Ultimate Guide to the Multi-day Ala Kul Trek in Kyrgyzstan

Ultimate Guide to the Multi-day Ala Kul Trek in Kyrgyzstan

Hiking to Ala-Kul Lake is one of the most iconic multi-day treks in Kyrgyzstan – and for good reason! In just three days through this 55km trail, you pass through deep alpine valleys, cross a high mountain pass, and finish at a shockingly turquoise lake tucked high in the Terskey Alatau range.

It’s challenging, beautiful, and properly wild, but still accessible to independent hikers with decent fitness and basic mountain sense. If you’re looking for a trek in Kyrgyzstan that feels adventurous without needing a guide or technical gear, Ala-Kul is hard to beat.

I completed this trek solo in 2025, and this is up there with one of my highlights of Kyrgyzstan. During the hike, I noted every inch of the trail and put it into this post so you complete the Ala Kul trek too. So here’s my ultimate guide to the Ala Kul trek in Kyrgyzstan!

About Ala Kul

Ala Kul Lake (also known as Ala-Köl), located in northeastern Kyrgyzstan near Karakol, sits at around 3,560 metres above sea level, framed by steep scree slopes and snow-streaked peaks. Its colour changes constantly – deep blue in the morning, milky turquoise by midday, and almost green when clouds roll in.

The name roughly translates to “Variegated Lake,” which feels fitting once you see how dramatic the landscape is. The lake itself is cold, windswept, and completely undeveloped, giving the whole area a raw, untouched feel.

The Ala Kul trek is a 50-55km section of the much longer Ak Suu Traverse (a 110km trek running between Jyrgalan and Jeti Oguz). Ala Kul and the Ala Kul Pass is considered the most scenic and most challenging section, which I can testify, but can be completed in 3 or 4 days.

About the hike

Walk type: Point to point
Distance:  ~45-55km (depending on start/end points)
Maximum Elevation: 3900m (Ala-Kul Pass)
Minimum Elevation: 1850m
Walk time: 3-4 days (2-3 nights)
Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
Highlights: Ala-Kul lake
Permit Required: No
Entrance Fee: Yes

Ala Kul Trek Route Map

The route of the classic 3-day Ala Kul trek forms a rough U-shape. Starting in Karakol Valley, heading south via Ala Kul Lake over the Ala Kul pass and then down to Altyn Arashan and back to civilisation.

Annoyingly, there isn’t just one exact AllTrails route to navigate, but there are several routes which cover segments which you can use each day. Here’s how to use them to navigate the Ala Kul trek:

Follow this first route from the start point in Karakol Valley to Ala Kul Lake.

This overlaps with the second route map which you can begin from the Ala Kul Waterfall. This follows the route from Ala Kul Lake to Altyn Arashan.

Lastly, from Altyn Arashan down to Ak-Suu, you can use this final trailmap to help navigate.

3 Days vs 4 Days

The debate whether to hike Ala-Kul in 3 days or 4 days is a common one – I was asking myself the same question! Particularly given there are plenty of places to stop throughout the length of the trek.

The answer depends on two factors: how much time you have and how much distance you want to cover each day.

If you’re carrying all of your own gear, you have more flexibility and can make a decision based on your progress. It also means you’ll likely be walking a bit slower, so an extra day to complete the trek might be helpful.

If you’re packing light and opting for the on-route campsites, then you will need to consider the cost and availability of accommodation. Some of the yurt camps can be expensive by Kyrgyz standards.

If you’re young and fit, then I reckon that 3 days to cover the distance is sufficient for the Ala Kul trek. However, if you want to take it slow and find peace in nature, then 4 days is great.

However, you can also do this by extending your hiking route beyond the end-point of this hike towards Jyrgalan (or Jeti Oguz if you hike the opposite direction).

How to get to Karakol

The most common starting point for the 3-day Ala-Kul hike is Karakol, a small town on the eastern edge of Issyk-Kul Lake.

