Ala Archa
One of the places in Kyrgyzstan which is on almost everyone’s “must see” list is the Ala Archa National Park. One of the main reasons for this is that it is features in almost every guidebook about the country as an area of outstanding natural beauty … within easy reach of the Bishkek city center.
The Ala Archa National park was created in 1976 by Government decree and occupies about 120,000 hectares. With snow-covered peaks, steep forested slopes, picturesque water meadows of the fast-flowing, noisy Ala-Archa river. It is sometimes closed when there are official visitors.
The Ala-Archa gorge has more than 10 large glaciers, more than 50 mountain peaks (with 140 classified mountaineering routes of various levels of difficulty/complexity), and 30 mountain passes. The national park is also rich in flora and fauna – with over 800 species of plants, 160 species of birds and about 170 specials of animals. It has Marco Polo sheep, wolves, bears, lynx, boar, eagles, and snow leopards. The hills are lined with Spruce and Juniper woods.
The base camp is several kilometers from the main gate and is at 2100m. In the 1990’s a fire destroyed many of the buildings and for several years there have been plans to build new hotel complexes in the park, and in 2004 a project was announced for the development of such a complex in cooperation with the State of Montana (which is “twinned” with the Kyrgyz Republic).
Trekking to almost 5000m is possible, although most people stay near the lower reaches that are often used for picnics.
In the park you can find a small Nature museum and the Presidential Yurt.
In the park the following are prohibited: fishing; hunting; picking berries, flowers and medicinal herbs; catching butterflies and other insects and visiting with dogs (!). There is a speed limit of 40 km/h – because of the hairpin bends, steep slopes and the animals that sometimes walk on the roads. Parking is only permitted on the specially designated car parks or on the roadsides. Drivers are asked not to drive over the grass or amongst shrubs or forested areas. Fires (for Shashlik or barbecues) are permitted only in specially designated areas. Smokers are asked not to drop cigarette butts because of the risk of fire. All visitors are asked to help keep the park clean – and to put their garbage in bags and leave it in a litterbin.
Ak-Sai Canyon – to the left of the gate at base camp – track leads to Karona Peak (4692m) – the Ak-Sai Glacier – trekking is possible, but equipment is really needed
Adygene Gorge – to the right of the gate at the base camp – walk leads past cemetery for “fallen” mountaineers, including one who is buried outside the boundaries because, some people allege, he committed suicide by cutting himself free to save his comrades rather than pull them down with him. The path continues for 7m under the Adygene glacier.
Main Canyon – straight up from the gate at the base camp – following a jeep track for 18 km to a ski base with 2 drag lifts.
It is possible to visit and simply relax, or to organize light walking, 1 or 2 day’s trekking – or horse-riding.
Bishkek