Altyn-Arashan gorge. Ala-Kol lake. Kyrgyzstan
Month of the year to visit: from May to middle October
Transportation: no public transportation to Altyn Arashan gorge. Need to do trekking or take special car to reach Altyn-Arashan from Karakol or Ak Suu village.
Transportation: no public transportation to Altyn Arashan gorge. Need to do trekking or take special car to reach Altyn-Arashan from Karakol or Ak Suu village.
Altyn Arashan gorge which translates to "Golden Source" respectively are a high-mountain gorge located in the eastern part of the Terskey Ala-Too Range, near the town of Karakol in Kyrgyzstan.
This popular location is known for its pristine nature, hot springs, ancient Tien Shan spruces, and breathtaking views. It is worth noting that the area is a protected nature reserve.
The healing hot springs of Altyn-Arashan attract pilgrims and tourists throughout the year due to their therapeutic effects, containing radon and hydrogen sulfide. There are both indoor and natural open-air pools carved into rocks. The springs are located at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level.
This popular location is known for its pristine nature, hot springs, ancient Tien Shan spruces, and breathtaking views. It is worth noting that the area is a protected nature reserve.
The healing hot springs of Altyn-Arashan attract pilgrims and tourists throughout the year due to their therapeutic effects, containing radon and hydrogen sulfide. There are both indoor and natural open-air pools carved into rocks. The springs are located at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level.
In Altyn -Arashan gorge we have an amazing the high-mountain Lake Ala-Kol.
A high-mountain Lake Ala-Kol, situated at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level, captivates visitors with its ever-changing colors, depending on the season or time of day. Interestingly, the lake has no outlet. The surrounding natural beauty, with its turquoise water, blue sky, white clouds, evergreen spruces, and rocky backdrop, justifies its name as a "colorful lake." There is also a trail leading to the Aksu Wall or Peak Palatka, named for its rare trapezoidal shape for these mountains, reaching a height of 4600 meters.
- Numerous tourist routes originate from Altyn-Arashan, and the area serves as a base camp for further ascents for mountaineers and extreme adventurers.
It is worth mentioning the popularity of the location due to the established circular route that enters through one gorge and exits through another.
The location is suitable for visitors, although it has basic tourist infrastructure, including:
- A gravel road suitable for well-prepared vehicles, appealing to extreme enthusiasts (car and motorcycle lovers, as well as mountain bikers)
- Yurts and guesthouses are available for accommodation
- Picnic areas
- Well-marked trails into the gorge
- Horseback riding opportunities
- Scenic viewpoints
- Ample opportunities for photography
However, it's important to note that the location is not accessible year-round, and its vibrant beauty is best enjoyed from May to October. Ala-Kol lake trekking is available from middle June to middle September.
Video about Altyn-Arashan
Other places to visit in Kyrgyzstan
Kegety Gorge is a wonderful place near the capital of Kyrgyzstan at an altitude of 4000 m above sea level. Not a classic gorge is appreciated by tourists for its spaciousness - wide and long, about 27 km.
Within our republic's territory, there exist numerous architectural monuments, with one of the most renowned being the Burana Tower. The term "Burana" is derived from the word "monora," which means minaret. The minaret is a part of the ancient Burana settlement, situated 12 kilometers from the town of Tokmok and 80 kilometers from Bishkek. Burana Tower stands as one of the oldest structures within our republic. Its construction dates back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Originally, the minaret's height reached 40 meters, and according to some researchers, possibly 45 meters. Its upper section was crowned with a dome-shaped lantern, similar to other structures of its kind. However, due to the consequences of an earthquake that occurred around the 15th or 16th centuries, the upper portion was destroyed. As of today, the tower's height stands at 21.7 meters.
Sary Chelek is an enchanting place that captivates even the most discerning enthusiasts of flora and fauna. The most popular route leads to Lake Sary Chelek, located near the Chatkal Range at an altitude of 1940 m.
The national park Ala-Archa is a picturesque delight for the eyes, it is located nearby Bishkek, Ala-Too Kyrgyz ridges. The national park stretches at an altitude of 1600-4860m and is a favorite place of citizens and guests of the capital.
Lake Issyk-Kul - a mountain drainless lake (1610 m above sea level), included in the list of the deepest lakes in the world (698 m), located between the Tien Shan ranges. The astronauts call it the eye of the Earth for its color and shape, and the locals call it a pearl because of its framing with snowy peaks
Karakol (formerly known as Przhevalsk from 1889 to 1922 and from 1939 to 1992) is the fourth most populous city in Kyrgyzstan. It serves as the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region. The city is located near the eastern end of Lake Issyk-Kul, approximately 150 kilometers from the Kyrgyz-Chinese border and 380 kilometers from the capital, Bishkek. Geographically, it is situated at an elevation ranging from 1690 to 1850 meters above sea level.
Base camp is situated at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level, and serves expeditions when climbing peaks and tops. This location is a climber's paradise, because from here you can see the 7-thousanders’ tops
Barskoon gorge is a picturesque gorge on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, rich in high waterfalls, dense coniferous forests and hospitable slopes for vacationers.
Arslanbob is a protected area spread out in the valley of the same name and known for its largest walnut forest in the world. The forest is over 50 million years old, the area is over 700 thousand hectares. Many varieties of nut and fruit trees grow here.
Tours in Kyrgyzstan
Open a beautiful gorge near Bishkek in one day
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