From Bishkek:

Most people travel directly to Karakol from Bishkek, as these are two of the biggest tourism hubs in Kyrgyzstan. Located around 405 km apart, you’ve got a few solid options:

• Shared taxi: This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Karakol. Shared taxis usually leave once full from the eastern bus station (or nearby taxi stands) in Bishkek. Expect the journey to take 6–7 hours, depending on traffic and stops. It’s more expensive than a marshrutka, but worth it if you value comfort and speed. It’s also the option I recommend.
• Marshrutka (shared minibus): The cheapest and most common budget option. Marshrutkas to Karakol also leave from Bishkek’s eastern bus station and take around 7–8 hours. They’re safe and reliable, but can be cramped, especially if you’re travelling with a backpack.
• Train (+ marshrutka): There’s a train from Bishkek to Balykchy (on the western edge of Issyk-Kul). It’s slow but scenic and comfortable. From Balykchy, you’ll need to hop on a marshrutka or shared taxi to Karakol, which takes another 5–6 hours along the lake’s northern shore. This option takes longer overall but is a nice, relaxed way to travel and should still get you there in one day.
• Hitchhike: Hitchhiking between Bishkek and Karakol is common and generally safe, especially along the main Issyk-Kul road. It can take anywhere from one long ride or several shorter lifts, depending on luck. If you’re flexible with time and enjoy meeting locals, it’s a very doable option. Give yourself all day if you want to do this!

From elsewhere:

If you’re not travelling from Bishkek, you’ll likely be arriving from the south or elsewhere along the southern coast of Issyk-Kul. Shared taxis or marshrutkas are your best option here. I opted for a marshrutka from Bokonbaebo after experiencing some traditional eagle hunting there. It pretty much one straight road along the coast so it’s also relatively simple to hitchhike.

If you’re coming from the far reaches of Kyrgyzstan, Karakol does have a nearby airport, served by flights from Osh. This is a good option if you’re already in southern Kyrgyzstan.

I recommend to stay in Karakol for at least one night so you can sort all your belongings out and pack your bags, and then start hiking the next (or following) morning. This gives you the opportunity to arrange any gear rental if you’re camping.

Where to stay in Karakol

There are a few good options to stay in Karakol, whether you’re looking for cheap hostels or something a bit nicer ahead of the next few days hiking Ala Kul.

Here are my top picks:

• Duet Hostel: One of the more social hostels in Karakol. It has a good restaurant out front as well as handy tourist information for the trek and also the city.
• Snow Leopard Hostel: Another helpful hostel in Karakol, slightly cheaper than Duet.
• Ordo Hotel: A solid hotel for a reasonable price, offering breakfast to fuel you up before you head out on your adventure!
• Jaisan Hotel: If you want to start hiking from your accommodation, Jaison Hotel is literally on the trail and can’t be matched for convenience. Of course, you’ll need to bring all your belongings with you as it’s already out of the main town.

TOP TIP: Generally I recommend either turning up and organising in person (if low season), or booking via Booking.com to get the best rates. Hostelworld often charges the biggest fees.

How to get to the trailhead

Once you’re packed and ready to go, there are a couple of options for getting to the trailhead of Ala Kul from Karakol town. Most hikers start near the Ala Kul / Karakol Gorge entrance, which is the route I’m outlining in this post.

The easiest option is ordering a taxi – Yandex is the most popular. From Karakol it should cost less than 200 com to the park entrance. If you’re struggling to find the park entrance, you can search for the Hills Hotel Karakol (which is just before the checkpoint).

Alternatively, the cheapest option is to take a marshrutka to Karakol Valley. The #101 bus departs from near Duet Hostel and goes all the way to the National Park entrance for 30 som. Let the driver know where you’re going when you hop on (though he’ll probably know by looking at your bags).

You’ll usually be dropped near the eco-post or bridge at the start of the valley.

The hike typically finishes in Altyn Arashan or Ak Suu, from where you can take a 4WD or shared taxi back to Karakol.

