Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan

We awoke early the next morning and set off on our hike, taking a mashrutka (number 305) as far as we could, to a place called Ak-Suu Sanatorium, where the mashrutka dropped us off on a track sixteen kilometres from Altyn Arashan. We had some gear with us, as we planned to stay overnight, so when a truck pulled over and offered us a lift about three kilometres into our trek, we took advantage of the offer (note, standing onto the back of a logging truck whilst on an offroad track is far more scarier than sitting on the back of a ute). The truck took us about another eight kilometres before its stop, upon which we then hiked another tough five kilometres to the valley. The trek followed a scenic route of tall sweet scented pine trees, a gushing mountain stream with rock pools of crystal clear water and occasionally, locals camping.

We arrived at Altyn Arashan valley around mid-afternoon and were immediately greeted by Valentino from Yak Tours (we heard he’d be the first to spot us). An elderly friendly Russian who had clearly been doing tours to the area for a very long time, he invited us in for chai and consequently ended up deciding to stay at his cabin (his is one of two accommodation on the mountain). One of the highlights of Altyn Arashan is the hot springs, and Valentino boasted his to be the loveliest, with ceramic tiles and perfect temperature. After our trek, we were quite sticky so after our chai we headed to the hot springs for some relaxation. As per tradition, after some time in the hot spring we jumped into the nearby stream (well I just stuck my toes in) to cool down (as the water was freezing). For dinner we had some delicious beetroot soup (borsch), chicken and potatoes. It was quite an experience when the sun had set – the whole valley was completely dark and empty, aside from a perhaps a handful of other people.

The following morning we headed out for some mountain climbing. Valentino had suggested a nearby mountain climb (relatively low, more a hill I guess) which supposedly provided spectacular views of the valley and some of the nearby high peaks, including Palatka (4260m). He and some Polish travellers (who left the night before) gave us some relatively complicated directions to the easiest route to climb the mountain. However, we ended up taking the steepest route (this happens when you climb mountains with two guys). The climb, though extremely steep, was pleasant for about the first hour and a half for me. It was so steep I was literally climbing, using my whole body, including hands. When we reached the snowy bits it got a bit tricky and I considered going down, however persisted and after about two-and-a-half hours we reached the peak. It did indeed provide worthwhile views and was also quite chilly (Travis’ GPS read elevation of 3200m at the peak). Descending down the mountain was tricky due to the slope of the mountain, Travis and I tried sliding down some parts whilst Andrew looked on quite amused. We ended up taking a less steep route down, passing through some pine trees. We arrived back at our cabin after about four-and-a-half hours, and headed straight to the hot springs for some well deserved relaxation. Had lunch, a delicious bowl of laghman, and it started raining (our trek was well timed!). Travis and I headed back to Karakol late afternoon (in dire need for proper running water) whilst our new friend decided to stay a little longer.

Logger trucks we hitched a ride withAndrew and Travis on the trail to Altyn ArashanArashan River between the pine trees
Winding road with car parked at the topSonya and Travis on the Altyn Arashan trailSome of the lush scenery at Altyn Arashan
Finally, the small village of Altyn Arashan is visibleTravis and Andrew walking towards Altyn Arashan villageThe village of Altyn Arashan, the first building is Yak Hotel
Sonya enjoying some tea after a long walkThe scenery of Altyn ArashanThe scenery of Altyn Arashan, with the Yak Hotel in the middle
The village of Altyn ArashanThe mountains in the distanceTwo horses riding on the green fields
A small stream flowing from the mountainsArashan River flows through Altyn ArashanDinner at Yak Hotel, beetroot soup and chicken with potatoes
Climbing up a small peak near Yak HotelView of the Altyn Arashan valleyClimbing down the small peak year Yak Hotel
View of the Altyn Arashan valleySonya and Travis with the Altyn Arashan valley behindCow grazing at Altyn Arashan

The nearby mountain climb

Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

After spending a few relaxing days wandering around Bishkek we travelled toward the Lake Issy Kol region, east of the capital.  As we had arrived slightly early season-wise, many attractions such as the lake Song Kol were still frozen over.  However, Lake Issy Kol, the second largest alpine lake in the world, doesn’t freeze (due to a combination of thermal activity, salinity and its depth), so we decided to spend a few days hiking around this area.

We travelled to Karakol via shared taxi, managing to negotiate a fare of 500 som each (which seemed to be the local going rate).  The trip was a scenic drive passing the snow-capped Ala Too ranges, and at some point we were only kilometres away from Kazakhstan.  After some time we caught glimpses of Lake Issy Kol – a massive body of water that looked more like a sea.  An hour later, we were still passing it! Arriving in Karakol mid-afternoon, we decided to stay at a quaint Russian-run guesthouse with an extravagantly (perhaps a little too over the top for my liking) mirrored bathroom.  The staff did not speak much English so much sign language was used to communicate our questions.  Later in the afternoon we wandered around the tiny town, admiring its pink cherry blossom lined streets and wooden cottages.  We stopped by the yellow domed Holy Trinity Cathedral before picking up some fruit, samsas (somosas) and kebabs at the local Jakshilik Bazaar.

That evening we met another Aussie traveller, Andrew, at our hotel (who, coincidentally, we’d heard about in Bishkek before we met him!) and eventually decided to hike together to Altyn Arashan, a small resort located in the valley of nearby mountains, the following morning.

Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral

Osh to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

From Osh we headed to Bishkek, the road was described to be scenically spectacular so we hired a private driver for $100 which allowed us to stop along the way to take photos and enjoy the scenery.

Highlights along the route were Toktogul Lake and the two passes, Ala-Bel Pass at 3184m and Tor-Ashuu Pass at 3586m, both were snowing at the time and the valleys were white-washed with snow. It was quite surreal having come from lush green vegetation with poppy sprinkled meadows only a few hours before.

In Bishkek stayed at a very local guesthouse – the Bishkek Guesthouse – run by a pair of Uzbek brothers who are barely out of their teens. The guesthouse was basically a three bed, one bathroom apartment on the seventh floor. It was cosy, to say the least, as the place also doubled as some form of student accommodation.

There wasn’t too much to do in Bishkek, the usual monuments of Lenin, the Osh Bazaar and museums. We wandered around observing the locals (which were comprised of Kyrgyz, Russians, and Ukrainians).  The city itself did not present anything particularly memorable, except for a local scammer who imitated a police officer requesting my passport at the bustling Osh Bazaar – if I had handed it to him I suspect I would have had to pay to get it back.

Toktogul Reservoir
Toktogul Reservoir
Driving through goats, a normal Kyrgyz day
Toktogul Reservoir
Local Kyrgyz man happy to see us
Picturesque mountain scenery along the Naryn River
Picturesque mountain scenery along the Naryn River
Picturesque mountain scenery along the Naryn River
Goats grazing on the mountains
Green turning into white in Kyrgyzstan
Travis at the snow covered Ala-Bel Pass
Ala-Bel Pass Kyrgyzstan
Ala-Bel Pass Kyrgyzstan