Arashan Hotel in Karakol

Gorgeous valley with yurt camps. Both used as an overnight night stay going up or coming down Ala Kul lake or as a one day hike stop from Karakol/Ak-Suu. The valley is a long stretched river walk passing beautiful pine tree forests and mountain tops. The place is pretty popular so expect vehicle transport to pass you by regularly. The walk itself is easy to moderate.

I think it was one of my greatest experiences. Driving here inside russian UAZ was adventure on its own.

Views are amazing. Green mountains, snow tops in a distance, river, wild hot springs. This place is a gem.

Really remote but lovely valley!

Hikable (15 km) or driveable via taxi (10000 som per taxi car).
Do not drive by yourself! We tried, but had to stop caused by terrible road conditions. Even when having a 4x4.

Entrance to the park is 220 som per person (cash).

Today, we bounced and laughed our way up a wild mountain road in a giant 6WD beast. Every bump was worth it.

We arrived at Altyn Arashan – a hidden valley straight out of a dream. Green meadows, ancient pine forests, and snowy peaks touching the sky.

Then we walked. Through wildflowers, past rushing streams, with mountains watching over us.

And then… the hot springs.

Imagine this: Your body is sore from the bumpy ride. The mountain air is crisp and cold. But you slowly sink into natural, warm mineral water. It feels like pure magic. The ice-cold peaks above you. The healing heat below.

That first dip? A miracle for tired muscles.

We sat there, soaking, surrounded by nothing but beauty and silence. This is not a luxury spa. This is better. This is real.

The journey by Soviet-era vehicle to the Altyn-Arashan Valley was quite challenging, but the scenery along the way was breathtaking. You‘ll see pine forests, streams, and snow-capped peaks – it’s like a painting that‘s even more beautiful in person than in photographs. I visited in mid-April, and the weather was pleasantly cool. There is a restaurant that offers only one menu item: chicken rice with a bowl of soup and complimentary bread, charged per person.