Ala-Kul trek: route, altitude and difficulty

Where is Ala-Kul and how high is it?

Ala-Kul lies on the northern slopes of the Terskey Ala-Too range in the Issyk-Kul Region, in a narrow side gorge of the Karakol valley. The lake is dammed by rock and fed by a glacial stream.

Both the Karakol valley and the lake are part of Karakol Nature Park, established in 1997 and covering 38,095 ha.

Trekking guides most often give the pass as 3,860 m, other sources around 3,900 m; our programmes work with almost 3,920 m.

Which route do people take to Ala-Kul?

The most common route crosses from the Karakol valley to the lake, over the Ala-Kul pass into the Altyn-Arashan valley and on to the village of Ak-Suu. Most people go this way because height is gained more gradually.

• 4-day version: Karakol valley, Sirota camp, Lake Ala-Kul, the pass, Altyn-Arashan, Ak-Suu, with a gentler pace and better acclimatisation.
• 3-day version: the same route, but with very long days and less time to rest.
• The reverse direction from Altyn-Arashan is possible, but you gain height faster.

How hard is the trek and how fit do you need to be?

The hike is usually rated moderate to challenging and requires good fitness. The hardest day is the climb to the lake and over the pass: the ascent runs over loose gravel, scree and unstable rocks, and snow patches can lie near the pass even in summer.

• Even in summer, temperatures around the lake and the pass can drop below freezing at night.
• The weather changes fast, and sunshine can turn into rain, hail, fog or snow within a few hours.
• The trail has steep sections, rockfall and river crossings.

Is altitude sickness a risk at Ala-Kul?

The risk is real. According to the NHS, altitude sickness can occur usually above 2,500 m, and symptoms typically start 6 to 10 hours after arriving at altitude. They include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, dizziness and difficulty sleeping.

General advice from the NHS and the US CDC:

• ascend gradually and, above 3,000 m, do not sleep more than 500 m higher than the night before,
• drink enough water and avoid alcohol,
• never go higher with any symptoms and rest at the same altitude until they pass,
• if symptoms get worse, go down, around 300 to 1,000 m lower according to the NHS,
• confusion, balance problems or shortness of breath are warning signs that need urgent medical help.

When is the best time to go to Ala-Kul?

The trekking season runs from about mid-June to the end of September. The most reliable period is usually early July to early September. In June snow still lies on the trail, and by late September fresh snow is possible.

We run our Ala-Kul programmes from June to September. In any month, bring sturdy shoes, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves and warm layers.

What to pack for Kyrgyzstan and the mountains (Packing list)

Horses, porters and guides

Horses, porters and mountain guides can be arranged in Karakol and Altyn-Arashan; prices vary by agency and season.

According to the Karakol visitor centre Destination Karakol, on horse rides from Altyn-Arashan the last stretch up to the pass above the lake is walked while the horses stay below. Expect a short but steep walk at altitude even on a horse trek.

How we travel to Lake Ala-Kul

On our 11-day programme On Horseback to Lake Ala-Kul, days 3 to 5 are the mountain days. On day 2 we arrive in Karakol (1,750 m), and on day 3 off-road vehicles take us up to Altyn-Arashan (2,500 m), where the afternoon is free for acclimatisation.

• You don't need to know how to ride. On day 3 there is a short ride with a local guide so you can get used to the horses.
• Riding lets you take in the landscape without great physical effort, and the programme suits people who don't want to carry a pack.
• For the mountain days we shop together for lunches and snacks, as there are no shops up there.
• A local guide who speaks Czech is with you the whole time, and in the mountains local guides accompany you on horseback.
• The price is €1,490 per person by car (3 to 7 people) or €1,170 by minibus (8 or more). Lunches are not included, and full board costs €250.

Can I hike to Ala-Kul alone?

Ala-Kul is one of the most popular treks near Karakol, and in season you will meet other groups on the trail. Still, we do not recommend going alone, especially if it is your first multi-day trek in high mountains. In bad weather, snow at the pass or with altitude sickness, someone who knows the route makes a real difference.

• Go with a guide or at least in a group, and tell someone in Karakol your route and return time.
• Filter or treat water from streams before drinking, as livestock graze in the valleys.
• Get travel insurance that covers hiking at high altitude and, on a horse trek, horse riding too.

Is Kyrgyzstan safe? What to know before you go (Safety and health)