5 Days Ala Kul Lake Trek Tour: Day-by-Day Gudie

Itinerary at a Glance

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Bishkek (1 day)

Karakol (Issyk-Kul Region) (1 day)

Ala Kul Lake ( Issyk-Kul Region) (2 days)

Issyk-Kul Lake ( Issyk-Kul Region) (1 day)

Bishkek

Itinerary Day by Day

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Day 1 Bishkek – Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon) - Jeti-Oguz Gorge - Karakol by the Southern Side of Issyk-Kul Lake (400 km, 5-6 hrs)

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.

Dining:

Dinner

Accommodation:

hotel

Oak Park

Jety Oguz Canyon

Day 2 Karakol Valley - Karakol Gorge - Kurgak Tor Gorge - Sirota Camp

The real adventure of your Ala Kul trek starts today. After breakfast, we take a short drive to the starting point in Karakol Gorge. You will cross the first bridge and follow the trail along a rushing mountain river.

The path takes you deep into the ancient pine forests of Kurgak Tor gorge. The air is crisp, and the scenery is wild and untouched. This 6-7 hour hike is a key part of your Ala Kul lake tour, bringing you closer to the high-altitude wonders of the Tian Shan. We will reach the "Sirota" camp at 2,500 meters in the late afternoon. This peaceful spot in the woods is where we set up our tents for the night. Enjoy a hot meal, listen to the sounds of nature, and rest well for the big climb tomorrow.

Dining:

Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

tent camp

Gorges, Canyons and Valleys of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Yurt

Day 3 Sirota Camp - Ala-Kul Lake (3800m) - Keldike Gorge (Trekking 6-7 hrs)

Today is the most exciting part of your Ala Kul Lake trek. After breakfast, we start our climb toward the famous lake. The path goes up through a beautiful fir forest. It is a steep walk, but it only takes about 2 to 3 hours to reach the top.

Suddenly, the hidden Ala-Kul Lake appears before your eyes. It is a massive turquoise jewel surrounded by glaciers and jagged peaks. From here, you will have a stunning view of the Terskey Ala-Too mountain chain. This is the moment most travelers wait for on their Ala Kul lake tour. After taking plenty of photos, we cross the high pass and descend into the Keldike Gorge. We will set up our camp at 3,200 meters. Relax and enjoy a warm dinner in the silence of the high mountains.

Dining:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

tent camp

Grigorievskoye Gorge

Gorges, Canyons and Valleys of Kyrgyzstan

Day 4 Kelgike Valley - Altyn-Arashan Valley (trekking) – Karakol (trekking 3-4 hrs+drive 2hrs)

After a mountain breakfast, you continue the final leg of your Ala Kul lake trek. We hike down through the beautiful Keldike Gorge for about 3 hours.

As you descend, the stunning Altyn-Arashan valley opens up before you. This is one of the most famous spots on any ala kul lake tour because of its natural beauty and healing hot springs. You will have time to soak in the warm radon water pools—the perfect reward for your hike. After a delicious lunch at a local guesthouse, the adventure continues. We will ride an old Russian truck back to Karakol. The mountain road is bumpy but very exciting! We arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Dining:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

Hotel

Kyrgyzstan Food

Hot springs of Kyrgyzstan

Day 5 Karakol – Grigorievka/Semenovskoye Gorge - Kyrchyn Pasture - Bishkek (400 km, 5 hrs)

After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Bishkek along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. This drive is the final part of your Ala Kul Lake tour. On the way, we explore two of the most beautiful valleys in the region: Grigorievka and Semenovskoye. These two gorges are connected at the top, so we will enter one and drive out through the other.

At Kyrchyn pasture, you will experience the true spirit of the nomads. Watch traditional Nomad Games, including archery and exciting horse competitions. It is a thrilling way to celebrate the end of your adventure. Finally, we arrive in Bishkek and drop you off at your hotel. Your ala kul lake trek ends here, but you leave with a heart full of mountain memories and a nomadic soul.

Dining:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

Karakol Gorge

Horse Riding, Issyk-Kul Lake

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: Request

All prices are per person, based on twin or double occupancy. For triple occupancy, please consult with our travel advisor.

Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, a program in your itinerary, and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What's Included:

Guide Service: Professional English-speaking tour guide.

Attraction Tickets: All entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary.

Transportation: Airport transfers on arrival and departure. Private Vehicle for city sightseeing tours. Train tickets.

Accommodation: Hotels are listed in the itinerary. Camping Equipment in certain locations.

Meals: Daily breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch and Dinner are listed in the day-by-day itinerary.

Service fee: planning, handling, operational and communication charges

What's Excluded:

Visa Fees: Cost of tourist visa if required, depending on the traveler’s nationality.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included.

Optional Tours and Activities: The cost of all optional activities in the itinerary is not included.

Single Supplement: Additional charge for travelers who wish to have a private room.

Tips and Gratuities: Tips for tour guides and drivers, which are optional and at the traveler’s discretion.

Overtime Service Fees：Additional charges may apply for services requested beyond the scheduled hours.

Personal Expenses: Shopping, additional meals, snacks, and beverages outside of those specified in the itinerary.

Central Asia Trip Notes & Booking Tips

1. What are Central Asia Countries? Experience highlights of each “Stan”

Country	Highlights	Must-Do Experiences
Kazakhstan	Endless steppe, futuristic cities, striking natural wonders	Explore Almaty’s lively streets, marvel at Charyn Canyon, ride cable cars to mountain viewpoints, and learn about nomadic horse culture
Kyrgyzstan	Mountain peaks, alpine lakes, nomadic spirit	Stay in a yurt at Issyk-Kul Lake, visit Burana Tower, hike alpine gorges, and watch eagle hunting demonstrations
Uzbekistan	Silk Road jewels, turquoise domes, vibrant bazaars	Wander Registan Square in Samarkand, explore Bukhara’s old town, admire mosaics in Shakhrisabz, shop for silk, spices, and carpets
Tajikistan	Rugged mountains, hidden valleys, Sogdian history	Discover Penjikent’s ruins, trek to the Seven Lakes, and meet locals in remote mountain villages
Turkmenistan	Marble cities, desert mysteries, Silk Road ruins	Camp by the fiery Darvaza Gas Crater, explore Ancient Merv, and see Ashgabat’s white-marble monuments

2. When is the best time to visit Central Asia?

Spring (April June): Mild weather, blooming valleys, fewer crowds

(1) Perfect for sightseeing in Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities (Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva) before the summer heat. (2) Kyrgyzstan’s and Kazakhstan’s mountains are lush and green, great for gentle hikes. (3) Desert areas in Turkmenistan are comfortable for visiting Darvaza Gas Crater and Merv.

Autumn (September October) - Most Recommended Season: Pleasant temperatures, colorful landscapes

(1) Ideal time for a grand tour of all 5 Stans. (2) Crisp, sunny days make exploring cities and mountain regions easy. (3) Harvest season - fresh fruits, bazaars full of melons, grapes, pomegranates. (4) Issyk-Kul Lake and alpine gorges in Kyrgyzstan are at their most photogenic.

Summer (July August): Hot in deserts & Silk Road cities (up to 40°C), but: great for high-altitude trekking in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (Pamir Mountains, Seven Lakes).

3. What are the visa requirements for each country?

For most western / developed-country travelers, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan are fairly easy to enter (visa-free or e-visa) if you plan properly.

Turkmenistan remains the most challenging: must plan ahead, may need a LOI, possibly limit to tour operator itineraries.

Always check entry point regulations (airport vs land border), as some visas / e-visas / visa-on-arrival are only valid through certain border crossings.

Double-check the duration you're allowed (30, 45, 60, 90 days) - depends heavily on your passport country.

4. Silk Road Cultures & Nature Landscapes in Central Asia

Theme	Highlights	Where
Silk Road Cultures	Wander historic Silk Road cities with turquoise domes and caravanserais	Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva
	Explore an ancient Sogdian city and its 7thcentury frescoes	Tajikistan: Penjikent
	Contrast Ashgabat’s modern whitemarble skyline with the ruins of ancient Merv	Turkmenistan: Ashgabat, Merv
	Meet artisans weaving carpets, baking traditional bread, crafting felt yurts - living nomadic traditions	Across Central Asia (community workshops, markets, yurt makers)
Nature Landscapes	Marvel at the Darvaza Gas Crater glowing in the Karakum Desert	Turkmenistan: Darvaza, Karakum Desert
	Relax by IssykKul, the “Pearl of Kyrgyzstan,” ringed by snowcapped peaks	Kyrgyzstan: IssykKul Lake
	Hike to Tajikistan’s Seven Lakes or explore the “little brother” to the Grand Canyon	Tajikistan: Seven Lakes; Kazakhstan: Charyn Canyon
	Experience nomadic life in a yurt camp, ride horses in alpine valleys, stargaze on the steppe	Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan (yurt camps, alpine pastures)

5. What special experiences are included in our itinerary?

Darvaza Gas Crater camping with desert stargazing
In-depth Silk Road exploration of Samarkand’s old city
Tajikistan’s Seven Lakes hike with a lakeside picnic
Kyrgyz falconry show and hands-on yurt-making experience
Charyn Canyon hike plus Almaty cable car to a skyline night view
Tajik home visit with demonstrations of traditional handicrafts

6. About Tour Pace

Our tour is designed to provide a comprehensive experience without feeling overly rushed. We balance city tours with travel days to ensure you get enough rest. While some days involve long drives between destinations, we plan strategic stops for sightseeing and breaks. You'll have time to explore the major sites in each city and enjoy the journey between them. The pace varies by region: cities like Samarkand are fast-paced, while the mountain regions of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan offer a slower, more relaxed tempo.

