| Duration: | 3 Day(s) - 2 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Trekking Tours |
Day 1: Karakol Town – Karakol Valley – Kurgak-Tor
We depart from the city of Karakol to the Karakol Gorge early in the morning. The drive to the trailhead will take about 30 minutes. Upon arrival at the meeting point, we will meet the staff, pack our backpacks, and begin hiking.
After about 2–2.5 hours of easy hiking up the pristine river valley, we will stop for lunch at a small lake. After lunch, we will continue up the valley before turning to the left to begin our ascent toward Kurgak-Tor (Dry Gorge). Here, the route becomes much steeper, crossing through a dense forest and climbing up the side of the mountain to the campsite at an altitude of 3,000 m. This portion of the hike will take approximately 2 hours. We will spend the night near Orphan's Shelter, where there is a hut that can be used as a kitchen and dining room in bad weather. In total, the trek to our campsite will cover 13–14 km and take 4–5 hours. Overnight in tents.
Residence: Yurt Camp
Meal: L, D
Day 2: Kurgak-Tor – Keldike Gorge
The second day of our trip is equally exciting. We will begin at a gentle pace for about 2–3 hours as we ascend to Ala-Kol Lake (3,532 m). After a snack and a rest while taking in the breathtaking views of the beautiful turquoise-colored lake and the surrounding white-capped mountains, we will continue along the northern shore toward the other side of Ala-Kol.
From here, we will ascend again toward the pass (3,860 m), from which you can see all of the nearby peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too surrounding the lake and rising to over 5,000 m above sea level. The descent from the pass is steep but not long. We will set up camp not far from the pass after about 30–40 minutes of descent. In total, we will walk about 8 km over approximately 4–5 hours. Overnight in tents at an altitude of 3,400 m.
Residence: Yurt Camp
Meal: B, L, D
Day 3: Keldike Gorge – Altyn Arashan Hot Springs – Karakol
After breakfast, we will descend the gorge to the hot springs of Altyn Arashan (2,500 m). The descent takes 2–3 hours, depending on the pace. The total distance covered is 10 km. Upon arrival, we will have lunch and then enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs. After lunch, it is possible to take a short walk to other natural hot spring sources located between the river and the rocks farther down the gorge. A vehicle will be waiting for us in Arashan and will drive us back to Karakol.
Residence:
Meal: B, L
Included:
Accommodation
Three meals per day
English-speaking guide
Assistant guide for groups of 7 people or more
Transport
Entrance fees
Hot springs in Altyn Arashan
Porters for luggage
Excluded:
Alcohol
Single supplement
Insurance
Shower or sauna in camps
