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Ala Archa gorge

Ala Archa gorge is one of the most picturesque places on Kyrgyz range and one of the favorite among tourists and locals. It is located just 45 km from Bishkek city, and during one hour drive you will raise from 750 to 2100 asl. The name Ala-Archa means Bright Juniper. These trees grow everywhere there. For Kyrgyz it is a sacred tree that they use almost in all their traditions. When a child is born it get a cradle made of juniper as one of the main present, when he is sick adults burn juniper branch nearby saying special praying, when the child becomes adult and wants to marry - again a woman with burning juniper will go inside his new yurt to protect it from bad spirits. And when a man dies his coffin is also made of this sacred tree.

Ala Archa is a perfect place to come for a weekend. You can have a track (5 hours) to Ak Sai waterfall or just to have a walk along the river that flows in the gorge.

 

Program:

9 a.m. Your guide meets you at the hotel.

9.45 a.m.   First we visit the Baitik Kanaev mausoleum on the way to the Ala-Archa gorge. He was the leader of Solto tribe and he captured Bishkek fortress. At that time it belonged to Uzbek people when Kyrgyz had to pay high tribute. Baitik Kanaev made Uzbeks go away and saved Kyrgyz independence

10.30 a.m. You arrive to the place. Then you can decide whether a track to the waterfall or you will walk along the gorge.

12.30 p.m. Lunch.

3.30 p.m. You are transferred back to the hotel.