Ala Kul Trek: Hike Kyrgyzstan's Alpine Beauty

The Ala-Kul Trek reigns supreme as Kyrgyzstan's most celebrated multi-day hike, and for good reason. Offering breathtaking scenery throughout, this accessible 54 km trek is within reach of anyone with a moderate fitness level, particularly the 4-day itinerary. As a reward for your efforts, rejuvenating natural hot springs await at the journey's end.

Ala-Kul trek starts from the city of Karakol, and I wrote a guide explaining how to get there and explore its gems.

Camping or staying in yurts/guesthouses?

One of the biggest decisions facing Ala-Kul Trek adventurers is whether to camp or indulge in the comfort of yurts or guesthouses. Camping offers a more budget-friendly option, even when factoring in gear rentals.

Please note that camping might be the only option if you plan to do the hike in four days, as there is no permanent accomodation or campsite at Karakol Lake. « Aziz Camp Site » might be offering accommodation (in tents) at the lake though - I saw an billboard close to the lake but but I did not see the camp itself when I was there in September. You can try to contact Aziz Camp at the following number +88 216 212 087 00 which was displayed on the billboard.

If you would like to camp but do not have camping gears, there are at least two options to gear up in Karakol:

• Eco-Trek - This reliable outfitter provides a full range of camping essentials, from sturdy tents to cooking equipment. The gear was generally in good condition, except the fact that some humidity did seep into the tents during the nights. They're open daily until 5 PM (closed on Sundays). Expect to pay around 3,000 SOM for a 3-day rental (tent, mattress, stove, gas cylinder, and cookware).

• Snow Leopard Hostel - This hostel caters to trekkers, renting out trekking poles, mattresses, and sleeping bags. Contact them via Instagram for a complete list of rental options.

For a more comfortable and convenient experience, consider booking your stay at a yurt camp in advance through your Karakol hostel or hotel (I understand it costs approx. 30 EUR a night). This will ensure you have a place to rest your head after a long day of trekking, especially during the busy season.

Essential Gear for the Ala-Kul Trek

• Embrace the Cold - Pack for extreme weather conditions, even during summer months. Temperatures can plummet, especially at night. I experienced -11°C at Sirota Camp (and it was a bone-chilling -15°C by the lake that same night) in early September. Check the weather forecast with your Karakol accommodation before heading out, and consider postponing your camping plans if a snowstorm is predicted. Also ensure your sleeping bag is rated for sub-zero temperatures - mine was not, and I barely got any sleep 🥶.

• Hiking Poles: A Lifesaver - I'm not typically a hiking pole user, but I'm incredibly grateful I rented a pair (thanks to the recommendation from Snow Leopard Hostel). They provided invaluable support on steep sections, especially descents, and were a lifesaver during slippery river crossings. Trust me, you'll appreciate having them to avoid a less graceful descent on your backside!

• River-Ready Footwear - River crossings are inevitable, and the water level can fluctuate. Pack a pair of sandals or water shoes to keep your hiking shoes dry and comfortable.

• Navigate with Confidence - Download an offline map application like MapsMe to ensure you stay on track, especially on sections with less defined trails.

• Purify Your Water - While crystal-clear streams accompany you for most of the trek, it's crucial to purify your drinking water. Carry a water purifier to eliminate any potential contaminants. I've been using this LifeStraw squeeze bottle from which you can drink directly for nearly two eyars now, and I highly recommend it.

3-day or 4-day itinerary?

If time allows, I'd suggest you to opt for the 4-day itinerary for the following reasons.

• Enjoy the Views - A 4-day itinerary allows for ample time to savor the breathtaking scenery at Ala-Kul Lake. Relax by the lake with a good book and soak in the stunning surroundings.

• Explore Altyn-Arashan - This charming village offers a delightful opportunity to explore and unwind. Enjoy the picturesque scenery with freely roaming horses and cows, and indulge in the therapeutic waters of the Altyn-Arashan hot springs.

• Manageable Pace - The 4-day option provides a more comfortable pace, making the trek more enjoyable for those with average fitness levels. While the 3-day itinerary is certainly achievable, the 4-day version offers a less strenuous experience.

• Weather Flexibility - I initially planned for the 4-day trek but was forced to shorten my itinerary due to a predicted snowstorm. Since I lacked the necessary camping gear for inclement weather, I opted for the 3-day version to avoid camping at the lake, which is very exposed.

