Altyn-Arashan, which translates as “Golden Spring,” is a high mountain gorge located in the eastern part of the Terskey-Ala-Too Range, near the city of Karakol. This gorge is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Issyk-Kul region, thanks to its unique nature, hot springs located within the gorge, extensive spruce forests, and breathtaking views.

Since the time of the Soviet Union, the territory of the gorge has been recognized as a specially protected nature reserve due to its rich biodiversity. Altyn-Arashan obtained the status of a nature reserve in 1963 and continues to maintain it. It is one of the few places on the planet where a dense relic forest of Tian Shan spruce has been preserved. The hot springs of Altyn-Arashan are also widely known. They are located at an impressive altitude of 2600 meters and have healing properties due to the presence of radon and hydrogen sulfide in the water, maintaining a high temperature throughout the year: 35 degrees Celsius for the radon spring and 41 degrees Celsius for the hydrogen sulfide spring. Some of the springs have covered pools, while others maintain their natural state, nestled in stone baths or grottos.

The Altyn-Arashan gorge attracts a substantial flow of tourists due to its location. Traveling through this gorge allows access to the high mountain Ala-Kul Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Terskey-Ala-Too Range, by crossing the pass of the same name, standing at an elevation of 3800 meters. The road passes through the left tributary of the Altyn-Arashan River, approximately 5 kilometers above the resort.

Another highlight that draws tourists to this place is the Aksu Wall, also known as the Tent Peak because of its unique trapezoidal shape. The view of the wall has become one of the main attractions in the gorge. Hiking enthusiasts will find the trek to the base of the peak particularly interesting, where a small glacier lake called Kashka-Suu and several waterfalls, including Sharkyratma, Kuldurak, Tash-Tektir, Archaly-Tor, and Taky-Tor, can be found.

The Altyn-Arashan Gorge has a complex geographical relief that sets it apart from other mountain gorges in the northern Tian Shan range. In its lower part, Altyn-Arashan presents itself as a narrow canyon with steep slopes and a turbulent river that can flood the road in summertime. In the upper part, the gorge significantly widens to become a high mountain valley with a smooth change in elevation. Further along the river, the gorge splits into two branches, encircling the Aksu Wall on the right and left sides.

Altyn-Arashan serves as a starting point for numerous tourist routes. It is used as a base camp for radial hikes and a transit point for journeys to Lake Son-Kul, the Ak-Suu Gorge, the Karakol and Jeti-Oguz valleys. It is also an excellent place for relaxation in the midst of the pristine beauty of the Tian Shan mountains.