Karakol Gorge – Ala-Kul – Altyn Arashan – Ak-Suu village (green)

This is the most popular trail near Karakol, with the beautiful Karakol Canyon, the impressive Ala-Kul lake and glacier, and refreshing hot springs near Altyn Arashan. There are yurts along the way, but it is best to reserve them before. There are also 3-4 official camp sites, which can be used for free. Doable in 2-4 days. Be aware that the Ala-Kul pass is very steep with many loose rocks and can be dangerous. Also, the weather changes fast. The best direction is Karakol Gorge to Ak-Suu village, because this way allows you to "slide down" the Ala-Kul pass on its steep northern side. Information/maps/tours is available at local tour offices. Highest point: 3,860 m, lowest point: 1,750 m, total elevation gain: 2,200 m, total elevation loss: 2,200 m. Level of difficulty: medium. Total hiking time: ~17 hr. Approximate trekking distance: ~50 km. Download coordinates: GPX, KML.

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Karakol, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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More in Karakol

Do
Karakol Ski Base
At 3,040 m, this is the highest ski resort in Central Asia. It has 2 chalets and a hotel with a sauna. There are no chair lifts but several T-bars and rope lifts take you to some of the best runs. There is ski equipment for rent.
Lift tickets are 1,200 som
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Air rifle shooting
In a shipping container in the main bazaar you can shoot air rifles for 3 som a pellet. Great if you are with kids. You can also challenge a local kid if you're a dead eye!
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Altyn Arashan Hot Springs
Hot springs within hiking distance from Karakol and conveniently located along the Ala-Kul hiking trail. Hostels, yurts, food (250-300 SOM for lunch/dinner) available.
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Chon-Kyzyl-Suu – Karakol Gorge – Ala-Kul – Altyn Arashan – Ak-Suu village (orange)
Highest point: 3,820 m. Lowest point: 2,176 m. Total elevation gain: 1,644 m. Total elevation loss: 1,830 m. Level of difficulty: difficult. Total hours hiking: ~26 hr. Average amount of trekking days: 4-7. Approximate trekking distance: ~80 km. Download the coordinates of the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu–Jeti-Ögüz part: GPX, KML. And, instead of heading into Jeti-Ögüz, just continue the path to Karakol Gorge, Ala-Kul, Altyn Arashan and Ak-Suu village as with the previous trails. Note, an alternative to the first part of this trail, is taking the (more official) Archa Tor Pass Trail (gray): GPX, KML.