8-day Trekking 3: Ala-Kul Lake8 Days | Bishkek, Karakol, Karakol valley, Ala-Kul lake, Keldike gorge, Altyn Arashan gorge

  • Ala-Kul LakeAla-Kul Lake
  • Itinerary MapItinerary Map
  • BishkekBishkek
  • BishkekBishkek
  • BishkekBishkek
  • Burana towerBurana tower
  • Issyk-KulIssyk-Kul
  • KarakolKarakol
  • KarakolKarakol
  • Ala-Kul Lake
  • Itinerary Map
  • Bishkek
  • Bishkek
  • Bishkek
  • Burana tower
  • Issyk-Kul
  • Karakol
  • Karakol

Long, but a very interesting Walking tour in Kyrgyzstan-4 is a trip where you can combine an interesting hike to the mountains, excursions to the sights and beach time. During the hike, you will explore natural beauties of Kyrgyzstan in the Karakol region. You will visit Karakol Valley where there is a mountain lake Ala-Kul;, and the Golden Valley Altyn-Arashan where there are healing springs. Besides, you will visit historical places and architectural monuments in Bishkek, Karakol and Cholpon-Ata, as well as get pleasure from an entire day on the resort beaches of Issyk-Kul.

Recommended list of personal items: warm clothes, a coat, tracking-boots, sleeping bag, mat, rucksack, flash light, your own First Aid Kit and sunglasses.
Conditions: There are no technical difficulties on the trekking route, but the tourists should be in good form as they will walk around 3-6 hours a day and will go over the pass (3860 m).

Tour itinerary:

Day 1: Airport – Bishkek
 
Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing tour: Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, Philarmonic, Statue of Manas, Victory Square. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals:-/-/-
Day 2: Bishkek – Karakol
 
In the morning transfer to Karakol (400 km) on the south side of the Issyk Kul Lake. On the way stop to see Burana tower, which is left from ancient city Balasagyn (XI - XIII).
On the way visit to Skazka gorge, fantastic gorge with red mountain formations. One of the best views on the Issyk-Kul Lake is guaranteed. Continue driving to Karakol. Overnight in Karakol in a guest house or hotel.
Meals: Breakfast/-/-
Day 3: Karakol – Karakol valley – Sirota camp (3-4 hours on foot)
 
Early in the morning meet with trekking staff and change bus to 4WD Russian army vehicle (uazik). Then you will set off south along the Karakol river valley. 4 WD army truck goes by exciting mountain road winding through fur tree forest and between stunning rocks of Karakol valley. Next stage is trek up the Ala-Kul valley through fur tree forest. Dinner and overnight in tents at Sirota camp (2800 m).
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 4: Sirota camp – Ala Kul lake – Keldike gorge (5-6 hours on foot)
 
After breakfast continue trekking up the valley gradually gaining the altitude. Today you will pass Alakol lake. Lunch at the lake. It sits at the altitude of 3532 meters above sea level. Being 2,3 km long and 700 meters across, it takes waters from a melting glacier and turns to a nice waterfall on the other end.
Today we will also go over the Ala Kul pass (3860 m) and then descend to Keldike gorge. Dinner and overnight in tents in Keldike gorge (3200 m).
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 5: Keldike gorge – Altyn Ararshan (3-4 hours on foot)
 
In the morning trek to Altyn-Arashan valley. "Altyn Arashan" is Kyrgyz for "golden springs" and famous with it's natural curative Sulfur hot springs. Free time for rest or visit hot springs. Dinner and overnight in a tent (2600 m).
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 6: Altyn Ararshan – Karakol
 
Breakfast. Meet vehicle. Drive to Karakol by very spectacular mountain road. Free time. Overnight in Karakol in a guest house.
Meals: Breakfast/-/-
Day 7: Karakol – Bishkek
 
After breakfast city tour: Visit the wooden Russian-orthodox church, Dungan Mosque and Prezhevalsky-Museum. Transfer to Bishkek (400 km). In Cholpon-Ata visit open-air art gallery of stone, said to date from 500 BC – 100 AD, they depict wolves, long-horned ibex, goats, horses, snow leopards, sacrifices and some hunting scenes. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast/-/-
Day 8: Bishkek – Airport
 
In the morning transfer to Bishkek. End of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast/-/-

Price includes:

  • Twin room accommodation including early check in on Day 1;
  • Meals – groups 1-4 people - as per program; groups 5-10 people – full board;
  • Transportation through out the whole trip.
  • Sightseeing tour program with English speaking guide (except on Day 8);
  • Entrance fees to sights according to the program;
  • Rent of kitchen equipment and a tents, mat;
  • Assistance of porters. Please note that porters can carry maximum of 7 kg per tourist;
  • Cook’s services.

Price doesn't include:

  • Visa support;
  • Hotel charges for additional services;
  • Single supplement;
  • Camera/video at the sights;
  • Accommodation in a single tent;
  • Sleeping bag;
  • Additional kilograms of luggage for porters;
  • Consular fees paid upon collection of the entrance visa to Kyrgyzstan;
  • International airfares;
  • Tips are not included, but would be appreciated;
  • Personal insurance and items not mentioned above.

Accommodation

Bishkek - 2 nights
Economy:
B hotel / My hotel / Bridges
Comfort:
Ramada / Ambassador / Central Park or similar
Karakol - 2 nights
Economy:
Green Yard / Matsunoki guest house or similar
Comfort:
78 hotel / Karagat or similar
Trek - 3 nights
Economy:
Yurt (4 people in one yurt)
Comfort:
Yurt (4 people in one yurt)

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