What is the highest altitude reached on the Ala Kul Pass Trek?

The highest point on the Ala Kul Pass Trek is the Ala-Kul Pass itself at 3,860 meters, which offers panoramic views across a sea of 5,000-meter peaks in all directions. You'll also camp overnight at Ala-Kul Lake at 3,532 meters, which is the highest overnight accommodation of the entire trip.

When is the best time to do the Ala Kul Pass Trek?

The Ala Kul Pass Trek operates from late June through September. Late season is particularly recommended as it offers excellent trail conditions and fewer crowds on the mountain routes.

What type of accommodation is provided during the Ala Kul trek?

Accommodation varies throughout the 8-day itinerary and includes boutique hotels, mountain resort cabins, traditional yurts, tent camps, and beachfront yurt camps. During the three-day Ala-Kul circuit specifically, you'll stay in alpine yurt camps and tent camps at the glacial lake, with all tents and sleeping bags provided by the trek operator.

Are meals included on the Ala Kul Pass Trek?

Yes, all meals are included throughout the 8-day itinerary as indicated in the program. This includes a welcome dinner with wine or beer on arrival, a traditional Dungan family dinner, meals prepared by the trek cook during the three mountain days, and a farewell dinner at Supara Ethno-Resort.

What cultural experiences are included beyond the Ala Kul trekking?

The itinerary includes several unique cultural experiences such as a private eagle hunting demonstration with a fourth-generation berkutchi, a Dungan family dinner with cooking demonstration, visits to 8th-century Buddhist rock carvings at Tamga Tash, and a yurt construction demonstration in Kyzyl Tuu village. You'll also explore Silk Road ruins at Burana Tower and experience traditional Kyrgyz cuisine.

Do I need to carry my own gear during the Ala Kul trek?

Porters will carry up to 5 kilograms per person during the three-day trek, and your main luggage stays stored at ToodoResort. All camping equipment including tents and sleeping bags are provided by the trek operator, so you only need to carry personal day hiking essentials.

What can I expect at Altyn Arashan hot springs after the trek?

After descending 1,400 meters from the Ala-Kul Pass, you'll reach the natural hot springs of Altyn Arashan at 2,500 meters. Soaking in these thermal pools after three days in the mountains is described as one of the most satisfying moments in Kyrgyz trekking, providing perfect recovery after the challenging high-altitude hiking.

Are there any hidden costs or additional fees for the Ala Kul Pass Trek?

The tour is advertised as all-inclusive with no hidden fees or additional payments necessary. All accommodation, meals, transportation, entrance fees, guides, and equipment are included as detailed in the itinerary, though personal expenses, gratuities, and optional activities like treatments at Jeti Oguz Sanatorium are excluded.

What makes Ala-Kul Lake special compared to other alpine lakes?

Ala-Kul is described as one of Central Asia's most striking glacial lakes, featuring deep turquoise water fed by glacial melt and surrounded by jagged peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too on three sides. The overnight camp at the lakeshore at 3,532 meters is the highest and most remote accommodation of the trip, offering an unparalleled alpine experience.

What geological attractions are visited on the Ala Kul Pass Trek besides the mountains?

The itinerary includes several remarkable geological sites including Skazka Canyon with wind-sculpted red sandstone formations best seen at golden hour, the seven massive red formations at Jeti Oguz, and the hidden Konorchek Canyons featuring slot canyons and towering pillars carved over two million years. These provide striking contrast to the high mountain landscapes of the trek itself.

Kyrgyzstan

Ala Kul Pass Trek

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

From

$1,850

Group Size

Max 8 Guests

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

Book This Expedition

View Itinerary See Pricing

Ecovoyager Experiences

Tour Highlights

The moments that make this journey unforgettable.

Summit the Ala-Kul Pass at 3,860 Meters

Private 4x4 for Every Transfer and Overland Leg

Camp at Ala-Kul Lake (3,532m)

All Inclusive - No Hidden Fees or Additional Payments Necesary

Altyn Arashan Hot Springs After the Descent

Hand-Picked Accommodation at Every Stage of the Journey

Dungan Family Dinner in Yrdyk Village

Skazka Canyon at Golden Hour

Private Eagle Hunting with a Fourth-Generation Berkutchi

Konorchek Canyons: Central Asia's Hidden Slot Canyons

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.

Hiker with orange backpack overlooking turquoise Ala Kul lake surrounded by snow-capped Tian Shan mountains

Hikers crossing mountain stream with snow-capped peaks and green valleys in Kyrgyzstan

Eco-friendly base camp with white tents and turquoise building nestled in dramatic Kyrgyzstan mountain valley on Ala Kul Pass Trek

Hiker celebrating at Altyn Arashan Ala Kol Pass summit 3920m with turquoise glacial lake and Kyrgyzstan mountain peaks

Mountain river flowing through pristine valley with wildflowers and evergreen forests on Ala Kul Pass Trek

Natural hot springs pool carved in limestone rocks with crystal clear turquoise water and forest backdrop in Altyn-Arashan

