| Altyn Arashan (Golden Spa) set in a postcard-perfect alpine valley at 3000 meters, with 4260 meter Peak Palatka (Tent Peak) looming at its south end. From the turn-off to Ak-Suu Sanatorium it's an often-steep, five to six hour (14 km) climb south on a track beside the Arashan River, through a piney canyon full of hidden hot and cold springs. Much of the area is a botanical research area called the Arashan state nature reserve. |
