Ala Kul Lake Trek in Kyrgyzstan, everything you need to know
It’s the most popular trek in the country, and for a few good reasons. It’s easy to reach the entry area, it can be done without camping equipment, it’s enough of a challenge to push your body without committing to one of Kyrgyzstan’s longer treks, breathtaking views the entire way, the list goes on!
If you choose to take on this trek without camping gear, make sure you have enough cash on hand to pay the yurt camps for your accommodation which can be between KGS 2,500 to 3,500 per night including dinner and breakfast, unless you have pre-booked both nights accommodation.
Hike Overview
Distance: 55km, 1,600m elevation ascent and descent
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: Three days, two nights minimum staying at Sirota camp and Altyn Arashan
If you’re still planning, check out the perfect Kyrgyzstan itinerary here and the essential packing list here.
Honestly, we have way too much info to share from spending over a month in Kyrgyzstan for just a few blog posts, so be the first to know about the release of our upcoming Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide. The first 50 on the waitlist will receive our entire Google Maps pin list for free with their copy.
Contents
Day 1
The first day's trek will have you camp at or around the Sirota camp on the southern side valley leading to lake Ala Kul, from the park entry gate it is approximately 19 kilometres, with about 1,100m of elevation gain.
Beginning from the Karakol Valley entrance to the national park follow the dirt road and cross at the first car-bridge to the west side of the river. You will now follow this the entire way up until you arrive at ‘Foreset Gate’, where the large 4x4 truck sells drinks and snacks and UAZ drivers wait to pickup their passengers coming from the Altyn Arashan side or even further on the Ak Suu Traverse.
You’ll cross the footbridge into the side valley and begin the ascent to Sirota camp at 2,900m. You can camp at the yurt camp of your choosing in the yurt town or continue a few hundred metres past the yurts where you’ll find a suitable spot by the river to set up your tent.
Day 2
Follow the track all the way up the side valley, finally reaching the massive, glacier-backed Ala Kul lake. Admire one of the most beautiful alpine lakes we’ve ever seen, before making your way towards the Ala Kul pass along the mountain face on the north side of the lake.
Arrive at the top of Ala Kul pass for 360 degree views of Ala Kul lake, Ala Kul glacier and the side valley you’ll now be following to Altyn Arashan! Take your time to catch your breath at the top, take photos and observe other hikers making their way down the incredibly steep wall on the other side of the pass. This trail changes as quickly as every two weeks, so see which route seems safest before beginning the journey down. With heavy packs and incorrect shoes this section can be dangerous, with loose rocks and silt and incredibly steep drops.
Follow the trail all the way to the Aksuu valley where you’ll cross the river and follow the east side downstream, arriving at Altyn Arashan where you’ll be camping in or around tonight. Today's trek covers approximately 14.5 kilometres and features an elevation gain of 1,100m before descending 1,500m to Altyn Arashan.
Day 3
Enjoy your last camping breakfast, stop to experience the hot springs at Altyn Arashan before making your way down the valley to Aksuu, the endpoint of the trek. If you are short on time and want to make the most of this afternoon after the trek, you can organise a 4x4 taxi to take you from the Altyn Arashan yurt town to Aksuu. The walk follows a jeep track so there isn’t any technicality and the views are spectacular at a few viewpoints along the way.
From here you can take a marshrutka or YandexGo back to Karakol. If you choose to walk, today's trek is approximately 14.7 kilometres and an 800m descent. Treat yourself to a beer at ‘The Hut’ and a nice dinner in Karakol, you’ve earned it!
That’s It!
If you’ve made it down here, thank you so much for reading!
Now you’re ready for the trekking trip of a lifetime in Kyrgyzstan!
