Jyrgalan → Ailampa Lakes, 3 days
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A three-day loop from Jyrgalan to the Ailampa Lakes by the glacier
Place: Lake Ailampa
- 3 days, 2 nightsUsually in tents
- ModerateAbout 41 km in 3 days
- July–Augustalso possible June–September
- Jyrgalan
What to pack
- Warm clothing and rain protection
- Footwear for a mountain trail
- Water supply and purification
- Gear for two nights out
- Backup communications and power
5 stages over 3 days
The map shows separate sections, rather than the entire trip. Numbers mark known landmarks; agree exact stops before travelling.
Section of the loop1 / 5
Jyrgalan → Eki-Chat
From Jyrgalan, head south up the Jyrgalan River valley — 6–8 km on a dirt road and trail to the Eki-Chat yurt camp. Near the river the trail can be wet and boggy.
Section of the loop2 / 5
Terim-Tor Valley
From Eki-Chat the loop enters the Terim-Tor Valley. Trip reports camp here; nights are cold even in summer. The ford is usually below the knee, harder early in the season and after storms — check ahead.
Section of the loop3 / 5
Ailampa Lakes
The lower lake lies at about 3,200 m; people camp on its shore. The upper lake by the glacier is at about 3,550 m; the last stretch crosses scree and rockfall, and the trail fades out there.
Section of the loop4 / 5
Down the Jyrgalan Valley
From the lakes down the Jyrgalan River valley; on the operator’s map the loop also passes the Tuz Valley. Hikers ford the Jyrgalan; yurts stand lower down the valley — check which are open.
Section of the loop5 / 5
Back to Jyrgalan
Back through Eki-Chat to the village along the same valley. Arrange transport back to Karakol in advance.
Where it is
- Location
- Issyk-Kul Region
- From the base
- ≈18 km from Jyrgalan by road
- Coordinates
- 42.48° N, 79.05° E
Getting there and what to know before you go
How to get there
Jyrgalan is about 60 km from Karakol: marshrutka No. 331 from Ak-Tilek Market, or a taxi. Departure times and fares differ from report to report — check in advance and arrive half an hour early, as seats fill up. There is no ATM in the village, so bring cash. Arrange a guide and pack horses in advance.
From Karakol
Marshrutka or taxiMarshrutka No. 331 from Ak-Tilek Market or a taxi, about 60 km. Check departure times and fares in advance.
Back to Karakol
From Jyrgalan, a marshrutka in the morning and afternoon, or a taxi. Check the return departure time in advance.
Money and mobile
- Cash. There is no ATM in Jyrgalan — bring cash. Check prices for a guide, horses and overnight stays for your dates.
Contact and help
112 single emergency number
- 101 fire and rescue
- 102 police
- 103 ambulance
You can call 112 with a local SIM or without one.
What to bring
- Warm clothing and rain protection
- Footwear for a mountain trail
- Water supply and purification
- Gear for two nights out
- Backup communications and power
Check before departure
- Weather and road conditions Trip organiser
- Cost and return transport Trip organiser
- Snow on the passes and water levels at the fords
- Rockfall on the trail to the upper lake
- Campsites and available yurts
- Return departure time and fare
Nearby and where to go next
Base · JyrgalanJyrgalanA mountain village for summer hikes and off-piste skiing in winter; you get there via Karakol.- Route · ≈14 km as the crow fliesKok-Bel WaterfallA day walk from Jyrgalan to the 20-metre Kok-Bel Waterfall
- Cultural site · ≈30 km as the crow fliesSan-TashA mound of “counting stones” by the Kegen road, tied to a tale of Tamerlane’s army.