Kyrgyz SeasonsPlanning a trip?Ask about a trip→hello@kyrgyzseasons.com
4 stages in a day
The map shows separate sections, rather than the entire trip. Numbers mark known landmarks; agree exact stops before travelling.
Day 11 / 4 · To the ski resort
1
Day 11 / 4
To the ski resort
by car
From Karakol it is about 13 km up the Karakol Gorge — 15–30 minutes by car. There is no regular bus to the base: arrange a return taxi in advance.
2
Day 12 / 4
Up to Panorama
Two chairlifts take you from the base at 2,300 m to the top station at about 3,040 m. In summer the lift starts once a group forms — check with the base in advance.
February 28, 2024
3
Day 13 / 4
View of Issyk-Kul
on foot
At the top you see the snowy peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too above 5,000 m, and Issyk-Kul in clear weather. It is much colder and windier than in town; visitors say there is no café or toilet.
4
Day 14 / 4
Back to Karakol
Go down on the same lift, then drive back to town. Check the last ride down and your return taxi before going up.
Chairlift panorama: four seasons
Season: July–August, December–March. Monthly temperatures at the destination are averages for 2016–2025, not a forecast.
Spring
March–May
Marchseasonat the destination −3° / −14°
Aprilpossibleat the destination +2° / −8°
Mayout of seasonat the destination +6° / −4°
Summer
June–August
Juneout of seasonat the destination +10° / 0°
Julyseasonat the destination +13° / +4°
Augustseasonat the destination +12° / +2°
Autumn
September–November
Septemberout of seasonat the destination +9° / −2°
The ski base is about 13 km from Karakol, 15–30 minutes by car. A return taxi with waiting time costs about 2,000–3,000 som; arrange it in advance. Minibus No. 101 only goes to the mouth of the gorge, then it is about 40 minutes on foot. There is a fee at the national park entrance — check the amount.
From Karakol
Taxi or your own car
About 13 km, 15–30 minutes. There is no regular bus to the base; minibus No. 101 only reaches the mouth of the gorge. check for your date
Back to Karakol
Arrange your return taxi in advance: there may be no free cars at the base.
Money and mobile
Cash. A ride up cost about 700 som per person in summer 2026 and winter 2025–26. Check the price and the park fee for your date.
Contact and help
112single emergency number
101fire and rescue
102police
103ambulance
You can call 112 with a local SIM or without one.
What to bring
Warm layer and wind protection
Water and a snack
Check before departure
Whether the lift will run and when the last ride down is At the base, in advance
The national park entrance fee At the park checkpoint
Whether a group will form for the summer ride
Time of the last ride down
Return taxi from the base
Kyrgyz SeasonsPlanning a trip?Ask about a trip→hello@kyrgyzseasons.com
February 28, 2024
Base · KarakolKarakolA town by the mountains: old centre, accommodation and valley trips
Route · ≈8.4 km as the crow fliesKarakol GorgeThe forested Karakol River valley in Tian Shan
Route · ≈11 km as the crow fliesAltyn-ArashanWalk from Ak-Suu to the valley and hot springs
Base · ≈13 km as the crow fliesAk-SuuVillage 12 km from Karakol: wooden church, arboretum, hot springs. Trails lead on to Altyn-Arashan.