YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO HIKING TO LAKE ALAKOL

Lake Alakol is one of the most popular destinations in Kyrgyzstan. I’ve never seen a turquoise lake quite like this before. It reminded me of the glacial lakes in the Pacific Northwest, but it was somehow even more vibrant. The lake is nestled amongst the jagged peaks of the Ala-Too Mountain Range, and it almost feels like you’ve discovered a secret spot.

IS IT ALAKOL, ALAKUL, ALA-KOL, OR ALA-KUL?

We’ve seen it spelled Alakol online, but when we were there, maps had it written as Ala-Kul. We’ve seen locals use any and all of these spellings interchangeably with spaces, no spaces, and dashes. This is pretty common in Kyrgyzstan and what makes traveling here confusing. Spellings aren’t always consistent and sometimes there are places named the same or similar names. We met another traveler who ended up at Jyrgalan (a building in another city), and then Jergalan (pretty much the same pronunciation), before making it to his correct destination, Jyrgalan (the village).

Since Alakol Lake is one of the most popular landmarks, you shouldn’t have any issues when referencing it.

WAYS TO GET THERE

There are multiple ways to get to Lake Alakol, but all of them take some effort.

1. The most popular route is a 3-4 day trek starting in Karakol and ending in Aksu, where you can get a cab back to Karakol.
2. The alternative is to start in Aksu and head to Altyn Arashan first, then hike to Lake Alakol (generally 2 days) or go on horseback for a day trip.

We came in from the other side since we hiked to Boz-Uchuk Lakes. After arriving in Altyn Arashan, we rode to the bottom of the Alakol pass on horseback, then finished the last climb on foot.

OUR EXPERIENCE & THE EASIEST WAY TO GET THERE

During our visit to Kyrgyzstan, we had the chance to do a more undiscovered hike to Boz-Uchuk Lakes and then on to Altyn Arashan. From Altyn Arashan, it’s easy to add a day trip to Alakol on horseback, or add a couple days to hike to Alakol. If you’re very quick, you might be able to hike it in a day if you wake up really early and during the summer when the days are longer.

For those of you looking for the least amount of effort to get to Alakol, you can hire an off-road vehicle to take you from Aksu to Altyn Arashan. It’s extremely bumpy off-road terrain, so a regular cab won’t take you. We asked the Destination Karakol folks how much it normally is, and they said it can cost between 10,000-13,000 som for a car to drop you off and pick you up when you’re done.

Total Distance: 10.4 km by horse + 2 km walk
Pass: Ala-Kul North Pass (3900 m)

From Altyn Arashan, you can ride a horse to the base of the Alakol North Pass. Along the way, you’ll cross rivers, and hop over to a perpendicular valley.

If you’re using this as a photo guide, the photo below is actually us on the way back from Alakol.

Once you reach the base of the pass, you will leave your horse at the bottom and finish the 1 km to the top on foot. The last kilometer is EXTREMELY steep. The path is made up of loose shale, which makes it slippery. Each step you take, the rocks start sliding down. If you have trouble with heights this makes for a scary jaunt. There was even a portion where Jacob sat down paralyzed with fear. Of course, our guide had no issue and was running and hopping around all over the place.

That’s me at the bottom, but do you see the tiny person in blue on the trail?

We spent our time on top of the pass taking photos and eating lunch. I’m sure you can also make it down to the lake if you want, but be sure to talk to your guide about it to confirm. We were short on time, so we headed back after.

DIRECTIONS FOR THE TRADITIONAL + MOST POPULAR ROUTE

Marshrutka #101 will take you directly to the trailhead for 8 som. It takes roughly 20 mins. You can catch it almost anywhere along Toktogol St. which is where most of the guest houses are. You’ll want to take it to the last stop which is near the gates of the park, the Marshrutka will turn around and the driver will probably shoo you out.

Day 1: Karakol to Sirota Campsite
Distance: 22 km
Time: 5-6 hours

The first day starts off easy. You will primarily be walking alongside a river, so you shouldn’t get lost as long as you don’t veer off onto one of the smaller paths. Eventually, you will see a bridge over the river to your left with huge pine trees on either side. Cross the bridge, then head straight up.

More paths will appear, but just be sure you continue heading east into the valley. There will be some trail markers every so often (usually red-paint on rocks), but if you focus on staying on the most obvious trail, you should get to the campsite with no problem. After about an hour and a half, you’ll come across a small river. Follow this up to the wooden cabin on the left side of the valley.

