Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Kids - Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

Village near Ak-Suu (outside Karakol, Kyrgyzstan). Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities. © www.uncorneredmarket.com

Hiking Near Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan

Hiking at Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.

Dan and Kyrgyz Visitors - Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan

Although we were on foot and they were in a car, we caught up to this group of locals going up to Altyn Arashan several times. The road to Altyn Arashan is challenging for cars, to say the least. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities. © www.uncorneredmarket.com

Hot Springs and Moon - Altyn Karashan, Kyrgyzstan

Altyn Arashan's natural hot springs provide the perfect welcome after a long day of hiking and the post-sundown chill. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.

Trekking to Altyn Arashan - Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

On the way to Altyn Arashan near Karakol, Kyrgyzstan. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities. © www.uncorneredmarket.com

Yurts at Altyn Karashan, Kyrgyzstan

By the time we arrived in Altyn Arashan (late September), some yurts had already been abandoned for the season. We stayed in a house with access to the natural hot springs. Not a bad alternative. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.

Morning Snowfall at Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan

We woke up early at Altyn Arashan in order to start our trek to Ala Kol lake only to find a fresh layer of snow on the ground and trees. The effect of the first snow of the year was magical. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities. © www.uncorneredmarket.com

Snowfall while Trekking at Altyn Karashan, Kyrgyzstan

We woke up to Altyn Arashan's first snowfall of the year. While it made hiking to Ala Kul Lake trickier, it was incredibly beautiful. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.

Trekking to Ala Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan

We (and our hiking pal David) lost the path on our return to Altyn Arashan from Ala Kul Lake. As a result, we had to find creative ways to rejoin it again. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.

Snow-Covered Peaks - Altyn, Arashan Kyrgyzstan

One of the impressive peaks freshly covered in snow near Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities. © www.uncorneredmarket.com

Snow on the Hike to Ala Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan

Altyn Arashan to Ala Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.

Trekking to Ala Kul Lake - Kyrgyzstan

Our hike to Ala Kul Lake (Kyrgyzstan) was marked with snow, from beginning to end. We did get a respite just before midday when the sun managed to melt most of what had fallen overnight. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities. © www.uncorneredmarket.com

White Kitty! - Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan

This cat greeted us upon our return to the lodge at Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.

Diving Cow, Trekking at Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan

Altyn Arashan and the Divining Cow...helps us choose our next destination. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities. © www.uncorneredmarket.com

Blue Skies, Trekking at Altyn Arashan - Kyrgyzstan

Our descent from Altyn Arashan to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.

Views of Tian Shan Mountains - Kyrgyzstan

Views of the Tian Shan Mountains near Altyn Arashan outside of Karakol, Kyrgyzstan Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities.

Fresh Snow at Altyn Arashan - Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

A mountain near Altyn Arashan is lightly dusted with fresh snow in late September. Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities. © www.uncorneredmarket.com

Trekking in Clouds - Ala Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan

We were literally walking amidst clouds on our hike from Altyn Arashan (3000 meters) to Ala Kol Lake (3530 meters). Read more about Kyrgyzstan's sights and cities. © www.uncorneredmarket.com