Altyn-Arashan

Altyn-Arashan is a gem in the Tian Shan mountains, attracting visitors primarily for its healing thermal baths. The valley, situated at 2600 meters altitude, has a dramatic backdrop of dense coniferous forests and snow-capped peaks. Most travelers use the simple wooden huts on-site to relax in the hot sulfur springs after strenuous hikes. It is a place of peace, far from the hustle and bustle of civilization. The region's flora and fauna are impressive, with alpine meadows in full bloom during summer. Hikers often use the valley as a base camp for tours to Ala-Kul lake or to the foot of the majestic Palatka Peak. In the yurt camps, guests can experience traditional Kyrgyz hospitality and enjoy local specialties such as fresh flatbread and milk tea. Access to the valley is a challenge in itself; the path from Karakol requires either a multi-hour hike or a ride in a robust Soviet 4x4 vehicle. The best time to visit is from late June to September, when the paths are snow-free and temperatures remain mild. Those seeking the real Kyrgyzstan will be captivated by the rugged beauty and original atmosphere of Altyn-Arashan.

Nearby cities

Karakol

The administrative capital of the Issyk-Kul Region, situated at the eastern end of the lake of the same name.

Balykchy

A city at the western end of Lake Issyk-Kul, which was an important transport hub for a long time.

Bokonbayevo

A picturesque village on the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, known as a center for Kyrgyz traditions and eagle hunting.

Cholpon-Ata

A popular resort town on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, known for its sandy beaches and sanatoriums.

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Kaji-Say

A former mining village on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, now famous for its sandy beaches and proximity to Skazka Canyon.

Tosor

A small coastal village on the southern shore, famous for its shallow sandy beaches and the challenging Tosor Pass.

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Semyonovka

A village on the northern shore providing access to the Semyonovka Gorge and the historic Kyrchyn Valley.

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Grigorievka

A village on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, known as the gateway to the stunning Grigorievka Gorge and its mountain lakes.

Engilchek Glacier

One of the largest and longest mountain glaciers in the world, located in the heart of the majestic Tian Shan Mountains.

History & landmarks

Dungan Mosque

A colorful mosque in Chinese pagoda style, built in 1910 by Chinese Muslims in Karakol.

Holy Trinity Cathedral

A beautiful wooden Orthodox church in Karakol, built in 1895 without a single iron nail.

Karakol Historical Museum

A small but rich museum showcasing local history and the legacy of the Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky.

Jeti-Ögüz Rocks

An impressive geological formation of red sandstone rocks, which according to legend resembles seven petrified bulls.

Skazka Canyon

A colorful canyon on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, with bizarre rock formations resembling castles and animals.

Rukh Ordo Cultural Center

A spiritual and architectural complex in Cholpon-Ata dedicated to the five major world religions.

Petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata

A massive open-air museum featuring thousands of ancient rock carvings depicting hunting scenes and animals.

Nature

Ala-Kul Lake

At an altitude of nearly 3,600 meters, Ala-Kul enchants hikers with its spectacular mountain scenery.

Issyk-Kul

Issyk-Kul is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and one of the country's main attractions.

More places

Terskey Ala-Too

A mountain range of the Tian Shan framing the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, known for its stunning valleys and hot springs.

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Jyrgalan Valley

A pristine valley in eastern Kyrgyzstan that has developed into a hub for ecotourism and freeride skiing.

Kumtor Gold Mine

One of the highest gold mines in the world, located in the Tian Shan mountains.

Karkara Valley

A picturesque river valley on the border with Kazakhstan, known as a base camp for helicopter expeditions to Jengish Chokusu.

Syrt Plateau

A vast, desert-like plateau in the inner Tian Shan, extending at an elevation of over 3000 meters.

Tien Shan

The impressive Tien Shan mountain system traverses Kyrgyzstan and dominates the country's landscape.

Jengish Chokusu

The highest mountain in Kyrgyzstan and the Tian Shan range, reaching an elevation of 7439 meters on the border with China.

Khan Tengri

A striking pyramid-shaped peak in the Tian Shan mountains, forming the tripoint border of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and China.