5 days trek to Ala-Kul Lake from Jeti-Oguz to Altyn-Arashan

OVERVIEW

Your adventure begins in Karakol with a short transfer to the striking Jeti-Oguz Gorge, known for its red rock formations and lush valleys. From here, the trek starts with a gradual ascent along the river toward the remote Teleti Gorge, where you camp beneath the impressive Teleti Pass.

The following day, you cross Teleti Pass (3,670 m), enjoying sweeping mountain views before descending into the scenic Karakol Gorge. Continuing onward, the trail leads through the rugged Kurgak-Tor Valley to the breathtaking Ala-Kul Lake, where turquoise waters and dramatic peaks create one of the most iconic landscapes in Kyrgyzstan.

From the lake, you ascend to Ala-Kul Pass (3,860 m), offering panoramic views of the towering Terskey Ala-Too. A steep descent brings you into the lush Altyn Arashan Gorge, where you can relax in natural hot springs surrounded by alpine scenery.

The final day follows the Arashan River down to Ak-Suu Village, where a transfer returns you to Karakol, completing a diverse trek through dramatic gorges, high mountain passes, and alpine lakes.

TRIP ESSENTIALS

Tour Type: trekking

Total Duration: 5 days, 4 nights

Best Season:  June  – September

Level of Difficulty: challenging to difficult

Maximum Altitude on the Trip:  3 900 meters ASL

Start and End Point: Karakol

Transport: local transport – 4WD Soviet van/truck (UAZ, UAZ Buhanka, GAZ 66)

Best group size:  4-12 people

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Karakol is a unique historical city located at the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul, serving as the ultimate gateway to the highest peaks of the Tien Shan mountains. The city is famous for its eclectic architecture, featuring the wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral and a Dungan Mosque built entirely without nails. For travelers, Karakol is not just a base for trekking, but also the culinary capital of Kyrgyzstan, where trying the legendary Ashlan-Fu (a spicy cold noodle soup) is a mandatory part of the cultural experience.

 Lake Ala-Kul is a true jewel of the Terskey Ala-Too range. This high-altitude glacial lake is perched at an elevation of 3,500 meters, surrounded by jagged, snow-capped ridges. Its name translates to “The Colorful Lake,” as the water constantly shifts between shades of turquoise, emerald, and deep violet depending on the sunlight. The ascent to the lake is widely considered one of the most stunning and visually rewarding hiking trails in Central Asia.

Day 1: Karakol – Jeti Oguz Gorge – Telety Camp

Transfer from Karakol to the Jety-Oguz Gorge to the last bridge. The trip will take about 1 hour. On arrival we get acquainted with the staff and having packed our backpacks we start our trek. We go over the Djety-Oguz river and ascent to the mouth of the West Teleti river. Camp at 3000m under Telety pass. Overnight in tents or yurts.   Trekking time:13 km 5-6h.

Day 2: Telety Pass -Karakol Gorge

Climbing to the pass of the Telety (3670m) and will take about 2-3 hours. Crossing the pass of the Telety (3670m). Lunch after the pass. Descent to Karakol gorge. Camp near Karakol river. Overnight in tents or yurts.  Trekking time: 15km (7-8h).

Day 3: Karakol Gorge -Ala Kul Lake

After breakfast we will go down the gorge a little more and go to the left side gorge Kurgak-Tor (Dry gorge). Ascent of the gorge is steeper and takes more 2 hours. Lunch at an altitude of 3000m. There is a hut called Orphan asylum where people can use it as a kitchen-dining room in bad weather and leave extra food or take from the leftovers if they don’t have enough food. After lunch passing about 2-3 hours up to Ala-Kol lake (3532m). By foot or by Kayak we will reach the other part of the lake and stay for overnight. Overnight stay in tents.   Trekking time: 11km (5-6h).

Day 4: Ala Kul Lake – Altyn-Arashan Valley

Breakfast. The day will start with the ascent to a low altitude and then a moderate ascent.  After passing a little more we will come up to the pass (3 860m). From the pass in clear weather you will see all nearby peaks of Terskey Ala-Too higher than 5000m. Descent from the pass is steep, but not long. After lunch we go down the gorge to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan (2 500m). Descent takes 2-3 hours, depending on the rate of 10 km. On arrival we pitch tents and take a bath in hot springs. Overnight stay in tents or in the dormitory hut.  Trekking time: 15 km (6-7h).

Day 5: Altyn–Arashan – Karakol

After breakfast, we visit wild hot springs on the way and walk down to Karakol. The road goes all they way along the river Arashan. End point is Ak-Suu village.  Trekking time: 14 km (3,5-4h).

DATES & PRICES 2027

Looking for different dates? Private departures are available on your preferred dates. Inquire now to book your private tour at travel@visitkyrgyzstan.kg

All groups start from 3 pax. If there are 2  pax, the tour will start with additional fee for 2 pax.