Ala Kul Lake
Ala Kul Lake
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Erkaim Tour Guide Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan156 contributions
Sept 2019 • Business
I visited the lake at the end of September. I was sure that the weather would be horrible. Fortunately, it was wonderful weather for such month! We started our riding from Altyn-Arashan to Ala-Kul lake. It takes about one day to get there. The last 30 min of our way was on foot. If you don't have time and equipments, better go from Altyn-Arashan to the lake.
It was a challenge for me since I went with my sprained ankle. I was so eager to reach the lake even I forgot my pain in my foot. My wish for 2019 was done successfully! It was amazing view of the lake, seemed that it was glad to see us. I know that it will not be the last climb.
It was a challenge for me since I went with my sprained ankle. I was so eager to reach the lake even I forgot my pain in my foot. My wish for 2019 was done successfully! It was amazing view of the lake, seemed that it was glad to see us. I know that it will not be the last climb.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gytis Bliu
Kaunas, Lithuania18 contributions
July 2021
The road towards it is pretty steep. The best view is not directly near the lake, but going to the hot springs from the lake, at the pass. The weather is changing pretty fast here though. So be prepared.
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex_Johnson_Bishkek
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan873 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
I have been to Ala Kul Lake many times and it's amazing! I have been trekking in the Swiss and French Alps for a few summers and I have never seen something like Ala Kul Lake. The views are really worth the trek up. Some people would say that it's not an easy tour. Some people take guides and some people go one there own. Make sure you have all the right gear you need before you go. Good tent, down sleeping bag even in summer, good trekking pools and full rain gear. You can rent all your gear at EcoTrek Trekking and Travel in the center of Karakol. The best time to see the lake is in the end of June to the end of September.
The lake is 3500M
The pass is 3850M
In summer at night it easily becomes below 0 C
This is the 3 day trek description from EcoTrek Trekking and Travel
Day 1
Hire a vehicle to Karakol Leskhoz (Karakol National Park) ~20min (20km). The cost to enter the park is 250 SOM per person and 150 SOM per tent. The hike to Sirota EcoTrek’s campsite ~5-6 hours (22km). You will be walking alongside the river for ~3 hours (11km) and then cross a bridge with a cable and trek up the valley to the campsite. Overnight in the tent (Elevation: 2700m).
Day 2
Leaving the campsite you will summit Alakul Lake (3600m) in ~2 hours and Alakul pass (3860m) ~2 hours. Then you will descend to Keldiki gorge where you will find the Altyn Arashan Yurt camp/Accommodation ~4-5 hours (15km). Be aware that the Alakul pass has loose rocks and can be dangerous. At Altyn Arashan Yurts/Accommodations and food can be provided (Elevation: 2500m).
Day3
Leaving the campsite Altyn –Arashan you will hike down to Aksu Village ~3-4 hours (16km). Once you’re in Aksu hire a vehicle to Karakol ~30min (18km).
The lake is 3500M
The pass is 3850M
In summer at night it easily becomes below 0 C
This is the 3 day trek description from EcoTrek Trekking and Travel
Day 1
Hire a vehicle to Karakol Leskhoz (Karakol National Park) ~20min (20km). The cost to enter the park is 250 SOM per person and 150 SOM per tent. The hike to Sirota EcoTrek’s campsite ~5-6 hours (22km). You will be walking alongside the river for ~3 hours (11km) and then cross a bridge with a cable and trek up the valley to the campsite. Overnight in the tent (Elevation: 2700m).
Day 2
Leaving the campsite you will summit Alakul Lake (3600m) in ~2 hours and Alakul pass (3860m) ~2 hours. Then you will descend to Keldiki gorge where you will find the Altyn Arashan Yurt camp/Accommodation ~4-5 hours (15km). Be aware that the Alakul pass has loose rocks and can be dangerous. At Altyn Arashan Yurts/Accommodations and food can be provided (Elevation: 2500m).
Day3
Leaving the campsite Altyn –Arashan you will hike down to Aksu Village ~3-4 hours (16km). Once you’re in Aksu hire a vehicle to Karakol ~30min (18km).
Written 19 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sambawalk2025
Singapore753 contributions
July 2018 • Solo
No camping gear, no guide, and no porter are required for 3D2N from Karakol Valley to Altyn Arashan and back to Karakol city. I did it on 23-25 July 2018 and enjoyed the spectacular scenery and trekking experience, just on my own.
I chose this option because I am not able to carry heavy weight, unfortunately. 2 days prior to the trek, I visited Destination Karakol to confirm the possibility of this option. I only used one walking stick, which I found to be useful for crossing the stream and muddy grounds, and a small day pack with simple food and water.
