Trekking to the Alpine Lake Ala Kol & Peak of Palatka
Our Route: Karakol Town – Sirota Yurt Camp – Ala Kol Lake – Takir Tor Valley – Peak Palatka – Altyn Arashan Hot Springs
Highlights and Overview of this Trip
Karakol Valley: Nature’s Paradise
Next, we venture into the enchanting Karakol Valley, nestled in the Tian Shan Mountains. This picturesque valley is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike through lush forests, witness cascading waterfalls, and marvel at the snow-capped peaks. Don’t miss the famous Jeti-Oguz, known as the “Seven Bulls,” a series of red rock formations that dominate the landscape.
Ala Kol Lake: A Trekker’s Delight
For the adventurous souls, a trek to Ala Kol Lake is an absolute must. Situated at an altitude of 3,560 meters, this stunning alpine lake rewards trekkers with its crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering peaks. The challenging hike is worth every step, offering
Altyn Arashan: Hot Springs and Serenity
Indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation at Altyn Arashan, a natural hot spring resort nestled in the mountains. Immerse yourself in the warm mineral-rich waters surrounded by lush greenery. This idyllic retreat provides a perfect opportunity to unwind and soak in the tranquil ambiance.
Peak Palatka 5020m: Palatka mean Tent due to summit looks like a tent. This Summit one of the highest point in Teskey Ala-Too ridge and seems quite close from Altyn-Arashan resort, ice falls on its north wall attract the eyes of climbers.
DESCRIPTION FOR TREKKING PROGRAM:
Experience the magic of a trekking tour in the Terskei Ala Too mountain range, where breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures await. This journey promises unforgettable memories and a rush of emotions that will stay with you forever. Imagine spending nights in cozy tents beneath a starry sky, gathering around a crackling campfire after a day of exploration, and being captivated by the hidden corners and unique natural wonders that surround you.
Prepare to feast your eyes on the mesmerizing beauty of Ala-Kol Lake, with its enchanting turquoise waters that will leave you spellbound. This stunning sight is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart. And as the trekking adventure draws to a close, indulge in the ultimate relaxation by bathing in the soothing hot springs of Altyn-Arashan Gorge.
Embark on a journey to the mountainous paradise of Kyrgyzstan, where legends come to life and nature reveals its unparalleled splendor. This is a land that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Come and discover the wonders that await you in the Land of Kyrgyzstan!
- Total Km of Trekking: 50km
- Elevation Min/Max: 1700m/3860m
- Start Point: Karakol National Park
- End Point: AltynArashan Hot Springs
- Trip season: June -September
- Duration: 4 Days
- Type: Trekking
- Difficulty: Medium, Hard
- Accommodation: Guest House, Yurt Inn.
- Meals: Full board – breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners.
- Route: Karakol Town – Sirota Yurt Camp – Ala Kol Lake – Takir Tor Valley – Peak Palatka – Altyn Arashan Hot Springs
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Tien Shan Mountains
- Hot Springs
- Ala Kol Mountain Lake
- Traditional Nomadic Yurt Camp
- High passes, panoramic views
- Peak Palatka 5020m
PROGRAM:
DAY 1: Karakol – National Park – Sirota Camp Site
Distance: 14 km
Elevation: +1000m
Trekking: 5-6 hours After breakfast, you will drive to the beginning of Karakol Gorge. Your hiking journey starts from the bridge, where the trail begins to climb gently along the western bank of the Karakol River. You will hike through a variety of landscapes, including forest cover, open pastures, and areas affected by landslides. The trail follows peaceful stretches of the river, where you might encounter horses grazing during the summer months.
