HIKE FROM JYRGALAN TO ALA-KOL LAKE
Lake Ala-Kol, perched at an altitude of 3,500 metres, is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan. It is accessed via the pass of the same name, which rises to 3,860 metres. This route is ideal for lovers of hiking, camping and spectacular views of snow-capped peaks.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BISHKEK
Meet your local team at the airport, then transfer to the hotel. After a few hours’ rest, set off on your first tour of the city. Visit Ala-Too Square, the heart of the country’s cultural and political life, followed by a stroll through the Osh Bazaar market and a tour of other iconic sites in Bishkek.
Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2: BISHKEK – KARAKOL
Departure from Bishkek towards Karakol, travelling along the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. En route, visit the open-air petroglyph site at Cholpon-Ata.
Lunch at a restaurant.
On arrival in Karakol, visit the Dungan mosque and the Orthodox church.
Dinner in a restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
Distance: 430 km
Elevation: +900 m
DAY 3: KARAKOL – JYRGALAN – TERIM TOR
Transfer to Jyrgalan. Departure from the village of Jyrgalan (2,200 m). Hike southwards through vast alpine pastures and wild valleys. The route offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
After 4 to 5 hours’ walking, set up camp below the Terim Tor pass (approx. 3,000 m).
Overnight in tents.
Distance: 14 km
Elevation: +1,000 m / -130 m
DAY 4: TERIM TOR – BOZ UCHUK VALLEY
Ascent of the Terim Tor Pass (3,450 m), the highest point offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Descent into the Turgon Valley, followed by a gradual climb towards the Boz Uchuk Valley.
Setting up camp near the pass.
Overnight in tents.
Distance: 12 km
Elevation: +900 m / -700 m
DAY 5: BOZ UCHUK VALLEY- AILANYSH VALLEY
Ascent to Boz Uchuk Pass (3,360 m), followed by a visit to the magnificent Boz Uchuk Lakes, nestled in an unspoiled alpine setting. Option to cross via Jergez Pass (3,516 m), offering even more expansive views.
Descent to the Ailanysh Valley.
Overnight in tents.
Distance: 11 km
Elevation: +700 m / -770 m
DAY 6: AILANYSH VALLEY – ALMALUU VALLEY
After breakfast, hike to the Ailanysh Lakes, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and peaceful setting. Cross the Ailanysh Pass (approx. 3,600 m), then descend into the Almaluu Valley.
Overnight in tents.
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: +200 m / -900 m
DAY 7: ALMALUU VALLEY – ALTYN ARASHAN
Hike to the famous Altyn Arashan Valley, known for its spectacular scenery and natural hot springs.
Arrival after a 4- to 5-hour hike. Check-in at a yurt with meal included (2,500 m).
Option to relax in the hot springs.
Overnight stay in a yurt.
Distance: 11 km
Elevation: +800 m / -1,000 m
DAY 8: ALTYN ARASHAN – ALA KOL LAKE
A gradual ascent to the base of the Ala-Kol Pass through a spectacular alpine valley. After a short break, climb the Ala-Kol Pass (3,860 m), the highest point of the trek, offering an exceptional view of Lake Ala-Kol and the Terskey Ala-Too mountains. Descent to the lake.
After 7–8 hours of walking, set up camp on the shores of Lake Ala-Kol.
Overnight in tents.
Distance: 14 km
Elevation: +1,250 m / -350 m
DAY 9: ALA KOL LAKE – KARAKOL VALLEY – KARAKOL
We walk along the lake, then climb a short hill to a small pass and descend toward the Karakol Gorge to a bridge.
Transfer by vehicle to the town of Karakol.
Check-in at a good hotel.
Dinner at a restaurant.
Distance: 12 km
Elevation: +250 m / -1,500 m
DAY 10: KARAKOL – BOKONBAEV
Drive to Bokonbaev along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Along the way, stop for short hikes in the Jeti-Oguz and Skazka (Fairy Tale Canyon) canyons.
Upon arrival, meet a local falconer and watch an eagle hunting demonstration.
Lunch at a restaurant along the way.
Dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Distance: 150 km
Elevation: -100 m
DAY 11: BOKONBAEV – BISHKEK
Return to Bishkek. En route, stop to visit the Burana Tower (11th century), located near the town of Tokmok.
Arrival in Bishkek in the afternoon; free time for final preparations.
Dinner at a restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.
Distance: 290 km
Elevation: -800 m
DAY 12: AIRPORT TRANSFER
Airport transfer based on your flight schedule.
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