Karakol – Ala-Kul – Altyn-Arashan
Ala-Kul Trek: Lake, Pass & Hot Springs
4 daysChallengingSummer
from$900per group
Book nowAltyn-Arashan: Hike to the Hot Springs
Two days: a 4–5 hour hike up the gorge from Ak-Suu village, a night in the Altyn-Arashan valley and a soak in the hot springs. Back on foot or by UAZ.
Duration
2 days
Difficulty
Moderate level
Season
Spring — autumn
Group
Private tour
Itinerary
Altyn-Arashan is a high valley near Karakol with meadows, a mountain river, peaks all around and hot springs. The name means “golden spring”, and people have been coming here for the thermal water for decades.
From Karakol we drive 20 minutes to Ak-Suu village and walk up the gorge from there. We spend the night in the valley and soak in the springs in the evening. To get back you can walk down the same trail or ride an old Soviet UAZ.
Day 1
Karakol – Ak-Suu – Altyn-Arashan
- About 4–5 hours on foot to the valley
- From Karakol we drive about 20 minutes east to Ak-Suu village and start walking from there.
- The trail follows the river and climbs through the forest on the sides of the gorge. The higher you go, the wider the views.
- After about four hours we come out into the Altyn-Arashan valley, with green meadows and peaks all around.
- In the afternoon we go to the hot springs, which have pools of different temperatures. The rest of the day is for resting and walking around the valley.
- Overnight: in Altyn-Arashan.
Day 2
Altyn-Arashan – Karakol
- Morning in the mountain valley.
- After breakfast you choose how to get back to Karakol:
- On foot: back down the same trail through Altyn-Arashan Gorge.
- By UAZ: an old Soviet UAZ 4×4, one of the few vehicles that can handle this rough mountain road.
- The tour ends in Karakol.
Included
- Transport as in the itinerary
- English-speaking guide
- Meals as in the package
- Overnight in Altyn-Arashan
Not included
- Hot spring entrance fee
- Lunch, unless included in the confirmed meal plan
- Optional horse riding
- UAZ 4×4 ride back, unless agreed in advance
- Personal expenses
Good to know
- What to bring: hiking boots, warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, swimwear and a small towel.
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging, depending on your fitness and the state of the trail.
- Mountain weather changes fast, even in summer.
- You need swimwear for the hot pools.
- The UAZ ride depends on the road and on vehicle availability.
| Group | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $220/ person |
| 2 people | $140/ person |
| 3 people | $110/ person |
| 4–5 people | $100/ person |
Prices in USD per person, depending on group size. We will confirm the exact price for your dates.
Upcoming departures
Dates on request — the tour runs whenever suits you.
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Route map
Route stops in order. Tap a number to see the place name.
- 01Karakol
- 02Ak-Suu village
- 03Altyn-Arashan
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