The backpackers L-R: Ching Neng Bin, Chia Kok Bin, Chan Hew Ley, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Law Chew Siah, Ng Yoke Ping, Ronnie Chin Keng Kok, Joanne Tan Pheck San, Clara Leong Sook Wah, Chew Leng Soon.
Day 7 (24 May 2026) Karakol → Altyn Arashan
Our 7th day was a memorable 31km excursion from Riverside Guesthouse in Karakol to the spectacular alpine valley of Altyn Arashan, one of Kyrgyzstan's most celebrated mountain destinations.
Early in the morning, we boarded our pre-booked Russian GAZ-66 4x4 off-road vehicles, driven by experienced local drivers who know every bend and obstacle along this legendary mountain route. Although the distance from Karakol to Altyn Arashan is only about 31 km, the journey took approximately two and a half hours because of the extremely rugged terrain.
The road to Altyn Arashan is widely regarded as one of the most adventurous off-road drives in Kyrgyzstan. It is steep, rocky, deeply rutted, and crosses several mountain streams, making it accessible only to specially equipped four-wheel-drive vehicles. Every twist, bump, and river crossing added to the excitement as we slowly climbed higher into the mountains.
The ride was undoubtedly rough—one of the bumpiest journeys many of us had ever experienced. At times the vehicle lurched over boulders and uneven tracks, making the journey both thrilling and physically demanding. Yet every jolt was rewarded by increasingly spectacular scenery as dense forests gave way to wide alpine meadows framed by towering snow-capped peaks.
By late morning, we arrived at Hotel Arashan, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Altyn Arashan Valley. Here we enjoyed our packed lunch while taking in the crisp mountain air and breathtaking surroundings.
In the afternoon, we set off on a leisurely walk along the Arashan River. Following the river southward from the hotel led us deeper into the upper reaches of the valley, revealing some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. The broad alpine meadows were dotted with grazing horses and traditional yurts, while tall pine forests lined the valley beneath the majestic peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains.
The trail followed a gentle uphill gradient and was easy to walk, although sections had become muddy and marshy from recent rain and melting snow. Every turn revealed another postcard-perfect landscape, making the walk one of the highlights of our journey through Kyrgyzstan.
Altyn Arashan is also famous for its natural hot springs, whose mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors for generations. Nestled among the mountains, the springs provide a perfect place to relax after the adventurous drive and scenic hike, allowing us to soak in both the warm waters and the serenity of this remarkable alpine paradise.
As evening approached, we returned to Hotel Arashan, grateful for the day's unforgettable experiences. From the exhilarating off-road adventure to the peaceful mountain landscapes, Altyn Arashan proved to be one of the true gems of our Silk Road journey.
7th night accommodation: Hotel Arashan, Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan 
Our 7th day was a memorable 31km excursion from Riverside Guesthouse in Karakol to the spectacular alpine valley of Altyn Arashan, one of Kyrgyzstan's most celebrated mountain destinations.
Our morning breakfast at Riverside Guesthouse in Karakol.
Our morning breakfast at Riverside Guesthouse in Karakol.
Our morning breakfast at Riverside Guesthouse in Karakol.
Saying farewell and goodbye to a Malaysian family who were staying at the same guesthouse.
We were set to leave and waiting for our 4x4 vehicle to transport us to Altyn Arashan.
"See you next time" was written on the wall of our Riverside Guesthouse gate.
Early in the morning, we boarded our pre-booked GAZ-66 4x4 off-road vehicles, driven by skilled local drivers who know every bend and obstacle along this legendary mountain road.
Russian GAZ-66 4x4 off-road vehicles.
Russian GAZ-66 4x4 off-road vehicles.
In our pre-booked Russian GAZ-66 4x4 off-road vehicles, driven by skilled local drivers who know every bend and obstacle along this legendary mountain road.
Early in the morning, we boarded our pre-booked GAZ-66 4x4 off-road vehicles, driven by skilled local drivers who know every bend and obstacle along this legendary mountain road.
Countryside view, with open grasslands and snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains in the distance. 
A snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains range rising above the green pastures.
The snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains rising dramatically above the valley floor,
The picturesque countryside views along the way to Altyn Arashan.
From here, the 14-km drive to Altyn Arashan was brutal.
Although the distance from Karakol to Altyn Arashan is only about 31 km, the journey took approximately two and a half hours because of the extremely rugged terrain.
Although the distance from Karakol to Altyn Arashan is only about 31 km, the journey took approximately two and a half hours because of the extremely rugged terrain.
We need to pay a toll at this Altyr-Arasan checkpoint.
A multilingual price list for the Altyr-Arasan checkpoint, detailing costs for vehicle inspections, passport checks, and luggage weighing.
Russian GAZ-66 4x4 off-road vehicles, driven by an experienced driver on this mountain route.
This is the hydroelectric power generator on the Arashan River, behind the toll booth.
The road to Altyn Arashan is widely regarded as one of the most adventurous off-road drives in Kyrgyzstan. It is steep, rocky, deeply rutted, and crosses several mountain streams, making it accessible only to specially equipped four-wheel-drive vehicles. Every twist, bump, and river crossing added to the excitement as we slowly climbed higher into the mountains. 
