# The complete guide to the Ala-Kul trek By Azat, founder & guide, published 2026-06-02, updated 2026-10-13 Page: https://azattours.com/blog/ala-kol-trek-guide/ Ask any traveller what they remember most about Kyrgyzstan and there's a good chance they'll say one word: Ala-Kul. This glacier-fed lake glows an unreal turquoise at 3,560 m, and reaching it is the country's most loved multi-day trek. Here's everything you need to walk it well. ## The trek at a glance - Route: Karakol valley, Sirota yurt camp, Ala-Kul lake and pass, Altyn-Arashan, Ak-Suu - Length: about 55 km, walked in 3 to 4 days - Highest point: Ala-Kul pass, about 3,900 m - Season: mid-June to mid-September - Park ticket: 400 som, no permit needed ## Where is Ala-Kul and why go? Ala-Kul sits high in the Terskey Ala-Too range above Karakol, on the eastern side of Lake Issyk-Kul. The classic route climbs through pine forest and alpine meadow, crosses a 3,900 m pass with jaw-dropping views, then drops to the natural hot springs of Altyn-Arashan. *Photo: The pass day rewards every step with a panorama over the Tian Shan.* ## Which way to walk it There are two ways to do this trek, and the choice changes how hard it feels. **The easier way** is to start from Karakol. You drive into the Karakol valley, walk up past the Sirota yurt camp to the lake, cross the pass and come down through Altyn-Arashan. The climb is spread over two days, and the steepest slope of the whole route is one you walk down, not up. **The harder way** is to go up and come back down on the Altyn-Arashan side. It is a little tougher because the climb from Altyn-Arashan to the pass is sharp. What makes it popular is the horses: you can ride from Altyn-Arashan to the foot of the final climb in about 3 hours, roughly an hour and a half faster than hiking it, and save your legs for the pass. You do not have to walk into Altyn-Arashan either. Horses or a bukhanka, the old Soviet UAZ van that handles the rough valley track, can take you up or bring you down. Write to us and we will arrange either. ## The route, day by day This is the easier direction, at the pace most people walk it. ### Day 1: Karakol valley to the first camp About 15 km and four to five hours along the river, on a wide track through forest and open meadow. It is a gentle start, and you sleep near the water. ### Day 2: Up past Sirota to Ala-Kul lake The shortest day on the map, about 10 km, and the hardest on the legs. Above the Sirota yurt camp the path climbs steeply over roots, rock and gravel. Then the ground levels and the lake is suddenly below you. The night by the water is cold and often windy. ### Day 3: Over the pass to Altyn-Arashan The big one, about 15 km and a long day. You walk along the lake, climb to the pass at about 3,900 m and get the view everyone comes for. The far side is a steep slope of loose scree, and it is the part people find hardest. Poles help, and so does patience. The valley opens out below, and the day ends in a hot pool at Altyn-Arashan. ### Day 4: Altyn-Arashan to Ak-Suu About 15 km down the valley, mostly downhill on a rough track. If your knees have had enough, this is where the horses or the bukhanka come in. ## How hard is it? Honestly? It's a proper trek, moderate to hard. You don't need technical skills, but you do need reasonable fitness and the willingness to spend a long day above 3,500 m. The height is what catches people out: a headache and a poor night's sleep at the lake are common. > **Local tip** Spend a night in Karakol and do a short acclimatisation walk before the pass day. It makes a huge difference to how you feel up high. ## The best time to walk it The trail is reliably open and snow-light from **mid-June to mid-September**. July and August are warmest and busiest; early September brings golden light and thinner crowds. Even in midsummer the weather turns fast up there, so pack for sun, rain and cold on the same day. > The lake doesn't look real the first time you see it. People go quiet. Then they start taking a hundred photos. ## What it costs You do not need a permit. The entrance ticket to Karakol national park is **400 som**. On the route, expect about **2,500 som for a bed** and about **900 som for dinner**. Bring cash in som, because nobody up there takes cards. ## Where to sleep In season there are yurt camps on the Karakol side, including the one at Sirota, and guesthouses in Altyn-Arashan next to the hot springs. Our pick in Altyn-Arashan is the Elza guesthouse: after the pass day, a warm room and a hot pool a few steps away is exactly what you want. You can also camp, if you carry your own tent, mat and stove. ## What to pack Pack for four seasons. Broken-in hiking boots, trekking poles, a warm layer and a down jacket, a waterproof shell, thermals for the night at the lake, a hat and gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen, a headlamp, a way to filter or boil water and a power bank. Add swimwear for the hot springs. ## Can I do it independently? You can, and some do. But weather windows, river crossings and the pass demand respect, and there's no phone signal up there. A local guide handles logistics, food and the all-important "is today a good day for the pass?" call, so you can simply enjoy it. ## Walk it with us Want a local guide, packhorses and a hot-spring finish? The pass is part of our [Song-Kul horse trek and Ala-Kul hike (7 days)](https://azattours.com/tours/song-kul-horse-trek-ala-kul-hike-7-days/) and of the [Kyrgyzstan Grand Tour (10 days)](https://azattours.com/tours/kyrgyzstan-grand-tour-10-days/). If the climb sounds like too much, the [Kilemche, Song-Kul and Altyn-Arashan trip (6 days)](https://azattours.com/tours/kilemche-song-kul-altyn-arashan-6-days/) treks the gentler Altyn-Arashan valley instead. Only need horses or a ride to Altyn-Arashan? [Send us a message](https://azattours.com/contact.html) and we will set it up. ## Common questions **How long is the Ala-Kul trek?** About 55 km in total, usually walked in 3 or 4 days between the Karakol valley and Ak-Suu. **How high is the Ala-Kul pass?** About 3,900 m. The lake just below it is at about 3,560 m. **When is the best time to do the Ala-Kul trek?** From mid-June to mid-September. July and August are the warmest and busiest months, and early September is quieter. **Do I need a permit for Ala-Kul?** No. You only buy an entrance ticket to Karakol national park, which costs 400 som. **Which direction is easier?** Starting in the Karakol valley, climbing past the Sirota yurt camp and coming down through Altyn-Arashan. Going up from the Altyn-Arashan side is harder because that slope is much steeper. **Can I ride a horse on the Ala-Kul trek?** Yes, on the Altyn-Arashan side. Riding from Altyn-Arashan to the foot of the final climb takes about 3 hours, roughly an hour and a half faster than walking it. **How much does a night on the trek cost?** Expect about 2,500 som for a bed and about 900 som for dinner at the camps and guesthouses.