Altyn Arashan Overview
Just a few miles from Karakol, Altyn Arashan is the most accessible—and allegedly beautiful—hike in the Karakol area and all of Kyrgyzstan. It is only moderately challenging featuring 2,285 ft of elevation gain and 9.8 miles from the base to the valley. If that sounds like too much, it is possible to arrange a bumpy ride up the trail (which doubles as a road). I would recommend hiking, though, as the ride is expensive and not comfortable.
The hike to the valley is, if you want it to be, the first leg of a longer multi-day loop hike. I did not do this so I cannot provide the details. Instead, I hiked up to the valley and spent two nights at a guest house.
The valley itself has more to offer than just looks. Several guest houses feature natural hot springs, and there are also several day hikes doable from the valley. Some of these might be difficult depending on the time of year. I visited in mid-April and could not hike to Ala-Kul Lake due to snow.
The Trail
The trail begins from the village of Teploklyuchenka, near Karakol. I would recommend getting a Yandex to the village to begin the hike. From there, you follow a straightforward path up the mountain. The incline is gradual and it never feels particularly difficult. The path is also used by trucks and cars bringing people and supplies up and down from the valley, though it would be disingenuous to call the path a road. It does not feel like walking along the street for ten miles.
The hike itself is beautiful. You walk along a river between mountains for most of the way, and though the river is moving too fast to swim, there are some natural hot springs on the way up if you are up for an adventure. The trail is well marked and it would be difficult to get lost. Despite the length and altitude it is not particularly strenuous.
The Valley
The trail ends when it opens up to a large valley and you pass the first of the area’s multiple guest houses. Depending on the time of year you go, these might not all be open. If you are planning a trip for the winter months, it might be worth looking in to this beforehand. We visited in mid-April and just walked up to a guest house that looked nice. Luckily, they took us. We stayed at Arashan Hotel and had a good experience. The owners were very nice and friendly, the food was good, and everything was cheap. They offer wifi for a fee and also give guests access to the on-site sulfur hot springs for a smaller fee (highly recommend).
I would plan to spend at least two nights in the valley. There are enough day hikes around the area to stay busy for the day, and even a day spent reading or drawing in the beautiful valley would feel productive.
If you are in Karakol, Altyn Arashan is a must-see.
Wide Open Road 