How do I get here?- There are a couple of ways to begin the Ala Kul trek, both starting near Karakol, depending on your itinerary and available time. If you can spare three days, the full route is highly recommended.

Start by taking a shared taxi from Karakol to the Second Bridge, which is as far as a standard 4x4 vehicle can go. From there, the trail is well-worn and easy to follow. Alternatively, you can take Mashrukta #101 from Karakol to the park entrance and hike about 1.5 hours to the second bridge.

The classic route takes 2–3 days, typically hiking Karakol → Ala Kul → Altyn Arashan → return, or in reverse. Most trekkers choose to camp in Sirota Valley before crossing the high pass. From there, you can either:

• Camp near Ala Kul Lake (some yurt camps available in season)

• Continue to Altyn Arashan, where you’ll find both yurt camps and guesthouses—and a chance to relax in natural hot springs.

Alternatively, this route can be done on horseback, following the same general itinerary.

📍 Coordinates of the “Second Bridge” (Sirota Bridge)

• 42.39448° N 78.45413° E

Disclaimer: I have not done this trek myself. The images provided are sourced externally and are intended for visual reference only.