There is lack of words when it comes to describing the beauty of this turquoise lake. It’s so beautiful that the locals often refer to it as the ‘pristine diamond of the Karakol Canyon’. The water of this glacier lake changes hourly from azure to violet, depending on the weather conditions and the time of the year.
Just as it’s the case with Song Kol, this lake is not easily accessed but getting there is absolutely worth the long strenuous two-day hike. The lake itself is gorgeous but the whole trail that will bring you there is beautiful as well. Part of the hike to this lake reminded me of the Swiss Alps if it wasn’t for the yurts scattered here and there between the idyllic valleys.
It’s impossible to reach this lake by car or by public transport. The only way to get there is by hiking. Reaching Ala Kul can be done independently or with a guide. To get there, you will need to reach the Ala Kul Nature Reserve first and hike from there.
