Two-day trek from Karakol. Transfer by car to Ak-Suu village, then 5-6 hours of trekking to the Altyn-Arashan valley. Overnight in a yurt, visit to the hot springs. Return trek and transfer the next day.
Highlights
Hiking to Altyn-Arashan hot springs, view of Palatka peak, overnight in a yurt.
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1: Karakol – Altyn-Arashan (Trekking: 1st day)
In the morning, transfer from Karakol to Ak-Suu Village (30 min). Start trekking towards the Altyn-Arashan ("Golden Spa") Valley. The route ascends three successive hills during the day, taking roughly 5 hours with a picnic lunch en route. On arrival at Altyn-Arashan, there is time to bathe in the natural thermal springs and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight in a yurt or mountain hut.
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Day 2: Altyn-Arashan – Karakol (Trekking: 2nd day)
Spend the morning in the Altyn-Arashan gorge, with views of Peak Palatka ("Tent Peak", 5260 m) and the legendary "Swallow's Nest Pool" set beneath the open sky. After a late breakfast, walk back down the Arashan Gorge — a steady descent along the river. End of the trek at Ak-Suu Village, then 30-minute transfer back to Karakol.
Route and transfers
| Day | From → to | km | Time | How |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karakol → Teploklyuchenka | 15 | 0.3 h | by car |
| 1 | Teploklyuchenka → Altyn-Arashan | 18 | 0.36 h | on foot / horseback |
| 2 | Altyn-Arashan → Teploklyuchenka | 18 | 0.36 h | on foot / horseback |
| 2 | Teploklyuchenka → Karakol | 15 | 0.3 h | by car |
About 66 km in total. Distances and drive times come from our road map of Kyrgyzstan.
Included
- Twin accommodation in yurt at Altyn-Arashan — 1 night
- Meals during tour: 2 picnic lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
- Transport Karakol ↔ Teplokluchenka
- Local guide/trekking assistant
Not included
- Accommodation in Karakol
- Meals at cafes in Karakol
- Touring guide
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance