Ala-Archa National Park

Kyrgyzstan, Asia

Ala-Archa National Park, a stunning natural gem nestled just outside Bishkek, is renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and endless trails perfect for hiking enthusiasts. The park's highlight is the Ala-Archa river canyon, flanked by majestic peaks and pristine glaciers. It's an adventure playground for trekkers and nature lovers alike, offering serene picnic spots and vibrant wildflowers in summer. With accessible trails and a chance to immerse in Kyrgyz culture, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking outdoor thrills and tranquility.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Active

Airport

Manas

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Ala-Archa National Park

1

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike to Ala-Archa Glacier

Trek to stunning glaciers with breathtaking views.

No booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Ak-Sai Waterfall

Witness the majestic waterfall amidst stunning landscapes.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Ala-Archa River

Relax by the river and enjoy nature's tranquility.

No booking required
4

Est. 5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Camp in the Valley

Experience camping under the stars in nature.

No booking required
5

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Visit the Soviet-era Summit

Hike to historical Soviet-era structures on peaks.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Take Photos of Scenic Views

Capture the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.

No booking required
7

Est. 6 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Join a Guided Trek

Explore the park with experienced local guides.

Booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Park's Visitor Center

Learn about the park's ecology and history.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-7 (#118 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Som

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

Kyrgyz

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Beshbarmak

Boiled meat with pasta and broth (National dish)

Laghman

Noodles with meat and vegetables

Kuurdak

Fried meat with potatoes and onions

Manti

V

Dumplings filled with meat or vegetables

Samsa

V

Savory pastry filled with meat or vegetables

Phrases to learn

English

Kyrgyz

Hello

Salamatsyzby

(Sah-lah-maht-siz-bee)

Yes/No

Ooba / Jok

(Oh-bah / Jok)

Thank you

Rakhmat

(Rahk-maht)

Excuse me

Kechirdiñiz

(Ke-chir-dee-neez)

How much?

Kancha?

(Kahn-cha)