Just 45 minutes' drive from Bishkek lie the spectacular glacial canyons and rugged peaks of Ala Archa state nature park. Towering over the park are the highest peaks of the Kyrgyz Alatau Range, including Korona Peak (4,860 m) and Semenov Tian Shansky (4,895 m), both higher than anything Europe has to offer.
From the park entrance and car park there are numerous hiking options, from gentle strolls along the Ala Archa valley floor to serious mountaineering. Three of the most popular options are the Ala Archa valley walk (easy, approximately four hours), the hike up the Ak-Say valley to the waterfall (a little more strenuous with around 700 m ascent, approximately five hours), and the full day climb to the foot of the Ak-Say Glacier. The latter follows well-trodden paths but has long, steep and rough sections as you ascend the final section toward the glacier, so is recommended only for serious hill-walkers. The total time required is around 7 hours, with approximately 1,200 m of ascent.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Kyrgyzstan specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Bishkek City Tour
A tour of this congenial capital makes for an interesting and relaxing day. The city can offer a poignant National History Museum, with exhibits on Kyrgyz victims of Stalin, as well as some interesting displays on Kyrgyz applied arts.
