One of the most popular hikes in the country starts from the entrance to the nature reserve of Karakol and leads to a splendid high-altitude lake through pine forests, high mountain pastures and screes. After two days of walking (advanced level), you will reach the lake, lying at an altitude of 3 600m. Take the opportunity to bivouac in front of the glaciers and sample a marmot and mushroom stew with the nomads. The next day, push on up to 3 900m then make your way back down through the pastures to the hot springs of Altyn Arashan.