Amazing Altyn-Arashan

Altyn-Arashan means “Golden Spring” – this is a high-mountain gorge in the eastern part of the Terskey-Ala-Too ridge, located near the city of Karakol on Issyk-Kul, about 10 km to the east. The gorge is widely known among tourists as it fascinates with its unique nature, hot springs, beautiful spruce forests and stunning views.

Even during the Soviet Union, the territory of Altyn-Arashan was recognized as a specially protected protected area, since there was a great natural diversity. A relict forest of the Tien Shan spruce has been preserved here, and the area is also famous for its hot springs located at a record height of 2600 meters and have a healing effect due to the content of radon and hydrogen sulphide in the water, maintaining a high temperature all year round: 35 degrees for a radon source and 41 degrees for hydrogen sulphide. Tourists adore Tent Peak because of its unusual trapezoidal shape, which is a rarity for the Tien Shan mountains. There are several waterfalls in the area: Tash-Tektir, Archaly-Tor, Sharkyratma, Kuldurek, and Takyr-Tor.

Among the wild animals in the gorge you can find marals, bears, mountain goats, wild boars and marmots.