Four to six hours' strenuous hike from the alplager, Ratsek hut has a glorious setting ringed by rocky spires with a view of the glacier from a small ridge just 200m away. Don't expect a hotel, though. There are two large bunk rooms each with 14 beds, the upper room less claustrophobic, and a smaller 6-bed room for 1000som each.
Though the caretaker can rent you a saucepan, sell you beer or firewood, fire up the banya (for 3500som), or provide food with three days' advance notice (1500som for three meals), you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. Contact Bishkek's ITMC Tien Shan for reservations or to arrange porters.