More than half of the ascent remains within the tree cover, with the trail zigzagging up a lush green hillside. Eventually, you will emerge into a more open plain for the final kilometer to reach Sirota Hut. Along the way, you will start to witness the rugged terrain leading up to the lake, characterized by sharp peaks and tumbledown rock piles. Just before the path becomes more challenging in the rocky section, you will arrive at Syrota Camp site, your Yurt Camp for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner
DAY 2: Sirota Camp Site – Takir Tor Valley
Distance: 10km
Elevation: +1200m
Trekking: 6-7 hoursAfter a hearty breakfast, we will begin our ascent to Ala-Kol Lake (3500m), a breathtaking natural wonder nestled amidst the majestic Terskey Ala Too Mountains. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of this hidden gem, as it is formed by a natural rock dam. As we make our way, we will enjoy a delicious lunch along the route. The adventure continues as we trek to Takir Tor Valley, we will take Takir Tor Pass 3800m (this our highest point on this trek), descending route will end in a Yurt Camp near the natural hot springs at 3000m. Accommodation and dinner in a yurt.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner
DAY 3: Takir Tor Valley – Peak of Palatka – Altyn Arashan
Distance: 16 km
Elevation: -1100m
Trekking: 5-6 hours
After a satisfying breakfast, today we will horse ride towards the Palatka Peak, where we can enjoy with amazing sceneries on the way and the white peak of Palatka. After lunch our horse riding adventure continues towards our next destination: Altyn-Arashan valley. Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of this picturesque valley, which attracts a multitude of tourists. One of the highlights of Altyn-Arashan is its renowned hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. You will have the opportunity to indulge in a rejuvenating bath in the radon water pool, surrounded by the stunning natural scenery.
For dinner, we will enjoy delicious meals and spend the night in traditional yurts, immersing ourselves in the authentic nomadic experience.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner
DAY 4: Altyn Arashan – Ak Suu Village
Distance: 16km
Elevation: -800m
Trekking: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we will embark on an easy hiking adventure down the valley. As you explore, you’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning photos of horses, goats, and shepherds in their natural habitat. In the middle of the day, we will meet with the transport and transfer to Karakol.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch box.
Notes
Equipment and items for the trekking:
- Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures as low as -5°C.
- Sturdy trekking boots with proper ankle support and a reliable tread. It’s also advisable to carry an extra pair of shoes or sandals in case your main footwear gets wet during rain or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Waterproof rain jacket and trousers to protect you from rain and wet conditions.
- Warm clothing and extra layers for changing weather conditions.
- Hat and cap to shield yourself from the sun, along with sunglasses and high-factor sun cream to protect your skin.
- A daypack with a capacity of 40-50 liters and a rain cover to keep your belongings dry. It’s also a good idea to line your daypack with a quality plastic bag for added protection.
- Head-torch for navigating in low-light conditions or during nighttime.
- Water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the trek.
- Quick-drying towel for personal hygiene and drying off.
- A first aid kit, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or require specific medication.
These essential items will ensure your comfort, safety, and preparedness during the trekking adventure.
Physical requirements:
Participants must be in good physical condition, but don’t need any special skills of horse riding. The differences of heights range from 600 m to 850 m in vertical elevation. The maximum elevation is 3 860 m.
Personnel
At AdventuresKG, we prioritize safety and ensure that our customers are accompanied by experienced mountain guides. Our guides are highly knowledgeable in trekking and mountain safety, guaranteeing a secure and enjoyable journey.
To ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience for our customers, we offer the convenience of horses during the trek. For every two people, we provide one horse along with a skilled horseman. These horses will be responsible for transporting all the necessary food and camping equipment throughout the entire trek. This arrangement allows our customers to enjoy the journey without the burden of carrying heavy loads, giving them more freedom to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
As a customer, you will only need to carry a small backpack containing essentials such as water, snacks, and a few items of clothing.
To cater to your culinary needs, we have professional mountain cooks on board. Our cooks are skilled in preparing fresh and nutritious meals throughout the trek. If you have any dietary preferences or allergies, please inform us in advance. For groups larger than 7 people, we provide a mountain cook assistant to ensure efficient meal preparation
Price list
- Group of 1 person – 470$ / per person
- Group of 2 people – 325$ / per person
- Group of 3 people – 265$ / per person
- Group of 4 people – 255$ / per person
- Group of 5 people – 235$ / per person
- Group of 6 people – 230$ / per person
- Group of 7 people – 225$ / per person
Price includes:
- All transfers into the start point at the beginning and end of the trekking
- National parks, hot spring and camp sites fees
- Local English speaking Guide
- Horse for riding
- Horse Guide
- Lodging in the Yurt Camps with all meal in a sharing basis (4-5people)
- Food ( full catering )
Not included:
- Kyrgyz visa (if needed)
- International flights to and from Bishkek
- Medical/evacuation insurance
- Soft & alcohol drinks