Day 2: Sirota Campsite to Alakol Lake

Distance: 4 km
Time: 2-3 hours

Head up the trail with the river to your right. There should be plenty of markers, and you’ll know you’re on the right track when you come across a waterfall at the top of the valley.

Follow the cairns until the summit, where you’ll get the first look of the beautiful lake. If you plan on staying the night near the lake, you have plenty of time to summit one of the surrounding peaks.

A lot of people don’t bother staying at Lake Alakol, but if we visited again, we would absolutely camp here. It’s so beautiful and it gives you the chance to have a sunset and sunrise at the lake. If you don’t want to camp here, combine day 2 and 3, but be sure to start early.

You can also see Heart Lake from a distance. It only looks like a heart from this perspective, not if you get closer.

Day 3: Ala-Kul Lake to Altyn Arashan

Distance: 15 km
Time: 4-5 hours

Follow the trail leading up to the pass on the northeast side of the lake. It’s a tough climb, so be sure to mentally prepare yourself. Once you’re at the top, turn around to get your last looks at the lake, and then comes the scary part.

This connects to our experience so you know how sketchy it is to head down. From here, follow the valley and the most obvious path. You will eventually run into a large river, where you’ll stay to the left of it. Follow the river down staying as close to it as possible (you should never veer off more than a few meters away) and you’ll find yourself at Altyn Arashan, where there is a bridge to take you to the other side.

Day 4: Altyn Arashan to Aksu

Distance: 16km
Time: 4-5 hours

I personally would hire a driver to take you out to Aksu. It’s a rough and bumpy ride but saves you a lot of time. If you do decide to walk it, the road is very obvious. If you ever feel lost, just say “Aksu” to any of the locals and they will point you in the right direction.

Once you arrive back in Aksu, you can grab a taxi back to Karakol for roughly 400 som. It will take about 25-30 minutes.

BEST TIME TO HIKE TO ALAKOL

The best time to be in the mountains in Kyrgyzstan is between July and September. The weather is nicer, the days are longer, and you get a chance to catch the wildflowers.

This is one of the most popular hikes in the country, so if you prefer to avoid people on the trails, visit during the shoulder seasons. You can go between May and June or September and mid-October. The weather will be less predictable though and there may be snow at higher elevations.

SHOULD I HIRE A GUIDE & PORTERS

It really depends on how comfortable you are in the backcountry. There are a few things to consider when making this decision.

How in shape are you? We’re not hardcore hikers, but we thought we were in decent shape going into these hikes. We were wrong! A lot of the elevation changes happen quickly and steeply. We barely made it through and we only had to carry a daypack. I’m not sure if we would have made it with full packs. Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country and these guys live in the mountains. Expect what they call moderate hikes to be difficult hikes and difficult hikes to be mountaineering.

Do you get altitude sickness? You don’t really get a chance to acclimate to the elevation. If altitude sickness is a worry, it’s nice to have a guide who can help assist with that. We found ourselves with our hands on our knees trying to catch our breath A LOT.

How good are you at navigating and dealing with getting lost? The trails in Kyrgyzstan can be really confusing. Since the locals bring livestock into the mountains, there are trails everywhere! Markers are also uncommon on most trails. The good thing is if you’re going in the summer, there will be plenty of people on the trail that you can ask.

What is your budget? Guides can cost between 1200-2500 KGS per day. In addition to that, you should plan on tipping your guides $6 USD per person per day and any porters/cooks $3 USD per person per day. If you are doing it on your own, the entrance fee is 250 KGS per person. You will also pay rangers an additional 150 KGS per tent.

If we were to do it again, we would still hire a guide, but we saw a ton of people doing it on their own. All those people, however, also asked our guide for directions.

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR HIKE

If you hire a guide, talk to them beforehand about what they will provide. If you’re doing it on your own, be sure that you are prepared. We had a guide and porters, but these are still some of the items we would recommend.

