Boz-Uchuk Lakes to Altyn-Arashan on Horseback

About the Boz-Uchuk Lakes to Altyn-Arashan on Horseback trek

This one really is ridden, which distinguishes it from most of the Karakol-region routes sold under horse-trek headings. Four days, 64 km, four passes — Boz-Uchuk, Ailanysh at 3,676 m, Ortok at 3,650 m and finally the Ala-Kul north pass at 3,906 m — linking the Boz-Uchuk lakes to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs and finishing with the view down onto Ala-Köl lake. Day two is the one that counts: eighteen kilometres and six to eight hours crossing two passes above 3,500 m, and where beginners feel it. The operator states plainly that no previous riding experience is needed and the horses are calm and suitable for novices. Note the spelling, because the two are constantly confused: Ala-Köl is the lake at around 3,500 m; Ala-Kul is the pass above it, here the north saddle at 3,906 m, and the last 3 km up to it is walked rather than ridden. The same ground is also sold as a walking trek from Jyrgalan, at 46 to 63 km over three days, so check which product you are buying. A telling inclusion: Starlink internet is bundled into the price, which is the clearest possible signal that there is no mobile coverage out here. Independent walkers rate the route strenuous and report the river had no bridge as of mid-2025, with horses ferrying people across for about 500 som. Nights are very cold — a bag rated to -5°C is the sensible minimum — and hail, rain and snow are all possible in season.