What to expect: Hiking Ala Kul

Day 1: Karakol Valley to Sirota Camp

The first day covers a lot of ground, but eases you in to the trek. You follow a river through wide alpine valleys, passing yurt camps, grazing horses, and pine forests. It’s mostly gradual uphill, with plenty of spots to camp near the river.

We got a Yandex as far as we could into the valley to begin hiking. Unfortunately, there’s a checkpoint here. I heard that some people got through, but we were forced to get out and begin our hike slightly earlier than expected.

This small, unassuming hut is also where you pay the 300 Kyrgyz som National Park entrance fee (it’s 10KGS for local tourists). With an additional 100 som for anyone camping.

I’ve also heard that this fee is paid elsewhere in the park so keep hold of your receipt so you’re not double-charged! From my experience, my receipt wasn’t checked for the rest of my 3-day trek.

We walked along the road for a kilometre or two before reaching our turn off at the Jaisan Hotel (this is where the first AllTrails route begins). At this point the scenery becomes more natural as you say goodbye to the tarmac and begin walking on trails.

Continue along this path for the next few kilometres, following the river on your right until you reach a bridge. I missed it as first because I wasn’t following my map properly, but it’s just before a slight incline of woodland, and there (at least at the time) was an old soviet van parked on the opposite side. There’s a metal signpost there as well. There are a couple of bridges so make sure you cross at the correct point. It’s marked on Google Maps here.

After crossing the bridge, follow the trail along and through the woodlands. There’s a gradual incline in sections, but the intermittent shade helps with the heat.

Watch out for any vehicles passing by, as the ‘trail’ is also used by old soviet-style buses transporting people further up the track.

You will continue going through these pine forests, occasionally rejoining the river. I opted to have lunch beside it in a secluded shaded patch.

After passing several more pine forests, you will rejoin with the river for some of the most beautiful views of day 1. I was completely on my own for most of this section, only passing a couple of people hiking the other direction near the end.

Follow the river’s edge for a few kilometres. The path will veer to the right to a few switchbacks as you gain some more elevation. The river transforms into more of a waterfall.

When you reach the top, you can look back at the route that you hiked up alongside the river.

Shortly after this, you will come across a small shop. There’s a yurt camp here too, if you wanted to stop and spend the night. This is an option if you want to split this trek into 4 days (3 nights).

If, like me, you’re hiking Ala Kul in 3 days, continue across the wooden bridge and into the more dense woodland.

Now, it’s time for the toughest part of the hike. A gruelling uphill through the pine forest. I don’t really have too many photos here since I was fighting for my life…

It’s tough as you’ve already hiked a lot today, plus the sun is beating down on you from behind. At least when you come out into the clearing at the top, you can look back at a spectacular view behind you. Plus you know it’s only a short distance to find the campsite for the night!

Stay in Camp Sirota overnight. I recommend booking this in advance. You can do this through your accommodation or contact them directly. Alternatively, you can turn up on arrival and hope for the best.

There are a couple of other yurt camps at this location, so you can walk around and ask each! There’s of course also space to pitch up your tent in and around this area.

In terms of facilities, several of the yurt camps do sell water, but it’s best not to rely on it since they ran out while I was there. They also have Starlink internet, so you should be able to send a message to anyone to let them know you’re safe. Toilet facilities are basic, and I wasn’t aware of any showers.

Day 2: Sirota Camp to Altyn Arashan (via Ala-Kul Pass)

This is the toughest and most rewarding day, even though your final elevation is below your starting elevation. The climb up to Ala-Kul Pass (around 3,900 m) is steep, exposed, and slow going, especially with altitude.

Start your day from Sirota Camp, surrounded by beautiful scenery! Have some breakfast, which almost all yurt camps offer with their stay. Then set off as early as you can once it’s light!

You will walk through any of the other yurt camps and begin ascending up towards Ala Kul waterfall. The trail is easy enough to follow, and you can roughly make it out from the camp.

At the top of this section, you will be greet by a majestic waterfall.

Stay to the left of the falls, and continue hiking upwards.

Once over these rocks, you will get your first view of Ala-Kul Lake – so be prepared to have your breath taken away!