I still provide a suggested 3-day itinerary below, as it is what I ended up doing because of the weather forecast.

4-Day itinerary

Day 1 - Karakol Valley to Sirota Camp (or Karakol Valley to « Campsite 1 »)

(This will be the toughest day if you hike up to Sirota, but a very easy one if you stop a Campsite 1)

The trek starts a few km away from Karakol's city centre, at this little kiosk where you need to pay the Park entrance fee. Worth noting is that there seems to be a scam going on, with the park staff attempting to charge an additional fee to travelers who planned to camp within the park. As I was aware of this, I pretended that my camping gear was merely a backup and that I intended to stay in yurt camps."

The way from Karakol to Sirota will take you through lush vegetation, pristine lakes and you will likely meet a bunch of wild horses eating or napping.

Some claim that the first day is relatively easy, but I actually found it to be the most challenging, or at least as challenging as the second one. Whilst the first part of the day up to the so-called « Campsite 1 » is indeed relatively easy with a gentle ascent, the last section to reach Sirota Camp is a b*tch and took me off-guard. It’s a pretty steep ascent (+500 m over a 3 km distance), so expect your leg to start burning pretty quickly.

Day 2 - Sirota Camp to Ala-Kul Lake (or « Campsite 1 to Ala-Kul »).

This will be an easy and short day if you start from Sirota (approx. 2h), and a more exhausting but still relatively short (approx. 4h) if you start from Campsite 1.

Once at the lake, enjoy the view! You will never get bored of it.

Day 3 - Ala-Kul Lake to Altyn-Arashan

This will a moderate day. The only difficulty of the day is the Ala-Kul pass which is relatively steep. The ascent is the most exhausting section and the descent the most technical one, as it is quite steep and slippery (there was snow on the trail when I was there in early September). But the view from the pass is worth all the pain 😊

After a 20-minute descent, you'll conquer the pass! The remaining portion of the trek to Altyn-Arashan is relatively straightforward, though it can be quite long. Depending on the season and weather conditions, river crossings may present some challenges. However, during my trek, the crossings were manageable. I didn't need to remove my shoes and only encountered one "bridge" – a fallen tree trunk – that required a bit of maneuvering.

It's advisable to consult your map regularly as the trail can become less defined in some areas. However, don't panic if you stray slightly from the path. You'll never be too far off course, and it's usually easy to reorient yourself by referring to your GPS tracks. I once realized I was walking on the wrong side of the river for over a kilometer, so it's always a good idea to double-check your position.

Day 4 - Altyn-Arashan to Ak-Suu village

This section of the trek, while the easiest, may also feel a bit monotonous. You'll primarily be following jeep tracks as you descend towards Ak-Suu. During my hike, heavy rain made the initial kilometers extremely muddy, significantly slowing my progress. However, the path becomes more manageable towards the end, even in inclement weather.

Approximately 3 kilometers before reaching Ak-Suu village, you'll encounter the main road and spot a bus stop on the opposite side. I recommend taking the Marshrutka from this stop back to Karakol (for 45 SOM) instead of walking the remaining distance to Ak-Suu, as this final stretch along the paved road can be quite boring.

3-Day itinerary

Day 1 - Karakol Valley to Sirota Camp

Refer to Day 1 of the 4-Day itinerary. While some sources recommend reaching Karakol Lake on the first day to ease the subsequent days, I found Day 2 manageable. The most challenging portion of Day 2 occurs at the outset when your legs are still relatively fresh.. But if you still have some fuel left in the tank when reaching Sirota, you can of course continue to the Lake (it should take you an extra 2h to reach it).

Day 2 - Sirota Camp to Altyn-Arashan

Refer to Day 2 and Day 3 of the 4-Day itinerary, which are now combined into one longer day.

While this is a relatively long day, the trail after the pass primarily consists of gentle slopes or gradual descents on relatively easy paths. Throughout the entire day, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views. Remember to occasionally look back and savor the stunning scenery you've already conquered!

Day 3 - Altyn-Arashan to Ak-Suu

Refer to Day 4 of the 4-Day itinerary.

My analog camera fell on the floor when I was back in Karakol, meaning that the most of the shots I took during the trek were either lost or damaged. But two came out pretty cool :)

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