5 Days Ala Kul Lake Trek Tour: Complete Guide (June - September)

Your Ala Kul Lake tour begins with a scenic drive from Bishkek toward the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Our first stop is the magical Skazka Canyon, also known as "Fairy Tale Canyon." You will walk among red stone formations that look like castles and waves from another planet.

In the afternoon, we reach the lush Jeti-Oguz Gorge. This valley is nicknamed the "Switzerland of Kyrgyzstan" because of its beautiful fir, juniper, and birch forests. You will see the famous "Broken Heart" and "Seven Bulls" red rocks standing tall against the green hills. We take a gentle 2-hour hike to a hidden waterfall—this is the perfect warm-up for your upcoming Ala Kul lake trek. Finally, we arrive in the mountain town of Karakol for dinner and rest. This is our base camp before we head deep into the wilderness tomorrow.

We start our day with breakfast in the city of Karakol. After breakfast, we depart for the Karakol Gorge, a drive that will take about 1.5 hours to reach the trailhead. Upon arrival, we pick up our packed lunch bags and begin our trek toward the foot of Karakol Peak. The hike is 7 km one way, which typically takes 3–3.5 hours.

We will enjoy our lunch near the peak, spending about an hour taking in the breathtaking scenery before we descend back to the alpine camp, which takes about 2 hours.

In the evening, we will gather around a campfire to relax. We will also divide the group and conduct a briefing for the next day's activities. We will conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in a yurt.

1. Trekking distance: 14 km
2. Altitude:+600 m / -600 m
3. Time: 5-6 hours

We begin the day with an early breakfast at our base camp, situated at an altitude of 2500m. After packing our gear, we cross the bridge and begin our ascent toward the stunning Ala-Kul Lake.

After 2–2.5 hours of hiking up the valley, we will stop for a well-deserved rest at a small mountain hut. Refreshed, we continue our trek toward the lake, enjoying a packed lunch along the route. Upon arrival, we will explore the shoreline, either walking to the end of the lake or, depending on the ice conditions, taking a boat or kayak to the other side.

1. Trekking distance: 12 km
2. Altitude:+1100 m / -100 m
3. Time: 6–7 hours

We begin the day with breakfast before continuing our ascent toward the pass, reaching an altitude of 3860m. From this vantage point, you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the nearby Terskey Ala-Too peaks, which ring the lake and rise to over 5000m above sea level.

After taking in the views, we begin our descent down the gorge toward the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan (2500m). The descent typically takes 3–3.5 hours, depending on our pace. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a well-deserved, relaxing soak in the natural hot springs to soothe our muscles. Finally, we will transfer back to the city of Karakol by UAZ vehicle.

• Trekking distance: 15 km
• Altitude:+350 m / -1400 m
• Time: 6–7 hours

We begin our day very early with a 6:00 AM transfer to the famous Karakol Animal Market (available on Sundays only). After experiencing the vibrant local atmosphere of the market, we return to our hotel for breakfast.

Following breakfast, we will explore the cultural highlights of Karakol, including the historic Russian Orthodox Church and the unique Dungan Mosque, which features traditional Chinese architectural style.

After our sightseeing, we will begin our transfer to Bishkek.

En route, we will visit the scenic Semenov and Grigoriev gorges. Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity for an optional swim in the refreshing waters of Issyk-Kul Lake.

We will arrive in Bishkek in the evening, where we will drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of our tour.