Whilst the official trail doesn’t directly go down to the lake’s edge, I highly recommend going down. There are a couple of paths which go down.

If you’re brave/crazy enough and have a way to warm back up, you could even go for a dip!

Rejoin the main path and follow the trail with the lake on your right. It’s a thin trail which undulates across the mountain. Eventually it will curve around to the left and you will be able to make out the Ala Kul Pass at 3900m.

It’s a steady uphill, so be prepared to feel your legs given the elevation and the loose rock as you hike up. But once you make it up, the views are well worth it!

It is exposed at the top, so I sheltered behind some rocks, ate a Snickers, and enjoyed the spectacular view. This and snapping a few pictures counted as my recovery time.

I probably stayed at the top for around 20 minutes in total, but this will depend on the conditions and how on-schedule you are.

Once you’ve absorbed all the views from the pass, it’s time to make your way down. This is probably the most treacherous section of the hike as there is lots of very loose scree! I saw at least one person fall down going down, and every single person hiking the other direction was on all fours!

At the bottom, there’s a yurt camp and you’ll see several horses which are available for rent. I’m not sure how much these are, but since you’re on this article about hiking Ala-Kul, I’ll presume you want to continue hiking down to Altyn Arashan.

From here, it’s a comparatively easy downhill for a few kilometers!

The rocks gradually disappear and I felt like I was walking through a green wonderland. All of the people that I’d seen at Ala-Kul Pass and the lake had disappeared!

Eventually you’ll arrive into the lush Altyn Arashan. There are several yurt camps and campsites as you walk into the valley. Most of which offer hot springs which feel incredible after two full days of hiking!

First I tried Guest House Elza, which I was highly recommended, but it was fully booked. So I went across to Ala Kul Guest House which had some space available and was equally good!

Unlike Sirota, Altyn Arashan offers much more developed facilities. Aside from the hot springs, built-up accommodations offer proper beds, bathrooms with usually hot showers, and WiFi. There are also a couple of small stalls which sell hot food and confectionery. I had a kebab for dinner to try and refuel with as many calories as possible!

Day 3: Altyn Arashan to Ak Suu

Day three is mostly downhill as you head back to civilisation. This means, that you can afford a slower morning and enjoy everything that Altyn Arashan has to offer! Or, if you’re truly in a rush, you can get a vehicle down from Altyn Arashan.

As before, you will continue walking through various pine forest sections and beside the river. In comparison to the previous day, the scenery isn’t as good, but it’s still beautiful.

Since many people visit Altyn Arashan for day trips, there are sections of the hike with a bit more traffic. They can kick up a fair amount of dust if it hasn’t rained in a while.

The last section of the hike into Ak Suu leaves the park and follows some quiet roads. If you want, you can order a Yandex from this point. Otherwise, you can continue walking to Ak Suu where you can be rewarded with some more hot springs!

From Ak Suu you can also get a marshrutka back to Karakol, which is the cheapest option (approx 40 som) if you don’t want to get a taxi.

Honest Review

Ala-Kul is not an easy trek, but it’s one of the most rewarding hikes I’ve done in Central Asia. The pass is brutal if you’re not acclimatised, and weather can turn quickly, but the sense of achievement at the top makes it all worth it.

It feels remote, raw, and authentic. No fences, no cafés, minimal crowds – just mountains, weather, and your own legs getting you through it. However, I do expect this hike will become more crowded in future years as Kyrgyzstan takes off as a top-tier hiking destination.

Tips for Hiking Ala Kul

• Start early every day: Afternoon storms are common, and you don’t want to be crossing high ground late. Even Day 1 should start early so you have time to rest properly ahead of day 2. The day you are taking on the Ala Kul Pass is particularly important to start early!
• Don’t rush: Saving energy for the pass makes a huge difference. Use the first day to find your rhythm and don’t push too hard.
• Bring proper layers: Even in summer, snow and wind are very possible at the pass.
• Book accommodation in advance: Book at least your first night in Sirota Camp as it can sell out. Beyond that, you can usually just turn up – though having a booking gives you peace of mind.
• Get your meals and snacks: There’s a Globus supermarket in Karakol. I had great fun deciding what snacks to bring for the trek.

