The Altyn-Arashan Gorge (translated as “Golden Spring”) is a high-altitude gorge in the eastern part of the Terskey-Ala-Too mountain range, located near the city of Karakol. The gorge is one of the most popular tourist sites in Kyrgyzstan due to its unique nature, hot springs in the immediate vicinity of the gorge, extensive spruce forests and stunning views.
In Soviet times, the territory of the gorge was recognized as a specially protected natural area due to the high natural diversity of the gorge. In 1963, the gorge was declared a nature reserve and remains one of the few places where dense forests of Tianshan spruce have been preserved. The Altyn Arashan hot springs are also widely known. Located at an altitude of 2600 m and containing radon and hydrogen sulfide, they maintain a high temperature all year round and have healing properties: the temperature of the radon source is 35 ° C, the hydrogen sulfide source is 41 °C. Some of the hot springs have indoor pools, others are “wild”, consisting of baths and hollowed-out caves.
Through the valley you can cross the pass of the same name at an altitude of 3800 m and get to the beautiful lake Terskey Ala-Too. It runs along the left tributary of the Altyn-Arashan River, 5 km upstream from the resort.
It is also called Palatka Peak because of the trapezoidal shape unusual for the Tien Shan Mountains. The view of this wall serves as a kind of visiting card of the gorge. A walk to the foot of the peak leads to a small glacial lake Kashka-Suu and waterfalls such as Sharkyratma, Kuldurek, Tash-Tektir, Archaly-Tor and iTakyr-Tor.
Unlike other gorges of the Northern Tien Shan, the Altyn-Arashan gorge has a complex relief. The lower part of the Altyn-Arashan gorge is a narrow gorge with numerous ascents and a stormy river that floods the road in summer. Upstream, the gorge widens significantly and turns into a unique Alpine gorge with very smooth elevation changes. In the upper reaches of the river, the gorge is divided into two tributaries, which on both sides encircle the Aksu Wall.
There are many tourist routes along Altyn-Arashan. Altyn Arashan is used as a stopover on the way to Ala-Kol, Ak-Suu Gorge, Karakol Gorge and Jeti-Oguz, as well as as a base camp for radial excursions. It is also a great place to relax surrounded by the unspoilt nature of the Tien Shan.
How to get to the Altyn Arashan gorge?
The Altyn Arashan Gorge is located 10 km east of the city of Karakol, near the village of Ak-Suu (Teploklyuchenka). The entrance to the gorge can be reached by minibus No. 350, which stands at the market in the city of Karakol. The entrance to the gorge can also be reached by private car. However, the ascent into the gorge is possible only with professional drivers in cars ideally prepared for off-road driving.
