Altyn Arashan’s wild hot springs, and marvel at the turquoise beauty of Ala-Kul Lake before ending beneath the red cliffs of Jeti-Ögüz.
📍 Route: Karakol → Boz-Uchuk Lakes → Almaluu Gorge → Altyn Arashan → Ala-Kul → Karakol Gorge → Teleti → Kok-Jaik / Jeti-Ögüz
📅 Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
🏕 Accommodation: Yurts, tents, guesthouses
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
🏔 Main Highlights
Mountain Passes (6):
• Boz-Uchuk Pass — 3,460 m (Moderate)
• Ailanysh Pass — 3,676 m (Challenging)
• Ortok Pass — 3,650 m (Moderate)
• Ala-Kul North Pass — 3,906 m (Challenging)
• Teleti Pass — 3,792 m (Moderate)
Key Lakes (2):
• Boz-Uchuk Lakes — 3,220 m
• Ala-Kul Lake — 3,550 m, turquoise alpine lake framed by 5,000+ m peaks
Route Highlights:
• Trek through lush alpine meadows, glaciated valleys, and forested slopes
• Relax in natural hot springs at Altyn Arashan
• Camp beside stunning Ala-Kul Lake
• Cross 6 high mountain passes of the Issyk-Kul region
• End your journey at the iconic red cliffs of Jeti-Ögüz and Broken Heart Rock
Requirements
- Basic physical readiness recommended for high-altitude trekking
- Hiking boots, warm clothing, waterproof layers
- Ability to walk 5–7 hours per day on steep, rocky terrain
- Travel insurance covering trekking activities
A 5-Day Jeti-Oguz to Altyn-Arashan treking via Ala-Kol lake
A 5-Day Jeti-Oguz to Altyn-Arashan treking via Ala-Kol lake
Is this trip for me?
This is a 5-day trekking adventure along the Ak-Suu Transverse route—one of Kyrgyzstan’s most scenic and diverse mountain routes. Beginning at the famous red sandstone cliffs of Jeti-Ögüz and ending in the natural hot springs of Altyn Arashan, the journey leads through alpine valleys, spruce forests, wide glaciated gorges, and high mountain passes.
You’ll cross three major passes, camp beside the iconic Ala-Kul Lake, and experience authentic Kyrgyz hospitality in yurts, tents, and a cozy guesthouse. The trek concludes with a descent to Ak-Suu village and a short transfer back to Karakol.
Highlights
Mountain Passes — 2 high-altitude passes
- Teleti Pass — 3,792 m (Moderate)
- Ala-Kul North Pass — 3,906 m (Challenging)
Alpine Lakes — 1 iconic lake + multiple small tarns
- Ala-Kul Lake — 3,550 m, one of Central Asia’s most photographed alpine lakes
- Several small glacial tarns and streams along the rout
Route Features
- The legendary Jeti-Ögüz red cliffs & Broken Heart Rock
- Scenic Telety & Karakol gorges with forests, meadows, and rivers
- Wide glaciated valleys of the Terskey Ala-Too range
- Camp beside turquoise Ala-Kul
- Relaxing natural hot springs at Altyn Arashan
- Authentic overnights in tents, yurts, and a mountain guesthouse
- Stunning views of Oguz Bashi Peak
Requirements
- Good physical condition for multi-day high-altitude trekking
- Proper hiking boots, warm layers, waterproof clothing
- Ability to walk 5–8 hours per day on varied mountain terrain
- Travel insurance covering trekking activities

