Karakol valley to Arashan valley, via Ala-Kul Lake (Ala-Köl). Tour code A11.

Day 1. Karakol - Sirota
6 hours/24km
Today you begin your tour from the picturesque town of Karakol, heading up the Karakol valley and along the fast raging Karakol river. The mountains begin as low hills but soon become soaring, jagged sky-scrapers as the day draws on. You will climb up to an altitude of 2900m to the forest oasis of SIROTA (meaning "orphan" thanks to it's location in the middle of a barren, rocky valley). Here you will find a little alpine log hut built by group of mountaineering enthusiasts several years ago. Sirota is one of the region's most arrestingly beautiful areas with its unique landscape and spectacular views. From here you will be able to see some of the neighbouring valleys with their corner peaks and high ridges. Your campsite tonight will be on the banks of a little stream flowing down from Lake ALA-KUL high above you. Surrounded by forest, this first night of camping is a time for quiet enjoyment of the silence of the mountains and their crystal clear air and water.

Day 2. Ala-Kul Lake
3 hours/6km
After breakfast you will continue your climb to the pearl of Karakol canyon - LAKE ALA-KUL. This lake is famous for its eerie, ever-changing colour and for being situated at an altitude of 3500m above sea level. Such a high altitude means that Ala-Kul is relatively barren and unable to support many species of wildlife. Everybody finds the spectacle of this miracle of nature absolutely unforgettable. If you just here for the first time, we guarantee that you will fall in love with Ala-Kul and its surroundings. The color of the lake surface changes from greeny-blue to violet every hour depending on weather conditions. Lucky visitors have good weather and see the sun set over the lake -a truly wonderful experience. Camp tonight is pitched on the lake shore.

Day 3. Altyn-Arashan
5 hours/12km
Today you will cross the 3860m ALA-KUL pass, having allowed plenty of time for acclimatization. The short, flat summit makes a good vantage point for picking out Terskey Ala-Too's highest peaks: KARAKOL (5273m), DJIGIT and OGUZ-BASHI PEAKS. The ridge that these peaks creates runs across the horizon from west to east. After this, you will descend to the valley of ALTYN-ARASHAN. The resort at Altyn-Arashan is famous for its HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS. Your evening is at leisure for taking bath in this lovely spot. Overnight camping or optional guesthouse stay.

Day 4. Altyn-Arashan - Karakol
4 hours/12km
Today the morning will be at leisure for your own exploration of Altyn-Arashan and for a second visit to the mud baths. This afternoon you will descend along the river ARASHAN to the village of AK-SUU. On the way you will cross one more pass of less than 2500m but by this time the altitude is almost unnoticeable. This pass forms the border between two valleys - ARASHAN and AK-SUU. Another, less remote and more commercial resortis located in AK-SUU valley. The Ak-Suu hot baths may be similar to those at Altyn-Arashan but you will find yourself competing for a soak with tens of day-trippers! A final descent brings you back to Karakol, where your tour finishes with plenty of breathtaking memories to take home.

TOP OF PAGE