3 days treking around Ala-Kul lake: Ultimate guide
If you’re planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan, let me guess, you must be a mountain lover. And for good reason because around 94% of this country is blanketed in stunning mountains, offering breathtaking natural beauty at every turn.
By planning what to visit in Kyrgyzstan you simply can’t miss one of the most famous treks here which is obviously Ala Kul Trek.
Despite its popularity, don’t worry about crowded trails, there are still few people on this path and when you meet someone from time to time, it will likely bring a smile to your place.
In this article we share how we completed the Ala Kul 3 days trek, our TOP tips, recommendations and all essentials you need to know before you head into the mountains.
Let’s make your journey begin!
What is Ala Kul Lake trek and is it worth visiting?
Ala Kul Lake is located about 20 kilometers from Karakol and has an altitude around 3500 meters above sea level. The still surface of the lake with shades of turquoise shines in the sunlight while the mountains surrounding it are absolutely breathtaking and of course worth visiting. My opinion is that Ala Kul Lake was the most beautiful lake which we have ever seen.
The trek is very interesting itself because as you go up the terrain changes a lot so you can see different mountain types and landscape variety. It is incredible that in 3 days you can see beautiful green valleys, rocky hills, waterfalls, rivers, mountain passes, glaciers, slippery sandy roads (unfortunately) and even more!
The Ala Kul hike is relatively straightforward. This trail is well-known among both locals and tourists, so you’re unlikely to be completely alone if you need any help. The path is clearly marked in nature and on maps, making navigation quite easy and reassuring.
For making the trek more comfortable there are yurts camps on the way where you can fill your bottles and overnight if it’s needed so you don’t have to carry camping gear.
To the start of Ala Kul trek is also a good transport connection, you can simply go by marshrutka or taxi.
With good planning, the Ala Kul trek shouldn’t be a problem for you. However, be mindful of your physical limits because this trek is sometimes quite challenging, and the altitude reaches up to 3,900 meters above sea level, so preparation is a key.
In short, if you want to see the most from Kyrgyzstan and the whole range of natural wonders and breathtaking mountain landscapes, let’s go trekking to Ala Kul!
How to get to the start of Ala-Kul Lake trek from Karakol
From Karakol, you have a few options for reaching the starting point of the trek. We decided to try hitchhiking, which is quite common in Kyrgyzstan. If you’re curious about how hitchhiking in Kyrgyzstan works, take a look at our previous post for more details.
While hitchhiking, a kind local gave us a lift to the nearest marshrutka station. You can easily ask locals or your accommodation about the nearest marshrutka stop. Look for marshrutka #101, which costs 20 SOM/0.24 USD per person.
Once you reach the final stop, you’ll still have around 7 kilometers to go until the official starting point of the trek, known as “the first bridge.” However, if you are lucky enough you can make your way shorter by hitchhiking to the first bridge. Crossing this bridge marks the beginning of your adventure.
I have to admit, we missed the starting point on our first try! But if you follow the map carefully, there’s no reason to miss it. The start isn’t marked by any official entrance or signposts, so keep an eye on your map. Here’s a map to guide you from the final marshrutka stop to the true beginning of your adventure.
Another option is to take a taxi from Karakol to the start but I am not sure if the taxi goes only to the last marshrutka’s station or to the bridge. However it should be possible up to the bridge because we saw some cars parked right before it.
Where to stay in Karakol before the trek
The ideal way to start your Ala Kul trek is by staying overnight in Karakol. Here you can prepare for your trip well, get some sleep and leave some of your belongings at your accommodation too. Most guesthouses and hotels are accustomed to this, and some even offer lockers for extra security, so you can set off knowing your things are safe and sound. Traveling lighter for the 3 day journey will make your trip better. After a trek you can take it back and it should be completely free.
So if you are interested in where to stay in Karakol – which I highly recommend, Karakol offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. We have selected some top-rated options for you to help guide your choice. Here are some tips to help you get oriented.
Accommodation On Budget
Guest House Emir
If you want to stay on budget, we recommend the Guest House Emir. Here you can immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, enjoy Kyrgyz local food and stay in clean rooms with private showers.
Check prices and reviews on Booking.com
GuestHouse “ERKIN”
For another on budget stay with mountain views, GuestHouse “ERKIN” can be an option. This guesthouse features charming rooms with city or garden views. Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. To make your stay better you have the possibility of continental breakfast included.
