Karakol, Eastern Tien Shan
Ala-Kul & Karakol Peaks
A private trek to the turquoise lake beneath jagged ridges.
Climb through spruce forest and glacial moraine to Ala-Kul at sunrise, crossing the high pass with a guide who knows every switchback.
- Duration
- 6 days
- Format
- Private
- Coordinates
- 42.33° N · 78.52° E
- Ala-Kul Pass at first light
- Altyn-Arashan hot springs
- Private guide and porters
Day by day
01
Arrival in Karakol
Settle into a family guesthouse, walk the old Russian town and review the route over dinner with your guide.
02
Into the Karakol Valley
Drive to the trailhead and hike beside the river to the basecamp meadow, where a camp is already waiting.
03
Ala-Kul at sunrise
A pre-dawn climb to the lake and over the pass, with the whole range turning orange beneath you.
04
Altyn-Arashan
Descend through alpine meadows to the valley of hot springs and soak tired legs under the stars.
Ala-Kul & Karakol Peaks