Ala-Kul Lake
Ala-Kul Lake - a vivid turquoise glacial lake below a 3,860 m pass, exiting to the Altyn Arashan hot springs
The route
The line through Terskey Alatau, Kyrgyzstan - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Karakol valleyTrailhead
Start
- 2Sirota / Ala-Kul campCamp
Below the pass
- 3Ala-Kul LakeJunction
Turquoise lake
- 4Ala-Kul PassPass
High pass
- 5Altyn ArashanTrailhead
Hot-springs finish
Season & conditions
Jul-Sep
Cold nights, afternoon storms, snow on the pass
Best Jul-Sep; snow on the pass early/late; yurt camps; a popular Karakol classic. Confirm.
On the trail
Forest, moraine, a turquoise high lake, a scree pass, and a hot-spring valley
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
Reverse direction; the hot-spring finish at Altyn Arashan
Getting there & staying
Karakol (Karakol valley)
Point-to-point may need transport between ends - confirm
Yurt camps and the Altyn Arashan guesthouses/hot springs
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Karakol; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
No special permit; yurt camps and the Altyn Arashan hot-spring exit. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Altitude illness is the main risk at these elevations - acclimatize, ascend slowly, know the descent rule (the pass), the scree, river crossings, weather
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.