Eco Yurt Camp Arashan

About Eco Yurt Camp Arashan

Altyn-Arashan means golden spa, and the hot springs are the reason people make the rough climb up here from Karakol. This camp puts them on site for 250 som and backs them with the most developed set-up in the valley: yurts ranging from simple to genuinely comfortable, some with private bathrooms and showers, comfortable beds with warm blankets and traditional Kyrgyz furnishings, a restaurant serving Kyrgyz cooking and a bar. It is also the only camp here that states year-round opening, though June to September is when the valley is realistically enjoyable. The tariff is published in som, which is unusual and useful: 3,350 som a night with breakfast, lunch at 700 and dinner at 850, horse riding at 3,000 a day plus the same again for a guide. Note one honest inconsistency — the same page also advertises 'from US$20 per night', which does not reconcile with 3,350 som, so confirm the rate when you book. Getting there is the other thing to plan: about 30 km from Karakol, roughly two hours by 4x4 up a genuinely rough track, usually in a UAZ, or a long walk if you prefer. Transfers are arranged from the operator's Karakol office. Expect no phone signal and no wi-fi once you are in the valley. Yurt count, bed numbers and altitude are not published.

Highlights

• Hot springs on site at 250 som
• Published som tariff, breakfast included
• Some yurts with private bathrooms
• Restaurant and bar in the valley
• Transfers arranged from Karakol

Getting there

Altyn-Arashan valley, about 30 km from Karakol. Reachable on foot or by vehicle; roughly a 2-hour drive from Karakol up the Ak-Suu track — a rough 4x4 route, usually done by UAZ. Transfers arranged by the operator from Gagarina 22, Karakol.