• Backpack: Jacob used the Lowepro Whistler Bag, since he was carrying the camera gear, but it was a huge mistake. He should have brought his backpacking pack. I used the Osprey Ace 50 Pack.
• Down Jacket: Depending on the time of year it can get cold at night. We went during shoulder season so we really needed them.
• Hiking Pants: I had these Columbia convertible pants which would work in the summer as well. Jacob had the Mountain Hardwear Dragon Pants which were great for shoulder season but would probably be too hot in the summer.
• Waterproof Jacket: You never know when it will rain, so it’s always to better to be prepared. Our Arc’teryx Beta SL Jackets (Hers + His) were perfect for this.
• Hat, Buff and/or Balaclava: You should absolutely bring a hat to shade you from the sun. If you’re going in colder weather, a buff or balaclava is nice to keep you warm.
• Waterproof Hiking Boots: There will be times you’ll need to cross shallow creeks or puddles. We both love our Danner Mountain 600 (Hers + His) hiking boots.
• Down Booties: Do you get cold feet at night? These down booties are the BEST to keep you warm (we also use these shoe bags to pack them)!
• Sleeping Bag: We went in colder weather so Esther brought her Feathered Friends Murre Ex 0 Degree Bag. Jacob used one they provided and brought his Sea to Summit Liner for extra warmth.
• Sleeping Pad: We love our sleeping pads because they’re really light but still comfortable.
• Water Bladder: The Platypus Big Zip ones are our favorite. They are easy to fill and clean and having a bladder makes water easily accessible.
• Water Filter: Locals don’t bother with filtering the water, but we prefer to be safe. This one is super light and works well.
• Headlamp: Always good to have for early mornings and after the sun goes down.
• Quick-Dry Towel: Whether you want a cushier travel towel or light version to save space and weight, it’s good to have one handy.
• Personal Toiletries and Meds: Just bring what you need. These Lewis N Clark Travel Pouches are great and lightweight.
• Ziplock Bags: We always travel with a few of them. You can use them to carry out garbage or protect your phone/passport when it rains.
• Toilet Paper: We rolled some up and put it in a ziplock bag.
• Trekking Poles: REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles ware lightweight and fit in our packs when we travel.
• Phone Charger: Keep your phone on airplane mode to conserve battery since there isn’t any service in the mountains, and bring a phone charger if you’re out there for a few days.
• Map: Buy a map in town for around 150 KGS.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

• Best time of day to shoot: Because the lake sits in a deep valley, the best time to shoot the lake is either dawn or dusk. In this case, it may not be as brilliant of a blue. The middle of a sunny day will give you the best brightest blue color of the lake.
• Drones: If you’re flying a drone, be careful since it can get really windy up there. We had the DJI Spark with us and there were moments I was nervous the wind would take it away.
• Our gear and lenses: We brought our Canon 5D Mark III for photos and Sony RX100 Mark IV for video. We also had a 35mm for wide shots and 70-200mm for tight shots.
• Your camera is only useful if it’s easily accessible. We used the BlackRapid Backpack Sling with the Tripod Plate to keep ours out and available.
• We brought a lightweight tripod with us but didn’t end up using it. Although if you’re camping, you may want one to shoot stars at night.

Don’t forget to spend some time in Karakol exploring the city before or after the hike! What’s the last hike you’ve done?

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 This post and trip were made possible by Discover Kyrgyzstan and the support of the American people through USAID (United States Agency for International Development). As always, all opinions are our own and do not reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Our eyes grew wide as they placed dish after dish of food on our table. We spent all morning walking around and exploring Karakol and had worked up quite the appetite. For our Dungan dinner, we had 9 courses, but some dinners can have up to 150!

Karakol is the largest town in the Issyk Kul region. It’s at the eastern edge of Issyk Kul Lake and foot of Terskey Ala-Too Mountain range. If you’re in Kyrgyzstan to explore the mountains, you will most likely pass through Karakol, so you should do yourself a favor and spend a few days in the town learning more about the culture (and eating of course).

21 UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN KARAKOL KYRGYZSTAN

1. The Holy Trinity Cathedral

This beautiful Russian Orthodox Church is scheduled to be painted in late 2017. Peek inside to find a number of icons, including some saved from Svetly Mys and a copy of one of Saint Troitzy by Andrei Rublev, a famous Russian painter. You are allowed inside and women are required to wear a head covering that is provided. (Map)

2. The Dungan Mosque

The Dungan Mosque is a unique mosque in that it was designed and constructed by Chinese artisans. It was completed in 1910 and is still used to this day. You can stop by to see the colorful wooden structure that was initially constructed without any nails. Women will be required to put on a head covering provided by the mosque. (Map)

3. Antique Shop

We’ve been to antique shops before, but this one was one of the most impressive we’ve seen. It was almost a museum with all the items they had. You can find pins, patches, postcards, uniforms, and more from the Soviet Era, but what caught our attention the most was the old cameras. I almost walked out of there with ten of them cameras, and we were told all of them still work. How I’m going to find the film is another story. (Map)

4. Take a City Walking Tour (It’s Free!)

A great way to see the city is by exploring it on foot. Destination Karakol leads walking tours where they take you to the Holy Trinity Church, Dungan Mosque, Tatar Mosque, the antique shop, plus a few more historical sites with insights from a local perspective.

