About Ala Archa National Park
Established in 1976, Ala-Archa National Park lies in the majestic Tian Shan mountain range having 50 peaks within the park. The national park covers approximately 200sq. km with altitudes ranging from 1,500m to nearly 4,985m (Semenova Tian-Shanski being the highest peak). There are currently 20 glaciers where the small but serene Adygene and the Ak-Sai rivers have water flowing from.
You can find lovely wildlife here – you’ll find beautiful birds, goats, deer, marmots, squirrels, and many more.
And if you’re deep in the national park and lucky enough, you might just spot a rare snow leopard!
Soothing juniper trees and their colourful berries dot the landscape in the national park – juniper in Kyrgyz is “Archa”, giving the national park part of its name. The Kyrgyz people have traditionally held juniper in high regards, burning it and using its smoke to fan and ‘chase’ away evil spirits.
With scenic mountains, lush valleys, flowing rivers, and beautiful flowers during spring and summer, it’s easy to understand why Ala-Archa National Park is the most visited national park in Kyrgyzstan.
It’s not the most straight-forward national park to get to, but it is worth your time and effort if you have a spare day or two while in Bishkek.
One day hikes
Since we’re dealing with one day treks, I will go over the two common trek trails that can be realistically done within one day. Regardless of difficulty, a guide isn’t necessary for the trails in Ala-Archa National Park.
In the actual national park entrance, there are two paths, one going left, one going right.
Ak-Sai waterfall trail (Go left)
This hike is around 4km towards Ak-Sai waterfall. It starts off with an ascent before reaching the top of the ridge where you will get great views of the river and valley. Depending on your fitness, it takes about up to three hours before you reach the waterfall.
Continue onward until you reach a sign and a split in the path.
Go left: To continue towards Ak-Sai waterfall.
Go right: To go towards Racek hut and Ak-Sai Glacier, taking up to an extra two hours to the glacier. If you are at the national park super early and are fit enough, you can do this longer trek in one day.
Map location and coordinates of split in the trail:
The Ak-Sai waterfall trail is a nice hike that’s not too difficult nor too easy but provides a challenge with different levels of ascension. The waterfall provides some great views and a great stop to relax. I went in October when it was starting to get cold to the point the waterfall was completely frozen!
Ala-Archa river trail (Go right)
This is the easiest walk to follow in the national park where you can walk at a leisurely pace at a mostly steady altitude following the river. It takes less than an hour, depending how far you want to go. It’s great during the late spring and summer season when flowers are in bloom and the sun is out, making it a great day out for a picnic.
Other things to see or do at Ala Archa National Park
Just enjoy your day
There’s nothing more soothing to the soul than a day out in nature; no cars, no pollution, less people, more open space – just beautiful wide open spaces, trees, beautiful flora, singing birds, and fresh air.
Go camping
If you have the right gear (say a tent and sleeping bag) and decide to stay a night or two, it’s absolutely possible to stay in the national park that is open 24/7.
It is possible to also stay at Ratcek/Ratsek Hut located in a beautiful area where you can get some amazing views of nearby glacier. The hut has bunk beds and cooking facilities (for rent) – you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. Meals can be provided with a three-day notice.
To learn about accommodation at Ratcek Hut, click here.
Always let friends and family (and accommodation provider or fellow travellers) know where you are going and when you are due back, especially if you’re going to a rather remote place in the countryside. This is for personal safety reasons so if anything happens (especially if people haven’t heard from you by a certain time or day), people can raise the alarm with the appropriate authorities.
Things to take with you and important information for a one-day trip
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Always dress to the season and forecasted weather.
Essentials:
- Phone with the following apps installed:
Maps.me (Have the Kyrgyzstan map downloaded)
2GIS
Google Translate (have the Russian language pack installed) - Bottles of water (or hydration bladder) – This should be equal to how long and far you think you ‘ll be going and weather conditions. You should replenish fluids by drinking 250ml to 500ml of water every hour you’re trekking. Depending upon how hot the weather is and the intensity of the hike, you may need to drink more. If you are unsure, always carry more water than less.
- Lunch
- Snacks such as fruit, biscuits, mixed nuts, and chocolate.
- Hiking boots
- Jacket
- Passport (photocopy)
- Money (cash)
- Small first-aid kit
Recommended:
- Sunglasses
- External battery pack with charging cable
- Hat
- Hand sanitiser
- Tissues
- Gloves
- Hiking poles
The following facilities are available at the location:
- Cafe
- Hotel (seasonal) – there a restroom and food to purchase at inflated prices.
- Camp site/hut
Entrance cost:
- Entrance cost (per person):
80 som (as of 2019; to be used as reference. Subject to yearly increases). - Vehicle entrance cost: (regardless of number of passengers)
450 som (as of 2019; to be used as reference. Subject to yearly increases).
How to get to Ala Archa National Park
It is best to go early in the morning (07:00) to make the most of the daylight and to factor in travel time that can be 60-90 minutes each way, depending on traffic and what transport method you choose.
Mashrutka (Minibus) – The budget but complicated option
Head to near Osh bazaar and take mashrutka 265. The mashrutka will take you as far as Kashka Suu, the closest village near the national park. Below is the location link and coordinates where this bus can be found.
Journey time:
~ one hour to Kashka Suu.
Two have options from Kashka Suu:
- You can ask the mashrutka driver to drop you off at the national park entrance gate at a negotiated price or;
- Take a taxi at a higher price and get dropped off at the national park entrance gate (the taxi can continue beyond the entrance but remember you will have to pay for the vehicle entrance fee, not the driver).
When you reach the national park entrance gate, you still have around 12km to get to Alp-Lager Ala Archa (national park entrance reference). Depending what option you chose, you either walk, hitchhike or continue via taxi.
While potentially the most affordable transport option, this is the most inconvenient way to get to the national park and can potentially take up a lot of time which is not ideal for a one day trip. There is a possibility of getting stranded somewhere if you didn’t plan ahead, especially the return journey back to Bishkek.
Taxi – The convenient but expensive option
You can take a taxi from your accommodation address. You can also arrange the taxi for drop off and pick up later in the day at an agreed time (he’ll wait for you in the car park of the entrance inside the actual national park).
Cost:
~ 2,500 som (as of 2019; to be used as reference. Subject to yearly increases) PLUS vehicle entrance fee.
Journey time:
~ one hour (80km).
The direct taxi is the best option for travelling groups to split cost costs for both the taxi ride and vehicle entrance fee.
Private vehicle – The most convenient and expensive option
You can use your own private vehicle to get to Ala-Archa National Park.
Cost:
450 som for vehicle entry fee (as of 2019; to be used as reference. Subject to yearly increases).
Journey time:
~ one hour (80km).
How to get back to Bishkek
If you had organised a taxi waiting for you, simply get back in this taxi to take you directly back to Bishkek.
Alternatively, you can try to pay or hitch a ride from a fellow trekker/private driver or hitchhike back to either Kashka Suu (and take mashrutka 265) or Bishkek. It is best to finish your time at the national park as early as possible when daylight is still available as there will be less people in the evening.
Unfortunately, there is no straight-forward public way to get directly back to Bishkek currently.
Summary
Ala-Archa National Park is a great introduction to the beautiful nature throughout Kyrgyzstan, whether it’s for just one day or a multi-day hike.
It’s just a taste of more amazing landscapes, especially towards the east and south-eastern areas.
Been to Ala-Archa National Park? What did you think of your time there?
Let other travellers and myself know by commenting below.
If you know someone who is planning to go Bishkek or is already there and could be interested in going to Ala-Arch National Park, share this post to get them amongst beautiful nature in Kyrgyzstan.