Ala-Kul Summit
Duration_5 days
Route_Karakol Gorge, Ala-Kul, Altyn-Arashan
Accomodation_mixed
Type_horseback, yak, foot
Recommended_May to September
Min. Number of People_2
Heading from Bishkek to Karakol, we'll embark on a horseback ride through the pine forests of Karakol Gorge, immersing ourselves in the tranquillity of nature. After spending a night in a mountain yurt camp, we’ll transition to yaks, and continue our exploration of the mountains. The region’s isolated nature is perfect for spotting wildlife. We’ll spend a night at Ala-Kul, an amazing alpine lake in the heart of the Ala-too mountain range.
Descending from the lake and saying goodbye to our yaks, we'll trek through the picturesque Altyn Arashan Valley. You’ll have plenty of time to actively relax and rejuvenate amidst the peaceful natural surroundings.
On the final day of trekking, we'll hike from Altyn Arashan to Ak Su village before returning to Karakol. Transportation from Karakol to Bishkek is also included.
The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.
day_1
Bishkek to Karakol
Our journey begins as we pick you up in the morning from Bishkek or the Manas Airport and transport you to Karakol. The scenic route takes us along the shores of Issyk Kul Lake, where we will pause for a delightful lunch. Upon arriving in Karakol during the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city. We conclude the day with a traditional dinner and retire to a local guesthouse for the night.
day_4
Altyn-Arashan
Descending from Ala-Kul Lake on the opposite side, we bid farewell to our sturdy companions, the yaks, and continue our journey on foot, trekking down to the lush Altyn Arashan Valley. This picturesque valley, nestled within a forest of majestic pine trees, ranges in elevation from 2350 to 2435 meters. It is located within the Arashan State Nature Reserve, known for its impressive population of snow leopards (Panthera uncia). As we make our way through the valley, our aim is to reach the lower regions, where rustic wooden shelters house hot sulfurous pools renowned for their therapeutic properties. This day will provide an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate in one of these guesthouses after our challenging summit and trekking experience.
day_2
Karakol Gorge and Yurt Camp
Following breakfast, we venture into the Karakol Gorge, where we will meet our horses. Once mounted, our steady ascent commences. Along the way, we will be surrounded by magnificent pine forests, serenaded by the melodies of singing birds, and may catch glimpses of local mountain fauna. Our ride leads us to a yurt camp on the path to the Ala-Kul Lake summit. The night will be spent in these traditional yurts.
day_5
Ak Su Village and Heading Home
We set off on our trek at the break of dawn, gradually ascending to the Buchuk Pass, perched at an altitude of 3400 meters. On the other side, a world of wonder unfolds before us—the enchanting Sook River valley. This lush basin showcases some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on our expedition, where the contrast of snow-capped ridges against vibrant slopes adorned with a tapestry of wildflowers create a breathtaking sight to behold. We'll keep a keen eye out for the families of marmots that call this place home, and stay alert to spot the presence of birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, and even vultures on special occasions, lending an air of untamed beauty to this isolated basin.
day_3
Ala-Kul Summit
In the high-altitude mountainous region, we transition from horses to yaks, specialised cattle commonly used by mountaineers and locals in the area for transportation. Today, our journey takes us to the enchanting Ala-Kul Lake, where we will indulge in ample time to immerse ourselves in the serenity, freedom, and natural beauty of the surroundings. The area surrounding Ala-Kul Lake boasts a rich biodiversity. As you explore, you may encounter various species of flora and fauna. We will set up our tents near the lake, spending the night in this tranquil setting.
What is a yak?
Yaks are adapted to high-altitude circumstances and were often referred to as the “grunting oxen” due to their grunt-like vocalizations. They are close relatives of domestic cattle, but possess a larger lung capacity, a stronger heart and more efficient usage of blood oxygen, making them suitable livestock for highlands and mountain environments.
They have robust bodies with a strong build, sturdy legs, rounded cloven hooves, and dense, lengthy fur that cascades below their bellies. Wild yaks typically display dark, blackish to brown hues, while domesticated yaks exhibit a wide range of colors, often featuring patches of rusty brown and cream. These remarkable creatures boast small ears, broad foreheads, and smooth horns, typically with a dark shade.
domesticated yaks have been raised for various purposes, including the production of milk, fiber (wool), and meat. They have also served as reliable work animals, carrying heavy loads as beasts of burden.
Overnights?
Accommodation during the tour will vary between guesthouses, yurt camps, and tents. The detailed description for each day will specify the type of accommodation. If you prefer, you can bring your own tents and sleeping bags, but we are also able to provide them for you. We can also provide inflatable mats for an extra price. Please let us know in advance if you have any special accommodation needs.
Water?
While trekking, the importance of water cannot be overstated. We provide boiled water or tea/coffee during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but please note that the availability of boiled water is limited and may not be sufficient for refilling your bottles for the next day. Fortunately, we’ll find running streams in the mountains. They have a low risk of carrying pathogens and contain fewer particulate materials compared to stagnant water. Natural springs are the best option for refilling water as they act as natural filters. Locals and tourists drink water directly from the source without issues, but if you are uncertain, bring water purification tablets from your home country as they have limited availability in Kyrgyzstan.
Book and pay?
Contact us and let us know your preferred dates using the form below. We offer flexible scheduling options and can customize the itineraries to suit your needs and preferences. Additionally, we are delighted to create personalized tours based on your specific requests. Please note that certain tours require a minimum number of participants to proceed (check the description). Once all the details and arrangements have been finalized, we will provide you with an invoice. You can conveniently make the payment through a bank transfer in USD.
Prices differ based on
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group size
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season
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special needs
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custom elements