Ala-Archa National Park

Ala-Archa National Park (Ала-Арча) is a spectacular high-mountain landscape in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too, about 40 kilometers south of Bishkek. The park is known for its deep valleys, alpine meadows, more than 20 glaciers and numerous dramatic peaks, including the 4,895-meter Semenov-Tian-Shansky Peak. Hiking trails wind through forests and along the Ala-Archa River toward waterfalls and into the glaciated mountain wilderness. Visitors may encounter ibex, marmots and, more rarely, snow leopards, while more than 160 bird species have been recorded here. Combining dramatic alpine scenery with easy access from the capital, Ala-Archa is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most popular destinations for hiking and day trips.