The Hidden Emerald of Karakol: A One-Day Trek to Jashyl Kol (Yrdyk Lakes). The Perfect One-Day Alternative to Ala-Kul

Are you looking for a breathtaking mountain lake but only have one day? Everyone knows Ala-Kul, but few know about its "green cousin" tucked away in the Karakol Gorge.

At Happy Nomads Yurts, we’ve been sending our guests to Jashyl Kol (also known as the Yrdyk Lakes), and the feedback is always the same: "Why doesn't everyone know about this place?"

Photo by Tim Tense


Trek Vital Signs

Here is what you can expect on the trail. These stats are based on verified GPS data to help you prepare:

CategoryDetail
Distance23 km
Moving Time5 hours 58 minutes (approx. 9 hours total)
Max Elevation3,287 meters
Total Elevation Gain1,264 meters
Technical DifficultyModerate
Trail TypeOut & Back (Starting from Forester's Village)
TrailRank22

Why Choose This Trek?

Jashyl Kol means "Green Lake" in Kyrgyz, and it lives up to its name. It sits at the top of the Yrdyk river valley, offering a stunning alpine escape without the multi-day commitment of larger expeditions.

  • The Views: Unlike many valley treks, this climb rewards you with a massive panorama of Karakol city, Karakol gorge and the vast Ysyk-Kol Lake behind you as you ascend.

  • The Difficulty: It is a "Goldilocks" trek—harder than the walk to Kol-Tor (Jergez), but much more manageable than the grueling Ala-Kul pass at 3900 meters.

  • The Crowds: While Ala-Kul is busy, Jashyl Kol remains a peaceful sanctuary where you can often have the water all to yourself.

Photo by Tim Tense


Your Itinerary: The Early Bird Gets the View

To truly enjoy the mountains, we recommend starting early to beat the midday heat.

  1. 07:00 AM: Depart from Happy Nomads. We can arrange a taxi to take you 30 minutes away to the Karakol National Park.

  2. The Drop-off: Your taxi will drop you at the Forester’s Village. The road beyond this point is quite rough, so your foot journey begins here!

  3. The Climb: Follow the trail upward through the forest and alpine meadows. You will start at 2,020 m and climb up to nearly 3,300 m!

  4. Navigation: We highly recommend using the Wikiloc app. Follow the route recorded by our friend Florian (give him a comment and a thank you—it keeps our trekking community alive!).

Pro Tip: Keep your phone charged! GPS uses a lot of battery. We recommend bringing a power bank so you don't lose your map.

Here is the Florians recorded trek:

  
Powered by Wikiloc

All-Inclusive Day Trek Package

Book the Jashyl Kol 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)

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:

Please try to book at least 24 hours in advance so we can prepare your guide and fresh lunch boxes!


What to Pack

The weather in the Tien Shan mountains changes in minutes. Be prepared:

  • Gear: Sturdy trekking shoes and trekking poles (your knees will thank you on the 1,218 m descent).

  • Clothing: A warm layer and a waterproof jacket.

  • Water: Bring a reusable bottle (1.5 -2 liters) and a purifier/filter. You can refill from the crystal-clear streams or the lake itself.

  • Energy: High-protein snacks and a solid lunch.

  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen cream 

Let Happy Nomads Handle the Details

We want you to focus on the mountains, not the logistics. Stay with us at Happy Nomads Yurt camp, and we can help organize:

  • Early Breakfast: Fuel up at 07:30 or grab a Breakfast Box to go if you want an earlier start.

  • The Famous Lunch Box: For just $6 USD, we’ll pack you a nutritious, filling lunch to enjoy at the lakeshore.

  • Transport: Reliable taxi transfers directly to the Forester’s Village and back.

  • Local Advice: We’ll sit down with you the night before to show you the route on the map.

Ready to see the Green Lake? Book your stay at Happy Nomads here and let’s get you into the mountains!

Photos by Aidar Emilbekov

On the way to Jashyl Kol (Yrdyk Lakes)

Jashyl Kol (Yrdyk Lakes)

Jashyl Kol (Yrdyk Lakes)

Jashyl Kol (Yrdyk Lakes)

Photos by Florian Toksdorf

On the way to Jashyl-Kol (Yrdyk lakes)

On the way to Jashyl-Kol (Yrdyk lakes)

On the way to Jashyl-Kol (Yrdyk lakes)

On the way to Jashyl-Kol (Yrdyk lakes)

Jashyl-Kol (Yrdyk lakes)

Jashyl-Kol (Yrdyk lakes)

On the way to Jashyl-Kol (Yrdyk lakes)




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