Altyn Arashan in Winter

Karakol is busy in winter because of the ski base above town. Few skiers know there are hot pools in a snowy spruce valley a morning's drive away. Sitting in 40 °C water at about 2,500 m with snow around you is the best rest day you can have here.

Winter changes the road, not the plan. The jeep usually runs from December to March, on the same timetable as in summer.

How winter works

• Same timetable. Meet 07:50, leave 08:00 from Giraffe Coffee, Zhusaeva St. In the valley around 10:30. Back from the valley at 16:00, in Karakol around 18:00.
• Same price. A return seat is 3,750 som; one way is 2,750 som.
• Usually runs. UAZs handle packed snow on this road. Most winter days go ahead.
• Deep snow can close the road for days. After a heavy snowfall, the track can be shut until it is driven in or settles. That is usually a matter of days, not weeks.
• We tell you the evening before. If the drivers decide the road is not safe, you get a WhatsApp message the evening before. Choose another date or take a 100% refund.

Check the latest report before you plan:

More on how we make the call on road today.

The day

1. 07:50
   Meet at Giraffe Coffee

   Zhusaeva St, central Karakol

2. 08:00
   Depart

   16 km of riverbed track with fords, 2–2.5 hours

3. ~10:30
   In the valley, about 5 hours

   Hot springs, walks, lunch at a guesthouse. The driver waits.

4. 16:00
   Back down
5. ~18:00
   Karakol

In mid-winter it gets dark early, so the last part of the drive back is in the dark. The drive up takes longer when there is snow on the track; allow for a slightly shorter time in the valley on those days.

What to bring (on top of the summer list)

• Boots with grip. Paths between guesthouses and bath houses are packed snow and ice.
• Warm layers. Down jacket, hat, gloves. The valley is much colder than Karakol.
• Two towels. One to dry, one to stand on or wrap in. Changing is the cold part.
• Dry clothes for the ride back. Damp hair and clothes in an unheated UAZ at dusk are miserable.
• Thermos with tea. Optional, very welcome.
• Cash in som. Park fee (about 300 som) and bath house (about 250 som). No ATM up there.
• Sunglasses and sun cream. Snow at altitude reflects strong sun.

Bathing in the cold

Indoor bath houses are the winter choice: you change inside and the water is steady. The free pools by the river are possible but the path is icy and you change outside. Keep each soak to 15–20 minutes, then warm up indoors. Details on hot springs.

Staying overnight in winter

Some guesthouses stay open in winter with wood stoves, but not all, and yurt camps close for the season. Ask before you plan a winter night, and book seats both ways. If snow closes the road while you are up there, you stay until it opens; carry enough cash and any medication for an extra day. See staying overnight.

October, November and early spring

October is often a fine month: cold nights, clear days, few people. Snow can arrive in November. Late March and April bring thaw and mud, which can be harder on the road than snow. Check road today whatever the month.

Ski groups

For 4–8 people, a whole car is often simpler: UAZ-469 for up to 4 at 25,000 som, UAZ-452 for up to 8 at 31,000 som, at the time you choose and bookable for today. See private. Our longer read is Altyn Arashan in winter: hot springs in the snow.