Hiking · Issyk Kul / Karakol
A mountain journey linking Karakol Gorge, Ala-Kul Lake, Altyn-Arashan and Ak-Suu. The high pass is a key part of the itinerary.
First mapped point: Geometry start
42.4440418,78.4138385Loading the route map…
OpenStreetMap reference geometry, not a recorded or recently checked trail. Separate segments are shown without invented connections.
Estimated terrain profile: NASA SRTM, 30 m resolution. This is a model estimate along the mapped line, not device-recorded altitude. Separate segments are not connected.
DEM terrain estimate along this exact GPX export, not device-recorded altitude. Gain/loss follow each exported segment direction; branches can have arbitrary direction, so totals are not a prescribed walking itinerary. Narrow summits, cliffs, glaciers and changes since the SRTM survey may be inaccurate.
Share of mapped length from OSM tags, not a field survey. Unspecified sections remain unknown.
The source does not provide a complete surface survey. Expect conditions to change after rain, snow and river floods.
ABOUT THE PLACE
Ala-Kul is a high mountain lake in the Terskey Ala-Too south of the eastern Issyk-Kul basin. Its enclosed rocky setting contrasts sharply with the lower coniferous valleys approached from Karakol and Ak-Suu. The lake is a geographical focus within a larger mountain journey, not a roadside stop on Issyk-Kul itself.
Karakol Gorge and Altyn Arashan frame different sides of that journey. Karakol provides a river-valley approach into the range, while Altyn Arashan is a separate pasture-and-spring valley beyond the high dividing ground. The interest is the sequence from wooded valleys to the lake’s alpine basin and back into another valley, with each place retaining its own character.
Grade not specified
A formal grade for this walking route has not been established in the catalogue. The category of a complete trek differs from the grade of a pass or a summit ascent.
Grade sources: www.openstreetmap.org
ROUTE OVERVIEW
A mountain journey linking Karakol Gorge, Ala-Kul Lake, Altyn-Arashan and Ak-Suu. The high pass is a key part of the itinerary.
This is incomplete reference data. The file preserves separate sections without connecting them. Use it for research, not as a complete navigation itinerary.
Track length: 49.9 km. This distance covers the track shown on the map. Add any approach, return or transfer sections that are outside it.
Choose the route after checking the actual start, finish and terrain with a local guide. Mapped geometry alone does not establish technical difficulty. Your group should be comfortable navigating offline and changing plans when conditions deteriorate.
Issyk Kul / Karakol
Karakol is the practical regional base. Coordinate the correct gorge approach and exit pickup locally; the source line can begin well beyond a public transport stop.
Confirm transport to the actual trailhead, not just the nearest town. Agree the return pickup point and a latest contact time before leaving mobile coverage.
Ask locally about road access, entry rules and a permitted place to park. Use the line only for its stated mode of travel and exact scope.
The OSM relation for the classic Karakol–Ala Kul–Altyn Arashan connection. The source currently has disconnected pieces; this export is held for review and is not a complete navigation track.
A point of the supplied route geometry. It does not by itself confirm a parking area, settlement or safe access. Read the access and route notes before planning your visit.
A point of the supplied route geometry. It does not by itself confirm a parking area, settlement or safe access. Read the access and route notes before planning your visit.
Mountain weather can change quickly. Rain affects traction and river crossings; snow can remain on shaded slopes. Never assume a mapped line confirms a safe crossing or a passable trail. Check recent conditions locally, set a turnaround time and leave your plan with someone who can raise the alarm.
No verified walking duration for this exact GPX. Choose daily stages after assessing ascent, descent, terrain, river crossings, daylight and the approach/return distance.
Summer is the planning baseline for mountain trekking; this is not confirmation that every pass is clear. Check snow, river levels and the local forecast shortly before departure.
Match water, food and clothing to the actual outing duration and forecast.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Yes. The downloads above contain this route geometry for an offline navigation app. They do not confirm current conditions.
KyrgyzMap has not field-verified this route. The map source and licence are shown below. Look for approved traveller reports and check conditions with local guides.
Suitability for children is not confirmed for this exact route. Check terrain, exposure, river crossings and retreat options with a guide before deciding.
Estimated terrain profile: NASA SRTM, 30 m resolution. This is a model estimate along the mapped line, not device-recorded altitude. Separate segments are not connected.
A regional landscape for context; it does not identify every section of the track.
10 photos · select to enlarge
Photographs show named places on this itinerary; they do not document the exact GPX recording.
There are no published condition reports for this route yet.
Start a conversation about the route, preparation or your experience. Comments are moderated.
© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Data licence
Source data retrieved: 2026-10-19. This date does not mean that the route has been inspected on the ground.
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