Ala Archa gorge

Ala Archa gorge is the favorite place for weekend tours. It is situated just 45 km from Bishkek city, and during one hour drive you will rise from 750 to 2100 meters above sea level. You can have a track for 5 hours to reach Ak Sai cascade or just to have a walk along the mountain river that flows in the gorge. Ala Archa is a good place to have a nice day off.

The name Ala-Archa means "Bright Juniper". These trees are widely spread. 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 wants to merry - again a woman with burning juniper will go inside his new yurt to protect it from the bad spirits. And when the man dies his grave will be also made of this sacred tree.

Program:

Departure from your hotel at 9 a.m.

9.45 a.m.   On the way, visiting of the Baitik Kanaev mausoleum. Baitik was the ruler of  the Solto tribe  who seized Bishkek fortress. At that time it belonged to the Kokanders, and the Kyrgyz had to pay them high taxes. Baitik Kanaev made them go away and save the Kyrgyz independence. Also you will find out of different burial rituals of the different times.

10.30 a.m. Arriving in the gorge. Then you decided if you will have a track to the cascade or you will walk along the gorge.

12.30 p.m. - Picnic

Departure to your hotel at 3.30 p.m.