5. Karakol Food Tour

One of the best ways to get to know a city is to eat your way through on a food tour. Try the different local cuisines and see if you can find a favorite.

They make stops at Bugu Bazaar to try Ashlyan-Fu, Zarina Cafe for Laghman, Kaynar Cafe for Azuu, Kochevnik Cafe for Oromo, and Fat Cat Karakol for desserts. Hungry yet?

6. Karakol River Park

Enjoy the benches, grills, and a small stage where concerts are held along the Karakol River. You can enter near the intersection of Shapak Batyr and Ishakov.

7. Happy Nomad Yurt Camp

Go glamping these beautiful yurts right amidst a garden. It’s a great place to base yourself while exploring the city. They have wifi, warm water, and kept their bathrooms very clean. (Coordinates, 30 min walk / 5 min drive from City Center)

8. Fat Cat Cafe – Have Coffee and Hang with the Cats

This is one of the most popular cafes in town. It’s also right next to the Destination Karakol office, so you can get more info and knock out two birds with one. Grab a bite to eat or enjoy a pastry. You can wash it all down with beer, coffee, or liquor. It’s not a cat cafe, but there were several friendly strays that like to hang around.

Your purchases also go towards giving back to the local community by helping the homeless, low-income families, and victims of abuse. See photos of how they’ve been helping their local community here.

You can also check out Karakol Coffee, Lighthouse Coffee, and Vista Coffee.

9. Karakol History Museum

Located in a typical Russian home from the 1880s, this museum has artifacts, local tools, and musical instruments. Unfortunately, the only portion of the museum that is in English, is an area exhibiting the photography of Swiss explorer Ella Maillart. Ella visited in 1932 and gives a unique look into that time period.

10. Sunday Karakol Animal Market / Livestock Market

Early each Sunday morning, you’ll find one of Kyrgyzstan’s biggest animal markets in Karakol. It’s an amazing site to see and you can even try to purchase, sell, or barter for livestock with the Kyrgyz people. Read more about the animal market here.

There is also a used car market near the Animal Market. It is open every day from 6AM to 1PM but is most crowded on Sundays since people head over here after the Animal Market.

11. Dungan Family Dinner

If you’re a foodie, you need to experience the Dungan Family Dinner. They have a unique cuisine that is different than other local dishes and you get a chance to hear about the history of the Dungan people and how they ended up in Kyrgyzstan. After a visit to the museum, you get to make your own Ashlan Fu (everything is prepped, you just mix the ingredients into your own bowl) and enjoy it along with all the other dishes.

Book a dinner with the folks at Destination Karakol. The experience lasts roughly 3 hours.

12. Dungan Museum

If you don’t have time do the Dungan Family Dinner, but still want to learn more about their history, check out the Dungan Museum. When you book your Dungan Family Dinner, you stop by the Dungan Museum first. (Map)

13. Przhevalsky Museum

Nikolay Przhervalsky was a famous Russian explorer that made several journeys in Central Asia. The garden and museum are dedicated to his travels. A lot of the exhibits are in English but you’ll need a guide if you want to get a full understanding.

14. Victory Park and Victory Monument

When you enter the park, be sure to check out the monument to the right. It is an interesting monument to the victims of Stalinist repression.

15. Laghman Noodle Pulling Class

Get the full experience of shopping for your ingredients, learning how to make noodles, and chowing down on delicious Laghman. You can also get an abbreviated experience with just a noodle pulling demonstration with lunch or simply lunch.

Book an experience through the folks at Destination Karakol.

16. Visit the Local Markets

If you want to hang out with the locals, go to the local market where they shop for food, clothes, and everyday items. Ak Tilek Bazaar is the big bazaar where the locals go and is 10 minutes from the town’s center.

There are also small bazaars like Bugu Bazaar, Makish Bazaar, and Center Bazaar. Center Bazaar is a great spot to find a little bit of everything.

If you’re looking specifically for souvenirs, check out Kork Souvenier Shop (Map) or Tsum, which is located on the first floor of Central (Map).

Local Tip: Pick up and try some fried fava beans. They’re addicting. We didn’t get to try the large egg-shaped melons, but we kept hearing they are the best-tasting melons in the world.

17. Banya Bathhouse

A banya is a traditional Russian bathhouse. Take a long soak and enjoy a beer… naked. Or be a tourist and wear your towel.

