Altyn-Arashan: the hot-spring valley above Karakol
Altyn-Arashan is a high valley south-east of Karakol with natural hot springs, spruce forest and a view of Palatka peak. You reach it on foot from Ak-Suu village, about 4–6 hours up, or by a rough track that only heavy 4x4 trucks can drive. Stay at least one night.
The valley starts at Ak-Suu (also called Teploklyuchenka), a village east of Karakol. From there a track climbs about 15 km along the Arashan river. On foot it takes most people 4–6 hours up and about 4 hours down.
The same track is driven by old Soviet 4x4 trucks and vans that locals hire out. Ordinary cars and rental SUVs can't make it. Snow can block the track early in the season.
The hot springs
Small bathhouses along the river are fed by the hot springs, and the pools are drained and refilled between visitors. If you sleep in the valley, your guesthouse or camp usually lets you soak for free; day visitors pay a small fee per hour.
When to go
The valley is warmest and greenest from July to mid-September, when the yurt camps are up. The weather changes fast, especially in June, so pack a rain jacket and a warm layer whatever the forecast says.
We have walked up as early as late March and as late as the end of September. In the shoulder months expect snow on the trail and cold nights.
Altyn-Arashan and Ala-Kul
Altyn-Arashan is also one end of the Ala-Kul trek, which crosses a pass of roughly 3,900 m to the turquoise Ala-Kul lake and usually takes 2–4 days from the Karakol valley. Our trips do the out-and-back walk from Ak-Suu. If you are fit and acclimatised and want the full crossing, tell us and we'll plan the extra days with a mountain guide.
What to bring
Walking shoes with a good grip; the trail is rocky and muddy in places.
A rain jacket and a warm layer.
Swimwear and a small towel for the springs.
Cash in som: there are no card payments in the valley.
Trips that go to Altyn-Arashan
Private trips by car with a local driver-guide. All start and finish in Bishkek.