Camping vs Yurt Camps for Ala Kul

This depends on your budget, comfort tolerance and sense of adventure.

Having recently camped in ala Archa National Park while hiking Lake Adygene, I didn’t fancy carrying all my gear for 3 days through Ala-Kul too!

If you’re looking for more comfort, then the yurt camps offer the additional comfort of not having to carry your own gear, starlink WiFi and also meals.

FAQs

Can You Hike Ala-Kul Solo?

Yes – many people hike Ala-Kul independently, and it’s one of the most solo-friendly multi-day hikes in Kyrgyzstan.

That said, you should be confident with:

• Navigation (offline maps are essential)
• River crossings
• Camping in variable mountain weather

If you’re unsure, it’s easy to meet other hikers in Karakol and join forces. And if not, there are still guides available.

Best Time to Hike

The best time to hike Ala-Kul is late June to mid-September.

July and August offer the most stable weather, but also the busiest trails. Early and late season hikes may involve snow on the pass and colder nights. I hiked in July which was perfect!

Whilst you might see stunning photos of the Ala Kul trek during winter, hiking during this time is only for those who are truly and suitably prepared for a snowy adventure. Though even in the summer, you could experience pretty much every season over the course of your three day trek! Maybe even through the course of one day…

Therefore, take a look at the weather forecasts for the area before you begin hiking. I like to look at a few different apps/sites so they’re as reliable as possible.

Ala Kul Hike Difficulty

Physically, Ala-Kul is challenging, mainly due to altitude and the steep climb to the pass. Technically, it’s straightforward as no ropes or scrambling are required.

If you’re fit, patient, and comfortable carrying a pack for three days, it’s absolutely achievable.

Bringing some hiking poles will definitely make the trek a bit easier. Even if you’re not a frequent pole-user!

How quick can you do the Ala Kul trek?

On average, the Ala Kul trek is completed in 3 days, but there are other options if you have less time:

• 1 Day: If you want to see the Ala Kul Pass in one day (not recommended) you could drive to Altyn Arashan early. Then hike up to the pass and return to Altyn Arashan. Be careful of the altitude if you consider doing this.
• 2 Days: You could either do the previous option, but with an extra night in Altyn Arashan. Or you could hike the original route and get a lift down from Altyn Arashan on Day 2.

That being said, I think the Ala Kul trek is best when it’s not rushed. If you really don’t have much time, maybe take on another of Kyrgyzstan’s incredible day hikes. Or instead, hike some of the trek, just visiting Altyn Arashan itself is a nice easy hike that still gives you a taste of the mountains.

Of course you can extend the Ala Kul trek, taking 4 days instead. Doing this makes the distances more manageable.

How to navigate Ala Kul trek?

Ala-Kul was actually my first ever solo multi-day trek, so I was (understandbly) nervous about navigation. However, it was pretty easy!

The paths are relatively obvious and easy to follow, and there are usually other people on the trail (especially in high season).

I still highly recommend downloaded offline maps – using a combination of AllTrails maps linked above and also maps.me.

AllTrails is great for measuring progress against your route, whilst maps.me is great for slight detours (and therefore finding your way back to the path). It also has viewpoints, water sources, campsites and bus stops marked.

Of course, you can do the hike in the opposite direction. The Altyn Arashan to Ala Kul hike is a popular one for those looking to shorten the whole route

Can you do Ala Kul horse trek?

I’ve been asked by several people about an Ala Kul horse trek. While there are options to ride horses in several areas around the region, you cannot complete this route on horseback.

Whilst I did see one horse at the Ala Kul Pass (being led by a local), the route up is too steep to tackle with someone on their back. Therefore, the most common alternative is riding from Altyn Arashan to the base of the pass.