18. Craft Classes with One Village, One Product

Located on Toktogula Street, “One Village, One Product” is a great spot to shop for local souvenirs. You can even take classes to understand the intricate work that goes into each carpet, handicraft, or jam. You can contact them to organize visits and even partake in soap or felt workshops. Check out their facebook page for more info.

19. Issyk Kul Sunset Cruise

See Issyk-Kul Lake from the water by taking a sunset cruise. It’s a great way to spend the evening relaxed and with a great view.

Book a cruise with the folks at Destination Karakol.

20. Bugu-Ene Zoo

This is the only zoo in Kyrgyzstan and is located close to the center of town. It’s relatively small but they have bears, wolfs, fox, lama, yak, eagles, and more. We didn’t go ourselves and read reviews that they may not have the best conditions for the animals.

21. Jolgolot Viewpoint Hike

The majority of the hike reminded us of Southern California or Nevada. From Jolgolot, a suburb of Karakol, the hike is between an hour or two to the viewpoint. From here you can see Mount Przhevalsky and the Karakol Ski Lodge that brings visitors in the winter.

If you’ve already spent time in the mountains, it doesn’t have the most impressive views, but if you haven’t, you should definitely do this easy hike.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

1. Seven Bulls / Jeti Oguz / Djety Oguz

22.5 km / 25 min West of Karakol

If you look at postcards of the Karakol area, then you’ll probably see these red rock formations. Located 25km SW of the town, you’ll find the Seven Bulls landmark and Broken Heart Rock. Each has its own set of legends.

We were disappointed to see power lines crisscrossing in front of the rock formations from the road, but climb the hill across Seven Bulls to get a clear view or you can send your drone up for photos.

2. Karakol Ski Base / База “Каракол”

11.3 km / 27 min South of Karakol

Winter time brings a new flock of adventurers who are looking to hit the slopes on skis or snowboards. You can even paraglide during the winter!

3. Karakol Gorge

9.9 km / 23 min South of Karakol

Near the ski base, is Karakol gorge. It is adjacent to the Terskey Ala-Too ridge and runs 40 km. Find wildlife, beautiful views, meadows, forest, and more.

4. Barskoon Waterfall and Barskoon Valley

102 km / 1 h 36 min Southwest of Karakol

The main cascade of Barskoon Waterfall is 24 meters and a beautiful site to see. There are several other falls in the valley as well.

5. Skazka Canyon / Fairy Tale Canyon

101 km / 1 h 30 min West of Karakol

This area is full of unique rock formations shooting up from the ground. Some of them look like walls, others like dragons, and even ones that look like full-on castles. If you climb up to higher views, you can see beautiful panoramic views with Issyk Kul Lake in the background.

6. Salty Lake / Tuz-Kol / Myortvoye Ozero

164 km / 3hrs West of Karakol

Known as the “Dead Sea of Kyrgyzstan”, the water in the lake is so salty, you float on the surface. The road to get there isn’t very developed so it takes over 3 hours to get there.

7. Jyrgalan Valley

46.8 km / 50 minutes East of Karakol

Located an hour away from Karakol, the Jyrgalan Valley is the perfect spot for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors. Take a horse ride, hike, or get a jeep tour of the beautiful landscape.

8. Ak Orgo Yurt Building Experience

84.8 km / 1 h 19 min Southwest of Karakol

Ever wanted to learn, see, or try to build a yurt on your own? The Ak Orgo Yurt Building Experience is a great way to see how intricate these structures are. You can also make a custom felt carpet at this workshop. Check out our video showing how we constructed one. (97 Lenin St Barskoon Village 722005 Issyk Kul Oblast; 996-39-26-96-754)

9. Altyn Arashan

29.5 km / 51 minutes SE of Karakol

A popular stop for people hiking in the backcountry, Altyn Arashan is an area with natural hot springs. There are a few places to stay here and you can get access to private hot spring rooms.

10. Lake Alakol or Ala-Kul Hike

22.7 km South of Karakol

Alakol Lake is probably the most recognizable hike and natural feature in Kyrgyzstan. The spectacularly blue lake is worth the multi-day hike to get there.

Travel Tips for Every Trip

• Want to know what to wear to the airport? These are our ideal airport outfits.
• Carry on essentials to improve your next flight.

