Ala Archa gorge

Ala Archa gorge

Ala Archa gorge is situated just 45 km from Bishkek city, and during one hour drive you will rise from 750 to 2100 meters above sea level. This is one of the most beautiful places and most favorite among both locals and tourists. The name Ala-Archa means Bright Juniper. These trees grow everywhere there. For Kyrgyz it is a sacred tree that they use almost in all their rituals. When a child born it has a cradle made of juniper, when he is ill adults burn it nearby saying special words, when the child is adult already and is ready to marry - again a woman with burning juniper will go inside his new yurt to protect it from bad spirits. And when the man dies his grave will be also made of this sacred tree.

Ala Archa is a perfect place to have a nice day off. You can have a track (5 hours) to Ak Sai waterfall or just to have a walk along the mountain river that flows in the gorge.

 

Program:

9 a.m. You will meet your guide at hotel.

9.45 a.m.   On the way to Ala- Archa we will visit the Baitik Kanaev mausoleum. He was the ruler of Solto tribe who conquered Bishkek fortress. At that time it belonged to Uzbek people and Kyrgyz  had to pay high taxes. Baitik Kanaev made them flee and save Kyrgyz independence. Also you will find out of different rituals of burring people in different times.

10.30 a.m. Arriving in the gorge. Then you have an opton whether you will have a track to the waterfall or you will walk along the gorge.

12.30 p.m. Picnic

3.30 p.m.   You are taken back to your hotel. You can have lunch whether in hotel or in one the restaurants in Bishkek.