Place: Altyn Arashan, Karakol, Kyrgyz Republic
A dank concrete paradise
The sheds housing the hot springs of Altyn Arashan are made of concrete and topped with tin - not exactly what you'd expect from a day at the spa - but the hot water is soothing in contrast to the cold mountain air, and the view through the open door is phenomenal.
Description
Altyn Arashan (Golden Spa in Kyrgyz) is a hot-springs hotel located in a high mountain valley above Karakol. Don't let the term "hot-springs hotel" fool you - this isn't your typical spa. Natural hot springs of different temperatures and containing different minerals are piped into odd, windowless concrete sheds in which you can sit and bask in their warmth and alleged healing powers. But don't be frightened - The Altyn Arashan valley is gorgeous and the hot springs are well worth the visit. You can hire a Soviet era jeep to drive you up the steep "road" to the Altyn Arashan valley (this takes about 2 hours one way), or you can hike in (which takes about six hours). You can either stay in the hotel (shared rooms, like a hostel) or you can camp on the grounds. Either way, it's worth the experience!
(No street address given)
Karakol, Ysyk-Köl Oblasty, KG
Discovered by Jane Keeler
on 9 May 2008.
Viewed 121 times.