I started the trek by taking marshrutka #101 from Karakol City, hiked up from the Karakol Valley Park entrance to Sirota camp site where the local had set up Yurt and tent. I paid 1,500 Som, which included a Yurt stay, dinner and breakfast. The Yurt operator maintained a minibar with drinks for sale. Some other backpackers set up their tents nearby.
The 2nd day was the longest. I started at 8am and reached Altyn Arashan only after 5pm. Yes, I stopped from time to time to rest, and who didn't? The scenery was just WOW. The ascent was not that easy, but I made it. The first part of descend was even more difficult, but after that, a easy smooth descent. In Altyn Arashan, I stayed at one Yurt operator (VIP) which provided Yurt stay, dinner, breakfast, a 30 minutes hot spring for 1,200 Som. The quality was minimum.
On the 3rd day, I walked about 14 Km all the way to the main road where I was able to catch marshrutka #350 back to Karakol city.
Don't miss it.
I chose this option because I am not able to carry heavy weight, unfortunately. 2 days prior to the trek, I visited Destination Karakol to confirm the possibility of this option. I only used one walking stick, which I found to be useful for crossing the stream and muddy grounds, and a small day pack with simple food and water.
I started the trek by taking marshrutka #101 from Karakol City, hiked up from the Karakol Valley Park entrance to Sirota camp site where the local had set up Yurt and tent. I paid 1,500 Som, which included a Yurt stay, dinner and breakfast. The Yurt operator maintained a minibar with drinks for sale. Some other backpackers set up their tents nearby.
The 2nd day was the longest. I started at 8am and reached Altyn Arashan only after 5pm. Yes, I stopped from time to time to rest, and who didn't? The scenery was just WOW. The ascent was not that easy, but I made it. The first part of descend was even more difficult, but after that, a easy smooth descent. In Altyn Arashan, I stayed at one Yurt operator (VIP) which provided Yurt stay, dinner, breakfast, a 30 minutes hot spring for 1,200 Som. The quality was minimum.
On the 3rd day, I walked about 14 Km all the way to the main road where I was able to catch marshrutka #350 back to Karakol city.
Don't miss it.
Written 10 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew M
7,589 contributions
July 2018 • Family
My son and I booked this tour with Visit Karakol and were not disappointed. My son is 15, and I knew it would be challenging, so we chose what we thought was the easiest option, Karakol Valley to Altyn Arashan valley. We took a 4WD from Karakol to the wooden bridge in Karakol Valley which saved us close to an hour walking on a muddy trail. The entrance to the park was included in the tour price, but is approximately US$5 (350 som) for foreigners.We rented tents and sleeping bags, which were carried by our guide.
We trekked for 2-3 hours from the bridge to the main camp site, which has old Soviet tents. This section of the trek was relatively easy and cool, as the trail was covered with pine trees. After a short break, we continued on the steeper climb to the waterfall, and then Ala Kol Lake. We didn't bring as much snacks as we had intended, so this section was a little challenging and took longer than expected. It should be a 2-3 hpur hike to the lake from main camp, depending on your level of fitness.
We camped overnight at the lake, where the weather can be very unpredictable. The climb to Ala Kol pass is much more difficult than the trail up to the lake. We did this early in the morning. This may take 2-3 hours, but you will be rewarded by a magnificent view. It is a very steep descent from Ala Kol pass to the camp below, but this may be accomplished easily in less than an hour. From the camp (Keldike gorge) it is approximately a 10 km trek to Altyn-Arashan on open plains, and then through forested areas. Depending on the weather, this may take 3-4 hours, but is mostly downhill and relatively easy.
Altyn-Aishan is in a protected botanical research area which is said to have snow leopards and several bears.The only animals that we saw were cows and horses.On reaching Altyn-Aishan resort you will have to cross a wooden bridge over the river, and a small shop is to the right.The views here are great. There are hot springs here, but we preferred to head back to Karakol and missed this.
The 4WD back to Karakol is only a distance of 14 km but the road is non-existent in many places, and it is a difficult and bumpy journey of (2-3 hours). If you are an experienced trekker, you can avoid the 4WD, but I would encourage it for those who wish to enjoy a less physically demanding trek. In my opinion, there is no guide required from the Karakol Valley to Ala Kol pass, but we saw individual trekkers take incorrect paths instead of crossing over the river on the hike to the hot springs. If you are unsure of the area, a guide may be best.
We were assisted by many fellow trekkers with snacks as our supplies were short, and we wish to thank them. The trek to Ala Kol lake is difficult but rewarding, and the great photos make it well worth the effort.
