Experience Karakol gorge, Visit Lake Ala-Kol at 3500m and take a bath in the hot spring
Category: combined –car/trekking
Duration: 4 days
Level of Difficulty: moderate to difficult, pass at 3,800 meters ASL
Best Season: mid-June — mid-September
Accommodation & meals: 3 nights in tents; 4 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts.
Group size: any
Requirements: trekking boots, weatherproof warm clothes, hat, sunscreen, tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat
Remarks: Tents are available upon request
Karakol means “black wrist” and is the largest city in Issyk-Kul Oblast, with the Central Tien Shan looming above on three sides. Karakol gives easy access to Lake Issyk-Kul, Ak-Suu, Altyn-Arashan, the fabled Karakol Valley and the road to Inylcheck Glacier. Locals from surrounding villages often trek all night or even days to bring their livestock to the Sunday Animal Bazaar. Opportunities for trekking from Karakol are abundant with the majestic Terskei Ala-Too Range of the Tien Shan soaring over the city. With possibilities of 2 to 14-day treks, trekkers of every level can experience the breathtaking beauty of the Tien Shan, the crystal waters of Lake Ala-Köl, and the natural hot springs of Altyn Arashan. Hike along rocks, rivers and passes in one of the most spectacular mountains in Kyrgyzstan, visit the renowned mineral springs of Altyn-Arashan, the beautiful alpine lake Ala-Köl, and watch the pristine nature and wildlife from towering mountain peaks.
