Published
08/05/2025, 13:21Visitors to the capital and even locals often wonder: where can you escape the hustle of the city and the exhausting heat near Bishkek? And ideally, without spending too much. For a budget-friendly mountain getaway not far from Bishkek, the Ala-Archa National Park is worth considering.
Transport
The park is just a 40-minute drive from the city. And since May of this year, a regular bus route has been launched from Bishkek to Ala-Archa National Park, making it much easier to reach the nearest mountains. In the past, those without a car had to rely on taxis, which cost around 860 KGS from the city center to Ala-Archa. On top of that, there was an entrance fee for vehicles, or you had to walk a considerable distance on foot — hardly a relaxing start to your trip. Now, however, comfortable buses with air conditioning are running to the park. The fare is 50 KGS in cash or 40 KGS when paid by bank card.
Since May, only electric vehicles are allowed to enter the national park. Entry for gasoline, gas, and diesel-powered cars is completely prohibited. However, if you have an electric car, you are permitted to drive into the park. The vehicle entry fee is 800 KGS. There are also charging stations available on the park’s territory. Visitors must pay an entrance fee: 200 KGS per adult and 150 KGS for children aged 7 to 14. This fee includes transportation by electric bus up to the alpine camp.
Park entrance
Many people know Ala-Archa as an alpine camp located at an altitude of 2,100 meters. This is the starting point for the most popular trekking routes and climbs to nearby peaks. Here in Ala-Archa, you’ll also find the Ratsek Hut — a common resting spot on the way to the Ak-Sai glacier.
The Ala-Archa gorge is located in the Kyrgyz range. The highest point of the Kyrgyz range is Semenov-Tian-Shansky peak, reaching an altitude of 4,875 meters.
Mountaineers and tourists from various countries begin their journey at Ala-Archa, where training camps, sporting events, workouts, and acclimatization sessions are held before heading to higher mountains.
Importantly, the park attracts not only experienced mountaineers and tourists but also city residents looking to escape the urban hustle and enjoy picturesque views. Ala-Archa offers over 100 routes of varying difficulty levels, so everyone can find something to their liking. The park is home to more than a thousand plant species, about a third of the country’s flora, including around 70 species of trees and shrubs. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the river, feed the squirrels, watch the birds, or have a photo session. Alternatively, you can hike to the “Broken Heart” rock formation.
Food and accommodation
For visitors who wish to stay at the national park for a few days, there is a hotel offering double rooms priced between 4,000 and 9,000 KGS per night. A café serving traditional Kyrgyz cuisine is also available, with prices slightly above average — around 500 to 600 KGS per dish. However, to save time and spend more of your day hiking in the mountains, it’s best to prepare and bring snacks with you. Within the park, you can also buy burgers and sandwiches. Additionally, visitors to Ala-Archa State Natural Park can now enjoy free outdoor screenings of Kyrgyz films in an amphitheater located at the foot of the mountains.