We trekked for 2-3 hours from the bridge to the main camp site, which has old Soviet tents. This section of the trek was relatively easy and cool, as the trail was covered with pine trees. After a short break, we continued on the steeper climb to the waterfall, and then Ala Kol Lake. We didn't bring as much snacks as we had intended, so this section was a little challenging and took longer than expected. It should be a 2-3 hpur hike to the lake from main camp, depending on your level of fitness.
We camped overnight at the lake, where the weather can be very unpredictable. The climb to Ala Kol pass is much more difficult than the trail up to the lake. We did this early in the morning. This may take 2-3 hours, but you will be rewarded by a magnificent view. It is a very steep descent from Ala Kol pass to the camp below, but this may be accomplished easily in less than an hour. From the camp (Keldike gorge) it is approximately a 10 km trek to Altyn-Arashan on open plains, and then through forested areas. Depending on the weather, this may take 3-4 hours, but is mostly downhill and relatively easy.
Altyn-Aishan is in a protected botanical research area which is said to have snow leopards and several bears.The only animals that we saw were cows and horses.On reaching Altyn-Aishan resort you will have to cross a wooden bridge over the river, and a small shop is to the right.The views here are great. There are hot springs here, but we preferred to head back to Karakol and missed this.
The 4WD back to Karakol is only a distance of 14 km but the road is non-existent in many places, and it is a difficult and bumpy journey of (2-3 hours). If you are an experienced trekker, you can avoid the 4WD, but I would encourage it for those who wish to enjoy a less physically demanding trek. In my opinion, there is no guide required from the Karakol Valley to Ala Kol pass, but we saw individual trekkers take incorrect paths instead of crossing over the river on the hike to the hot springs. If you are unsure of the area, a guide may be best.
We were assisted by many fellow trekkers with snacks as our supplies were short, and we wish to thank them. The trek to Ala Kol lake is difficult but rewarding, and the great photos make it well worth the effort.
Written 23 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian W
Montreal, Canada333 contributions
Sept 2017 • Solo
You need some hiking gear and good shoes to hike to this lake. No matter which trail you take, you will hike to a 4000m pass where it was snowing on September 3rd! The views over the lake and glaciers were fantastic and worth the efforts to get there.
Written 6 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex Stensholm
Buenos Aires, Argentina169 contributions
Sept 2016 • Friends
The Ala Kul Lake is situated south of Karakol, just southeast of Issyk-Kul Lake.
1. You will need at least 4 full days to enjoy this hike. You can easily get a porter and a guide in Karakol - just ask around, it's very easy.
2. You can also do this hike without a porter and a guide since it is a pretty easy hike, with the exception of the last bit to the Ala Kul Pass if you aren't fit.
3. The hike will bring you through handsome forests and creeks with stunning backdrops before leaving the level of tree - and you will finally reach the Ala Kul Lake. Speaking in altitudes, you will start at around 1800 metres above sea level. The first camp is at around 2500 metres, the second at 3000 metres. Ala Kul Lake is at 3550 metres while the pass is about 350 metres higher up. The third camp is on the other side of the pass - at 3200 metres. The fourth is in a tiny village at 2000 metres.
4. You should do the hike anti-clockwise because of the hot springs close to the fourth camp site. It is a real bliss after the hike!
5. Please take everything you took with in with you out again!
6. Water is safe to drink from the creeks.
7. Bring warm clothes. We did encounter a snowstorm which lasted 10 minutes, and it was very cold.
1. You will need at least 4 full days to enjoy this hike. You can easily get a porter and a guide in Karakol - just ask around, it's very easy.
2. You can also do this hike without a porter and a guide since it is a pretty easy hike, with the exception of the last bit to the Ala Kul Pass if you aren't fit.
3. The hike will bring you through handsome forests and creeks with stunning backdrops before leaving the level of tree - and you will finally reach the Ala Kul Lake. Speaking in altitudes, you will start at around 1800 metres above sea level. The first camp is at around 2500 metres, the second at 3000 metres. Ala Kul Lake is at 3550 metres while the pass is about 350 metres higher up. The third camp is on the other side of the pass - at 3200 metres. The fourth is in a tiny village at 2000 metres.
4. You should do the hike anti-clockwise because of the hot springs close to the fourth camp site. It is a real bliss after the hike!
