Day 6 -Altyn Arashan Gorge

We enjoyed a free day in Altyn Arachan Gorge with several options available to completely relax, enjoy the hot mineral springs and/or take a 10km hike to Anyr Tor Valley. I chose the later two. Around 10am I took a short hike to the natural hot springs, separate from the resort in the area. There were two quaint spots tucked into the banks by the river. When I returned from that, I followed the trail beside the fir covered banks of the Arachan River to Anyr Tor Valley, getting very close to the snow capped mountains of the Ak-Suu Wall (5022m). The area is famous for it’s hot springs but we had to laugh at that proclamation. The original hot springs ‘resort’ was founded in 1963. Anton booked us a reservation to visit the hot springs there at 4pm. We were horrified by the conditions on offer, and are certain that nothing at the resort has been upgraded since that time. Oh well, when in Rome…… (The smiles on our faces in the photo are totally fake)! We were all disgusted at the cement pond of scum we were supposed to relax in. I lasted 20 minutes and returned to camp and hosed myself down with the outside tap before changing for dinner. My stomach had turned so I passed on the meal and retired for the night. I am chalking that up to yet another ”experience” and don’t want to even think of what was floating on or beneath the surface of that water!Read more