Check prices and reviews on Booking.com
Middle Range Accommodation
Caravan Hotel
For a more comfortable and calm stay, Caravan Hotel is an excellent choice. It features cozy rooms with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and balconies. The hotel also provides convenient services like airport transfer, 24-hour reception, and a complimentary breakfast to start your day right.
Check prices and reviews on Booking.com
Hillside Karakol B&B
For a comfortable and charming stay, Hillside Karakol B&B is a great choice. This cozy stay offers a garden, shared lounge, and terrace. Guests can also make use of a shared kitchen and luggage storage. Rooms are equipped with a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and all necessary linens. Plus, you can start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast.
Check prices and reviews on Booking.com
Bird’s Nest – Apartment
If you don’t prefer a hotel but want a nice place to stay, Bird’s Nest – Apartment in Downtown Karakol is a good option. Here, you can enjoy a private kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom and a nice view of the mountains. It’s also available for more people.
Check prices and reviews on Booking.com
What do you need to know before going to Ala Kul Lake trek
Before you start an Ala Kul trek, you should know some essential information which can help you to manage the trek without any obstacles. Below the article we wrote some main points. Some of them we would wish to know before our adventure so read them carefully and don’t forget to take notes!
What to pack for Ala Kul Trek
Before heading out on Ala Kul hike you should think carefully about what to pack with you. You don’t want to forget anything and you also don’t want to overload your backpack.
We did the Ala Kul trek in the third week of August which turned out to be perfect timing and in this case we focus on this season. The weather was beautiful – around 20°C during the day and around 5°C at night. Even with such great conditions you can’t forget waterproof and warm clothing to ensure you stay comfortable and dry throughout the trek.
Clothes and Camping Gear
We packed short pants, long pants, a T-shirt with long sleeves, a T-shirt with short sleeves – basically dry fit ones, sweatshirts, waterproof down jackets for women and men, mountain boots for women and men, raincoat, hats, and trekking poles. You’ll just need to be prepared for both hot and cold weather and don’t underestimate it.
For those who wish to camp there it is also essential to have proper camping gear with you. If you don’t have any, don’t worry. There are yurts where you can overnight without it.
From the other essentials you can’t forget sunscreen, in the high altitude there is pretty strong sunshine even if it’s cloudy.
Food and Drink
Regarding food, we didn’t bring a camping stove, so we stocked up on supplies from a supermarket in Karakol before starting our trek. We also ate at the second yurt camp where we stayed. However, in my opinion, bringing a camping stove is the best option, allowing you to prepare meals along the way. You can buy food at some yurt camps, although it tends to be a bit pricey but sometimes the overnight stay fee includes meals.
As for water, we bought bottles before the trek and then refilled or bought more at the camps. Some camps provide free fresh water, though often only utility water, which you’ll need to filter before drinking. So you can buy some bottled water in Karakol and the best solution is to bring a filtration bottle. This way, you can easily access water from streams along the trail and stay well-hydrated throughout your journey.
Where to stay during Ala-Kul Lake trek
If you don’t know where to stay during your trip you have two options.
Staying in your own tent
Option one is to take your own camping gear and set up your tent wherever you want to. In Kyrgyzstan you can set up your tent on many spots (it’s totally up to you) and there is no exception for national parks also.
Along the trail, there are marked campsites on the map, allowing you to choose the best spot to rest. These campsites offer some basic facilities, though I’m not entirely sure if there’s a fee (I believe there isn’t). The great thing is that if you have your own tent, you’re free to plan your days at your own pace without worrying about time constraints or reservations.
Staying in Yurt Camp
Another option is to stay in an iconic traditional yurts which you may know from some documentaries, pictures or maybe from some neighboring countries. There are some yurt camps on the way where you can stay. There is also a possibility to set up the tent in every camp.
The First one – Karakol Yurt Camp
The Second one – Sirota Yurt Camp
The Third one – Yurt Camp
After Ala Kul trek, you go through Altyn Arashan where you also find yurt camps and even homestays if you like.
On your way you can find a bit more camps but they don’t have good locations. They are either on the start or at the end of the trek. Please note, that directly by the Ala Kul lake there are no yurt camps at all, only campsites for your tent. So if you want to stay by Ala Kul you have to bring your own tent.
If you want to book your place in yurt camps in advance in most of them you have to contact local Karakol travel agents. The best option is to ask in your guesthouse in Karakol. A good option is to ask at your guesthouse, as many owners have experience helping travelers with bookings and other activities.
