Issyk kul lake trekking tour 5 days

If you tell me: - How many days you have - Your fitness level - Whether you want easy hikes or high mountain trekking - Your travel month I can create a detailed trekking plan around Issyk-Kul just for you.

Availaibility

5 Day

Duration

800 $

Price starts

Day 1: Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Teleti Camp

Start your adventure with a scenic morning transfer from Karakol to the legendary Jeti Oguz Gorge — known for its red sandstone cliffs and lush alpine landscapes (≈1 hour drive). Upon arrival, meet your trekking team and get ready for the journey ahead.

Your trek begins with a crossing of the Jeti Oguz River, followed by a gradual ascent along the West Teleti Valley. The trail winds through meadows, forests, and mountain streams — a perfect introduction to Kyrgyzstan’s wild beauty.

By late afternoon, arrive at your campsite located at 3,000 meters, just below Teleti Pass. Relax, enjoy a warm dinner, and take in the serenity of the mountains under a starlit sky.

Trekking distance: 13–14 km (≈5–6 hrs)

 

Day 2: Teleti Gorge – Karakol Gorge

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and enjoy breakfast surrounded by the silence of the highlands. Today’s journey takes you over the stunning Teleti Pass (3,670 m) — one of the most scenic sections of the Ala Kul trekking route in Kyrgyzstan.

The morning begins with a steady climb that takes about 2–3 hours, offering breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and deep alpine valleys. As you reach the top, take a moment to enjoy the incredible mountain vistas — this is what Central Asia trekking adventures are all about.

After crossing the pass, you’ll descend into the picturesque Karakol Gorge, a valley rich with wildflowers, pine forests, and glacial streams. Lunch will be served en route amid the untouched beauty of the highlands.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your campsite near the Karakol River, where you can rest and unwind to the calming sounds of flowing water.

Trekking distance: 15 km (≈7–8 hrs)
Altitude: up to 3,670 m
Accommodation: Tent

 

Day 3: Karakol Gorge – Ala Kul Lake

After breakfast, continue your journey through the scenic Karakol Gorge, gradually making your way into the rugged Kurgak-Tor (Dry Gorge). The trail becomes steeper here, leading you higher into the Terskey Ala-Too Mountains — a true highlight of your Kyrgyzstan trekking adventure.

The first section of the ascent takes about 2 hours, offering stunning alpine views along the way. Around 3,000 meters, take a well-deserved rest at the Orphan Asylum hut, a simple mountain shelter often used by hikers to regroup and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by pure wilderness.

In the afternoon, continue your climb for another 2–3 hours toward the breathtaking Ala Kul Lake (3,532 m) — one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Central Asia. Depending on weather conditions, you may explore the lakeshore on foot or simply relax and take in the mesmerizing turquoise color of the water.

Set up camp right by the lake’s edge and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by towering peaks and crystal-clear reflections.

Trekking distance: 11 km (≈6–8 hrs)
Altitude: up to 3,532 m
Accommodation: Tent (lakeside)

 

Day 4: Ala Kul Lake – Altyn Arashan

Wake up early to the serene beauty of Ala Kul Lake and prepare for one of the most scenic trekking days of your Kyrgyzstan adventure tour. The morning begins with a moderate climb toward the Ala Kul Pass (3,860 m), where you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Terskey Ala-Too mountain range — on clear days, you can even spot towering peaks rising above 5,000 meters.

From the top, begin your descent along a steep but well-marked trail leading into the lush Altyn Arashan Gorge, a hidden gem famous for its natural hot springs and panoramic alpine landscapes. The trail offers endless photo opportunities — from wildflower meadows to cascading rivers framed by pine forests.

By late afternoon, arrive at Altyn Arashan (2,500 m), where you can unwind in soothing thermal pools — a perfect way to relax your muscles after an adventurous day of trekking.

Trekking distance: 15 km (≈6–7 hrs)
Altitude: 3,860 m → 2,500 m
Accommodation: Tent or guesthouse (dormitory)

 

Day 5: Altyn Arashan – Karakol

Relaxing Hike and Return to Karakol

Morning: After breakfast, explore the wild hot springs in the area and then begin your descent along the Arashan River. The path offers a tranquil walk, with the river’s serene sounds guiding you back to Karakol.

End Point: Reach Ak-Suu Village, marking the conclusion of your trek.Transfer to Karakol by car.

Trekking Time: 14 km (3.5-4 hours)

 

 

Short Information:

Duration: 5 day

Distance: Total 80km (Walking part 39km)

Route: Karakol – Jiptik pass – Karakol gorge – Ala-kul lake – Keldike valley – Altyn Arashan gorge – Karakol

Period: June-September

Highest point: pass between Ala-Kul lake and Keldike valley 3860m

Area: Issyk-kul region, Terskey Ala-Too mountains range

Connection: No signal connection

Level of difficulty: This route suits for people with good health and physical training, because the route consists of long transition over founderous terrain, sharp fluctuations in temperature and climbing to a height of 3860 meters above sea level. However, 4 days trekking program is easiest from all programs to Ala-Kul lake.

 

Equipment and items for trekking part:

• Sleeping bag up to -5 C

• Good trekking boots with high proper ankle support and good thread. Extra shoes or pair of sandals, in case if main became wet during the rain and etc.

• Waterproof rain jacket and trousers

• Warm closes and extra closes to exchange

• Hat and cap, sun glasess, high factor sun cream

• Daypack 40-50 litters and rain cover. It is also good idea to line your daypack with a quality plastic bag

• Head-torch

• Bottle for water

• Quick drying towel

• First aid kit, if you have some disease

 

Recommended to have

• Walking sticks

• Toiletries

• Insect repellants (for lower elevations)

• Water purification tables or a water filter (more details in Notes)

• Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if you don’t have altitude adaptation)

• Pocket knife

Private tour price (USD)

2 people = $1100 per person

3 people = $950 per person

4-5 people = $850 per person

6-12… people = 800$ per person

English speaking guide (middle level)
• Porters 
Full board meal 4Breakfast, 5Lunch, 4Dinner
Equipment: 1 tent for 2 person
Accommodation in guesthouse or yurt in Altyn-Arashan
Hot springs
Transportation
Payment to Karakol National Park
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcohol
  • Tips
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