7. Crossing Borders Between the “Stans”

Here’s what to expect at the most commonly used checkpoints:

Border Crossing	Connects	Opening Hours	Crossing Time	Crossing Type	Notes for Travelers
Oybek	Tashkent (Uzbekistan) ⇆ Khujand (Tajikistan)	Daily, usually 08:00–18:00	~30–60 min (may be longer on weekends/holidays)	Pedestrian & vehicle	One of the busiest crossings; be ready for lines. Good road conditions on both sides.
Jartepa	Samarkand (Uzbekistan) ⇆ Penjikent (Tajikistan)	Daily, 08:00–18:00	~20–40 min	Pedestrian & vehicle	Most convenient for travelers; short transfer, border staff generally friendly.
Shavat	Khiva/Urgench (Uzbekistan) ⇆ Dashoguz (Turkmenistan)	Daily, 09:00–18:00	~45–90 min	Pedestrian only (vehicles drop/pick up travelers at both sides)	Requires Turkmen visa in advance or pre-arranged LOI. Can be busy in mornings.
Farap	Bukhara (Uzbekistan) ⇆ Turkmenabat (Turkmenistan/Mary route)	Daily, 08:00–18:00	~1–2 hrs	Pedestrian & vehicle	Key crossing for travelers heading to Merv; customs can take longer, be patient.
Korday	Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) ⇆ Almaty (Kazakhstan)	Open 24 hrs	~30–60 min (rush hours longer)	Pedestrian & vehicle	Major highway crossing, usually efficient; popular with locals and travelers.

Traveler Tips:

Timing Matters: Arrive early in the morning to avoid queues, especially at Shavat & Farap.
Paperwork Ready: Keep passports, visas (or e-visa printouts), and customs forms handy.
Walking vs. Vehicle:At some borders (Shavat, Oybek), you may need to walk across the neutral zone (few hundred meters).
Seasonal Considerations: Summer is busier due to local travel; winter may bring delays from weather.
Patience & Flexibility: Border procedures are generally friendly but not always fast - use this time to experience the real pace of Central Asia.

Hotels & Camping Experiences in Central Asia

We carefully select accommodations across the five “Stans” to ensure both comfort and authenticity.

In Cities:

You will stay in well-located hotels (3-5 stars, with 4 stars recommended) - a mix of international chains and charming boutique hotels. All are clean, comfortable, non-smoking, and offer easy access to lively bazaars, shopping streets, and major attractions. Free Wi-Fi is available in most properties.

In Villages & Countryside:

Around the Seven Lakes, Pamir, and Issyk-Kul areas, accommodation is mainly in cozy family guesthouses, mountain lodges, or traditional yurt camps. Facilities are simple but authentic, letting you experience the local way of life. Yurt camps in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are usually shared or semi-private, with communal or partially private bathrooms. Nights can be chilly, but electric blankets or stoves are typically provided.

Camping Experience:

At places like the Darvaza Gas Crater, you will stay in fixed or mobile tents with basic shared facilities. Nights can be windy with significant temperature drops, so warm clothing is recommended.

Latest Central Asia Tours Reviews from Our Customers

Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Central Asia Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>

David

United States

26 Days Central Asia Tour - Long trip but worth our time

An adventure covering the '5 Stans.' Kyrgyzstan was the highlight for nature; the yurt stay at Son Kul Lake was peaceful and stunning. Uzbekistan offered the best architecture and hotels and good for night hunting. Tajikistan had incredible mountain drives, though the roads were rough. Relax by the lake is very peaceful. Kazakhstan’s Almaty felt surprisingly modern. We all like the red canyon hiking. Took great photos here. While, the border crossing took time, requiring us to walk with luggage. It’s a grueling trip with long travel days, but absolutely the best way to see the diversity of the Silk Road in one go.

Date of Experience: Oct 15, 2025

Tour Customized by: Amy

You May be Interested in This Tour: 26 Days Central Asia Tour: In-Depth Journey through the Five Stans

Sofia Rodriguez

Spain

161

Turkmenistan Tour to the Hell of the Door & Camp here

A truly surreal experience. Ashgabat is bizarre with its empty white marble streets and strict rules, but fascinating to see. The highlight was obviously the Darvaza Gas Crater. The drive across the desert was bumpy and long, but arriving at the 'Gates of Hell' at night was spectacular. Sleeping in a yurt nearby was cold but worth it for the view. Be prepared for very basic toilets in the desert, but our guide handled the logistics perfectly.

Date of Experience: Sep 25, 2025

Tour Customized by: Anthony

You May be Interested in This Tour: 5 Days Classic Turkmenistan Tour: UNESCO Ancient Wonders & Door to Hell

Marco-Bianchi

Italy

129

8 Days Uzbekistan Tour - Full of Domes!

Our uzbekitan tour was a magnificent dive into history. Samarkand’s Registan Square is even more breathtaking than in photos; the blue tiles are amazing. Bukhara was my favorite, though - wandering the old streets felt like time travel, and the Kalon Minaret at sunset is unforgettable. Khiva is beautiful but feels a bit like a museum. The high-speed train between cities was very comfortable and punctual. As for the is food, while delicious, gets repetitive (lots of Plov and meat) after a week