That said, booking in advance isn’t strictly necessary; we didn’t pre-book any of our stays and were able to find accommodation each time. However, for peace of mind, it’s wise to reserve ahead or arrive early to secure a spot.
In case you want to stay in Altyn Arashan – which is the last station on your way, here you have options to book your accommodation in advance.
Accommodation booking in advance
Ala-Kul guesthouse
At Ala-Kul Guesthouse, you have the option of staying in a private room with a real bed—a great way to relax after nights spent in a yurt or on the ground in a tent! The guesthouse also offers a shower, toilet, hearty breakfast, and has excellent reviews. Plus, nearby in Altyn Arashan, you’ll find hot springs—perfect for rejuvenating sore muscles after the trek.
Check prices and reviews on Booking.com
Ethno Yurt Camp Arashan
If you want to continue in an authentic way of living in yurts, the perfect option is Ethno Yurt Camp Arashan.
The Ethno Yurt Camp offers yurts with beds, nice surroundings and toilets in the camp. You also have a good breakfast included in your stay.
Check prices and reviews on Booking.com
Best time to go on Ala Kul Lake trek
Ala-Kul lake has a high altitude and the weather on mountains is unpredictable so you have to be prepared all the time for unexpectable weather changes. Otherwise, the best time to visit Ala Kul lake is between July to August except these months weather on mountains could be for hiking and camping challenging.
Is it possible to go to Ala Kul Trek without camping gear?
Absolutely! As I mentioned, there are yurt camps along the trail where you can stay overnight. The key is to plan your route carefully so you reach each camp in good time, ideally before dark. Proper planning will ensure a smooth journey and a comfortable place to rest each night
Having a sleeping bag would be a great idea because in yurts you get only one blanket and you might be cold during the night.
Is it possible to go to Ala Kul Trek without a guide?
I would say yes! Ala Kul trek is one of the best marked trails in the whole Kyrgyzstan so if you have some experiences with previous trails, good physical condition which help you manage high altitude and a downloaded map, you can feel free to go alone. We can recommend maps which we use all the time: https://en.mapy.cz/ where you can download the whole map of Kyrgyzstan for free and have it offline.
On the other hand, if you prefer a guided trip for added comfort and convenience, here’s a recommendation you can book. With these packages, everything is taken care of, so you can enjoy the experience without any obstacles and stress. The tour includes a guide, accommodations in yurt camps, meals, transportation, hot springs access, and water and all starting from Karakol.
Is Ala Kul Trek safe?
Counting the high altitude where only a few kilometers could take much more time than normally do, yes. You just should consider your physical ability and be honest to yourself. You should have required equipment to climb the high mountains and some parts of the trek are quite challenging – especially the slippery road when you go down the Ala Kul pass.
Perfect thing at Ala Kul trek is that you don’t have any dangerous animals there – only wild nature safari in the form of horses, cows, cute marmots and big eagles. On the way up to Ala Kul pass you have warning signs of falling rocks but we didn’t have any problems.
What could be a problem is an absence of signal! You should note that you won’t be able to have a signal during the whole trek which can be very dangerous and you should be prepared for that and be cautious.
3 Days Ala-Kul trek – Our Personal Experience
In the first part of this article, you’ll find essential information to give you a clear picture of the Ala-Kul trek. Now, we’d like to share our personal experience, which can help you to learn from our mistakes and avoid challenging situations.
We completed the trek in three days, starting in Karakol and finishing in Altyn Arashan, staying in yurts along the way without camping gear to keep our backpacks light. While we loved the experience, looking back, there are a few things we would have done differently. I hope this article helps you plan your trek more effectively because I know I would have appreciated reading something like this before we set out!
First day of Ala-Kul trek: From Karakol to Sirota Camp
The plan of the day
Our Elevation: 1024 m, highest 2900 m
Our Distance: 18,8 km (4 km hitchhiking)
Overnight: Sirota Yurt Camp
Our Route: you can check the whole day one from the start till the end:
In the morning we woke up in our Karakol Guesthouse and we can only recommend this place, it was quite far from the city center but it was clean, the owner was nice and we had the possibility of leaving our unnecessary things in lockers for free during our Ala Kul trip.
After packing our rucksacks, we headed into town to grab some food and stock up on essentials like snacks, meals, and water. We started hitchhiking, hoping to catch a ride with other travelers heading to Ala-Kul. Instead, a friendly local gave us a lift to the marshrutka station. I can’t recall the exact location of our station, but I believe most marshrutkas depart from the Big Bazaar, as shown here.
