Meeting and transfer from the airport to Bishkek. Visit to the local café and small rest before taking the road to Karakol town - a starting point of our trek to Ala-Kol lake. The road will take us 6-7 hours, upon arriving accommodation in a guest house in Karakol. Possibility to go for a walk to see the highlights of this city - the Dungan Mosque with Chinese style - a unique building made without using any nails, and The Russian Orthodox Church - made from wood in the end of the 19th century.

Accommodation: Hotel / Guest house in Karakol.

We depart from the city of Karakol to the Karakol Gorge early in the morning. The drive to the trail head will take about 30 minutes. Upon arrival at the meeting point, we get to know the staff, pack our backpacks, and start moving. 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 left to begin our ascent up toward Kurgak-Tor (Dry Gorge). Here, the route becomes much steeper, crossing through a dense forest and up the side of the mountain to the campsite at an altitude of 3000 m. This portion of the hike will take approximately 2 hours. We will overnight near Orphan's Shelter where there is a hut that can be used as a kitchen-dining room in bad weather. Overnight in tents.

Distance: 14 km
Duration: 5-6 hours

The second day of our trip is no less interesting. We will begin at a gentle pace for about 2-3 hours as we rise to Ala-Kol Lake (3532m). After a snack and a rest, taking in the breathtaking views of the beautiful turquoise-coloured lake and white-caped surrounding mountains, we will continue along the north shore toward the other side of Ala-Kol. From here, we must go up again toward the pass (3860m), from which you can see all of the nearby peaks of the mountain range Terskey Ala-Too ringing the lake and rising up to over 5000m above sea level.
We descend the gorge to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan (2500m). The descent takes 3-3,5 hours depending on the pace. Upon arrival, we will put up tents and then enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Overnight in tents or in guest houses.

Distance: 17 km
Duration: 8 hours

After breakfast, we will continue our way down the Altyn Arashan Valley toward Aksu Village. The length of the descent is 14 km, or about 3-3.5 hours. We will stop for a picnic lunch along the way. A car will be waiting for us in the village, and will drive us back to Karakol.

Distance: 14 km
Duration: 4 hours

Return to Bishkek. Upon arriving, possibility to visit Osh bazaar - an oriental market, where you can buy miscellaneous things, from dried fruits and local cheese to beautiful souvenirs and traditional hats. Accommodation in a hotel in Bishkek.

Escort to the airport.
End of the program.