Three days by horse up the Arashan valley to the hot springs, with a walked ascent to the 3,860 m Ala-Kul pass and the lake below it.
Altyn-Arashan and the Ala-Kul Pass on Horseback
Ride to the hot springs, walk the last bit to the pass
Ak-Suu and Arashan valleys, Terskey Ala-Too, Issyk-Köl province · from Jolkolot village via Aksu Leschoz, or Ak-Suu village on the shorter version
- Duration
- 3 days / 2 nights
- Distance
- ~55 km
- Max altitude
- 3,860 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Best months
- End of June to October for the 3-day version; April to October for the gentler 2-day Altyn-Arashan-only ride
- Riding experience
- none
- Price
- No figure published — the operator asks you to enquire for a breakdown. Booking terms are published: a 15% deposit 15 days before departure, and a 15% cancellation fee if you cancel before the start date. Confirm on the day.
- Permit
- No
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Seif and the team reply on WhatsApp 24/7 — trip questions, custom plans and booking help.
Ask Seif on WhatsAppAbout the Altyn-Arashan and the Ala-Kul Pass on Horseback trek
The Arashan valley is the classic Karakol excursion and this is the way to do it without walking the whole thing. Day one rides up from Jolkolot through Aksu Leschoz to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs at around 2,700 m, with horsemanship instruction before you set off. Day two is the long one — seven to eight hours — riding toward Ala-Köl lake and then, and this is the part to plan for, leaving the horses at the base and hiking the final steep section to the Ala-Kul pass at 3,860 m for the view down onto the water. Day three rides back out. Both nights are in yurts and the hot springs are included, which is the real reward after day two. Get the names straight: Ala-Köl is the lake at about 3,500 m, Ala-Kul is the pass at 3,860 m above it, and the Keldike valley is the descent on the far side. If day two sounds like too much, there is a two-day Altyn-Arashan-only version rated soft, about 16 km of riding each way, running April to October — the gentlest option in the valley. Weather is the known hazard: cross the pass before noon, when storms are least likely. There is no reliable signal and no ATM on the trail, so carry som.
Day by day
| Day | Route | Hours | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karakol, transfer to Jolkolot → Altyn-Arashan hot springs, 2,700 mHorsemanship instruction before setting off, then the ride up the Arashan valley via Aksu Leschoz. | 3-4 in the saddle on the shorter version | yurt |
| 2 | Altyn-Arashan → The Ala-Köl viewpoint and back to campRide toward the lake, then the final push to the 3,860 m pass ON FOOT before returning to the horses. Hot springs on return. The longest saddle day. | 7-8 in the saddle | yurt |
| 3 | Altyn-Arashan → Aksu village, then KarakolDescent ride out of the valley, then a road transfer. | 3-4 in the saddle | tour ends |
Included
- 2 nights in yurts
- horseman and horses
- transport to and from Karakol
- lunch boxes
- 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- access to the hot springs
Not included
- hotel accommodation in Karakol
- Bishkek-Karakol transport
- alcohol
- bottled water
- international flights
- visa costs
A route track for planning only — treat it as an approximate line, and always ride with a local guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for the Altyn-Arashan and the Ala-Kul Pass on Horseback trek?
The best time is End of June to October for the 3-day version; April to October for the gentler 2-day Altyn-Arashan-only ride. Outside the season the high passes are snowbound and the summer yurt camps are packed down, so most operators only run it then.
How long is the Altyn-Arashan and the Ala-Kul Pass on Horseback trek?
It runs 3 days / 2 nights and roughly 55 km, reaching about 3860 m. Difficulty is moderate.
How much does the Altyn-Arashan and the Ala-Kul Pass on Horseback trek cost?
No figure published — the operator asks you to enquire for a breakdown. Booking terms are published: a 15% deposit 15 days before departure, and a 15% cancellation fee if you cancel before the start date. Confirm on the day. Prices vary by group size, season and operator, so confirm current rates when you enquire.
Do you need riding experience?
No prior riding experience is needed — the Kyrgyz horses are calm and sure-footed and guides keep the pace gentle. You should be reasonably fit and comfortable spending several hours in the saddle.
How do you book the Altyn-Arashan and the Ala-Kul Pass on Horseback trek?
Enquire on WhatsApp with your dates and group size, and we arrange the guide, horses, yurt nights and transfers. In July and August it's worth booking a day or two ahead.
Book the Altyn-Arashan and the Ala-Kul Pass on Horseback trek
Tell us your dates and group, and we’ll arrange the guide, horses and yurt nights, plus the yurt stay at the end.
Chat with a real person — free
Seif and the team reply on WhatsApp 24/7 — trip questions, custom plans and booking help.
Ask Seif on WhatsApp