We depart from the city of Karakol in the morning and drive to the Karakol Gorge trailhead, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. After collecting our lunch boxes, we begin the hike towards the base of Karakol Peak. The trek is 7 km one way, typically taking 3 to 3.5 hours to ascend and about 2 hours to descend. We will enjoy our lunch, spending around an hour at the peak before heading back down to the alpine camp. Afterward, we gather around the campfire, divide into groups, and hold a briefing for the following day. Dinner and overnight stay will be in a yurt.
Trekking distance: 14 km
Altitude gain: +600m, Altitude loss: -600m
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 14 km
Altitude gain: +600m, Altitude loss: -600m
Duration: 5-6 hours
We start with an early breakfast at our camp, situated at 2500m. From there, we cross a bridge and begin our ascent towards Ala-Kul Lake. After approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of hiking up the valley, we will stop for a rest at a small hut. Following the break, we continue trekking towards the lake. Lunch will be on the route. The total distance is about 10 km, with an elevation gain of 1100m. We’ll hike to the end of the lake, where we may take a boat or kayak to the opposite shore, depending on the ice conditions.
Trekking distance: 12 km
Altitude gain: +1100m, Altitude loss: -100m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Trekking distance: 12 km
Altitude gain: +1100m, Altitude loss: -100m
Duration: 6-7 hours
After breakfast, we begin our ascent towards the pass at 3860m, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding Terskey Ala-Too peaks, towering over 5000m and encircling the lake. From the pass, we descend into the gorge toward the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan, located at 2500m. The descent will take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on our pace. Upon arrival, we’ll unwind with a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Finally, we’ll be transferred back to Karakol by UAZ.
Trekking distance: 15 km
Altitude gain: +350m, Altitude loss: -1400m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Trekking distance: 15 km
Altitude gain: +350m, Altitude loss: -1400m
Duration: 6-7 hours
Price per person
$ 690
2 pax
$650
3 pax
4 pax
$620
What‘s included
What‘s not included
English-speaking Guide
Transportation from Karakol
Meals
Tents
Cooker
Porters
Hot springs
Transportation from Karakol
Meals
Tents
Cooker
Porters
Hot springs
Transportation from Bishkek to Karakol
Important Information
Season: June-September
Cancellation Policy
Season: June-September
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 90 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 60 to 30 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 29 days prior to meeting time
Equipment and items for trekking part:
• Sleeping bag up to -5 C
• Trekking boots with high proper ankle support and good thread. Extra shoes or pair of sandals, in case if first shoes will be wet during the rain and etc.
• Waterproof rain jacket and trousers
• Warm closes and extra closes to exchange
• Hat and cap, sun glasess, high factor sun cream
• Daypack 40-50 litters and rain cover. It is also good idea to line your daypack with a quality plastic bag
• Head-torch
• Bottle for water
• Quick-drying towel
• First aid kit, if you have some disease
Recommended to have
• Walking sticks
• Toiletries
• Insect repellants (for lower elevations)
• Water purification tables or a water filter (more details in Notes)
• Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if you don’t have altitude adaptation)
• Pocket knife
• Sleeping bag up to -5 C
• Trekking boots with high proper ankle support and good thread. Extra shoes or pair of sandals, in case if first shoes will be wet during the rain and etc.
• Waterproof rain jacket and trousers
• Warm closes and extra closes to exchange
• Hat and cap, sun glasess, high factor sun cream
• Daypack 40-50 litters and rain cover. It is also good idea to line your daypack with a quality plastic bag
• Head-torch
• Bottle for water
• Quick-drying towel
• First aid kit, if you have some disease
Recommended to have
• Walking sticks
• Toiletries
• Insect repellants (for lower elevations)
• Water purification tables or a water filter (more details in Notes)
• Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if you don’t have altitude adaptation)
• Pocket knife
WATER
Water is very important while trekking. During trekking we offer tea/coffee, however, it will be limited. In Kyrgyzstan, most of the trekking trails are near the river, however not all water streams, rivers, and lakes can be safe and clean for drinking. It is possible to fill up water from natural springs, that has very less chances of having particles in it. Local people same as a lot of tourists don't have problems drinking water from the source, however, if you are not sure please bring water cleaning pills or filters with you for the trek from your homeland. You will not be able to find water cleaning pills in Kyrgyzstan.
LUGGAGE ON TOUR
• Main Baggage:
You don't need to take main luggage to trip. You can take any clothes that you need with yourself and other staff left in luggage behind at the group hotel used prior to the trek.
