Genuinely ridden: four days from Karakol over the Boz-Uchuk, Ailanysh and Ortok passes to Altyn-Arashan, finishing at the Ala-Kul viewpoint.
Boz-Uchuk Lakes to Altyn-Arashan on Horseback
Four passes, three lakes and the hot springs at the end
Jyrgalan and Turgen-Ak-Suu valleys, Terskey Ala-Too, Issyk-Köl province · from Karakol, with a transfer to the trailhead
- Duration
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Distance
- ~64 km
- Max altitude
- 3,906 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Best months
- June to September, with fixed departures from early June to early September
- Riding experience
- none
- Group size
- 3–10
- Price
- US$750 pp (~65,600 som) for the fixed-date group departure, covering everything above. Minimum three riders, ten places. No package price is published for the walked Jyrgalan version of the same ground.
- Permit
- No
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 WhatsAppAbout the Boz-Uchuk Lakes to Altyn-Arashan on Horseback trek
This one really is ridden, which sets it apart from most Karakol-region trips billed as horse treks. 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. 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. The route is rated strenuous, and as of mid-2025 the river had no bridge, 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.
Day by day
| Day | Route | Hours | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karakol → Boz-Uchuk lakes camp at 3,450 mAn hour's transfer, then the ride in. Lunch and dinner provided. | 3-4 in the saddle, 12 km | camp |
| 2 | Boz-Uchuk lakes → Almaluu gorgeThe big day — over the Boz-Uchuk pass and the Ailanysh pass at 3,676 m. This is where saddle soreness arrives. | 6-8 in the saddle, 18 km | tent camp |
| 3 | Almaluu gorge → Altyn-ArashanOver the Ortok pass at 3,650 m, down to the hot springs. | 4-5 in the saddle, 14 km | guesthouse |
| 4 | Altyn-Arashan → KarakolRidden, plus a 3 km walk up to the Ala-Kul north pass at 3,906 m for the view over Ala-Köl lake, then back to the horses. | 7-8 total, 20-25 km ridden | tour ends |
Included
- all accommodation
- three meals a day
- English-speaking guide
- all transport
- hot springs
- horses and riding
- Starlink internet
- a second guide if the group exceeds seven
Not included
- alcohol
- insurance
- porters for personal luggage
- personal expenses
- single supplement
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for the Boz-Uchuk Lakes to Altyn-Arashan on Horseback trek?
The best time is June to September, with fixed departures from early June to early September. 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 Boz-Uchuk Lakes to Altyn-Arashan on Horseback trek?
It runs 4 days / 3 nights and roughly 64 km, reaching about 3906 m. Difficulty is moderate.
How much does the Boz-Uchuk Lakes to Altyn-Arashan on Horseback trek cost?
US$750 pp (~65,600 som) for the fixed-date group departure, covering everything above. Minimum three riders, ten places. No package price is published for the walked Jyrgalan version of the same ground. 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 Boz-Uchuk Lakes to Altyn-Arashan 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 Boz-Uchuk Lakes to Altyn-Arashan 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