The Altyn Arashan valley is very famous for the hiking opportunities it offers close to Karakol. Some of the routes are difficult, but the breathtaking landscape always comes as a great reward for your efforts. You can hike up to the hot springs in a total of 5 or 6 hours. The starting point of the hike is located at the southern end of the town of Teploklyuchenka, which is more commonly called Ak-Suu, about 12 km (7.5 miles) east of Karakol. The first part of the hike will make you walk along the Arashan River. Surrounded by pine trees and large flowery pastures, the trail begins gently. It is only a few kilometers later that the snowy peaks appear. The journey will become difficult in some places, with a rocky road that gradually climbs upwards. But when you arrive at the top of the trail, you will have a magnificent view of the snowy peaks and the entire valley. You may also encounter mountain goats, deer, and groundhogs and see footprints of bears or snow leopards if you are lucky. The best, though, comes at the end: after this tiring hike, you’ll get to swim in the hot springs! From Altyn Arashan, you may continue into a multiday trek to the Ala Kol Lake or to the Jety Oguz Valley.