If you want my personal opinion, you should skip this if you’re a hiker (and keep the peak as a reward for just those who make it up there on foot). Anyway, there are far better places in Kyrgyzstan to horseride, like Song Kul, the Alay range or Saray-Chelek.

What to pack for Ala Kul trek

Here’s my quick packing list for Ala Kul 3 day hike (whether you’re in yurts or camping):

• Warm layers (including gloves and hat): It gets cold at night so having some extra layers is necessary, even in the warmth of the yurts. And especially if you’re in a tent.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers: Whilst I didn’t bring waterproof trousers myself, you should at least bring a waterproof jacket and bag cover in case it rains.
• Hiking boots: Small river crossings, scree and snow possible are all possible so having some sturdy, reliable walking shoes is essential. I used my Goretex Salomon XT-6s which did the job perfectly for me.
• Sun protection: UV is intense at altitude, so sun cream, hat and sun glasses are necessary.
• Water and snacks: You’ll burn a lot of calories and need to stay hydrated throughout the hike! A water bottle with a filter included is a great option for filling up from streams. I always like to bring nuts, protein bars, dried fruits and something sweet as my hiking snacks.
• Money: For the 300 som entry fee, your accommodation (if not paid in advance), and any food and drink from the camps.
• Camera: Always worth the extra weight in my opinion. Packing a camera measn you can capture this beautiful scenery and immortalise it.
• Offline maps: Maps.me and AllTrails were my two best friends while hiking this solo!
• Trekking poles: Not essential, but very helpful for the descent

Since I decided not to camp, I tried to keep weight to an absolute minimum and take my smaller ‘day bag’ rather than a huge rucksack. But here’s a list of the extras you’ll need for camping:

• Tent and warm sleeping bag: Make sure your sleeping bag is rated below freezing as it gets cold.
• Sleeping mat:
• Sufficient food and drink: There are no proper shops on the trail, so if you’re planning on cooking all of your own meals, you’ll need to buy some food in advance. You can pick up pasta, rice, tinned goods and most other trekking foods from the local supermarket in Karakol.
• Stove and gas: If you’ve bought pot noodles, pasta or anything else that needs cooking, you’ll need some way to cook.

Where to get hiking gear

A common problem for backpackers like myself is not having all the essential hiking gear whilst living out of a backpack…

Sadly, at the moment there are not many outdoor stores in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan has a few, but it’s nowhere near the same level as countries like Nepal or Peru where. But there are still options!

• Hostels:
  • I actually managed to borrow a sleeping bag from a dude I met in a hostel. It was a bit heavy, but it kept me warm. Then I could trade it on with the next backpacker!
  • Many hostels also offer gear rental. I borrowed a tent from Apple Hostel in Bishkek, whilst my hostel in Karakol also had a small surplus of gear. Don’t rely on this though.
• Rentals:
  • Karakol has a couple of places that offer camping gear rental (4Rent & Ecotrek). It’s not the greatest gear you’ll find, but it’s cheaper than buying it.
• Shops:
  • If you know you’re visiting Kyrgyzstan and intend to camp, you can bring your own from home. A small one-man tent doesn’t take up much space and is well worth carrying IF (and only if), you’ll get the use out of it. If you don’t use it much, you’ll resent carrying it…
  • In Bishkek, there are a couple of outdoor stores. When you’re in Bishkek, have a peek and see if you can find anything as it’s often reasonably priced.

Other Hikes Nearby

If you’re already in Karakol, you’re spoiled for choice. Altyn Arashan, Jeti-Oguz, and Ak-Suu offer everything from easy day hikes to longer multi-day treks. Karakol is easily one of the best bases for hiking in Kyrgyzstan.

• Jeti Oguz: This red rock wonder is completely different to the Ala Kul trek and makes either a good warm-up or alternative to the trek.
• Jyrgalan: Located at the opposite end of the Ak Suu Traverse to Jeti Oguz, this area is like an extension of Ala Kul, with green fields and even quieter trails.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my travel guide on hiking Ala-Kul near Karakol. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my Homepage to find out more.

If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out my About page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy hiking!