MORE RESOURCES

• Kyrgyzstan: Mountains, Horses, but No Borat – Written by a Local
• Lonely Planet: Central Asia Guide
• Kyrgyzstan: A Climber’s Map & Guide (not as well rated, but the only one available)
• 15 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Kyrgyzstan

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The post 21 Unique Things to Do in Karakol Kyrgyzstan + Nearby Excursions appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

Want to hike to Boz Uchuk Lakes? Here’s everything you need to know.

I put my hands on my knees huffing and puffing each step I took. As I raised my head, I saw that I was close, so I mustered up the rest of my strength to make it over the ridge. Just as I was about to celebrate, I realized it was a false summit. NOOOOO!!!!! I took a seat on a rock a bit defeated, but as I looked back at the amazing views, I had to keep climbing.

This post and trip were made possible by Discover Kyrgyzstan and the support of the American people through USAID (United States Agency for International Development). As always, all opinions are our own and do not reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: November 23, 2024

−−Content Menu

• Best Time to Visit
• What You Need to Know Before Your Hike
• Day by Day Breakdown of the Hike + Map
• Porters, Guides, Tipping
• Altitude Sickness
• Toilets + Toilet Paper
• Eating on the Trail
• Water: How Much to Bring + Is it Safe to Drink On the Trail?
• Can You Leave Bags Behind?
• Photography Tips
• What to Pack
• Planning Checklist
• More Resources

Day 1: Terim-tor Bulak to Boz-Uchuk Lakes

Distance: 5.59 miles / 9 km
Estimated Time: 6 hours
What You See: 1 Pass, Boz Uchuk Lakes, Deep Valleys, Open Meadows
Pass: Boz Uchuk Ashuu (3364 m)
Overnight: Boz Uchuk Lakes

We started our hike by getting dropped off in Turgon Valley (2400 m) where we met our guide, porters, and cook. From there, we hiked over a “small” mountain, then through a slowly inclining valley until we reached our first pass, Boz Uchuk Ashuu. I don’t know if it was the fact that we hadn’t acclimated to higher elevations or if we were just out of shape, but we were struuuuggling.

After stopping for lunch, we headed down from the pass. We climbed up and down yet another small mountain, and then could see our first destination in the distance. From where we were standing, there were large boulders along the edge of a steep drop. The lakes were on top of that.

We slowly made our way up, then saw the first of two lakes. Some of the porters had already arrived and started setting up camp. We eagerly dropped our bags and roamed around to take photos. After a short break for tea and snacks, we hiked roughly 100 meters up to the second Boz Uchuk lake. This was our favorite of the two.

After returning to camp, we had dinner, then cozied up for some well-earned rest.

Day 2: Boz-Uchuk Lakes to Ak-su Almaluu Valley

Distance: 10.56 miles / 17 km
Estimated Time: 10 hours
What You See: 2 Passes, Alpine Lakes, Deep Valleys, Glacial Rivers, Open Fields
Passes: Unnamed or “Jyrgyz” Pass (3460m), Aylanysh Pass (3515m)
Overnight: Ak-Su Almaluu Valley

Now that we realized what we were dealing with, we tried to prep ourselves better mentally. We knew we had two passes to cross. After breakfast, we climbed up a bit more from our campsite before dropping into another valley. We climbed up and down a smaller mountain, then across a wide valley before reaching the next incline.

We handled this climb a bit better, but it was still a TON of work. We took each switch back slowly until we made it to the top. This pass is unnamed, but our guide called it Jyrgyz Pass. From this pass, you could see Aylanysh Lakes in the distance.

After snapping a few photos, and grabbing a quick snack, we started to make our way down into the valley. As we started to climb again, we stopped at Aylanysh Lake for lunch. Afterwards, we continued onwards to the next pass. There were a couple of smaller lakes along the way that were beautifully clear. The last incline to Aylanysh Pass was the steepest yet.

We took 10-15 steps, then took a break, then took another 10-15 steps, and so and so forth until we made it to the top. We took a few more photos at the top and started our way down. The backside of this mountain was made of very loose rock. After finishing the steepest part, we stopped at a stream for tea and snacks. We then continued downwards, and it felt like forever until we reached the following site. Every time we reached what I thought was close to the end, we would see an expansive valley just below that we would have to descend into.

Our second night was spent right next to a babbling brook, which made for a peaceful night’s rest.

Day 3: Ak-Su Almaluu Valley to Arashan Hot Springs

Distance: 8.07 miles / 13 km
Estimated Time: 7 hours
What You See: 1 Pass, Valleys, Rocky Mountainsides, Valleys, 1 Pass, Natural Hot Springs
Pass: Ortok Pass (3606 m)
Overnight: Arashan Hot Springs

This was the hardest day for us. Firstly, as you start to tackle the first mountain, you reach a point that looks like the pass. Little did we know, it was a false summit! After making that last push, we thought we were done, so learning that we still had more to go was really demoralizing. After mustering up what strength we could, we continued slowly until we reached the top.

