Close to Karakol is the stunning alpine Arashan gorge. This area offers some of the finest hiking in Kyrgyzstan, ranging from the pleasant four- to five-hour hike up the wooded valley from Ak Suu to the Altyn Arashan plateau, to six-day mountaineering expeditions to the summit of glacial Mt Palatka (4,260 m).
For the less energetic a rocky road, navigable only by four or six-wheel drive vehicles, leads to the scenic Altyn Arashan plateau at 2,700 m, home to a rickety hot spring resort with rustic guesthouse and the picturesque Yak Tours guesthouse and yurt.
As with the other countries in the region, spotting wildlife is a difficult prospect. Much of the wildlife that there is notoriously elusive — snow leopards or bears.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Kyrgyzstan specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Jeti-Ögüz excursion
From Karakol a short 30-minute drive west along the lake brings you to the head of the Jeti-Ögüz valley, where you head north toward Jeti-Ögüz village. A few minutes up the road you reach Broken Heart Rock, the reverse side of the famous Seven Bulls, a tremendous red limestone formation towering above the village.
