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Altyn Arashan: A Hot Springs Hike in Kyrgyzstan
Altyn Arashan is a popular trekking spot outside of Karakol, Kyrgyzstan. It's valued not only for its beautiful setting in a valley, but also for the natural hot springs which serve as the perfect welcome after a long day of hiking.
It can also serve as an overnight stop on the way to the mountain lake of Ala Kul. Our time there coincided with some more frosty weather and Altyn Arashan's first snow of the season.
Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
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Brotherly Love
Village near Ak-Suu (outside Karakol, Kyrgyzstan).Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
Grazing on the Way to Altyn Arashan
Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
Local Tourists
Although we were on foot and they were in a car, we caught up to this group of locals going up to Altyn Arashan several times. The road to Altyn Arashan is challenging for cars, to say the least.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
Closed for the Winter
By the time we arrived in Altyn Arashan (late September), some yurts had already been abandoned for the season. We stayed in a house with access to the natural hot springs. Not a bad alternative.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
Hot Springs, Moon and Twilight
Altyn Arashan's natural hot springs provide the perfect welcome after a long day of hiking and the post-sundown chill.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
Long and Winding Road
On the way to Altyn Arashan near Karakol.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
Early Morning Snowfall
We woke up early at Altyn Arashan in order to start our trek to Ala Kol lake only to find a fresh layer of snow on the ground and trees. The effect of the first snow of the year was magical.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
On Our Way
We woke up to Altyn Arashan's first snowfall of the year. While it made hiking to Ala Kul Lake trickier, it was incredibly beautiful.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
First Snow
Altyn Arashan to Ala Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
Hiking to Ala Kol Lake
Our hike to Ala Kul Lake (Kyrgyzstan) was marked with snow, from beginning to end. We did get a respite just before midday when the sun managed to melt most of what had fallen overnight.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
When You Lose the Path...Make a Bridge
We (and our hiking pal David) lost the path on our return to Altyn Arashan from Ala Kul Lake. As a result, we had to find creative ways to rejoin it again.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
Fresh Powder
One of the impressive peaks freshly covered in snow near Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
Into the Clouds
We were literally walking amidst clouds on our hike from Altyn Arashan (3000 meters) to Ala Kol Lake (3530 meters).Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
Furball
This cat greeted us upon our return to the lodge at Altyn ArashanRead more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
New Snow
A mountain near Altyn Arashan is lightly dusted with fresh snow in late September.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
The Divining Cow...
...helps us choose our next destination.Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
After the Snow Melts
Our descent from Altyn Arashan to Karakol, KyrgyzstanRead more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyz Side
Views of the Tian Shan Mountains near Altyn Arashan outside of Karakol, KyrgyzstanRead more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.
