Ала-көл — Attraction in Issyk-Kul Region

100/10; it was one of the most spectacular hikes I’ve ever done in my life! I remember coming across some videos about Kyrgyzstan on YouTube and I couldn’t stop thinking about it since! Recently, in August 2024, I made it, and hiking to Ala-Kul lake kicking off in Karakol finishing in Altyn Arashan was beyond what I expected! Despite the trails were crowded with hikers, but I always felt safe even being completely alone in the middle of nowhere. It became more challenging after the 2nd bridge and I got caught in pretty heavy rain along the way to the 2nd camp, but it was all worth it as it got cleared up and I could see those thin snow-capped mountains. On the 2nd, it was the hardest part since the trail leading to the Ala-Kul lake was never-ending and weary, but it paid off as the lake was so breathtaking, probably the most beautiful lake I’ve seen with my own eyes! Periodt!! I won’t continue my story because I want you to experience...

Stunning landscape and a gorgeous lake. I went with a guide though I saw people doing it on their own too. It’s 3,200m above sea level, the first time I scaled such heights. If you’re reasonably fit and have hiked such altitudes before, it should be fairly easy. Otherwise, get some training in and don’t skip...

A Russian traveller named Putimtsoff was the first to knowingly visit the lake in 1811. He gave a good description of it, mentioning rocks of different colours in the lake, and the furious winds blowing around the lake. Thirty years later Alexander von Schrenk explored the lake and its...