Ala-Archa: glaciers and juniper forest 40 km from Bishkek

At a glance

• Where: in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, 35–40 km south of Bishkek.
• How long: half a day for a walk; a full day for the waterfall or the Ratsek hut.
• Best time: June to September for longer hikes; it is open all year.
• Altitude: from 1,500 m at the gates to 4,895 m at the highest peak.

Interesting facts

• The park was created in 1976 to protect the Ala-Archa gorge and its side valleys.
• Its name means "variegated juniper": the archa is the mountain juniper that grows on the slopes.
• More than 20 glaciers lie inside the park. The highest summit is Semenov-Tian-Shansky Peak, at 4,895 m, named after the Russian geographer who explored the Tian Shan in the 1850s.
• The Ratsek hut, at 3,240 m, is the classic base for Kyrgyz climbers on their way to the surrounding peaks.

Walks for every level

The road ends at a small car park and alpine camp at about 2,100 m. From here an easy path follows the river up the main valley, with flat sections that suit families and anyone who has just landed.

The most popular half-day hike climbs to the Ak-Sai waterfall. A tougher full-day route continues to the Ratsek hut, about 7 km each way and well over 1,000 m of climbing, to a stone hut below the Ak-Sai glacier. Only fit, acclimatised walkers should try it, and only with a guide or good local knowledge.

In autumn the birches and poplars turn gold; in winter the lower valley becomes a quiet, snowy walk with blue skies.

Important notes

• Entrance fee: a small fee is charged per person and per car at the gate; carry som in cash.
• Altitude: the walk to the waterfall or the hut goes well above 3,000 m. Go slowly and drink plenty of water.
• Weather: it changes fast. Turn back if clouds or storms build in the afternoon.
• Stay on the trails: the park protects wildlife, including ibex and, very rarely seen, snow leopards.

What to bring

• Hiking shoes with a good grip.
• A warm jacket and a rain shell, even on a sunny morning.
• Water, snacks and sunscreen; there is only a small café near the gate.
• Walking poles for the steep descent from the waterfall.

Ala-Archa is part of our 6-day tour with Ala-Archa and Issyk-Kul.