Altyn-Arashan Gorge & Hot Springs — 2-Day Tour from Bishkek

Altyn-Arashan means "Golden Spring" in Turkic — and the name is well-earned. The gorge sits in the eastern part of the Terskey Ala-Too range, 35 km from Karakol, and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful natural destinations in Kyrgyzstan. The slopes are blanketed in spruce and ancient pine, the Arashan River rushes through the valley floor, and at 2,600 m above sea level a wide alpine meadow is dotted with radon thermal springs — a resort has operated here since 1963.

The gorge is only accessible by 4WD vehicle: around 10 km of mountain track from the village of Ak-Suu. On the way from Bishkek, the route includes a stop at Issyk-Kul and lunch in Karakol. On day two, a soak in the open-air hot springs with views of the Terskey Ala-Too peaks — including the 5,022 m Aksuyskaya Wall visible from the resort — rounds out the stay.

What to Expect

• Karakol Gorge and Altyn-Arashan Gorge
• Spruce forest, mountain rivers and alpine meadows of Terskey Ala-Too
• Radon thermal hot springs at 2,600 m above sea level
• Views of Aksuyskaya Wall peak (5,022 m)
• Issyk-Kul shore stop en route
• Kattama flatbread stop on the way back

Included

• Transfer Bishkek — Karakol — Bishkek
• 4WD vehicle Ak-Suu — Altyn-Arashan — Ak-Suu
• Guide
• 1 night accommodation
• Dinner and breakfast
• Eco fees

Not Included

• Meals en route and lunches
• Hot springs entry fee
• Personal expenses

What to Bring

• Warm clothing: jacket, hoodie, warm trousers, hat
• Swimwear: swimsuit / trunks, towel, flip-flops
• Personal hygiene items
• Spare clothes
• Comfortable shoes
• Rain jacket
• Personal first aid kit