Place to see: Altyn Arashan, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Champions!
You're supposed to run back and forth between the hot springs and the nearby river. It was so cold that my friends only did this once.
About this place:
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 290 times.
