OVERVIEW
Experience the ultimate Kyrgyzstan adventure on this premier 4-day trek through the Terskey Ala-Too mountains, starting from the rugged base of Karakol Peak. You will ascend 1,100 meters to the iconic Ala-Kul Lake, where you can witness turquoise glacial waters and even explore by kayak depending on seasonal ice conditions.
After conquering the breathtaking Ala-Kul Pass (3,860m), the trail descends into the lush Altyn-Arashan Gorge for a rejuvenating soak in natural geothermal hot springs. This diverse circuit blends high-altitude challenges with authentic Kyrgyz yurt stays, offering an unparalleled journey through the heart of the Tian Shan range.
The expedition concludes with a scenic hike along the Arashan River to Ak-Suu, followed by a seamless transfer back to Karakol.
Tour Type: trekking
Total Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Best Season: June – October
Level of Difficulty: from challenging to difficult
Maximum Altitude on the Trip: 3 900 meters ASL
Start and End Point: Karakol
Transport: 4 x 4 SUV
Best group size: 4-10 persons

Day 1: Karakol – Alpine camp
We depart from the city of Karakol to the Karakol Gorge in the morning. The drive to the trail head will take about 1,5 hours. After we take our lunch bags and walk close to the foot of Karakol peak. It is 7 km one way. Usually it takes 3-3,5 hours and 2h back. Lunch. We spend around one hour and descend back to the alpine camp. Campfire. We divide people in to the groups and make briefing for the next day. Overnight and dinner in yurt
Day 2: Alpine camp – Ala-Kol lake
Early breakfast. Our camp and starting point at 2500m. We cross the bridge and ascend to the lake ala-Kul lake. After about 2-2.5 hours of hiking up the valley, we will stop for rest at a small hut. After, we will continue trekking to the lake. Lunch on the route. The distance is around 10km but 1100m altitude difference. Walking till the and of the lake or taking a boat or kayak to the other side of the lake(It depend on the situation with melting the ice). Overnight in tents.
Day 3: Ala-Kol lake – Altyn-Arashan hot springs – Karakol
Breakfast. From here, we must go up again toward the Ala-Kol pass (3860m), from which you can see all of the nearby peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too ringing the lake and rising up to over 5000m above sea level.
We descend the gorge to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan (2500m). The descent takes 3-3,5 hours depending on the pace. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Dinner and overnight in yurt camp.
Day 4: Altyn-Arashan – Karakol
After breakfast, down the Altyn Arashan Valley toward Aksu Village. The length of the descent is 14 km, or about 3-3.5 hours. A car will be waiting in the village, and will drive us back to Karakol.
PLANNED DEPARTURE DATES 2026:
NOTE: All groups start from 4 pax. If there are 2 or 3 pax, the tour will start with additional fee for 2 or 3 pax.
Looking for different dates? Private departures are available on your preferred dates. Inquire now to book your private tour at travel@visitkyrgyzstan.kg
| DATES | # of pax as May 5 |
| JUNE 1
JUNE 8 |
–
– |
| JUNE 13 (new date) | 2 |
| JUNE 15 | – |
| JUNE 22 | 2 |
| JUNE 29 | – |
| JULY 6 | – |
| JULY 11 (new date) | 2 |
| JULY 13 | 1 |
| JULY 16 | 3 |
| JULY 20 | – |
| JULY 27 | – |
| AUGUST 3 | 6 |
| AUGUST 10 | – |
| AUGUST 17 | – |
| AUGUST 24 | – |
| AUGUST 31 | – |
| SEPTEMBER 7 | – |
| SEPTEMBER 14 | – |
PRICING 2026
Pricing below is per person. Have a small group of your friends or family? You can choose your own date and you will have your own private guide and transport for your adventure.
| Group size | Price per person, USD |
| 1 | 885 |
| 2 | 585 |
| 3 | 495 |
| 4 | 435 |