Secondly, we both had some gnarly blisters forming. Every downhill step we took on day three made each one that much worse. We had to go down really slow, but when we finally reached the hot springs, we were rewarded with some relaxation.

Day 4: Arashan Hot Springs to Ala-Kul North Pass →

Distance: 10.4 km by horse + 2 km walk
Pass: Ala-Kul North Pass (3900 m)
Overnight: Arashan Hot Springs

We couldn’t leave without seeing Ala-Kul Lake, so we spent the last day hopping on a horse to save time. We rode to the bottom of the Ala-Kul North Pass and then finished the final portion on foot.

We still hadn’t learned by now, but climbing up to the pass was the steepest and scariest of all. It was extremely steep, loose rocks that felt like you were sliding down every step you took. On the way up, Jacob even got paralyzed for a moment and sat down, thinking he’d fall off the mountain and die.

See More: Heart Lake and Lake Alakol Hike – The Most Popular Trek in Kyrgystan

Planning Checklist

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Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

The post How to Hike to Boz Uchuk Lakes Kyrgyzstan appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.

Visiting Kyrgyzstan? Here is what you need to know when you’re planning your trip.

Our flight to Kyrgyzstan was finally booked! As we looked over our itinerary, we were eager to glimpse all the destinations, but after digging through the web for 20 minutes, we didn’t come up with much. For the first time, we’d be going in blind, unsure of what to expect of our trip. It was going to be a true adventure.

Kyrgyzstan is still growing as a tourist location, especially for Americans. It’s currently more popular amongst Russians, Europeans, and Japanese tourists.

This post and trip were made possible by Discover Kyrgyzstan and the support of the American people through USAID (United States Agency for International Development). This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: February 7, 2024

−−Content Menu

• Best Time to Visit
• Visa Requirements
• Safety Concerns + Scams
• The Language + Basic Phrases
• Currency
• Budget + Tipping
• Packing + What to Wear
• Transportation
• Is the Water Safe?
• Foods to Try
• Converter
• Toilets
• Hiking
• Souvenirs to Bring Home
• Where to Stay
• Recap Video
• Planning Checklist
• More Resources

7. Packing + How to Dress (For Women)

We will put together an in-depth packing list, but here are a few things to consider. Being a woman visiting a Muslim country, I thought I would have to dress much more conservatively, but people were very lax, especially in the cities of Bishkek and Karakol. We saw people wearing tees and tank tops, similar to how we would back in the States.

We spent most of our time in the Issyk-Kul province, but if you head to more conservative parts of the country, like Osh, be prepared to dress accordingly. For us, the only places we needed to dress more conservatively in the Issyk-Kul province were at mosques and churches, and they had scarves or cloaks available at the front. When I’m unsure of the dress code, I always bring this with me. I usually wear it as a light layer or scarf when it gets cold, but it can be worn 6+ different ways, including a headscarf.

Our main advice is to dress for your activities (hiking, skiing, swimming, etc) and bring layers since it can be hot and cold on the same day. We went in late September, and it was warm in Bishkek and Karakol but cold in the mountains. Otherwise, here are a few things you should have with you wherever you go:

• Hand Sanitizer – it’s a tossup when you’ll find soap in bathrooms.
• Shampoo, Body Wash, etc – there weren’t any in some of our accommodations
• Toilet Paper – most places had toilet paper, but every once in a while, we ran into issues where there wasn’t any.
• Travel Towel – you’ll need your own outside the big cities. We use a PackTowl, since they dry quickly and pack down smaller.
• Converter
• Want to know what to wear to the airport? These are our ideal airport outfits.
• Carry on essentials to improve your next flight.

8. Kyrgyzstan Transportation / How to Get Around

Though we’re huge fans of road-tripping, we don’t recommend road-tripping on your own. The roads are very rough (although many roads have improved), and the rules are not always followed. Most of the people we met were traveling via bus or hired guide and driver.

