The Ala-Kul Trek & Nomadic Adventure 9-Day

Route: Bishkek – Burana Tower – Kegety Gorge – Chon Kemin (approx. 220 km)

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! After meeting at the airport or your hotel, we immediately leave the busy city behind for nature. Our first stop is a dive into history at the Burana Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 11th-century minaret is all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun, a thriving capital on the Great Silk Road. You will walk among ancient "balbals" (stone warriors) and feel the breath of history.

Next, we head towards the mountains to visit the Kegety Gorge, famous for its dramatic waterfall and lush greenery. We end the day in the Chon-Kemin Valley, a mesmerizing national park. Here, we will drive along a panoramic mountain road, breathing in the scent of pine and wild herbs.

• Highlight: Touching the ancient stones of the Silk Road and the fresh mountain air of Chon-Kemin.

Included:

• Accommodation: Guesthouse in Chon-Kemin.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Route: Chon Kemin – Sutu Bulak Hike – Grigoriev & Semienov Gorges – Karakol (approx. 340 km)

After a nomadic-style breakfast, we prepare for our first proper alpine hike of the tour. We embark on an invigorating $\text{2.5–3}$ hour round-trip trek to the beautiful Sutu Bulak Lake, known locally as the "Milk Lake". This name comes from the milky-blue tint of its waters, often enriched by glacial sediments. This hike offers superb high-altitude views of the surrounding peaks and valleys of the Chon Kemin National Park, serving as an excellent warm-up for the upcoming challenge of Ala-Kul.

We then continue our drive along the scenic North Shore of Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake. Our route takes us through the incredibly picturesque Grigoriev and Semienov Gorges. Here, we witness the quintessential Kyrgyz panorama: towering slopes draped in emerald Tian Shan spruce, rushing glacial rivers, and wide summer pastures dotted with yurts.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Karakol, a town famed for its unique cultural mix. We will visit the ornate wooden Dungan Mosque (built without a single nail) and the historical Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity. Dinner will be served at a local ethnic cafe.

• Activity: Hiking (approx. 2.5–3 hours)
• Highlight: The rewarding trek to Sutu Bulak Lake and the classic mountain vistas of Grigoriev Gorge.

Included:

• Accommodation: Hotel in Karakol.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Route: Karakol – Karakol Gorge (2500m) – Acclimatization Walk

We depart from the city of Karakol in the morning. The drive takes us deep into the Karakol Gorge (1.5 hours) to our high mountain camp, situated at approximately 2500 above sea level. This location provides an excellent base for acclimatization before tackling the pass.

Upon arrival, we will settle into our yurts and enjoy lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to a short, easy acclimatization walk in the surrounding alpine meadows. In the evening, we will have a briefing for the following days and enjoy a traditional dinner around the campfire.

• Accommodation: Yurt Camp (at 2500 melevation).

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Note: This overnight stay at 2500m is vital for acclimatization before the steep ascent.

Route: Karakol High Camp (2500m) – Ala-Kul Lake (3600m) – Lake Shore Camp

We have an early breakfast before starting our ascent to the famous Ala-Kul Lake. Our starting point is at $\text{2500m}$. We cross the bridge and begin the climb towards the lake, steadily gaining altitude up the valley.

After about 2–2.5 hours of hiking, we will stop for a short rest at a small hut (Sirota Camp). We then continue the steeper trek to the lake. The distance is approximately 10 km, but we gain a significant 1100m in altitude. We will have lunch on the route.

Upon reaching the turquoise waters of Ala-Kul, we will spend time enjoying the view. Depending on the situation with melting ice, you will have the option of either walking to the end of the lake or taking a boat or kayak to the other side to continue your journey. We will set up our tents near the lake shore.

• Trekking Distance: 12 km (approx.)

• Altitude Gain: +1100m | -100m

• Time: 6–7 hours.

• Accommodation: Tents near Ala-Kul Lake (3600m).

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Route: Ala-Kul Lake Camp (3600m) – Ala-Kul Pass (3860m) – Altyn-Arashan (2500m) – Transfer to Karakol

After breakfast, we continue the final climb toward the Ala-Kul Pass (3860m). This ascent takes us above the lake, offering incredible panoramic views of the entire Terskey Ala-Too range, with peaks soaring over 5000m.

From the pass, we begin the long descent (-1400m) into the beautiful Altyn-Arashan Gorge (2500m), known for its hot springs. The descent takes {3–3.5 hours, depending on the pace. Upon arrival at the camp, our reward awaits: a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs.

Afterward, a specialized {4x4 vehicle (typically a rugged UAZ) will be waiting to transfer us directly back to the city of Karakol.

• Trekking Distance: 15 km (approx.)

• Altitude Gain/Loss: {+350m | -1400m

• Time: 6–7 hours.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Karakol.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Route: Karakol – Jety Oguz – Barskoon – Skazka Canyon – Bokonbaevo

We explore the wilder Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul today. First stop: Jety-Oguz (Seven Bulls), famous for its red rock formations and the romantic "Broken Heart" rock. We hike to a panorama point for the best view. Next, we visit the majestic waterfalls of Barskoon Gorge, famously visited by Yuri Gagarin.

Later, we wander through Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon. Erosion has sculpted the clay into bizarre shapes resembling castles and dragons. We end the day in Bokonbaevo village, the center of Kyrgyz tradition. After dinner, enjoy an exclusive folklore show with traditional music.

• Accommodation: Yurt Camp or Guest House (experience authentic nomadic living).

Included:

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, folklore show

Route: Bokonbaevo – Ak-Sai – Son-Kul Lake (300 km)

Morning starts with a rare cultural experience: meeting a Berkutchi (Eagle Hunter). You will see a demonstration of how Golden Eagles hunt and learn about this ancient nomadic tradition. After a quick stop at the Ak-Sai Canyons and a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Issyk-Kul, we drive up into the high mountains.

We arrive at Son-Kul Lake, sitting at 3,016m above sea level. This place has no electricity, no cell service, and no buildings—only yurts, edelweiss flowers, and infinite sky. It is the heart of nomadic culture.

• Highlight: Eagle show and the absolute silence of Son-Kul. Optional: Traditional Banya (Sauna)

Included:

• Accommodation: Yurt Camp on the lakeshore.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Route: Son Kul – Mountain Passes – Kok-Moinok Canyons – Bishkek (approx. 400 km)

Wake up to the vast silence of the high mountain steppe. Our scenic return to Bishkek is a full-day adventure through a collection of dramatic landscapes. We drive over conquer the famous serpentine road of the "33 Parrots" Pass (Terskey Torpok), stopping for stunning panoramic photos.

After descending to the lower plains, we make a final spectacular stop on the shores of Issyk-Kul at the Kok-Moinok Canyons. This is a Martian-like landscape of vivid red and yellow sandstone formations carved by millennia of wind and water—a perfect contrast to the green mountains we've traversed over the last week.

We continue on the final leg of our journey, arriving in Bishkek by evening for check-in and a well-deserved final dinner.

• Travel Note: This is a long but visually rich travel day, combining high-altitude scenery with desert-like canyons.

Included:

• Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Transfer to Manas International Airport. We hope you leave with a piece of Kyrgyzstan in your heart!