Ala Archa gorge

Ala Arch gorge is one of the beautiful national parks in Kyrgyzstan and one of favorites both for tourists and locals. It is located just 45 km from Bishkek city which mean that during one hour drive you will rise from 750 to 2100 meters above sea level. The name Ala-Archa means Bright Juniper. These trees grow everywhere in Kyrgyzstan. For Kyrgyz it is considered to be a sacred tree that they use almost in all their traditional rites. A new born child is put into a cradle that is made of juniper tree, when a person becomes sick he is smoked by juniper trees smoke to scare the bad sprits, and when the just married couple is settled in a new yurt or a house, it is all smokes with juniper bush to clarify from evils by a very old and respected woman of the village.

 

Program:

9 a.m. You leave your hotel with your tour guide.

9.45 a.m.   The first thing we visit today is the Baitik Kanaev mausoleum which will be on our way. He used to be the ruler of Solto tribe  who conquered Bishkek fortress. At that time it belonged to Uzbek people when Kyrgyz  had to pay high taxes. Baitik Kanaev made them go away and save the independence of Kyrgyz tribes. Here you are able to learn about different rituals that Kyrgyz tribes used to practice.

10.30 a.m. Now we arrive in the gorge. Then you have an option whether you will have a track to the waterfall or you will walk along the gorge.

12.30 p.m. Open air picnic.

3.30 p.m.   You are taken back to your hotel.