This grand, rugged but very accessible gorge is situated about an hour’s drive south of Bishkek. Now converted into a national park, if offers scores of walking and trekking possibilities, including hikes to glaciers and for serious mountaineers, climbs to some of the region’s highest peaks. In the Kyrgyz language, Ala-Archa means bright juniper and it grows in abundance over the mountain slopes. The Alamedin River, flowing along the gorge is beautiful but treacherous. Ice cold, it can be wild and dangerous at the beginning of spring and in early summer.

Ala-Archa is a favourite place with the citizens of Bishkek, who like to take walks amid unspoilt nature, relax by a waterfall and enjoy a picnic in the summer. Experienced hikers can climb up to the stunning Ak Say Canyon and Ak Say Glacier..