Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is a perfect proof that all beauty is around us. Indeed, in order to take a break from the bustle of the city or add a little variety to everyday life, you do not need to go far. If you are in the capital for only a couple of days and do not have much time to travel around Kyrgyzstan, this blog will be of interest to you. We have put together interesting day trips from Bishkek for you:
Ala-Archa National Park
Ala-Archa National Park is located about 40 km south of Bishkek. Ala-Archa is located on the northern slope of the Kyrgyz ridge at an altitude of 1600–4860 m. Incredible pristine nature, location, variety of flora and fauna, dozens of hiking routes for easy walks, trekking and climbing to the peaks – attracts not only local residents, but also thousands of tourists. Many tourists come to Ala-Archa for acclimatization before a multi-day trekking tour in Kyrgyzstan.
You can hike to the Ak-Sai waterfall, which is located at an altitude of 2860 meters. Go to it about 4.7 km from the alpine camp. On the way to the waterfall, you will enjoy incredible landscapes. You can also make a trek to Ratsek’s Hut, located at an altitude of 3400 meters, 6 km from the alpine camp. This place is a paradise for climbers. From here, many make treks to such peaks as Uchitel Peak (4527m), Baichechekei Peak (4515m), Semyonov-Tien Shanskiy Peak.
Burana Tower
Burana Tower, located 80 km from Bishkek, will be of interest not only to history buffs. The tower was the main attraction of the city of Balasagyn, which served as an important link on the Great Silk Road. The minaret dates back to the 10-11th centuries and is one of the oldest structures of this kind in Central Asia.
Near the tower you can find “balbals” or stone statues from ancient Turkic burial grounds and petroglyphs with rock paintings.
Climbing to the observation deck of the tower, you will enjoy magnificent views of the snowy Kyrgyz peaks and the entire valley.
Alamedin gorge
Only 30 km from the capital is the Alamedin gorge, one of the most visited and popular among locals and tourists. The gorge is famous first of all for the “Teply Klyuchi” sanatorium, built during the Soviet Union and being the only radon source on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Here you can restore your health and just take a break from the bustle of the city.
Also in the Alamedin gorge, you can hike to the Alamedin waterfall, on the way to which you will find bright greenery, thickets of medicinal herbs, sea buckthorn, rose hips, mountain air.
Issyk-Ata gorge
The Issyk-Ata gorge, famous for its hot springs, is located 77 km from Bishkek. The oldest resort in the Chui Valley is located here, where many diseases are treated with the help of local water. Also in the gorge, you can hike to the waterfalls, the nearest of which are located only 1.5-2 km away.
Kol-Tor Lake
Lake Kol-Tor will be an ideal destination for those who want not only to enjoy the beauty of nature, but also prefer active recreation. Kol-Tor, one of the most beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan, is located at an altitude of 2,700 meters in the gorge of the same name, 85 km from the capital.
Kol-Tor delights first of all with its incredible turquoise color. Hiking to the lake is about 8 km one way. The majestic landscapes of alpine meadows and wooded slopes await you along the way.
Chon-Kemin gorge
Chon-Kemin gorge is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Kyrgyzstan, located 150 km from the capital. There is a national natural park with a rich flora and fauna, including very rare and unique species of plants and animals, which makes this place also interesting for flower, hunting and photography tours.
Chon-Kemin provides a lot of opportunities for lovers of relaxed and active holidays. People come here to relax in cozy guest houses, go hiking, ride horses, sleep in tents, and from Chon-Kemin you can go on multi-day hiking and horse treks.
During your trip in Kyrgyzstan, be sure to plan a visit to this unique place that will not leave you indifferent.
Ski Base Chunkurchak
If you plan to visit Kyrgyzstan in winter, it is worth to make a trip to the Chunkurchak ski complex, located in the gorge of the same name, 30 km from Bishkek.
Both beginners and confident skiers and even freeride lovers will be happy, because there are a variety of ski trails here.