.Marshrutka costs 20 KGS/0,24 dollar per person and took us to the last station where our map starts and from where we started to hitchhiking, we immediately caught the truck and thanks to him we shortened our way about three kilometers.
After saying bye to the man driving the truck we started our way and from the start, and it was such a nice walk. We went to the official start which is called “the first bridge” and located 7 kilometers from the final marshrutka station. At first we didn’t recognize the start because there was no official entrance. The surroundings were quite nice, green meadows with cows, breathtaking mountain views and valleys with mountain rivers. One bad thing was that we started late and we were by the entrance around 2 pm so we didn’t have much time to admire the beauty that surrounded us. When we were going through the valley and then climbing up to the hills we felt like actors in some fantasy movie.
Once we reached the first Karakol Yurt Camp after a small uphill we saw “the second bridge” which leads up to the second Yurt Camp called Sirota and it was our final destination for the first day. We reached the Karakol Yurt Camp around 6 pm and the weather was in perfect condition but we hoped that it wouldn’t get dark until we got to Sirota and we had 2,5 kilometers before us which sounds good but it was also in high altitude from 2500 m to 2900 m.
We picked up the pace as we set off. The trail began in a forested area, gradually shifting to a rocky path, but the terrain was manageable. Just as we were nearing the camp, the weather took a turn, and it started to rain, which urged us to move a little faster. In those last few meters, it felt like we’d entered Mordor! 😀
Once we arrived at Sirota Camp it was getting dark and staff told us they didn’t have any space and we should go down to the previous camp. We were quite shocked but fortunately then some man from the camp found us a normal place in the yurt where we could sleep. We shared the yurt with one couple from Bishkek and we had a nice time together.
However, I have to say that the stuff wasn’t very pleasant and the camp was quite expensive – 2000 KGS/23,60 USD per person for sleeping on the ground (sometimes yurts have beds for a better price), not having toilets or outhouse and not including meals it was a bit terrible but we didn’t have a choice. We were happy that we had at least a place to sleep.
Anyway, after we accommodated we were sitting with other guests and talking about traveling and had a nice time with them. They really made a great atmosphere there.
Second day of Ala-Kul trek: From Sirota Camp to Yurt Camp
The plan of the day
Our Elevation: 1000 m up, the highest 3900 m
Our Distance: 6 km
Overnight: Yurt Camp
Our Route: you can check the whole day one from the start till the end:
During the night it was a bit chilly, and the humidity in the yurt was actually higher than we expected. So, make sure you bring a good-quality sleeping bag which will definitely make for a more comfortable night. We slept reasonably well, though one of our neighbors was snoring a bit but that’s unfortunately all part of the yurt experience.
Second day we woke up at Sirota Camp around 8 am on a warm morning. The weather was around 20 degrees up and during the day it increased to almost 25 which is 4000 m above sea level quite a lot and we enjoyed that.
We ate our own breakfast which contained nuts, fruit, bread and cheese, filled the water, put on sunscreen and left Sirota Camp behind us.
The hike up to Ala Kul turned out to be more challenging for us due to elevation and took us more time than we expected. However, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery and took our time, especially since we’d planned to stay overnight in a yurt camp by the lake about which two Kyrgyzstani women told us on the way, so we thought that we had plenty of time. After only three kilometers, climbing 700 meters up over nearly five hours which is really a lot, we finally reached our point and it was amazing.
What wasn’t amazing was discovering that there aren’t any yurt camps around Ala Kul, despite 3 people telling us and some websites writing about that! We were confused especially because when we arrived at the supposed location where the yurts should have been there were only tents and some staff. When we asked about accommodation, they laughed at us, questioning why we didn’t bring our tent. I should mention that, aside from other travelers, most people we encountered in the mountains weren’t particularly friendly, so be prepared for a bit of a reality check here.
They reluctantly showed us some other yurt which wasn’t in our direction and told us that the yurt might have been closed.
So we had two options here. The first one was to try the unknown yurt but in case the yurt was closed we would have gone dark before Ala Kul pass which could be dangerous at night so we decided to go to Yurt Camp and reach the Ala Kul pass that day.
The situation was that we had almost 7 pm, 3 kilometers and bad terrain ahead of us. I must say these 3 kilometers were really nutritious. At first we walked uphill on big rocks which was a bit tricky and during the uphill we tried to hurry up due to sunset. When we got to the Ala Kul pass, the view was totally amazing but we didn’t have time to admire it for a long time because it started to get dark.
