Altyn Arashan

Altyn Arashan – Complete Tourist Guide

📍 Overview

Altyn Arashan (translated as “Golden Healing Valley”) is a stunning alpine valley in the eastern part of Kyrgyzstan, located in the Issyk-Kul region near the city of Karakol. The area is famous for its hot mineral springs, breathtaking views of the Tien Shan mountains, dense pine forests, and opportunities for trekking, horse riding, and ski touring in winter.

• Altitude: ~2,500–2,600 m above sea level

• Valley length: ~15 km

• River: Archan River (tributary of the Karakol River)

• Summer temperature: +15…+25 °C during the day, can drop to 0 °C at night

• Winter temperature: -5…-20 °C, heavy snow, suitable for ski tours

🛣 How to Get There

Starting point: Karakol city, about 390 km from Bishkek.

Route options:

1. From Karakol to the trailhead

   • Drive or take a taxi to Ak-Suu village (10–12 km from Karakol).

   • Continue to the entrance of Altyn Arashan gorge (another 12–15 km on a rough dirt road).

   • In winter, access is only possible with off-road vehicles (UAZ, GAZ-66).

2. From the entrance to Altyn Arashan

   • On foot: From the starting point (after Ak-Suu), the hike to the Altyn Arashan camp is about 14 km, with an elevation gain of around 700 m.

     • Hiking time: 4–6 hours depending on pace.

   • On horseback: Horses can be rented in Ak-Suu or Karakol.

   • By 4×4 vehicle: Takes 1.5–2 hours. The road is extremely rough but passable with a proper off-road car.

🏔 What’s in Altyn Arashan

• Hot springs: Mineral-rich water with a temperature of +40…+50 °C, beneficial for skin and joints.

  • Available in private wooden cabins and open-air pools.

• Accommodation:

  • Guesthouses and yurt camps with basic facilities (beds, meals, banya/sauna).

  • In winter, it becomes a ski-touring and freeride base.

• Scenic views:

  • Peaks like Palatka (4,260 m) and Tepke-Tor (4,400 m) are visible from the valley.

• Natural beauty: Pine forests, alpine meadows, and the Archan River.

🐎 Activities

• Trekking:

  • To Ala-Kul Lake (3,532 m): One of the most popular hikes. From Altyn Arashan, it takes about a day to reach the lake (8 km, elevation gain ~900 m).

  • Valley walks: Easy hikes along the river and towards glaciers.

• Horseback riding: From 1 hour to multi-day tours.

• Winter: Ski touring and freeride skiing from nearby slopes.

• Photography: Alpine landscapes, rivers, and traditional yurts.

🚩 Where to Go from Altyn Arashan

1. Ala-Kul Lake

   • Altitude: 3,532 m

   • A turquoise glacial lake, one of the highlights of Kyrgyzstan.

   • Route from Altyn Arashan crosses a high pass (~3,900 m).

   • Typical 2–3 day trek: Karakol → Altyn Arashan → Ala-Kul → Karakol.

2. Karakol Gorge – good for trekking and ski touring.

3. Jeti-Oguz Gorge and hot springs – possible combined route.

4. Karakol city attractions:

   • Dungan Mosque

   • Russian Orthodox Church

   • Local market (dairy, meat, dried cheese).

✅ Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: June–September for trekking, December–March for winter sports.

• Clothing: Warm jacket and rain gear are essential even in summer; nights are cold.

• Mobile network: Limited coverage.

• Food: Bring snacks and some food supplies for treks.

• Wildlife: Bears are rare but avoid leaving food outside.