"Ala Kol" Lake on Horse
Karakol means a “black wrist” and is the largest city in Yssyk-Köl Oblast, set among stunning Central Tien Shan looming above on three sides. Karakol gives easy access to Yssyk-Köl Lake, Ak-Suu, Altyn-Arashan, the fabled Karakol Valley and the road to Inylcheck Glacier. The Sunday Animal Bazaar in Karakol is also a site to see, as locals from surrounding villages often travel all night and sometimes days to bring their livestock to the market. Opportunities for trekking from Karakol are abundant with the majestic Terskei Ala-Too Range of the Tien Shan hovering over the city. With possibilities of 2 to 14 day treks, trekkers of every level can experience the breathtaking beauty of the Tien Shan, the crystal waters of Lake AlaKöl, and the natural hot springs of Altyn Arashan. Hike along rocks, rivers and passes in one of the most spectacular mountains in Kyrgyzstan, visiting the renowned mineral springs of Altyn-Arashan, hiking up to the beautiful alpine lake Ala-Köl, getting the panoramic view of surroundings from the top of mountains, watching the pristine nature and wildlife – all this is possible only around Karakol
Transfer from Karakol to the beginning of Arashan Valley (30 min). After meeting with our horse guide, you will get instructions about horse riding (most important is to be calm). The trip starts in the beautiful Arashan Gorge, comfortable riding on the dirt road with almost no traffic. After 3-4 hours of riding you will arrive at the Yrta camp in the Arashan valley where you will spend the night, in the afternoon you will have free time to ride around the gorge. Overnight in the Yrta
Make a day ride to the skirt of Ala-Kul pass, here we leave horses for a while and hike up to the top of the pass (3860 meters elevation) from the top of the pass you will have excellent view of The Ala-Kul lake (3500 meters elevation above sea level) and peaks more than 500 meters. Spend some time on the top, then walk down to the horses and back to Arashan Gorge. Overnight at Yrta Camp. Riding hours 7-8
After breakfast ride down to the meeting point at the beginning of the valley. Transfer to Karakol, end of the tour. Riding time 3-4 hours
Map
- Duration: 3 days - 2 nights
- Difficulty level: moderate
- Best season: June - Spetember
- Attractions: Arashan valley, Ala Kol Lake, Ala Kol Pass