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Kyrgyzstan

Ala Kul Pass Trek

Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Price
$1,850
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Kyrgyzstan Tour Overview

Ala Kul Pass Trek

Glacial lakes, 3,860-meter passes, eagle hunters, and hot springs — 8 all-inclusive days in the Tian Shan

Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Price
$1,850
Difficulty
Hard
Best Time
Late June - September

The three-day Ala-Kul circuit climbs from the spruce forests of Karakol Gorge to a turquoise glacial lake at 3,532 meters, over a 3,860-meter pass, and down to the hot springs of Altyn Arashan, one of the most rewarding routes in Central Asia. Beyond the trek, the itinerary takes in Silk Road ruins, red sandstone canyons, 8th-century Buddhist rock carvings, and a private eagle hunting demonstration with a fourth-generation berkutchi on Issyk-Kul’s south shore.

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Tour Highlights

The moments that make this journey unforgettable.

Ala Kul Pass Trek

Your Kyrgyzstan Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 8 Days · Kyrgyzstan
1
Day 1
Arrival in Bishkek
Transfer from Manas Airport to the Orion Hotel Bishkek, a boutique property on Erkindik Boulevard. Explore the city on a guided orientation walk: Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and Osh Bazaar, where vendors display dried fruits, spices, and handcrafted felt goods. The day ends with a welcome dinner of traditional Kyrgyz cuisine with wine or beer. | D
Your Accommodation
Orion Hotel Bishkek
Locally-owned boutique hotel on Erkindik Boulevard, central Bishkek.
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2
Day 2
Bishkek to Karakol — Burana Tower, North Shore Issyk-Kul, Dungan Dinner
A full day drive east through 1,500 years of history. Visit Burana Tower — the 11th-century Silk Road minaret with steppe views and stone balbals — then continue along Issyk-Kul's north shore through Grigoriev and Semenov gorges. The day ends with a Dungan family dinner in Yrdyk village: eight or more home-cooked dishes and an ashlan-fu cooking demonstration. Overnight at ToodoResort in Karakol Gorge. | B/L/D
Your Accommodation
ToodoResort, Karakol Gorge
Mountain-view cabins with sauna and private bathrooms at the entrance to Karakol Gorge — the base for the Ala-Kul trek.
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3
Day 3
Trek Day 1 — Into Karakol Gorge
The Ala-Kul circuit begins. The trail follows Karakol Gorge upward through Tien Shan spruce forest into open alpine meadow, climbing toward the foot of Karakol Peak. A certified mountain guide leads the group; porters carry up to 5kg per person while main luggage stays at ToodoResort. Overnight at a traditional yurt camp at approximately 2,500 meters, with dinner by the trek cook. | B/L/D
Your Accommodation
Alpine Yurt Camp, Karakol Gorge (~2,500m)
Traditional yurt accommodation at 2,500m in Karakol Gorge, with meals by the trek cook.
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4
Day 4
Trek Day 2 — Ascent to Ala-Kul Lake (3,532m)
The most demanding day of the trip. From the alpine camp at 2,500 meters, the trail climbs 1,000 meters to Ala-Kul Lake at 3,532 meters — turquoise glacial water ringed by the jagged peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too. Marmots bark from rocky outcrops as the air thins above the treeline. Walk the lakeshore or kayak, conditions permitting. Camp overnight at the lake — the highest overnight of the trip. | B/L/D
Your Accommodation
Tent Camp, Ala-Kul Lake (3,532m)
Tent camp at the edge of Ala-Kul glacial lake at 3,532 meters — the highest overnight of the trip.
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5
Day 5
Trek Day 3: Ala-Kul Pass (3,860m) and Descent to Altyn Arashan
The highest point of the trip. From the lakeshore camp, the trail climbs to Ala-Kul Pass at 3,860 meters with panoramic views across 5,000-meter peaks in every direction. The descent covers 1,400 meters of elevation loss through scree and alpine meadow to the Altyn Arashan valley at 2,500 meters. Settle into Eco Yurt Camp Arashan for the evening, soak in the natural hot springs with no time pressure, and gather around the outdoor fireplace after three days in the mountains. | B/L/D
Your Accommodation
Eco Yurt Camp Arashan, Altyn Arashan
Yurt camp in the Altyn Arashan valley at 2,500 meters with natural hot spring access and mountain views.
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6
Day 6
Jeti Oguz, Tamga Tash, Skazka Canyon, Ak-Tengir
A recovery day with no strenuous hiking. Morning soak in the hot springs and breakfast at the yurt camp before a UAZ transfer down the valley to meet the vehicle and driver in Karakol. Head south to Jeti Oguz's red sandstone formations and the Soviet-era sanatorium. Continue to Tamga Tash, where 8th-century Tibetan Buddhist inscriptions are virtually impossible to find without a guide. The day ends at Skazka Canyon at golden hour, with wind-sculpted red sandstone against the blue of Issyk-Kul. Overnight at Ak-Tengir Yurt Resort on Issyk-Kul's south shore. | B/L/D
Your Accommodation
Ak-Tengir Yurt Resort, Tosor
Beachfront yurt camp on Issyk-Kul's south shore with private beach and outdoor fireplace.
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7
Day 7
Eagle Hunting, Kyzyl Tuu, Konorchek Canyons, Supara Ethno-Resort
Private eagle hunting with Salavat — a fourth-generation berkutchi — near Bokonbaevo: guests hold the eagle, try Kyrgyz archery, and watch taigan dogs work. Continue to Kyzyl Tuu for a yurt construction demonstration, then lunch in Kochkor before a hike into Konorchek Canyons' red sandstone slot formations. The day ends at Supara Chunkurchak Ethno-Resort for a farewell dinner with wine or beer. | B/L/D
Your Accommodation
Supara Chunkurchak Ethno-Resort
Traditional Kyrgyz ethno-resort in the Ala-Too foothills, 27km south of Bishkek — farewell dinner venue.
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8
Day 8
Departure
Breakfast at Supara Ethno-Resort with views across the Ala-Too foothills. Transfer to Manas International Airport for your departure flight. Approximately 45 kilometers, around one hour by vehicle. | B

Kyrgyzstan Tour Details

Pricing & What's Included

Transparent pricing, comprehensive inclusions, and exactly what to expect.

