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A winding river crosses a treeless mountain plateau in warm evening light.
01/09/2019 · Suyok Pass

Karakol → Arabel Plateau → Suyok Pass, 1 day

A day in a 4WD to the lakes of a high plateau

Place: Arabel Plateau

  • One dayNo overnight stay
  • ≈79 kmof sections shown on the map
  • Transfer
  • July–Augustalso possible June–September
  • Karakol09:00; confirm location
Kyrgyz SeasonsPlanning a trip?Ask about a trip

In order

5 stages in one day

The map shows separate sections, rather than the entire trip. Numbers mark known landmarks; agree exact stops before travelling.

  1. A waterfall flows down a rock face between spruce trees and stony slopes.24.08.2008

    Day 11 / 5

    Karakol → Barskoon

    Karakol · Barskoon waterfalls

    by car09:00

    Travel by 4WD to Barskoon valley. Stop at the waterfalls and the Yuri Gagarin monument.

    Next: Up to the plateau →
  2. A river meanders among the brown slopes of a high mountain valley beneath low clouds.01.09.2019

    Day 12 / 5

    Up to the plateau

    Arabel Plateau

    by car13:00

    Drive up the mountain road to the plateau at about 4,000 m. Bring warm clothing and wind protection for the stops.

    Next: Arabel lake →
  3. A summer panorama of the high-altitude Arabel valley, with lakes, channels and surrounding mountain ranges.Based on a photo by Coopypasted, CC BY-SA 4.0, modified

    Day 13 / 5

    Arabel lake

    Arabel Plateau

    by car14:00

    View Arabel lake and the surrounding mountains. Agree which shore to visit and how long to walk with the driver.

    Next: Suyok Pass →
  4. A winding river crosses a treeless mountain plateau in warm evening light.01.09.2019

    Day 14 / 5

    Suyok Pass

    by car15:00

    Valley views from the Suyok Pass. Check the weather and mountain road conditions before leaving.

    Next: Kumtor → Karakol →
  5. The Arabel valley in warm summer evening light, with channels and high mountain ranges.Based on a photo by Coopypasted, CC BY-SA 4.0, modified

    Day 15 / 5

    Kumtor → Karakol

    Karakol

    by car16:00–18:00

    View Kumtor amid the mountains, then return to Karakol. Agree the viewpoint and return time with the driver.

    Next: Arabel Plateau: four seasons ↓

Seasons

Arabel Plateau: four seasons

Season: July–August. Monthly temperatures at the destination are averages for 2016–2025, not a forecast.

  1. Based on a photo by Coopypasted, CC BY-SA 4.0, modified

    Spring

    March–May
    • Marchout of seasonat the destination −6° / −16°
    • Aprilout of seasonat the destination −1° / −10°
    • Mayout of seasonat the destination +3° / −6°

  2. Summer

    June–August
    • Junepossibleat the destination +8° / −1°
    • Julyseasonat the destination +11° / +2°
    • Augustseasonat the destination +10° / +1°

  3. Autumn

    September–November
    • Septemberpossibleat the destination +6° / −3°
    • Octoberout of seasonat the destination −2° / −11°
    • Novemberout of seasonat the destination −8° / −17°

  4. Winter

    December–February
    • Decemberout of seasonat the destination −12° / −21°
    • Januaryout of seasonat the destination −13° / −23°
    • Februaryout of seasonat the destination −11° / −21°

Where it is

Location
Issyk-Kul Region
From the base
≈86 km from Karakol as the crow flies
Elevation
3,780 m
Coordinates
41.84° N, 77.82° E
Open in Maps

Before you go

Getting there and what to know before you go

How to get there

  • From Karakol

    09:00; 4WD

    Through Barskoon valley to the high plateau. Confirm the pick-up address and road access in advance.

  • Back to Karakol

    18:00

    Return after the plateau stops. The full day by car covers about 330 km and takes 7–9 h. check for your date

Money, SIM cards and help

  • Cash. Driver-guide, chosen vehicle class and water included. Lunch and insurance extra. Agree the rate and inclusions for your dates. check for your date

112all emergencies

What to bring

Keep with you

Ticks are saved in this browser only.

Check before departure

  • Snow, closures and road access Driver
  • Lake, viewpoint and pick-up location Organiser
  • Passport, other documents and permits for stops; viewing Kumtor does not mean entry Organiser
  • Return and backup communication Driver
  • What’s included for your dates, how to arrange lunch and insurance, and what costs extra? Organiser
  • Specific lake and shore
  • Kumtor viewpoint
  • Permit requirement
  • Current closures
  • Current rate, actual inclusions, meals and insurance for your dates
Kyrgyz SeasonsPlanning a trip?Ask about a trip

All photos

Arabel Plateau in photos

Real photos, each with the date it was taken. Tap or click to enlarge.

  1. 24.08.2008
  2. 01.09.2019
  3. 01.09.2019

Places on the route

Arabel Plateau on the map

≈79 km of sections shown on the map · 5 stages

© OpenStreetMap

Separate mapped sections and known landmarks are shown. The full route has not been confirmed; agree exact stops before travelling.