Kol-Tor Lake (Jergez Valley) Hike Guide: The Best One-Day Trek Near Karakol (Ala-Kul Alternative)

Why Kol-Tor Lake is the perfect day hike from Karakol

Discover a hidden gem in Kyrgyzstan with a one-day easy trek to the beautiful mountain lake Kol-Tor, close to Karakol in Jergez Valley (Next to Kaiyrma-Aryk and Karakyz villages). This hassle-free adventure is perfect for those with limited time and looking for an easier alternative to the well-known Ala-Kul Lake trek. During the hike you might see only the shepherds and no other hikers, because this lake is not well known.

Begin your day at Happy Nomads Yurt Camp in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, where you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off with your guide. Make sure to start as early as you can to come back by the evening time. After a short taxi ride to to Kaiyrma-Aryk village (takes about 25 mins, 28 km), you'll start your trek at an altitude of 1,883 meters. Please see this map for a starting point. Cars can not go further.

I highly recommend using the Wikiloc app for this trek. The trail to the lake isn’t clearly marked, making it very easy to lose your way. Fortunately, you can follow the exact path mapped by our guests, Terje and Marianne Hyldmo.

Following a specific trail on Wikiloc is free and will keep you on the right track. Simply download the app, register, and save this trek to your profile. Since the app uses GPS, it works perfectly without an internet connection—just make sure your phone is fully charged! You can also sync the route directly to your Garmin watch.

Trail Statistics: Distance, Elevation, and Difficulty

This moderately challenging trek spans 16 km and takes approximately 6-7 hours to complete (with a moving time of 4-5 hours). Starting at an elevation of 1,865 m, you will experience a significant climb of 1,155 m to reach a breathtaking maximum altitude of 3,091 m at the lake. With a TrailRank of 8 and a total elevation loss of 1,236 m, the route offers a high-quality alpine experience through the Tian Shan range. Because the path is not always clearly marked, having these stats and the GPS route on Wikiloc is essential for navigating the terrain safely and managing your pace effectively.

Upon reaching the lake, take a moment to marvel at its crystal-clear waters and the surrounding 4,000-meter peaks and glaciers. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch break and soak in the natural beauty before beginning your descent back to Kaiyrma-Aryk village.

After a full day of exploration, return to Karakol for a refreshing shower and a delicious dinner, reminiscing about your unforgettable day in the Kyrgyzstan mountains.

All-Inclusive Day Trek Package

Book the Kol-Tor (Jergez) Adventure Package
Want to focus on the views and let us handle the rest? We offer a complete package for groups of 1–5 people.
Price: $200 USD (Total for the group 1-5 people)
What’s included:
Professional Guide: A local expert (English or partial English speaking).
Private Transportation: Round-trip transfer from Happy Nomads to the trailhead.
Full Day of Food: Nutritious Breakfast and Lunch boxes included.
Gear: Trekking poles provided for your comfort and safety.
For larger groups (6+ people), please Contact Us for a customized quote.

How to Book:

WhatsApp: Message Tynch (+996 770 521 138)
Email: happynomadsyurtcamp@gmail.com
Website: www.happynomads.info
Please try to book at least 24 hours in advance so we can prepare your guide and fresh lunch boxes!

What to pack: Trekking in Kyrgyzstan’s unpredictable weather

I recently returned to the lake for a second time in 2025 with my wife and friends. Even though it rained, we had an incredible day! If you're planning to go, sturdy trekking shoes and a waterproof jacket are absolute essentials to stay comfortable.

To warm up after the hike, we headed straight to the Ak-Suu Hot Springs. It was the perfect way to heat up our bodies after the rain, and we all felt great the next day—no one even caught a cold!

Pictures from my trek with friends in June 2016