Karakol Lakes

The Karakol lakes lie in a cirque on the western slope of the Iolgo ridge, seven of them in a stepped line from about eighteen hundred to twenty-one hundred metres, each draining into the one below - the lowest in cedar forest, the middle ones at the treeline in meadow, and the upper two in bare rock and tundra with snow patches lasting into summer. Because they climb through the vegetation zones in a couple of kilometres, the whole altitudinal sequence of the Altai is visible in a short walk, which is why the area is a nature park and used for teaching. Access is by off-road transfer up a very rough track from Elekmonar - about thirty kilometres taking two to three hours - then a walk of a few kilometres to the lakes, with camps and huts at the lower ones. Muhtur and the Bagatash pass are above, and the Uch-Enmek nature park adjoins.

What you actually see

• The seven lakes - a stepped chain from about eighteen hundred to twenty-one hundred metres.
• The zone sequence - cedar forest to treeline meadow to bare tundra in two kilometres.
• The upper lakes - rock basins holding snow patches into the summer.
• The rough approach - thirty kilometres of track taking two to three hours by vehicle.

When to go

July to September; snow lies late and the track is impassable outside summer. Two to four days including the transfer.

Honest expectations

The track from Elekmonar is severe - only proper off-road vehicles manage it and the ride is uncomfortable for hours. Permits are required. Weather at the upper lakes turns fast. Facilities are basic camps. Mosquitoes at the lower lakes.

Nearby

Chemal and the Katun valley are west; the Uch-Enmek park is south.