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Hiking · Issyk Kul / Karakol

Jeti Oguz – Karakol Gorge – Ala Kul

A trek from Jeti-Oguz through the Karakol mountains towards Ala-Kul Lake.

Track length
35.1 km
Elevation gain
≈ 2,109 m
Difficulty
Not assessed
Duration
Not specified
Season
Summer

First mapped point: Geometry start

Coordinates (lat, lon): 42.261074,78.3772903
Open in Google Maps ↗

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OpenStreetMap reference geometry, not a recorded or recently checked trail. Separate segments are shown without invented connections.

Elevation profile

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.

How to read these figures

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.

Surface and terrain

  • Not specified54.1%
  • Ground15.8%
  • Rock11.5%
  • Dirt10.3%
  • Gravel8.2%
  • wood0.2%
  • steel0.0%

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

About this place

Jeti-Oguz and Karakol are neighbouring but distinct valleys on the northern side of the Terskey Ala-Too. Jeti-Oguz is recognised by its red-rock lower landscape and pasture valleys, while Karakol Gorge leads farther into the coniferous and alpine interior of the range.

Ala-Kul adds a high rocky lake basin to this combination. Together the names describe a succession of landscapes rather than a single attraction: red foothill forms, river valleys, dividing high ground and mountain water. The connection between them is what makes a longer journey interesting, but the lake remains a separate objective from a lower Jeti-Oguz visit.

Route grading

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

Grade meanings, skills and equipment ↗

ROUTE OVERVIEW

At a glance

A trek from Jeti-Oguz through the Karakol mountains towards Ala-Kul Lake.

Source geometry contains gaps

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: 35.1 km. This distance covers the track shown on the map. Add any approach, return or transfer sections that are outside it.

Is this route for you?

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.

With children
Not available
Dogs
Check local rules
Bicycles and pushchairs
Not available
Phone coverage
Do not rely on it

What is nearby?

Issyk Kul / Karakol

Getting there

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.

Without a car

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.

By car & parking

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.

What you will find along the way

A mapped connection from Jeti Oguz towards Karakol Gorge and Ala Kul. One source component is disconnected, so publication as a complete hiking GPX is withheld pending review.

  1. Geometry start 42.2611, 78.3773

    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.

  2. Geometry end 42.2524, 78.3878

    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.

Difficult sections & safety

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.

How much time to allow

No verified walking duration for this exact GPX. Choose daily stages after assessing ascent, descent, terrain, river crossings, daylight and the approach/return distance.

When to go

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.

What to bring

Match water, food and clothing to the actual outing duration and forecast.

  • Trail shoes or boots with good grip; layers, sun protection and waterproofs.
  • Drinking water, food, a first-aid kit and a headlamp.
  • An offline map, downloaded GPX, a charged phone and a power bank.
  • An agreed return plan, local contact and a realistic fallback route.

GOOD QUESTIONS

Before you set out

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes. The downloads above contain this route geometry for an offline navigation app. They do not confirm current conditions.

Has this route been checked recently?

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.

Can I go with children?

Suitability for children is not confirmed for this exact route. Check terrain, exposure, river crossings and retreat options with a guide before deciding.

How is the elevation profile calculated?

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.

Photo gallery

A regional landscape for context; it does not identify every section of the track.

Current trail conditions

There are no published condition reports for this route yet.

Travelled this route or spotted an error?

Discussion

Start a conversation about the route, preparation or your experience. Comments are moderated.

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Route data source

© 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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