Ala-Archa National Park: A Mountain Adventure Near Bishkek

General Information about Ala-Archa National Park

Located in Kyrgyzstan on the Ala-Too Range, Ala-Archa National Park takes its name from the variegated juniper (archa) that covers over 500 hectares. Founded in 1976, the park covers approximately 19,500 hectares and was created to preserve rare species of flora and fauna. It is divided into two zones: an active recreation zone (5% of the area) accessible to tourists, and a quiet zone where all economic activity is prohibited to protect the unique ecosystem. The active recreation zone offers hiking and horseback riding trails, excursions, competitions, and a road for vehicles. The quiet zone, closed to the public, is home to rare animals such as the snow leopard, Turkestan lynx, golden eagle, and swallowtail butterfly, as well as unique plants, including red and white tulips, primroses, and forget-me-nots. Natural Resources and Routes

The park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna: approximately 600 plant species, 70 tree and shrub species, 50 of which have medicinal properties. The main river, the Ala-Archa, and its tributaries, the Ak-Sai and Adygine, are fed by meltwater from mountain glaciers, creating picturesque streams and waterfalls. Four main routes are available to tourists:

Recreational Zone: A safe space for exploring the park’s natural environment.

Sport Mountaineering Zone: Designed for professional climbers, with routes of varying difficulty and iconic peaks popular since Soviet times.

Feeding and Observation Zone: Closed to the public, used for scientific research.

Reproductive Zone: Protected to preserve the habitat and reproduction of animals.

Tourist Opportunities

Ala-Archa attracts tourists with its diverse landscape: waterfalls, high-mountain lakes, gorges, and peaks, including Tien Shan Peak and the Racek Hut. The park is popular among climbers thanks to the park’s first climbing camp, founded over 60 years ago. Today, even beginners can try their hand at climbing under the guidance of instructors. Trekking is another highlight of the park: routes last from a few hours to several days and require physical fitness (5-6 hours of walking per day), comfortable footwear, medication, a flashlight, and a sleeping bag. Summer and winter programs last about two weeks.

Eco-Tourism

The development of sustainable tourism in the park is supported by international and local organizations, such as the Slovak Regional Association for the Conservation of Natural Resources (BROZ) and the UNISON public foundation, with funding from SlovakAid. The project aims to protect the environment and promote environmentally responsible tourism.

Popular places to visit:

• Ak-Sai Waterfall and Glacier.

• Tian Shan Peak.

• Ratsek Hut.