Altyn Arashan One-Way Shuttle

Not everyone wants to come back the same day. Trekkers heading for Ala-Kul need a ride up and nothing more. People who sleep in the valley need two rides on two different days. Hikers who walked over the pass need a way down.

A one-way seat covers all of these. Same car, same timetable as the day trip, one direction only.

Karakol → Altyn Arashan

A seat one way: up at 08:00 or down at 16:00.

• Out08:00
• Back16:00

2 750 somper seat, one way

Pick a date

Book one way

How it works

• Going up: meet at Giraffe Coffee, Zhusaeva Street, central Karakol, at 07:50. The car leaves at 08:00 and reaches the valley around 10:30.
• Coming down: the car leaves Altyn Arashan at 16:00 and reaches Karakol around 18:00. We confirm the meeting spot in the valley in WhatsApp when you book.
• Price: 2,750 som per seat, either direction.
• Staying overnight: book one seat up and one seat down for the day you choose. Two one-way seats cost 5,500 som.

You do not need to find other people, bargain with drivers in a parking lot or "ask around in Karakol". The seat is booked, the time is fixed, and the price is the price.

The Ala-Kul angle

Ala-Kul is the most popular trek from Karakol. The usual loop goes up the Karakol Gorge, over the pass to the lake and down into Altyn Arashan. Many people do it the other way round too. Either way, one end of the trek is Altyn Arashan, and that end has a hard 4x4 track to Karakol.

Starting in Altyn Arashan. Take the 08:00 seat up. You save 5 to 6 hours of walking with a full pack on a dusty track, spend the night by the hot springs and start for the pass fresh the next morning.

Finishing in Altyn Arashan. Book a seat down at 16:00 for the day you plan to arrive. Arrive the evening before, sleep at a guesthouse, soak in the morning and ride down in the afternoon. The return is 2,750 som as well.

Finishing on the other side, in the Karakol Gorge. That is a different valley and a different road. We can sometimes arrange a pick-up there. Message us in WhatsApp with your dates and we will confirm and quote once a carrier agrees. We do not promise a price in advance.

Season, route stages and accommodation are on the Ala-Kul page. For a stage-by-stage plan, read the 3-day Ala-Kul trek guide.

What's included

• Your seat in a UAZ 4x4 with a local driver
• Space for one backpack, including a big trekking pack
• Help in WhatsApp

Not included

• National park fee: about 300 som, cash at the barrier
• Guesthouses, bathhouse (about 250 som) and food: pay in the valley in cash

Rules

• Booking for today: until 07:45 Karakol time. Future dates: any time.
• Guarantee: the car runs from 2 paid seats. If fewer are booked, you choose another date or get a 100% refund.
• Cancellation: free up to 24 hours before departure.
• Payment: by card online, or by card or cash at the meeting point.

The ride is run by licensed local carriers. Arashan Transfer is the booking agent.

Is one way right for you?

• Back the same day? The return day trip is 3,750 som, cheaper than two one-way seats.
• A group of four or more, or a different start time? A private UAZ may cost less per person.
• Want to compare all costs? See prices, or every way to get there on how to get to Altyn Arashan.

Book a one-way seat