Per Person
$1,850
Based on group of 4
Single Supplement$350
Deposit$600
CurrencyUSD

Group Rates

Group SizePer PersonNotes
Solo traveler$4,200Contact us for pricingSingle occupancy
2 travelers$2,750Per personDouble occupancy
3 travelers$2,300Per personGroup rate
4 travelers$1,850Per personGroup rate
5 travelers$2,200Per person2nd vehicle required
6 travelers$1,950Per personGroup rate
7 travelers$1,900Per personGroup rate
8 travelers$1,850Per personBest value

What's Included

  • All accommodation as indicated in the itinerary (hotel, mountain resort, alpine yurt, tent camp, beachfront yurt camp, ethno-resort)
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • All land transportation in private 4x4 vehicle as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide for the full trip
  • Certified local mountain guide for the Ala-Kul trek (Days 3-5)
  • Trek cook for all three trekking days
  • Porters carrying up to 5kg per person during the three-day trek
  • Tents and sleeping bags for tent camp and alpine yurt nights
  • All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
  • Burana Tower entrance and guided visit (Day 2)
  • Grigoriev and Semenov gorge entrance fees (Day 2)
  • Dungan family dinner in Yrdyk village via Destination Karakol (Day 2)
  • Altyn Arashan hot springs access (Day 5)
  • Tamga Tash guided walk (Day 6)
  • Skazka Canyon entrance fee (Day 6)
  • Private eagle hunting demonstration with Salavat via DatkaTravel (Day 7)
  • Kyzyl Tuu yurt construction demonstration (Day 7)
  • Welcome dinner with wine or beer (Day 1)
  • Farewell dinner with wine or beer at Supara Ethno-Resort (Day 7)

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Personal expenses and personal laundry
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
  • Gratuities for driver, guide, trek team, and local hosts ($5-10 per person per day recommended)
  • Optional treatments at Jeti Oguz Sanatorium (radon bath ~$1, massage $4-8)
  • Optional kayaking at Ala-Kul Lake (if available, ice-dependent)
  • Single supplement ($350)
  • Extra arrival night in Bishkek (Orion Hotel: $200/double, $170/single)
  • Alcoholic beverages beyond welcome and farewell dinners
  • Medical evacuation costs
*
Deposit & Payment: A 25% deposit secures your place (credit card accepted). 50% balance due 90 days before departure. Final balance due 60 days prior. ACH bank transfer available at reduced fees. Bookings within 60 days require full payment.
†
Cancellation: 90+ days: full refund minus $500 admin fee. 60-89 days: 50% refund. Under 60 days: no refund. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for all participants.

Ready to secure your place on this trek? Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate group experience.

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Total: 2 travelers

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Kyrgyzstan

"EcoVoyager put my mind at ease with expert guidance on how to stay safe and enjoy the vibes. If I were to plan another solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I'd trust EcoVoyager to help me through it all."

Won C. · Kyrgyzstan
Japan

"I had a wonderful time. Organization was superb and our experiences were maximized due to great planning and enthusiasm."

Diana P. · Japan
Kyrgyzstan

"Staying with nomadic families, riding through valleys with no other tourists in sight. This is the kind of travel I didn't know I was missing."

David T. · Silk Road Journey, September 2024
Cuba

"The trip was thoughtfully curated for a REAL Cuban cultural experience, juxtaposing between the island's insolvency and the faux luxuries propped up by foreign investment."

Jerry R. · Cuba
Bolivia

"The salt flats at sunrise were even more stunning than I'd imagined. Our guide positioned us perfectly for the reflections."

James C. · Salt Flats Adventure, March 2024
Kyrgyzstan

"EcoVoyager put my mind at ease with expert guidance on how to stay safe and enjoy the vibes. If I were to plan another solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I'd trust EcoVoyager to help me through it all."

Won C. · Kyrgyzstan
Japan

"I had a wonderful time. Organization was superb and our experiences were maximized due to great planning and enthusiasm."

Diana P. · Japan
Kyrgyzstan

"Staying with nomadic families, riding through valleys with no other tourists in sight. This is the kind of travel I didn't know I was missing."

David T. · Silk Road Journey, September 2024
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We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance, especially for remote destinations like Greenland or Madagascar. This allows time for permit processing, securing the best local guides, and ensuring accommodation availability in these pristine, limited-access locations.
Each adventure includes expert local guides, unique accommodations, all transportation within the destination, most meals featuring local cuisine, and exclusive access to experiences unavailable to mass tourism. International flights and personal travel insurance are typically separate.
We design adventures for various fitness levels and always discuss physical requirements during planning. Many of our destinations offer different activity intensities, and we can customize experiences to match your capabilities while still providing authentic wilderness encounters.
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We understand plans can change. Our cancellation policy varies by destination and timing, but we always work to minimize fees and maximize flexibility. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and will provide guidance on the best policies for adventure travel.
While we specialize in our core destinations, we can create custom adventures to other remote, wild places that align with our mission of authentic, sustainable travel. Contact us to discuss your dream destination and we'll explore possibilities.
We focus exclusively on authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations that most travelers never reach. Our deep partnerships with local communities, commitment to conservation, and rejection of mass tourism create truly transformative experiences that benefit both travelers and destinations.
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