Hiking · Issyk Kul / Karakol mountains
An extended trek through the Karakol mountains, Ala-Kul and Altyn-Arashan, with repeated valley sections.
First mapped point: Line start
42.444042,78.413839Loading the route map…
The full line displayed by this specific public TrailTrack route map. Source surface-split lines are joined only at identical adjacent source endpoints. It is not the protected GPX file, and source planning or altitude does not establish a recorded or field-verified route.
Elevation values come from the source file. Inaccuracies can affect total ascent. Gaps in the track are not joined.
These figures belong to this specific TrailTrack itinerary. They must not overwrite metrics of another GPX, even with similar names. Source calculated time is separate from its editorial day plan and is not a recorded duration.
Surface classification not supplied.
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: trailtrack.ru
ROUTE OVERVIEW
An extended trek through the Karakol mountains, Ala-Kul and Altyn-Arashan, with repeated valley sections.
Track length: 125.7 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 mountains
Agree stage order, intermediate nights, backup exits and pickup arrangements through Karakol.
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.
Karakol mountain valleys, Ala Kul and Altyn Arashan.
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.
Long duration and repeated high stages require independent mountain experience.
Source itinerary: 6–8 days, or 8–10 with stops. These ranges refer to the extended journey with repeated passages.
Summer with a weather reserve; recheck high-pass conditions each time.
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.
Elevation values come from the source file. Inaccuracies can affect total ascent. Gaps in the track are not joined.
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.
TrailTrack public route map / TropaGuide
Source data retrieved: 2026-10-19. This date does not mean that the route has been inspected on the ground.
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