Muddy, rocky stream beds make up a portion of the grueling 14-km trip to Altyn Arashan.
Muddy stream is part of the arduous 14-km drive to Altyn Arashan.
Muddy, rocky stream beds make up a portion of the grueling 14-km trip to Altyn Arashan.
The dirt road and hiking trail to Altyn Arashan follow the Arashan River (Ak-Suu region) in the Karakol area of eastern Kyrgyzstan. Altyn Arashan is a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers, offering breathtaking landscapes for outdoor activities. 
It is steep, muddy, rocky, and requires specially equipped four-wheel-drive vehicles. Every twist, bump, and river crossing added to the thrill as we slowly got higher into the mountains.
Ching Neng Bin is seated next to the driver, taking photos and video clips.
Muddy, rocky stream beds make up a portion of the grueling 14-km trip to Altyn Arashan.
Another scenic view of the Arashan River flowing through the lush green Arashan valley of Kyrgyzstan, bordered by dense evergreen forests and rugged mountains.
Ching Neng Bin is standing by a rushing Arashan River. The area is known for its scenic beauty, with dense pine forests, clear waters, and dramatic mountain views.
Ching Neng Bin proudly holds the Malaysian flag while standing by a rushing Arashan River. The valley is a renowned trekking destination, with stunning views of the Arashan Valley.
Chan Hew Ley and Law Chew Siah are enjoying a photo shoot in the Arashan Valley.
Chew Leng Soon also proudly holds the Malaysian flag while standing by a rushing Arashan River. 
Ching Neng Bin, at the rushing Arashan River, proudly holds up the Penang Adventure Club flag, which he co-founded in 1975 with Mr Hoon Joong High and Mr M.Pasupathy (RIP).
The Penang Adventurers’ Club 🌿 The Beginning: The story of the Penang Adventurers’ Club began with the Honor Recreation Leadership (HRL) courses held at Taman Belia (Penang Youth Park) in 1974 and 1975. These courses brought together young people interested in recreation, leadership, outdoor activities and community service.
Out of this environment came the idea of establishing a permanent club devoted to adventure, outdoor recreation, fellowship and community service. On 24 April 1976, the Penang Adventurers’ Club was founded by three young men:
M. Pasupathy (RIP) — Chairman
Ching Neng Bin — Honorary Secretary
Hoon Joong High — Honorary Treasurer
The founders shared a love of nature, outdoor life, and adventure and wanted to create an organization where young men and women could come together to organize outdoor activities and contribute to the community. The club started very modestly. By the end of 1976, there were 23 registered members. Following an interview and recruitment exercise on 28 December 1976, another 11 members joined, bringing membership to 34. The first committee included:
Chairman: M. Pasupathy
Honorary Secretary: Ching Neng Bin
Honorary Treasurer: Hoon Joong High
Committee members included Tajma Bee, Rosalind Chan, Huan Jin Kooi, Tan Kah Kheng, Choong Sau Hoe and Terry Khoo Khay Hock.
As of today, 2026, the Club's total membership is now 128.
The adventurous L-R: Ching Neng Bin, Chia Kok Bin, Chan Hew Ley, Nancy Ho Siew Cheng, Law Chew Siah, Ng Yoke Ping, Ronnie Chin Keng Kok, Joanne Tan Pheck San, Clara Leong Sook Wah, Chew Leng Soon.
While taking a break here, Ching Neng Bin is cuddling a mountain dog at Arashan Valley.
The dirt road and hiking trail to Altyn Arashan follow the Arashan River (Ak-Suu region).
The ride was undoubtedly rough—one of the bumpiest journeys many of us had ever experienced. At times the vehicle lurched over boulders and uneven tracks, making the journey both thrilling and physically demanding. Yet every jolt was rewarded by increasingly spectacular scenery as dense forests gave way to wide alpine meadows framed by towering snow-capped peaks. 
Another scenic view of the Arashan River flowing through the lush green Arashan valley of Kyrgyzstan, bordered by dense evergreen forests and rugged mountains.
A group of horseback riders makes their way down the rugged Arashan Valley trail.
A group of horseback riders makes their way down the rugged Arashan Valley trail.
A group of hikers treks down the rocky Arashan Valley trail.
Another scenic view of the Arashan River flowing through the lush green Arashan Valley.
Muddy, rocky stream beds make up a portion of the grueling 14-km trip to Altyn Arashan.
A rugged dirt road in the Arashan Valley, flanked by evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains.
A rugged dirt road in the Arashan Valley, flanked by evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains.
Chew Leng Soon and Ng Yoke Ping standing next to a green Gaz 66 military truck.
A rugged mountain landscape along the Arashan Valley trail. Towering coniferous forests and vast green valleys frame the view, emphasizing the area's spectacular natural beauty.
Posing with our truck on a mountain road in Altyn Arashan, surrounded by pine forests and valley.
The lush coniferous forests and winding dirt road of Altyn Arashan, with snow-capped peaks.