• Luggage to the porters:
Mostly all of our standard programs were made for not to do long hikes, usually 3 to 8 days. We are providing 1 porter to 1 person, which carries 15 kg, that weight including food, tents, cooking staff and private things of clients, usually around 3-5kg first days. Weight of food will decrease day by day and you will have the possibility to give extra weight to the porter. You can order extra porter if you having some big weight items as camera with lens, special equipment and etc.
• Daysac/Rucksack:
30-50 liters of rucksack recommended. During trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage, which is being carried for you by the porters or horse (Depends on trekking). In mountain region, the weather can change very fast and you should be equipped for this. Your day sack should be large enough to carry waterproofs, fleece jacket, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun cap, sun cream, water bottle and other staff which you need during the trek. On some occasions, it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch.
TRECKKING GRADE
To go to trekking you need to have a good level of fitness, heath and previous trekking experience is recommended. Trekking days are generally longer, challenging and at higher altitudes up to 3800 meters. Terrain may be difficult and ascents and descents are often demanding, especially during rain or snow.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance is NOT included. We advice that clients have their own travel insurance against illness, injury, loss/damage to personal belongings. In case of emergency our staff will make all the best to delivery you to hospital or other point and solve your problem, insurance will cover your charges. In case of no insurance, need to cover charges by yourself.
MEAL
Breakfast: consist some of following dishes: Porridge, omelet, omelet with fried sausages, pancakes, scrambled eggs with sausage, boiled eggs and etc + bread, jam, butter, honey, sweets, tea/coffee. Lunch boxes or lunch: Dried fruits, chocolate, yogurt, juice, cheese, sandwich, vegetables/fruits and tea/coffee. Dinner: Our cooks is preparing european and asian cuisine You need to let us know if you are vegetarian or have some preferences, so we will be able to make special menu for you.
TIPPING
Service of local staff is included to the program; however, it is polite to tip to local staff if the service has been very good. Also at your discretion, you might also consider tipping your tour manager in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
Water is very important while trekking. During trekking we offer tea/coffee, however, it will be limited. In Kyrgyzstan, most of the trekking trails are near the river, however not all water streams, rivers, and lakes can be safe and clean for drinking. It is possible to fill up water from natural springs, that has very less chances of having particles in it. Local people same as a lot of tourists don't have problems drinking water from the source, however, if you are not sure please bring water cleaning pills or filters with you for the trek from your homeland. You will not be able to find water cleaning pills in Kyrgyzstan.
LUGGAGE ON TOUR
• Main Baggage:
You don't need to take main luggage to trip. You can take any clothes that you need with yourself and other staff left in luggage behind at the group hotel used prior to the trek.
• Luggage to the porters:
Mostly all of our standard programs were made for not to do long hikes, usually 3 to 8 days. We are providing 1 porter to 1 person, which carries 15 kg, that weight including food, tents, cooking staff and private things of clients, usually around 3-5kg first days. Weight of food will decrease day by day and you will have the possibility to give extra weight to the porter. You can order extra porter if you having some big weight items as camera with lens, special equipment and etc.
• Daysac/Rucksack:
30-50 liters of rucksack recommended. During trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage, which is being carried for you by the porters or horse (Depends on trekking). In mountain region, the weather can change very fast and you should be equipped for this. Your day sack should be large enough to carry waterproofs, fleece jacket, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun cap, sun cream, water bottle and other staff which you need during the trek. On some occasions, it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch.
TRECKKING GRADE
To go to trekking you need to have a good level of fitness, heath and previous trekking experience is recommended. Trekking days are generally longer, challenging and at higher altitudes up to 3800 meters. Terrain may be difficult and ascents and descents are often demanding, especially during rain or snow.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance is NOT included. We advice that clients have their own travel insurance against illness, injury, loss/damage to personal belongings. In case of emergency our staff will make all the best to delivery you to hospital or other point and solve your problem, insurance will cover your charges. In case of no insurance, need to cover charges by yourself.
MEAL
Breakfast: consist some of following dishes: Porridge, omelet, omelet with fried sausages, pancakes, scrambled eggs with sausage, boiled eggs and etc + bread, jam, butter, honey, sweets, tea/coffee. Lunch boxes or lunch: Dried fruits, chocolate, yogurt, juice, cheese, sandwich, vegetables/fruits and tea/coffee. Dinner: Our cooks is preparing european and asian cuisine You need to let us know if you are vegetarian or have some preferences, so we will be able to make special menu for you.
TIPPING
Service of local staff is included to the program; however, it is polite to tip to local staff if the service has been very good. Also at your discretion, you might also consider tipping your tour manager in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.