5. Please take everything you took with in with you out again!
6. Water is safe to drink from the creeks.
7. Bring warm clothes. We did encounter a snowstorm which lasted 10 minutes, and it was very cold.
Written 14 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alexltrouble
Vienna, Austria1 contribution
July 2018 • Couples
We did hiking to Ala Kul lake early in july. It was very interesting our guide and porters are very friendly and spaek english. For this trek very important things must to take good trekking boots. Highly recommend tour operator. Their have very friendly team. We spent best time with Pegas Adventure (easy to find on Facebook)
Written 9 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mnbiker
Saint Paul, MN286 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Ala Kul is a beautiful, glacier-fed lake high in the mountains above Karakol. It is accessible only on foot, and it's a challenging hike, with lots of climbing, but well worth the trouble of getting there. You must cross several boulder fields on the way up to the lake, so wear sturdy boots. And the lake is at an elevation of about 3,900 feet, so bring warm clothes. The hike can be done in as little as two very long, challenging days, but four days is the standard time for this hike. At Altyn Arashan there are hot springs and several guesthouses where you can soak in them. It's a great way to spend the last evening on the trail.
Written 5 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew
1 contribution
Sept 2018 • Friends
We did 3 days trekking to Ala Kul lake and Altyn Arashan 3 Days. Started from Karakol city to Karakol valley near the bridge. When we started the wheather was little bit cluody and colder, later getting sunny and view of the mountains stunning. First day we slept in a tent, the place name is Sirota. Second day we went up to Ala Kul lake 3500m. Ala kul is really beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan. After ala kul gobup 3900m. Than down to Altyn Arashan. Altyn Arashan is a in a valley here you can take natural hot shower. 3rd day went down to Ak suu village. From Ak suu to Ksrakol by car. In this tour you will see a lots of different kind of birds. Before trekking you should to take warm jackets and trekking shoes because the way is difficult.
We booked qith "Travel Forever" contactted on Facebook. Their gave us cheaper prices then others. Highly recommend
We booked qith "Travel Forever" contactted on Facebook. Their gave us cheaper prices then others. Highly recommend
Written 5 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much did you pay for the 3D/2N trek to Ala kul lake? Guide and tent included... as we are not that experienced to trek alone. Thank you 🙏🏼
Written 1 March 2020
Hello! I think I paid a total of 100€ for just the guide (I had my own tent and equipment). However, I do not recommend the guide I had, he was not prepared at all. He ended up sleeping in my tent because he was freezing at night. The following day he had headache so I had to give him a painkiller. The agency was Bulak Say Horseback and Trekking. I think prices would range from 100-200€.
Even though it is possible to do the trek alone, I always prefer going with someone experienced (unless you are really experienced). In fact, many tourists who were doing the trek alone ended up asking questions to my guide, which did anoy me. I think that for foreigners, in general, paying 100-200€ is not so much after all, specially if yous plit that price among 2 or 3 people.
Written 2 March 2020
Does someone know in Kyrgystan a nice travel agent to organise 3-4 days hike to Ala Kul Lake?
Written 14 July 2019
In Karakol a lot of Tour Agencies.
We choose Travel Forever company
Everything was great. We didn't have any problems during the tour. The guide Speaks very well English.
Written 4 August 2019
Hi,we want to do a 4 days/3 nights trekking(1 night near sirota camp,second night near ala kul lake or keldirke gorge,last night in altyn arashan)is there yurt camps or something near sirota and near the lake or we should take a tent?thank you
Written 13 July 2019
Hey there!
Does anyone have contact details of a hiking guide for this Trek?
I do not need a porter.
Thanks!
Written 3 May 2019
Yes, you can try to whatsapp Berdibay @ +996700991543
Written 6 May 2019
It don't think it's possible during winter. Our guide told us that the period to hike Ala Kul is from July to September. You need to get to Karakol first before making your way to Karakol National Park/ Atyn Arashan by bus or car.
Written 8 January 2019
We will be hiking in august. Are there sections where we have to cross the river with no bridge? If yes, What advice on how to properly cross the river? Should I remove shoes and socks? I do not want to be cold and wet during the
cold night.
How do we reserve a spot at the alakul guesthouse ahead of time?
Written 6 July 2018
Hello Dear
Do u have a recommendation for an Agent
But not commercials with low expenses
Trekking for 4 days
Route: Karakol - Sirota hut - Ala-Kul - Altyn-Arashan - Karakol
Thx
Liat
Written 21 June 2018
Hello Liat
We did trekking 4 days this same tour with Travel Forever company. The prices also was cheaper.
After 4 days trekking, did horseback riding to Song kol lake 3 days. This is the best experience to try everyone!!!
Written 1 June 2019
Is it possible to rent a tent at the first camp site en route up the lake, rather than carry one around for the entire trek? Also does the campsite provide food?
Written 16 August 2017
You can definitely rent a tent and other gear (stove/ cookware/ backpacks/etc) in Karakol - try Extreme Tours or Riverside Guesthouse. You'd still have to trek it through the valley and up to the campsite. Enjoy!
Written 23 August 2017
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