Kyrgyz City Retreat

194 Square Km - The size of Kyrgyzstan’s Ala Archa National Park

Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan is a bustling and friendly mini-metropolis set a short distance south of the Kazakh border. The city itself is a hub of activity assisting the wider nation as a gateway for international visitors, electric bazaars and the controversial soviet modernism government buildings - including the infamous White House. Nestled in the foothills of the Ala Too Mountains, Bishkek certainly has a small but mighty community scene. For the residents of this ‘40-clan land’ (the literal translation of the country’s name), the weekdays are full of big business, social events and hospitality, and as for the weekends? Well, where do we begin, when they have a natural wonder on their doorstep, only a 40-minute drive away.

Less than 50km from the heart of the city is the astonishing Ala Archa National Park – a superb introduction to what Kyrgyzstan has to offer. Established in 1976 by the Kirghiz SSR, the park is a true emblem of these mountainous lands. The elevation range of Ala Archa is over 3,500 meters and features over 20 glaciers and some of the country’s highest peaks. For the distance from the bright lights, the geographical features on offer here are nothing short of remarkable.

For some, the park is a day-trip destination, with gentle strolls through the grasslands and picnics along the Ala-Archa River. For the more adventurous day trip, we recommend the small but mighty hike up to the Ak-Sai waterfall for a view of the frozen marvel in the winter and by summer a misty rain shower from the snowmelt.

For the most adventurous, a full weekend is the way to go, set up camp on a dusky Friday night (camping gear can be hired from the local outlets), this will result in the breath-taking sunrises the park has to offer as the light beams down the jagged gorges. The days can be filled with glacier visits, rafting, and even rock climbing up some of Central Asia’s best ridges. To end the weekend, we recommend a stop off at The Times rooftop bar to reconnect with city life ready for the week ahead.