Hikers on rocky ridge overlooking turquoise Ala-Kul lake and snow-capped Tien Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan

Hikers trekking beside turquoise Ala-Kul Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains in Kyrgyzstan

Traditional yurts at high altitude base camp during Ala Kul Pass Trek in Kyrgyzstan mountains

Two hikers celebrating at Ala Kul Pass with turquoise glacial lake and snow-capped Kyrgyzstan mountains

Soviet-era van on muddy mountain trail through evergreen forests during Ala Kul Pass trek in Kyrgyzstan

Travelers enjoying traditional Kyrgyz yurt hospitality with local feast during Ala Kul Pass trekking adventure

Hikers traversing rocky mountain ridge on Ala Kul Pass Trek with snow-capped peaks and turquoise alpine lake below

Hiker overlooking turquoise Ala Kul Lake surrounded by snow-capped Tian Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan

Horses grazing beside pristine mountain river in Kyrgyzstan's Ala Kul valley with snow-capped peaks and alpine forests

Hiker crossing rocky stream on Ala Kul Pass Trek with dramatic mountain peaks and morning sunlight in Kyrgyzstan wilderness

Solo hiker with trekking poles ascending rocky Ala Kul Pass trail through pristine mountain valley with stream

Hiker overlooking turquoise Ala Kul lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains in Kyrgyzstan

Hiker crossing wooden bridge over rushing mountain river on Ala Kul Pass Trek in Kyrgyzstan alpine wilderness

Red sandstone rock formations and desert landscape in Skazka Canyon, Kyrgyzstan at golden hour

Ala Kul Pass Trek

Your Kyrgyzstan Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 8 Days · Kyrgyzstan

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

Ala-Too Square in Bishkek with red Kyrgyzstan flag, white government building, monument and fountains

Busy indoor market corridor with vendors selling goods from stalls under metal roof structure

Modern memorial monument with white statue under curved archway in landscaped park setting in Bishkek

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

Ancient Burana Tower minaret with stone grave markers in foreground and snow-capped mountains behind

Dirt road winding through green mountain valley with evergreen forests and cloudy peaks in Kyrgyzstan

Traditional Dungan feast with homemade noodles and local dishes in Karakol homestay dining room

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

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

Illuminated camping tent beside pristine alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped Tien Shan mountains at dusk

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

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

Red sandstone rock formations with evergreen trees in Jeti-Oguz, Kyrgyzstan

Ancient petroglyphs carved in weathered stone boulder surrounded by wild vegetation on Ala Kul Pass trek in Uzbekistan

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

Traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunter with golden eagle at Son Kul Lake, Tien Shan mountains backdrop

Traditional red yurt framework construction in Kyrgyzstan Tien Shan mountains with trekking group

Traditional white yurts nestled in green valley with snow-capped mountains in Kyrgyzstan

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

What's Included

Everything included in the tour, and what to budget separately.

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

Kyrgyzstan Tour Details

Tour Pricing

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

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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Duration

15 Days

From

From $2,995

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Destination

Explore the Places You'll Visit

Each stop on this journey through Kyrgyzstan, and the country that ties them together.

Kyrgyzstan

Where the Tien Shan meets living nomadic tradition. Trek to alpine lakes, sleep in yurts on high summer pastures, and witness eagle hunters practicing an art unchanged for centuries.

Explore Kyrgyzstan

Ala Kul Pass Trek

Tour Highlights

Summit the Ala-Kul Pass at 3,860 Meters

Private 4x4 for Every Transfer and Overland Leg

Camp at Ala-Kul Lake (3,532m)

All Inclusive - No Hidden Fees or Additional Payments Necesary

Altyn Arashan Hot Springs After the Descent

Hand-Picked Accommodation at Every Stage of the Journey

Dungan Family Dinner in Yrdyk Village

Skazka Canyon at Golden Hour

Private Eagle Hunting with a Fourth-Generation Berkutchi

Konorchek Canyons: Central Asia's Hidden Slot Canyons

Ala Kul Pass Trek

Request More Information

Arrival in Bishkek

Orion Hotel Bishkek

Bishkek to Karakol — Burana Tower, North Shore Issyk-Kul, Dungan Dinner

ToodoResort, Karakol Gorge

Trek Day 1 — Into Karakol Gorge

Alpine Yurt Camp, Karakol Gorge (~2,500m)

Trek Day 2 — Ascent to Ala-Kul Lake (3,532m)

Tent Camp, Ala-Kul Lake (3,532m)

Trek Day 3: Ala-Kul Pass (3,860m) and Descent to Altyn Arashan

Eco Yurt Camp Arashan, Altyn Arashan

Jeti Oguz, Tamga Tash, Skazka Canyon, Ak-Tengir

Ak-Tengir Yurt Resort, Tosor

Eagle Hunting, Kyzyl Tuu, Konorchek Canyons, Supara Ethno-Resort

Supara Chunkurchak Ethno-Resort

Departure

What's Included

What's Included

Not Included

Tour Pricing

Group Rates

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What Our Adventurers Say

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Explore the Places You'll Visit

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Ala-Kul Lake

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