This four-day trek through Kyrgyzstan’s stunning Terskey Ala-Too mountains offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and natural beauty. Starting in Karakol, the journey takes you through lush gorges, past the towering Karakol Peak, and to the pristine waters of Ala-Kol Lake, nestled at an altitude of 3,500 meters. You’ll cross the breathtaking Ala-Kol Pass, soak in the rejuvenating hot springs of Altyn-Arashan, and experience the warm hospitality of staying in traditional yurts and guesthouses. With challenging treks, panoramic views of soaring peaks, and tranquil moments in the wilderness, this tour promises a perfect mix of exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Ala-Kol Lake and Pass: Explore the stunning turquoise lake and enjoy amazing mountain views from the high Ala-Kol Pass.

Altyn-Arashan Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by beautiful alpine scenery.

Karakol Peak View: If the weather’s on your side (and the mountain gods are in a good mood), you’ll catch a jaw-dropping view of Karakol Peak—don’t blink, it might disappear behind the clouds again!

Season: July-September

Duration: 4 days 

Distance: 55 km

Area: Karakol area, Issyk-Kul region, Kyrgyzstan

Highest point: 3860m 

Level of difficulty: Medium

 Price & Payment

• Price per person: $380 USD
   
•  To reserve your spot, you pay a $100 USD deposit via WeTravel.
   
• The remaining $280 is paid offline (in cash or card) when you meet our tour manager in Karakol before the trip starts.

 Group Size Policy

• Minimum group size: 4 participants
   
• Maximum group size: 15 participants 

If the minimum group size is not reached 3 days before departure, we will:

1. Fully refund your $100 deposit within 1–2 business days, or
    
2. Offer alternative options — such as rescheduling to another date or arranging a private tour at an adjusted rate. 

You’ll be contacted personally to confirm your preference.

We depart from the city of Karakol to the Karakol Gorge in the morning. The drive to the trail head will take about 1,5 hours. After we take our lunch bags and walk close to the foot of Karakol peak. It is 7 km one way. Usually it takes 3-3,5 hours and 2h back. Lunch. We spend around one hour and descend back to the alpine camp. Campfire. We divide people in to the groups and make briefing for the next day. 

Accommodation type: Overnight and dinner in yurt. 

- Yurts are typically dorm-style (up to 3 people per yurt). If you prefer a private double yurt, we will try our best to arrange it depending on availability. 

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Trekking distance: 14 km 

Early breakfast. Our camp and starting point at 2500m. We cross the bridge and ascend to the lake Ala-Kul lake. After about 2-2.5 hours of hiking up the valley, we will stop for rest at a small hut. After, we will continue trekking to the lake. Lunch on the route. The distance is around 12 km but 1100m altitude difference. Walking till the end of the lake. 

Accommodation type: Overnight in tent camp (two-person tents)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking distance: 12 km  

Breakfast. From here, we must go up again toward the pass (3860m), from which you can see all of the nearby peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too ringing the lake and rising up to over 5000m above sea level. We descend the gorge to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan (2500m). The descent takes 3-3,5 hours depending on the pace.   Upon arrival, we will enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Dinner and overnight in guest house.

Accommodation: Guesthouse/Yurt  

- Both options are dormitory-style, with up to 6 people per room or yurt. Shared rooms are arranged by gender (same-gender accommodation), unless a specific request is made in advance. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking distance: 15 km

After breakfast, we will take a gentle trip to the wild hot spings. After this, descend down the Altyn Arashan Valley toward Aksu Village. The length of the descent is 14 km, or about 3-3.5 hours. A car will be waiting for us in the village, and will drive us back to Karakol.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Trekking distance: 14 km.