📍 General Information: The “Golden Spring” of the Tien Shan
Altyn-Arashan gorge (translated from Kyrgyz as “Golden Healing Spring”) is a high-mountain gorge and valley located in the eastern part of the Terskey-Ala-Too range, just 10 km from the city of Karakol. It is rightfully considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Issyk-Kul region due to its unique combination of rugged mountain nature and relaxation in natural thermal waters.
- Status: The territory has been a specially protected nature reserve (Arashan Reserve) since 1963.
- Altitude: The resort zone is situated at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level.
- Key Feature: Relic forests of Tien Shan spruce and geothermal springs.
♨️ Terskey-Ala-Too: The Power of Nature
The main “magnet” of the gorge is its hot mineral springs, known for their healing properties. The water here is enriched with radon and hydrogen sulfide, which has a beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and skin.
| Spring Type | Temperature | Features |
| Radon | ~35°C (95°F) | Moderately hot, relaxing. |
| Hydrogen Sulfide | ~41°C (106°F) | Hot, distinct sulfur smell, powerful therapeutic effect. |
| Format | Pools/Baths | There are both covered “wild” baths (stone grottos) and developed pools at local guesthouses. |
Interesting Fact: Unlike many other springs, the waters of Altyn-Arashan maintain their high temperature year-round, making this place ideal for winter ski touring and snowshoeing trips.
🗺️ Geography and Landscape
The Altyn-Arashan gorge is geographically unique and divided into two contrasting zones:
- Lower Part (Canyon): A narrow gorge with steep rocky slopes and the turbulent Arashan River. The road here is difficult, sometimes extreme, running along the very edge of the cliff.
- Upper Part (Valley): At an altitude of 2600 m, the gorge widens significantly, turning into a spacious triangular high-mountain valley (syrt), covered with a carpet of flowers and surrounded by snowy peaks.
🥾 Trekking and Outdoor Activities
Altyn-Arashan serves as a base camp for numerous routes of varying difficulty.
1. Route to Ala-Kul Lake
This is the most popular trekking route. The trail branches off to the left from the resort area (approximately 5 km upstream). Tourists climb the Ala-Kul Pass (3860 m) to see the turquoise lake and descend into the Karakol Gorge (or vice versa).
2. Palatka Peak (Aksu Wall)
The upper reaches of the gorge are dominated by the Aksu Wall (Palatka Peak/Tent Peak), named for its unique trapezoidal shape resembling a giant tent.
- Sightseeing: At the foot of the peak lies the glacial lake Kashka-Suu.
- Waterfalls: In the side gorges, you can find picturesque waterfalls: Sharkyratma, Kuldurak, Tash-Tektir.
3. Transit Routes
From Altyn-Arashan, experienced hikers make crossings into the neighboring Ak-Suu and Jeti-Oguz gorges and the Karakol valley.
🚙 Logistics: How to Get There?
The road to Altyn-Arashan from Karakol/Ak-Suu is an adventure in itself.
- Transport: A standard car cannot pass here. A prepared 4×4 off-road vehicle (UAZ, Delica) or a military truck (GAZ-66, “Vakhtovka”) is required.
- On Foot: A popular option is to drive to the beginning of the gorge and hike 14-16 km along the river (takes 4-5 hours).
