We'll be in Karakol for four days this August and are trying to decide whether to hike to Ala-Kul Lake. The photos are absolutely stunning, but some people describe the trek as suitable for beginners while others say it's one of the hardest hikes in Kyrgyzstan. We're reasonably fit but definitely not experienced mountaineers. Is the hike realistic for us?
The biggest mistake is judging the trek only by the distance. What makes Ala-Kul challenging is the elevation gain, not the number of kilometres. The final climb to Ala-Kul Pass is steep and you'll definitely feel the altitude, especially if you've just arrived in Kyrgyzstan.
That said, you don't need to be a professional hiker. We saw plenty of ordinary travellers completing the route. The key is to walk at your own pace, start early and not underestimate how tiring the last section can be.
@nurlan Would you recommend doing it in one day or spending the night on the trail?
If you have enough time, I'd strongly recommend staying overnight. We spent the first night at Altyn Arashan and continued towards Ala-Kul the following morning. Breaking the hike into two days made it far more enjoyable. Instead of constantly watching the clock, we had time to stop by the river, take photographs and simply enjoy the scenery.
We actually turned back about an hour below the pass because thick clouds rolled in and visibility disappeared. At first we were disappointed, but looking back it was the right decision. Mountain weather changes incredibly quickly there, and no photograph is worth taking unnecessary risks. We returned two days later in perfect weather and finally reached the lake. It was even more impressive than we'd imagined.
Don't focus only on reaching Ala-Kul Lake. The entire route is beautiful. The forests, wooden bridges, mountain streams and alpine meadows were every bit as memorable as the lake itself. Some of our favourite photographs were taken long before we reached the pass.
One thing I'd advise is packing lighter than you think. We carried far too much food and unnecessary clothing. Every extra kilogram becomes noticeable during the climb. Good hiking boots, waterproof clothing and enough water matter much more than a heavy backpack full of "just in case" items.