Trekking Expedition
Bishkek → Karakol → Ala-Kul → Altyn-Arashan → Bishkek
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Route
Bishkek → Karakol → Ala-Kul → Altyn-Arashan → Bishkek
Group Size
2–8 persons
Difficulty
Challenging
Overview
About This Tour
The classic Karakol-to-Altyn-Arashan trek: a three-day crossing over the Ala-Kul pass (3,860m), past one of the most photographed alpine lakes in Central Asia, finishing in the hot springs at Altyn-Arashan. You carry a daypack; pack horses and a cook handle the rest. This is a real mountain trek for hikers with prior multi-day experience.
Note: This trek requires prior multi-day hiking experience. Daily distances of 10–14 km, altitudes up to 3,860m, and basic camp conditions. We'll walk you through what to expect before you book.
Photo Gallery
See It in Pictures
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Airport pickup and transfer to a 4★ Bishkek hotel. Gear check, trek briefing, and a welcome dinner.
Bishkek — 4★ HotelDrive along the north shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol (~6 hours). Afternoon acclimatization hike in Jety-Oguz canyon (3–4 hours). Final gear check.
Karakol — 4★ HotelThe trek begins. ~12 km ascending to 2,600m through forest and river valley. Tented camp near the ranger station.
Sirota — Tented Camp~10 km ascending to 3,560m and the turquoise Ala-Kul alpine lake. Tented camp at the lake.
Ala-Kul — Tented CampCross the Ala-Kul pass (3,860m), then a long descent (~14 km) to the hot springs at Altyn-Arashan. Evening soak in the natural springs.
Altyn-Arashan — Guesthouse4x4 jeep transfer down from Arashan, lunch in Karakol, then the drive back to Bishkek.
Bishkek — 4★ HotelLate breakfast and airport transfer.
What's Included
- 6 nights accommodation (hotel 3 + tent 2 + guesthouse 1)
- All meals from Day 1 dinner through Day 6 dinner
- English-speaking trek guide
- Cook and pack horses for the trek days
- Tents, trekking poles & group gear
- All transfers including the 4x4 from Altyn-Arashan
- Trek briefing & gear check
- Bottled water
- International flights
- Visa
- Personal insurance
- Sleeping bag (rental available)
- Alcohol
- Tips
Accommodation
| Region | Primary Option | Backup Option |
|---|---|---|
| Bishkek (2 nights) | Hyatt Regency (5★) | B Hotel (3★) |
| Karakol | My Hotel Karakol (4★) | Hotel Jannat (3★) |
| Trek (3 nights) | Tented camp + Altyn-Arashan guesthouse | — |
Frequently Asked
Questions Travellers Ask
This is the most demanding tour we run. You need prior multi-day hiking experience and good cardiovascular fitness — daily distances are 10–14 km on steep, rocky terrain at altitude, including a pass at 3,860m. If you hike regularly and have done overnight treks before, you'll be fine. If you're unsure, talk to us before booking.
No. You carry a daypack with your layers, water, and camera. Pack horses carry the tents, food, and main luggage, and a cook travels with the group. That's what makes the daily distances manageable at altitude.
Almost certainly, briefly. The Day 2 acclimatization hike helps, but the Ala-Kul pass at 3,860m is high enough that most trekkers feel it. We ascend gradually, the guide monitors the group, and we carry a first-aid kit. Hydration and pacing are the keys.
Broken-in hiking boots, a 30–40L daypack, warm layers (camp nights drop below freezing), a waterproof shell, hat and gloves, trekking poles (provided if you don't have them), sun protection, a head torch, and a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C (rental available). We send a full packing list on booking.
July to September. The Ala-Kul pass is usually snowbound and dangerous outside these months. August is the most reliable for weather; September brings cooler nights and clearer air.
Manas International Airport (FRU) in Bishkek. Airport pickup and drop-off are included. The tour starts and ends in Bishkek.
Trekking Expedition
From $1,490