Ala-Kul Lake — Attraction in Issyk-Kul Region

You can begin the trek either from Karakol or Altyn Arashan, but I highly recommend starting from Karakol. It gives you a more gradual and rewarding ascent, plus better logistics if you're organizing transportation.

You can arrange a taxi to drop you off at the first bridge, which is the traditional starting point. If you're short on time or want to save energy, taxis can take you further up to the second bridge — this shortcut saves about 2 hours of hiking. I’m not sure of the exact cost, but expect something in the range of $60–$100 per car.

From the second bridge to the lake, it's about a 4-hour hike, so it's doable in one day if you're fit and experienced. Along the way, you'll find several yurt camps where you can grab a snack or rest. Though it is not marked per se, the path is clear and obvious.

Important tips:

Bring a water purifier or enough water.

If you're camping near the lake, be aware it’s located at over 3000 meters elevation, so temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets.

Pack proper thermal layers and cold-weather gear — the day-night temperature swings can be intense.

And the view at the top? Simply mesmerizing. Crystal-clear water, mountain peaks, and pure silence — it’s...

Immortal landscape that shouldn't be missed if you are fit enough as the complete circuit from national park takes three days or two nights.From the national park entrance till the ticket check point,trail takes you to the river alpine valleys and at some places mountains are on par with Switzerland.Rest of the first day steep hike inside the forest cover takes you to sirota camp with occasional mountain valleys and final resting point.From sirota camp,it's very steep hike that takes you to the wonderful high altitude lake that's perfect for photography.As the lake is very big,passing through the middle of the mountains to reach the alakul pass is worth the risk as you feel the beauty of the sky reflection in the blue water.From the pass,you get corner view of the glacier mountains and tiny upper lake that's filling the lower lake from the times immemorial which is the beauty of the planet.From the pass climbing down and long walk in the alpine valleys with green meadows to reach altyn arashan for sleep makes you very tired as the trail is muddy and slippery as of Jul 19th.The rest of the journey till aksu village is long and easy walk where marshkoota will be waiting for you to...

Moderate to-hard at times trail that leads through amazing landscape with Ala-Kol Lake and Altyn-Arashan Pass down into the valley of the same name, if done with starting point in Karakol, which I strongly recommend. We’ve started trekking just off the asphalt road some couple of kilometers into the park hiring the taxi to pass the park gate, where we paid the entrance fee. The plan was to split 52km distance into almost three days of walking and two wild camping overnighters. We’ve managed to get to the Sirota camp by end of the day one and hike to the lake early on the following morning. This gave us some wonderful leisure time at the lake itself with clear skies and warm weather. Hike to the pass and down into the valley where we set our tents for the second night took rest of the day two allowing us to enjoy mighty Altyn-Arashan Valley at slow pace on the day three. If you opt for similar plan, carrying your backpack all the way through, make sure you have warm sleeping bag, especially for first night in/near Sirota camp where, in September, temperatures can...