4 Days Trekking To Ala-kol Lake With Hike To Glacier
About this tour
Lake Ala-Kol (Ala-Kul) is one of the most popular destinations in Kyrgyzstan. One of the turquoise glacial lakes in our country. The lake is located among the high peaks of the Teskey Ala-Too Mountain Range at the altitude of 3500m.
The route is: Karakol Gorge (Karakol National Park) - Kurgak-Tor gorge, Sirota camp site - Ala-Kol waterfall, Ala-Kol lake, Ala-Kol glacier - Ala-Kol Pass, Keldike valley, Altyn-Arashan Hot Springs valley - Karakol Town.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Karakol to Sirota Campsite Distance: 22 km Time: 5-6 hours The first day starts off easy. It is like you are getting used for altitude and preparing for steep up. You will be walking alongside a river with a nice view of the Karakol gorge. Cross the bridge, then here we go for up walks. Heading straight up you get to the first camp sight “Sirota” in the Forest zone. Takes about an hour and a half. Overnight in Yurt stay (shared)
Day 2: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Ala-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Distance: 4 km to campsite. Time: 2-3 hours to campsite then 4-5hrs for hiking to glacier. Head up the trail with the river and a view of the yesterdays trail from the high. You will see and drink the water from the waterfall falling down from Ala-Kol lake. When you get to Ala-Kol lake you will have small rest for lunch and make hike by northeast side to Ala-Kol glacier, you can see the start of the lake. Overnight in tents.
Day 3: Ala-Kul, Kyrgyzstan to Altyn-Arashan, Kyrgyzstan
Distance: 15 km Time: 4-5 hours This day the trail leads up to the pass 3800m. It’s a tough climb but once you’re at the top you will understand why you are there ?. The amazing view to the high peaks, the lake, the glacier and the view to the valley named Keldike which is your next route to Altyn-Arashan hot springs. From the pass you go down for about 1km and the first part is very steep. Some people are scared but guide and the staff will be next to you and help you. The path is made up of loose shale which makes it slippery. When you reach the base of the pass you start smoothly walk down through shepherds valley Keldike and forest down until you reach the Altyn-Arashan hot springs village. Relax in the hot springs pool. Overnight in guest house.
Day 4: Altyn-Arashan, Kyrgyzstan to Karakol Yurt Lodge, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Distance: 16km Time: 2-3 - hours First hlaf of the day walking down to serpantine road then driving to Karakol through the rough and bumpy road by Soviet military car UAZ also known as Buhanka. Arrival to Karakol town. End of the trek.
What's included
Accomodation: - Yurt stay (shared) - 1 night - camping in tent - 1 night, We will provide with tent (2 person in 1 tent), sleeping bags & foam mats. - guest house in Altyn-Arashan, hot springs pool included in the price. Meals: - 2 times hot meal - breakfast, dinner - lunch pack for lunch. Porter. We will provide 1 porter to 2 person who will carry 16 kg which includes tents, sleeping bags, mats and food. 1 person can give to 1 porter 3-4kg first day and as everyday weight of food will decrease you will have possibility to give extra weight. If you have big weight you are always welcome to ask for an extra porter for 32 USD per porter per day.
• Bottled waters (see additional remarks). • Insurance • Porter service (costs additional 140euros for 4 days who can carry up to 15kg of your things)
What to know
NOTE: This trek can be booked from June 15 till September 10. PLEASE CHECK WITH ME BEFORE BOOKING! Equipment and items for trekking: • Good trekking shoes with high proper ankle support and good thread. Extra shoes or pair of sandals, in case if main became wet during the rain and etc. • Warm closes and extra closes to exchange • Waterproof rain jacket and trousers • Hat and cap, sun glasses, high factor sun cream, depending on month gloves and warm hat • Daypack 40-50 litters and rain cover. You can line your daypack with a quality plastic bag • Head-torch • Bottle for water • First aid kit, if you have some disease Recommended to have • Walking sticks • Toiletries • Insect repellents (for lower elevations) • Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if you don’t have altitude adaptation) • Water purification tablets or a water filter. LUGGAGE Please take with you luggage which you will need for the trek. All the rest things you can leave in your hotel or in our luggage storage room in Karakol town. WATER: During the trek we will provide with boiled water or tea/coffee for breakfast, lunch, dinner, however boiling the water is limited, and it is not enough if you will need to fill up your bottles for next day. Water can be a cause of stomach problems on a trek. You will be able to fill up water from natural springs but in some places from the FAST running streams. If you are not used for these waters please bring water purifying pills or filter with you from your homeland as you can’t find them in Kyrgyzstan. This tour can be customized. We can make changes in the route. I can offer accommodation in Karakol and transfer meet up from Manas International Airport, from Bishkek or any place in Kyrgyzstan to Karakol town and from Karakol town. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Karakol, Kyrgyzstan