Types of Public Transportation

• Buses – If you do your research ahead of time, you should have no problem getting around. Keep in mind that sometimes there are multiple locations named the same thing or have slight variations in spelling. We met a Dutch traveler who knew what bus to get onto for the Jyrgalan Valley, but when an earlier bus came, he asked if it went to Jyrgalan. The driver said yes, but he learned that there were was also Jergalan and another Jyrgalan. There was a lot of waiting around and backtracking involved before getting to the correct destination.
• Marshrutka (Minibuses) – For travel from Bishkek to Karakol, there are minibusses at the main bus station. The difference between this option and regular buses, is that regular buses have predetermined stops. Marshrutkas have a start and end point, but you can request a specific stop in between.
• Taxis are available for travel between Bishkek and Karakol or Osh. Within the city, taxis are cheap. You can use apps like Namba Taxi or Tez Taxi to call the cabs, although you do still need to pay cash.
• Flights are available from BIshkek to Osh.

There isn’t any good resource to find bus routes, but you can check out bus.kg for info on trolleybuses, buses and marshrutkas. Also keep in mind that drives can take longer than expected, especially out in the rural regions. You may run into “traffic” consisting of cattle, sheep, or horses that will hold you up for a while.

10. Food to Try

We noticed that in Kyrgyzstan, they eat a lot of meat and drink a lot of tea. There aren’t as many vegetable options because they are traditionally a nomadic people. If you have any dietary restrictions, it’s really important to let your hosts know ahead of time since they generally would not make vegetarian or gluten-free options.

Here are some common traditional dishes in case you want to try ordering them on your own.

• Laghman (pictured above) – Meat, vegetables, and noodles served in broth. There are over hundreds of local Laghman varieties. The typical dish is in soup, which was how I liked it, but Jacob liked the Boso Laghman (fried noodles). If you want to try making your own, here’s a recipe.
• Borsok – Dough is cut into little squares and then fried. The result is airy deliciousness. It’s the local donut… or more of a beignet. We dipped them in jam and sometimes Nutella.
• Monty – A meat, onion, and fat-filled dumplings. Usually, this is a steamed dish, but you can also order them fried.
• Plov – This is a tasty meat dish. Spiced rice with fried onions and carrots mixed in is topped with chunks of tender, boiled meat.
• Samsy – I like to refer to these as the local hot pocket. Meat, onions, and fat inside of a breaded pocket.
• Ashlyan-Fuu – A common cheap noodle dish that college kids love. This is a Dungan Dish, so it’s not as commonly found.
• Kumyss – Fermented horse milk.
• Black or Green Tea – The Kyrgyz people have tea with every meal. I rarely see them drink water. Local Tip: Traditionally, they will pour the tea back into the pot three times before serving to ensure it’s well mixed and steeped. They also mix jams into their teas.

13. Hiking (Think Thai Hot Scale)

Kyrgyzstan is the hiker’s dream. There are mountains and alpine lakes, and you can hike in two amazing mountain ranges: Tien Shan and Pamir. The country is very mountainous. 90% of the country is over 1500 meters (4921 feet), and 41% is over 3000 meters (9842 feet).

We went to Kyrgyzstan thinking we were doing some moderate hiking, but instead, we did some of the most difficult hikes of our lives. If you’re talking to any local there about hiking, think about it like the Thai hot scale since they live in the mountains. When they say it’s moderate, it’s difficult, and if they say it’s difficult, it starts getting into mountaineering.

Also, trails in Kyrgyzstan are not marked, and because of all the cattle, there are trails everywhere. We highly suggest hiring a guide. I don’t think we would have found our way through alone. You can contact Daniyar at Daniyaralymbekov@gmail.com, who was our guide.

14. Souvenirs to Bring home

We usually try to avoid bringing home souvenirs. When we do, we try to bring back something edible or at least practical. We ended up bringing back a custom-made felt carpet.

• Honey – Kyrgyzstan has been well known for its honey since the Silk Road times.
• Kurut – stinky dried yogurt balls.
• Shirdak – traditional felt rug used by Kyrgyz nomads to cover the floors of their yurt. These are beautiful and useful.
• Kalpak – traditional Kyrgyz hat for men.
• Tea Bowls make great souvenirs since it’s practical, and you end up drinking so much tea when you’re in Kyrgyzstan.
• Yurt – We hope to order a mini one and get it custom-made for our cats!
• DIY Felt Carpet – We made one at Ak-Orgo Ltd, which was an experience + souvenir to take home.

Remember that souvenir shopping isn’t easy in Kyrgyzstan, like other popular tourist destinations. You will need to be much more intentional. If you’re on a tour, they will usually stop at a souvenir shop near the end of your trip, but if you’re traveling on your own, try to shop where the locals go.

Planning Checklist

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Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.

The post 15 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Kyrgyzstan appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide.