A rushing river curves around rocks among spruce trees, with mountain peaks rising above green slopes.
Walk up the valley

Ak-Suu → Altyn-Arashan, 2 days

Updated How we check facts

Walk from Ak-Suu to the valley and hot springs

Place: Altyn-Arashan

  • 2 days, 1 nightStay in Altyn-Arashan
  • Mountain walkTwo days, overnight stay
  • April–Novemberseason
  • Ak-SuuAbout 30 min from Karakol
  • KarakolStart
Kyrgyz SeasonsPlanning a trip?Ask about a triphello@kyrgyzseasons.com

In order

6 stages over 2 days

The map shows separate sections, rather than the entire trip. Numbers mark known landmarks; agree exact stops before travelling.

  1. A broad town street with pavements and low houses, with a snowy mountain range in the distance.28.04.2023

    Day 11 / 6

    Karakol → Ak-Suu

    Karakol

    by car≈30 min

    Transfer to the walking start.

    Next Walk up the valley →
  2. A rushing river curves around rocks among spruce trees, with mountain peaks rising above green slopes.14.09.2016

    Day 12 / 6

    Walk up the valley

    on foot≈5–6 h

    Walk in with three climbs and a lunch stop.

    Next Night in Altyn-Arashan →
  3. White yurts stand on a green clearing beside a spruce forest in a broad mountain valley.22.08.2018

    Day 13 / 6

    Night in Altyn-Arashan

    Altyn-Arashan

    overnight stay

    Accommodation and bathing pools; check the price and meals before paying.

    Next Morning and hot springs →
  4. A green-roofed house and white yurts stand below a spruce-covered slope, with an open valley stretching into the distance.22.08.2018

    Day 24 / 6

    Morning and hot springs

    Altyn-Arashan

    on foot

    Morning in the valley and a visit to the hot springs.

    Next Descent to Ak-Suu →
  5. A pale mountain river flows among rocks and damp green meadows beneath low clouds.12.05.2021

    Day 25 / 6

    Descent to Ak-Suu

    on foot≈4 h

    After a late breakfast, walk back down the gorge.

    Next Ak-Suu → Karakol →
  6. A carved wooden church facade, with green roofs and golden domes above a lawn.

    Day 26 / 6

    Ak-Suu → Karakol

    Karakol

    by car≈30 min

    The return to town ends the route.

    Next Altyn-Arashan: four seasons ↓

Seasons

Altyn-Arashan: four seasons

Season: April–November. Monthly temperatures at the destination are averages for 2016–2025, not a forecast.

  1. Spring

    March–May
    • Marchout of seasonat the destination 0° / −10°
    • Aprilseasonat the destination +5° / −4°
    • Mayseasonat the destination +9° / 0°
  2. Summer

    June–August
    • Juneseasonat the destination +14° / +4°
    • Julyseasonat the destination +17° / +7°
    • Augustseasonat the destination +16° / +6°
  3. Autumn

    September–November
    • Septemberseasonat the destination +12° / +2°
    • Octoberseasonat the destination +4° / −7°
    • Novemberseasonat the destination −3° / −13°
  4. Based on a photo by Aidar Em, CC BY-SA 4.0, modified

    Winter

    December–February
    • Decemberout of seasonat the destination −8° / −16°
    • Januaryout of seasonat the destination −9° / −18°
    • Februaryout of seasonat the destination −6° / −15°

Where it is

Location
Issyk-Kul Region
From the base
≈22 km from Karakol as the crow flies
Elevation
2,510 m
Coordinates
42.37° N, 78.61° E
Open in Maps

Before you go

Getting there and what to know before you go

How to get there

  • From Karakol

    About 30 min by car

    Drive to the walking start near Ak-Suu, then walk up the valley for about 5–6 h. check for your date

  • Back to Karakol

    Walking and transfers

    Day two: about 4 h downhill and 30 min by car. Agree on a meeting point in advance. check for your date

Money, SIM cards and help

  • Cash. Bring cash for accommodation, transport, the fee and bathing pools; keep your ticket. check for your date
  • Accommodation. A night in a simple guesthouse or yurt with dinner and breakfast costs roughly 1,000–2,500 som per person. Check the meals included and the price.
  • Shared car: about 1,000–3,000 som/person. A private 4×4 is priced by route and waiting time; check the price for your travel date.
  • Entry: about 250–300 som/person, cash at the barrier. Check parking prices on site for your travel date.

112all emergencies

What to bring

Keep with you

Ticks are saved in this browser only.

Check before departure

  • Snow, bridges and route conditions Local guide
  • Accommodation, meals and bedding Accommodation host
  • Return transport and meeting point Transport operator
  • Access and price of your chosen pool Pool host
  • The exact house or yurt for your stay
  • Current prices and entrance fees
  • The exact approach to Swallow’s Nest
  • Bridge and trail conditions on departure day
  • Mobile reception along the whole route

Keep planning

Guides and ready-made itineraries

Pages that include this place in a guide or itinerary.

All photos

Altyn-Arashan in photos

Real photos, each with the date it was taken. Tap or click to enlarge.

  1. 14.09.2016
  2. 22.08.2018
  3. 22.08.2018
  4. 12.05.2021
  5. 28.04.2023

Places on the route

Altyn-Arashan on the map

≈60 km of map context · 6 stages

© OpenStreetMap

Separate mapped sections and known landmarks are shown. The full route has not been confirmed; agree exact stops before travelling.

Trip inquiry

Ak-Suu → Altyn-Arashan, 2 days

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