Ching Neng Bin is seen busy taking photos for his blog post.
Ronnie Chin is seen talking with our truck driver.
Mountain landscape along the Arashan Valley trail. Towering coniferous forests and green valleys view.
Our experienced local driver knows every bend and obstacle along this legendary mountain route.
The ride was undoubtedly rough—one of the bumpiest journeys many of us had ever experienced. At times the vehicle lurched over boulders and uneven tracks, making the journey both thrilling and physically demanding. Yet every jolt was rewarded by increasingly spectacular scenery as dense forests gave way to wide alpine meadows framed by towering snow-capped peaks. 
The ride was undoubtedly rough—one of the bumpiest journeys many of us had ever experienced.
The ride was undoubtedly rough—one of the bumpiest journeys many of us had ever experienced.
The ride was undoubtedly rough—one of the bumpiest journeys many of us had ever experienced.
A cluster of yurts and buildings set against the green slopes of the Valley of Altyn Arashan in Kyrgyzstan.
By late morning, we arrived at Hotel Arashan, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Altyn Arashan Valley. Here we enjoyed our packed lunch while taking in the crisp mountain air and breathtaking surroundings
By late morning, we arrived at Hotel Arashan, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and forests. 
We arrived at Hotel Arashan, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Altyn Arashan Valley.
7th night accommodation: Hotel Arashan, Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.
We enjoyed our packed lunch while taking in the crisp mountain air and breathtaking surroundings.
In the afternoon, we set off on a leisurely walk along the Arashan River. Following the river southward from the hotel led us deeper into the upper reaches of the valley, revealing some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. The broad alpine meadows were dotted with grazing horses and traditional yurts, while tall pine forests lined the valley beneath the majestic peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains. 
A leisurely walk along the Arashan River in Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.
A leisurely walk along the Arashan River in Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.
A leisurely walk along the Arashan River in Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.
A leisurely walk along the Arashan River in Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.
A leisurely walk along the Arashan River in Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.
The Elza mountain lodge is nestled in Altyn Arashan valley with the snow-capped peaks rising dramatically in the background. 
Following the river southward from the hotel led us deeper into the upper reaches of the valley, revealing some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. The broad alpine meadows were dotted with grazing horses and traditional yurts, while tall pine forests lined the valley beneath the majestic peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains.
Traditional yurts are scattered across a meadow surrounded by conifer forests in Altyn Arashan valley.
Traditional yurts are scattered across a meadow surrounded by conifer forests in Altyn Arashan valley.
A brown horse with a white blaze walking across a lush green meadow in Altyn Arashan valley.
A leisurely walk along the Arashan River in Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.
A leisurely walk along the Arashan River in Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.
More yurts are scattered across a meadow surrounded by conifer forests in Altyn Arashan valley.
More yurts are scattered across a meadow surrounded by conifer forests in Altyn Arashan valley.
More yurts are scattered across a meadow surrounded by conifer forests in Altyn Arashan valley.
A traditional Mongolian yurt, featuring a domed roof with red decorative patterns.
Ching Neng Bin getting into a traditional Mongolian yurt in Altyn Arashan valley.
A modern wooden structure stands beside traditional yurts in Altyn Arashan valley.
More yurts are scattered across a meadow surrounded by conifer forests in Altyn Arashan valley.
A jeep is parked on the grassy slope and snow-capped peaks rising dramatically in the background. 
A rugged UAZ 469 military vehicle parked on a grassy hillside in Altyn Arashan valley.
A UAZ 452 van navigating through a muddy field in Altyn Arashan valley.
Arashan River flows through lush green meadows bordered by dense pine forests. 
Arashan River flows through lush green meadows bordered by dense pine forests. 
Boulders covered in bright orange lichen grow along a rocky river shoreline.
Boulders covered in bright orange lichen grow along a rocky river shoreline.
Arashan River flows through lush green meadows bordered by dense pine forests. 
Arashan River flows through lush green meadows bordered by dense pine forests. 
Arashan River flows through lush green meadows bordered by dense pine forests. 
A small herd of horses grazing on a lush green hillside in Altyn Arashan valley.
A rustic wooden bridge spanning a fast-flowing river in Altyn Arashan valley.
A vintage Soviet-era truck parked in a lush alpine meadow in Altyn Arashan valley.
A leisurely walk along the Arashan River in Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.
An orange and white Kamaz truck parked on a grassy slope in Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.
Horses on a grassy slope in Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan.
Arashan River flows through lush green meadows bordered by dense pine forests.
Arashan River flows through lush green meadows bordered by dense pine forests.
Arashan River flows through lush green meadows bordered by dense pine forests.
Flowers on green meadows bordered by dense pine forests.
Ching Neng Bin, Ng Yoke Ping and Law Chew Siah at Altyn Arashan valley.
Law Chew Siah, Ng Yoke Ping, Chan Hew Ley, at Altyn Arashan valley.
Law Chew Siah, Ng Yoke Ping, Chan Hew Ley, at Altyn Arashan valley.
Ching Neng Bin at Altyn Arashan valley.
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