From the Ala Kul pass, we had to descend 300 meters over just 1,5 kilometers, a steep path to say the least. The descent was incredibly slippery, with loose rocks and sand, and by the time we made our way down, it had gotten completely dark. Navigating that tricky, slippery trail was challenging enough in daylight, so we moved extremely slowly in the dark. Luckily, the weather held up, and the evening stayed clear, which was a small but welcome relief.
When we finally got to the camp it was unbelievable almost 10 pm and it looked like everyone was already sleeping. But after a few minutes we saw the light so we went closer and it was luckily the owner of the yurt camp. There were two of them and he was from the second Yurt Camp, the one further back and we can totally recommend it.
As I wrote that we met only annoying people here, this guy was very nice. He told us that he saw us on the hill and hoped that nothing happened to us and waited for us until we came there. He also prepared some food, tea and we slept in his yurt (it was a great decision because he lit the fireplace.) We also talked with him because Filip can talk a bit in russian. Be careful because here in Kyrgyzstan people don’t talk in English much. After that we slept so happily that everything was ok. This could be a little reminder for you that when you travel everything might not go according to the plan and it is always good to keep calm.
Third day of Ala-Kul trek: From Yurt Camp to Altyn Arashan
Our Elevation: 1000 m, from 3600 m to 2500
Our Distance: 8,9 km
Overnight: Karakol Guest House
Our Route: you can check the whole day one from the start till the end:
When we woke up, we went out of the yurt and we could finally admire the beauty which surrounded the camp. After admiring we got breakfast, we had eggs, soup, rice porridge and other things which were Korean because as we realized later the camp had Korean owners. That’s why breakfast also included Kimchi and other Korean treats. For the night and food we paid a total 5000 SOM/60 USD and we felt much better than in Sirota Camp.
After breakfast we said goodbye to our Korean friend and started to walk to Altyn Arashan. We were a bit worried about the downhill but the terrain after Ala Kul pass was great. Only hard thing about the whole trek was the slippery road from the Ala Kul pass.
The weather was, as usual for our trips, on our side, we seem to be very lucky that way! I have to say that we are very lucky. Once we reached the valley, it was only a few kilometers to Altyn Arashan. Upon arrival, we were eager to relax in the hot springs and take a walk to Ak Suu, where marshrutkas depart back to Karakol. However, as soon as we arrived, the rain began pouring down and looked like it wouldn’t let up. So, we opted to find a ride back to Karakol instead.
When we asked in Altyn Arashan for a taxi, the price was astronomical. If you compare it with other services it costs 7000 KGZ/83 USD so we wanted to hitchhike but there were no cars instead of these old ones which looked more like marshrutkas. But suddenly we found one Spanish couple who also wanted to go to Karakol so we shared the car together.
The way was tricky for an old car. We were going through the stones, sand and the whole journey took an hour and something.
In the end, the price for the ride back wasn’t too bad, especially considering the rough terrain. Once we reached Karakol, we couldn’t wait to take a shower, grab a meal at a nearby restaurant, and finally head to bed for some well-deserved rest.
Our six recommendation how to plan Ala Kul Trek
As a summary, we would definitely recommend this trip. When we take all the factors that Ala Kul lake trek offers, it is definitely worth it!
But if you want to learn a bit from our mistakes, you should note some points.
First one is of course that you should be aware of your time in case you don’t want to get dark as we did.
Second one is that you should be prepared for any type of weather, so take waterproof equipment because you don’t want to be wet during the night.
Third one is that you should plan your day well and take enough time to prepare for high altitude and read more articles about the place because you really need to know exactly what is going on on the way.
Fourth one is that you have to be prepared that you probably won’t be able to connect with anyone during your trip. We didn’t have a signal for almost 3 days so get to know people around you. You don’t want to make them worried.
Fifth one is that instead of going the last day to Altyn Arashan and from there going by expensive marshrutka it is better to stay in the yurt or guest house if you don’t have your own camping gear. Moreover, you can book it in advance on booking.com (we have also link in the article below) and the other day continue to Ak-Suu where you can easily and much cheaper find a car to Karakol or to another city.
Last one is to think about your own camping gear – we didn’t take ours and maybe I would change it for the next trip. Yurts were kinda expensive if you compare it with other accommodation and sometimes you didn’t get the service which you should.
