Route: Bishkek → Ala-Archa → Karakol → Karakol valley → Ala-Kul lake and pass → Altyn-Arashan → Bishkek
Designed for active travellers who want to experience the real Tian Shan on foot. After an acclimatisation hike among the granite peaks of Ala-Archa National Park near Bishkek, you head to Karakol, the trekking capital of Kyrgyzstan, and set off on one of the most beautiful routes in Central Asia.
Through spruce forests and alpine meadows you climb to the turquoise Ala-Kul lake (3,532 m) and cross the Ala-Kul pass at around 3,900 m, with views of glaciers and 4,000-metre peaks. The reward is a soak in the natural hot springs of Altyn-Arashan, a hidden valley grazed by horses. Our experienced mountain guides, cook and porters take care of camp and logistics.
Transfer from Manas International Airport to your hotel. In the afternoon your mountain guide holds a briefing on the route and checks your equipment; missing items can still be bought or rented in Bishkek. Evening at leisure.
A one-hour drive takes you to Ala-Archa National Park, a gorge of juniper forests framed by glaciated peaks up to 4,800 m. Hike from the park base (2,150 m) up to the Ak-Sai waterfall at about 3,300 m and back – roughly 6 hours and an excellent test of your fitness. Picnic lunch on the trail, return to Bishkek in the evening.
Scenic drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol (about 6–7 hours), with a stop for a swim in the lake. In Karakol visit the wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque, then enjoy a hearty dinner and final gear check before the trek.
Short transfer to the entrance of the Karakol valley (approx. 2,300 m), where the trek begins. Follow the rushing river through spruce forest and flowering meadows, then climb steadily to the Sirota camp (approx. 3,100 m), about 6–7 hours of walking. The cook prepares dinner while you watch the evening light on the peaks.
The big day: an early start and a steep climb past waterfalls to Ala-Kul lake (3,532 m), whose colour changes from emerald to deep turquoise. Continue on a scree path to the Ala-Kul pass (approx. 3,900 m) for a sweeping panorama of Palatka peak and its glaciers. A long descent (8–9 hours in total) leads to Altyn-Arashan, where a hot-spring bath awaits.
A relaxing morning soak in the hot springs, then a bumpy but memorable 4x4 ride down the Arashan valley to the Issyk-Kul plain. Drive back to Bishkek with a farewell lunch on the way, and transfer to Manas International Airport for your evening or night flight.
Prices per person in USD. The final price is confirmed with your booking.
The cancellation terms for this tour are confirmed in writing together with your booking, before you pay anything.
Read our cancellation & refund policyYou should have previous hiking experience and be able to walk 6–9 hours a day with up to about 1,100 m of ascent, partly on scree. If you are unsure, contact us before booking.
The route reaches about 3,900 m. The acclimatisation hike in Ala-Archa helps, and the guide watches the group closely. Mild symptoms are possible; tell the guide immediately if you feel unwell.
Yes. Your travel insurance must cover trekking up to 4,000 m and mountain rescue.
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