Ala Archa National Park

Ala Archa gorge is located in the central part of the Kyrgyz Ala Too Range, in 40 km away to the South of the capital. An area of 200 square kilometers is a state natural park. It was created in 1976, with the goal of preserving endangered rare species of animals, plants and the development of tourism, mountain climbing. Ala Archa is also considered the largest among all the gorges of the Kyrgyz ridge.
From the Kyrgyz language, “Ala” is translated as “motley”, “Archa” means “juniper”. The Kyrgyz people have a tradition of fumigating at home in order to expel evil spirits. However, it is assumed that juniper should not be planted near the house, as it is believed that it gradually depletes the energy of people living nearby. The park has more than 20 small and large glaciers and about 50 mountain peaks. The highest peak of the Kyrgyz ridge is the peak of Semyonov Tien Shan 4895 meters. The Ak Sai glacier area is considered a unique area for mountain climbers. Here there are mountains of various difficulty levels. In mountaineering terminology, from one to six. The mountaineer beginner could become Master of Sports.
Ala Archa River flows down along the gorge. Its length is 76 km. She has several tributaries: Ak Sai, Top Karagay, Teke Tor, Tuyuk Suu, Adygen, Jindi Suu.

Our company can organize hiking and climbing trips to Ala Archa at any time of the year.

One day excursions:
Hiking to the upper reaches of Ala Archa River;
Hiking to the Adygene gorge and visiting the Mountaineering memorial;
Hiking to the Ak Sai waterfall:
Drive: Bishkek – Ala Archa National Park, 50km, +1400m, 1-1,5 hours
Hiking to Ak Sai waterfall, 10km, +500m – 500m, 6-7 hours
Meeting with guide and transfer to the Ala Archa National Park (50 km). Excursion starts at the former mountaineering camp “Alplager Ala Archa”. The path goes through the fir forest and lead us to the mountain plateau called “Tepshe” which is half way to the waterfall. From plateau we continue with narrow path above the gorge, crossing over “Sharkaratma” river and finally get to small forest island. Have lunch in shadow of fir trees. Then we make short ascent to Ak Sai waterfall (it takes about half an hour). Return the same way to car and drive to Bishkek.
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Bishkek – 800m, “Alplager” – 2200m,
Ak Sai waterfall – 2700m.

Hiking to the Racek hut: where all the mountaineering routes begin. There is a fantastic view of the magnificent peaks of Ak Sai circus: Semenov Tienshansky Peak (4895m), Korona Peak, Baichechekei Peak and others.

Two-days excursions:
Excursion to Adygene gorge:
Duration: 2 days
Season: May - October
Route: Bishkek – Ala Archa National park – Adygene glacier – Bishkek.
Day 1
Bishkek – Ala Archa National Park– Adygene glacier (4-5 hours of hiking)
In the morning transfer to the National Park Ala-Archa (40 km). Excursion starts at the former mountaineering camp “Alplager Ala Archa” (2200 m). The path goes through the fir forest and lead us up to the mountaineering memorial and further to Adygene glacier. The way takes around 3-4 hours (3000). Picnic. Overnight in a tent at the glacier.
Day 2
Adugene glacier - Bishkek (7-8 hours of hiking)
After breakfast you will hike to Adygene glacier (3200 m). The path goes along mountains lakes, alpine meadows, picturesque high peaks covered by snow. Picnic. Return back to the alpine camp. Transfer back to Bishkek.

Trekking to Ak Sai glacier:
Duration: 3 days
Season: May - October
Route: Bishkek – Ala-Archa National park – Ak-Sai glacier – Bishkek.
Day 1
Transfer: Bishkek – Ala-Archa National Park, 50km, +1400m, 1-1,5 hours
Hiking to “Racek” mountain hut, 5-6km, +1150m, 4-5 hours
Meeting with guide and transfer to the Ala Archa National Park (50 km). Excursion starts at the former mountaineering camp “Alplager Ala Archa”. The path goes through the fir forest and lead us to the mountain plateau. On the half way we stop for a rest at Ak Sai waterfall. Then continue ascending steep moraines to the “Ratcek” mountain hut. Night in the hut.
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Bishkek – 800m, “Alplager” – 2200m,
Ratcek mountain hut – 3350m.
Day 2
Hiking to the glacier, 5-6km, +400m – 400m, 3-4 hours
During the day we can hike to the upper reaches of Ak Sai glacier and come closer to the famous peaks of Ak Sai glacier – “Free Korea” Peak, “Teke-Tor” Peak, “Box” Peak, “Korona” Peak. After excursion, return to Ratcek hut. Night in the hut.
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Korona hut – 3800m
Day 3
Hiking to “Alplager”, 5-6km, -1150m, 3-4 hours
Transfer: Ala Archa National Park – Bishkek, 50km, +1400m, 1-1,5 hours
Descend to the beginning of the excursion. Drive back to Bishkek.
Altitudes during the day (above sea level): Ratcek mountain hut – 3350m, “Alplager” – 2200m, Bishkek – 800m.

Clothing and Equipment:
Sunscreen (at least 20SPF);
Lip balm;
Sunglasses with UV protection;
Apx. 25 Liter backpack for personal items;
Telescopic trekking sticks poles; 
Head lamp;
T-Shirts, long-sleeved T-shirt, shorts;
Trekking pants;
Fleece jacket or pullover; 
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional); 
Down vest and/or jacket (optional); 
Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex);
Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex);
Hiking socks;
Thin gloves for trekking;  
Sun hat or scarf;
Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces.