ALA-KUL TREK - KYRGYZSTAN

Trek to Kyrgyzstan’s Pristine Glacial Lake

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by Swathi Chatrapathy, Chief Editor IndiahikesLearn more

Trek Difficulty

Moderate - Difficult

Trek Duration

6 Days

Highest Altitude

12,750 ft

Trek to Kyrgyzstan’s Pristine Glacial Lake

The Ala-Kul or the Ala-Kol trek in Kyrgyzstan is a grand crossover trek that takes you close to the most beautiful glacial lake we have seen outside India, the Ala-Kul. Kul or Kol in Kyrgyz means a ‘lake’, hence the name means the ‘Ala Lake’ trek.

The milky-blue Ala-Kul lies at approximately 11,580 ft in the Tien Shan mountain ranges of Central Asia. You’ll have to cross the thrilling Ala-Kul Pass at 12,750 ft to get to this lake.

This challenging trek takes you through the most beautiful coniferous forests and grasslands of the Altyn Arashan and Karakol Valleys, where the landscape is dotted with wildflowers of varying colours and gushing rivers.

As you gain altitude, the lush green valley opens up to alpine meadows sprinkled with juniper shrubs, moraine and scree. This combination of scenery is rarely seen elsewhere. It’s like a combination of our treks from Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand, where you get to walk on the green carpet of meadows lined with coniferous trees, and see snow-capped mountains, witness a glacier, and camp next to a glacier-fed lake.

Kyrgyzstan also has a striking resemblance to India. So much so that when our founders and the rest of the team landed in Bishkek, they felt like they were in a city that is much like Srinagar in India. They felt welcomed in a land that is so far away from home.

Not just the city, it has a rich culture and tradition, and the people are very approachable. Just like shared taxis here in India, Kyrgyzstan has ‘marshrutkas’ (maxi-van type shared taxis) and buses that keep you well connected across cities. Whether it is stays, food or travel, everything is pocket-friendly.

The Ala-Kul trek is suitable for trekkers who have experienced high-altitude treks before. And if you are a beginner, you’ll have to be in the best of fitness to do this ‘moderate-difficult’ level trek.

Please note that the experience of this trek will be different from a typical Indiahikes experience:

  • The trek will be run in an assisted Do-It-Yourself (DIY) style: This means we are going to be doing the trek all by ourselves, without the regular Indiahikes support team. In terms of safety, our highly trained Trek Leaders will be with you. You will not have to carry any tents or sleeping bags but you have to help with cooking meals and pitching tents, including toilet tents.
  • The food will be different: You may not find your usual Indiahikes food. Instead, you will be served good local cuisine. On camp days, the food will be Indian.
  • Apart from these, you can expect to see our own tents, our toilet tents and our Green Trails practices.

The Ala-Kul or the Ala-Kol trek in Kyrgyzstan is a grand crossover trek that takes you close to the most beautiful glacial lake we have seen outside India, the Ala-Kul. Kul or Kol in Kyrgyz means a ‘lake’, hence the name means the ‘Ala Lake’ trek.

The milky-blue Ala-Kul lies at approximately 11,580 ft in the Tien Shan mountain ranges of Central Asia. You’ll have to cross the thrilling Ala-Kul Pass at 12,750 ft to get to this lake.

Ala-Kul Trek Videos

Watch these videos to get a glimpse of the trek

Ala-Kul - Complete Trek Information

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a high altitude trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Ala-Kul trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Have questions about the trek? Fill this form to schedule a call

Expert Speak

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Arjun Majumdar, the Founder of Indiahikes, went on this exploratory trek almost a decade ago. He is a veteran of the trekking community in India. He’s an expert when it comes to the trek. Here’s Arjun talking about one of the Best Treks for Summit Views in the country.

What We Like About the Ala-Kul Trek

What We Like About the Ala-Kul Trek

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

Arjun Majumdar, the Founder of Indiahikes, went on this exploratory trek almost a decade ago. He is a veteran of the trekking community in India. He’s an expert when it comes to the trek. Here’s Arjun talking about one of the Best Treks for Summit Views in the country.

1. The Ala-Kul

The icing on the cake, this cloudy blue Ala lake is the main highlight of the Ala-Kul trek.

Starting from Kashmir Great Lakes in 2013 to Ghepan Lake in 2021, we have seen a number of alpine and glacial lakes, but Ala-Kul has captured a very special place in our hearts. We had not expected to be blown away by the lake at such a grand scale!

After a very long ascent to the Ala-Kul Pass through moraine and scree, this striking blue lake appears from the top, almost abruptly, and takes you by surprise. All the difficulty and trouble you’ve gone through to climb the Pass is well worth it for the views you get of the lake.

Not just the views, you will get to camp right on the shores of Ala-Kul. There are a couple of tents set up by the locals where you can choose to camp for approx. 1,600 Kyrgyz Som per day (approx. Rs.1,490), including breakfast, lunch and dinner. But, we didn’t prefer it because we had our own camping and cooking gear.

Picture by Arjun Majumdar

2. The Ala-Kul Pass

This formidable-looking wall of loose rocks and scree is the most thrilling section of the entire trek.

Starting from the base, there is a 700-foot ascent for a distance that is less than half a kilometer. That is like climbing a 70-degree wall with your backpack, while your shoes struggle to grip on loose rocks that constantly slip under your foot. You’ll have a hard time finding balance as you make your way up to the Pass.

The Ala-Kul Pass at 12,750 ft is the gateway to another world. From the Pass you’ll witness a spectacular scenery of Pik Palatka (Tent Peak) on your left that resembles Mt Chaukhamba – which is prominently seen on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek – with the Palatka glacier feeding the Ala lake with its sediments that gives the lake its unique milky-blue colour.

Picture by Arjun Majumdar

3. Lush green meadows and coniferous forests

For the most part of the trek you’ll be walking along this lush green Altyn Arashan and Karakol Valleys that have coniferous trees lined up, and rivers flowing right next to you. Wild horses graze and gallop along the streams while you hop and skip your way through the wildflowers that grow everywhere around you.

The valleys have Yurt huts set up by the locals that cater to trekkers by offering them food and accommodation. They also have settlements near the Altyn Arashan hot springs offering a dip in the natural hot water.

Picture by Arjun Majumdar

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

We are India’s safest trekking organisation

When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are pioneers of treks in India

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.

Our treks are transformative

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.

We are India's most sustainable trekking organisation

Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

Indiahikes Features

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Request Jain/Vegan-friendly food

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Fresh, nutritious food at every camp

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!

Trek Trivia

Things Nobody Tells You About Ala-Kul

Did you know how old Russian military trucks can make for the best roller-coasters?

On the first and the last day of this trek, you get a chance to spot old Russian military trucks here. Russia and Kyrgyzstan’s military relations go back to the first world war. What is special about these vehicles though, is their unimaginable ability to traverse difficult terrains. What most other vehicles cannot do, these can. No road is too uneven or too rough for them and that makes these vehicles an incredible sight.

If by chance you can get a lift in one of these, it’s an experience in itself. It is like a free roller coaster ride for you! Even through the roughest roads, it will take you to your destination. The ride is a ‘try not to laugh’ challenge but the thrill of sitting in one of the toughest military vehicles makes it worth it!

Yurt Camps and their Nomadic Roots

On the vast green meadows and in the forests of Ala-Kul, big circular structures can be found. These are the Yurt camps. Belonging to the nomads in early days, they were made out of natural material sourced locally. This nomadic lifestyle can be seen and felt in them. Using animal skin, mud, wooden frames and other such items, the nomads built neat and comfortable shelters for themselves.

Not unlike Indian huts, the space inside used to be cleared out and daily utilities were arranged there. With a small sleeping nook in one corner, a cooking area in another, they made for minimalistic yet warm residences.

Even today, these shelters are used as camps for tourists. We need to remember not to expect our city luxuries in them, but we can definitely find a nice, warm stay. This stay in these cozy Yurt camps will take you to simpler, quieter times.

The Bustling Markets of Kyrgyzstan

The cities of Bishkek and Karakol are a trove of surprises. Despite being the capital city, in Bishkek, you get to spot unexpected snow clad mountains. And nestled among those, you can experience the interesting Bazaars and churches of the city soaked in its western asian culture.

The markets, such as Osh Bazaar among others, are vast expanses of kiosks and shops, all put up one after the other. These are all inside a huge building, and contain a variety of products and eatables. Like our markets in India, they are bustling spaces with a number of sections for different kinds of items.

You have your wet market and dry market, your sections for fruits, for vegetables, for dry fruits (which are a must-buy!), and for meat, spices and what not. Most of the locals shop here and can obtain a majority of things they need on a daily basis - and not just food products, but even essentials like clothes for that matter!

We could compare them to the markets seen at every corner in India, except that the Kyrgyzstani markets would measure up to be about ten times larger in size!

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