Day Trips from Bishkek
Ala Archa : Just an hour from Bishkek - Ideal for a day out
Many major cities around the world have firms which specialise in offering visitors day trips, offering a variety of possible variations. Tourists can peruse the offerings, make their choice, buy tickets from their hotels or Information Centers and then be at the pick-up spot on the day and … off they go.
Unfortunately that doesn’t happen here – apart from up at Lake Issyk Kul, where the concentration of Sanatoria and Resorts mean that several firms operate a variety of excursions – to Karakol, the Semyenovka and Grigorievka valleys, Skazka, Manzhily Ata and Myortvoye Ozero, Kochor and even the source of the Naryn River.
In the past, we (and others) have tried to offer such a programme but there just hasn’t been enough demand to make it viable. As a result, most of the day trips that we offer these days are customized – either they are part of a longer tout itinerary, or specially arranged for a group beforehand.
We do, offer a range of one day trips that can be arranged for visitors, (tourists or ex-pats here for some time), out of Bishkek, Osh, Karakol or Naryn. Here are some examples of some excursions that can be arranged from Bishkek:
DAY TRIPS FROM BISHKEK
Ala Archa – National Park
Situated some 30 km outside the capital city of Bishkek is the Ala Archa National Park. sometimes called the “superb gem” of the Tien Shan. Suitable for anything from a half-day trip to several days trekking, or horse riding. A picnic Lunch or Shashlik can be arranged.
Alamedin – Hot Springs
Alamedin is one of the valleys in the Kyrgyz Krebet. Looking at the mountains from Bishkek – it is possible to notice a deeply cut valley in the Kyrgyz range – This is the Alamedin valley. About 35km from the city centre is the resort of Teployie Kluche – Warm Springs with a naturally heated swimming pool and splendid walks in the valley above. A picnic Lunch or Shashlik can be arranged.
Picnic at Dove Waterfall
One of the nearest waterfalls to Bishkek. From the Ala Archa valley to the Alamedin, there is a road along the top of the foothills of the Kyrgyz range. Visit the Kashka Suu ski resort (if the ski-lift is working, ride to the top) – and then continue round the road with spectacular views over the Chu river valley – visiting Dove Waterfall;
The foothills from Ala Archa to Alamedin
Kashka Suu to Dove Waterfall – From the Ala Archa valley to the Alamedin, there is a road along the top of the foothills of the Kyrgyz range. Visit the Kashka Suu ski resort (if the ski-lift is working, ride to the top) – and then continue round the road with spectacular views over the Chu river valley – visiting Dove Waterfall. Light walking is possible … and a Picnic Lunch or Shashlik can be arranged. It is possible to combine this with a drive to the Burana Tower through the foothills of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range.
The Hot Spings of Issyk Ata
Seventy seven kilometers from Bishkek, nestled at a height of 1175 meters above the sea level in the Issyk-Ata valley, (about one and a half hours from the city center), is the Issyk Ata sanatoria. The valley has been a place of pilgrimage since ancient times. It is famous for its image of Buddha and Buddhists inscriptions (dating from V-II centuries BC). The hot springs after which the valley takes its name (Issyk Ata = Warm Father) and on which the Sanatoria is based have attracted visitors, drawn by their curative powers, for many centuries. After an easy hike (2 hours) along the mountain slopes to a waterfall in the picturesque alpine meadows above the sanatoria, there is the possibility to take a plunge in the hot springs (in a basic open air swimming pool with clear blue water). There is time for a short swim (20 minutes). Following this there is a short drive to a hunter’s wooden lodge for a long, leisurely lunch followed by the chance to simply relax in the magnificent surroundings before returning to Bishkek.
A visit to the Kegeti Gorge
Ninety kilometers from Bishkek lies the Kegeti valley with steep forested slopes. This is a place where few people go, and if you want to escape from the crowds of people and cars that you see on the streets of Bishkek, then a trip to Kegeti Canyon will be a good choice of destination. We leave Bishkek in the morning and drive to the Kegeti gorge – it will take an hour and a half to get there. This canyon has plenty of routes for hiking. One leads to a waterfall – its sparkling waters providing an amazing sight; another to a valley which, in Spring, is carpeted with flowers displaying a multitude of colourful blooms; whilst a third – following a serpentine track – will bring you to alpine meadows.
For those who want a longer trek – the itinerary to Kul-Tor lake in Kegeti is an attractive alternative to this one day trip.
Burana Tower
The Burana Tower is described separately. It is possible to combine a visit to the Tower with a trip to Kegeti or Shamsy Gorges, Lake Issyk Kul, Kochkor, Lake Son Kul or Naryn and beyond, or simply as a half-day or one day trip in itself. A picnic Lunch or Shashlik can be arranged.
Three Silk Road Cities
The stretch of the Silk Road through the Chui Valley used to have over eighty settlements – including 18 cities covering 15-20 sq. kilometers with long walls and the Kokand Khanate was later to build over thirty forts to protect the vital trade routes. These settlements were typically about 15-20 kilometers apart – about one day’s travel for a caravan. Virtually nothing of these ancient cities remain, but it is possible to visit the archaeological sites of Nevkat (at Krasnaya Rechka), Suyab, (at Ak Beshim), and Balasagin, (outside Tokmak). The sites of Nevkat and Suyab will give some idea of the size and feel of the ancient Silk Road and the Burana Tower and Complex, (all that remains of Balasagin), a chance to see some of the artefacts discovered in the vicinity.
Chon Kemin
This valley is sandwiched between the mountains to the North of Issyk Kul and Kazakhstan. It is the birthplace of President Akaev and has many picturesque and tranquil spots. Homestays can be arranged for a longer visit and there are a number of routes for trekking and for horse-riding. Ideal for a “weekend break”.
Horse Riding
It is possible to organise a one-day horse trekking experience in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range to the South of the city. One tour includes transfer from the hotel to the Noorus Gorge, horse riding; lunch and transfer back to your hotel in the evening. It is possible to arrange a day’s horse riding in the Ala Archa State Nature Park – a leaflet describing routes is available.
Horse riding in Shamsy
The Shamsy gorge is considered to be the most beautiful of the canyons in Chui valley. From ancient times it was known as a holy place, people used to come here to worship and to simply enjoy nature. The golden mask of the ancient Queen Shamsy, was found nearby. We drive from Bishkek towards the town of Tokmok (70 km from Bishkek) near the ancient capital of the Karakhanids with it’s famous Burana Tower (XI C.), going up to the Shamsy gorge with it’s magnificent heavy forests of fir-trees, rushing river and glaciers. Horses will await your arrival and together with your guide and a stable-man, you will ride slowly through the mountain pass to the camp, where a hot meal will be ready, waiting for you. After lunch you can continue to explore the gorge, on horseback – or if you prefer on foot – or simply relax taking in the splendour of the mountain scenery, until it is time for the departure back to Bishkek.
If you have an extra day – you could consider a two day trip – overnight at the hunting lodge built for the Shah of Iran.
Horse Riding in Kichi Kemin
Not far from Chon Kemin, from a center which provides Kumys treatment ride through relatively undiscovered hill territory and through forests of fir trees.
Rafting – Fishing
White water rafting and fishing expeditions can be arranged on several stretches of water. Closest to Bishkek are the waters of the Chui River and Boom Gorge (on the way to Lake Issyk Kul). The Silk Road Water Centre (no connection to the hotel) has equipment and experienced staff.
Anything from one day to several day expeditions can be arranged.
Bishkek