Combined with a 4×4 vehicle, a ride to Altai National Park and then roundtrip climb to the alpine lake will satisfy, if you are looking for something a little more challenging and remote.
Heading 50 miles East from Toktogul through villages, across bridges, and into a narrow valley you will arrive in this UNDP project site called Alatai.
The climate is much different than Toktogul. The area has diverse wildlife (including brown bear, leopards, and unique flora). Your ascent to the lake will take some time but it is worth it. Tracks suggest that automobiles can make this trek but river crossings and my own experience would hesitate to recommend any but the mightiest 4×4 vehicles up to the lake.
(from the website) In the framework of the UNDP-GEF project “Conservation globally of significant biodiversity and related land and forest resources of the Western Tien Shan to support sustainable livelihoods ”is supported by the“ Alatai ”GSP in the following areas:
- Monitoring of flora and fauna of the park
- Development of ecotourism in the region
- Carrying out forest management works
- Park infrastructure improvement
- Capacity building for park workers
- Conducting research activities
Enjoy the pristine beauty, the fresh air, a thunderstorm, and make sure you are prepared to get wet and muddy.
Here is what Wikipedia has to say, “https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alatay_Nature_Park“.