The contemporary city of Bishkek, capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, has much to offer visitors. It may be slightly lacking in historical heritage and architecture – Bishkek was founded at the beginning of the nineteenth century – but the city’s modernity is a fundamental part of its charm and beauty, and among its wide, tree-lined boulevards, open squares and leafy public parks and gardens there are many landmarks, attractions and monuments to discover.
A brief selection of Bishkek’s Highlights
Bishkek’s modern layout makes exploration on foot an enjoyable way to explore its attractions, many of which are in close proximity at the centre of the city. For example, guests of the Hyatt Regency Bishkek hotel will find the State Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Museum of Fine Arts, the History Museum and Dubovy Park all within easy walking distance. Bargain hunters will find a visiting to Bishkek’s numerous bazaars a memorable experience, and particularly the Osh Bazaar which specialises in food and the Dor Doi Bazaar which offers an unparalleled range of imported goods sold directly from shipping containers.
Exploring the natural wonders of the Ala Archa Gorge
A large part of Bishkek’s appeal lies in its setting. Backed by spectacular snow-capped peaks, the city is situated close to the Tian Shan mountain range and for visitors seeking to combine a city break with the chance to experience the beauty of the Kyrgyz Republic’s great outdoors, a visit to the nearby Ala Archa National Park is a must.
Just forty kilometres south of Bishkek, the Ala Archa National Park surrounds the deep mountain gorge formed by the Ala Archa River. The unspoilt and rugged terrain here is simply breath taking: within the two hundred square meter area of the park there are around fifty mountain peaks and as many as fifty natural glaciers. The densely forested lower slopes of the mountain conceal waterfalls and natural springs and besides the Ala Archa river which winds its way through the valley there are two further rivers, the Adygene and the Ak-Sai, within the park.
Activities within the Ala Archa National Park
Whilst for many visitors it’s enough simply to drink in the beauty of the Ala Archa Gorge and to snap away with a camera at every given opportunity, the national Park offers a number of activities. A number of walking trails originate at the park’s entrance and are suited to visitors of all abilities. The Ala Archa Valley walk follows the river along the valley floor and is an easy way in which to admire the scenery. A longer and slightly more strenuous hike ascends the valley of the Ak-Sai River to reach a beautiful waterfall. Adventurous hikers might like to take on the day-long climb to the Ak-Sai glacier which sits 1,200 metre above the valley floor.
The Ala Archa National Park can also be explored on horseback, and besides hiking and trekking the mountains offer excellent opportunities for skiing and climbing. For wildlife enthusiasts, the park offers the chance to see wild goats, roe deer and marmots and, if exceptionally lucky, a glimpse of the rare snow-leopard. Trout are abundant in the glacial waters of the park’s rivers.
Bishkek and the Ala Archa Gorge: the best of both worlds
For anyone seeking a destination that’s a little off the beaten tourist track yet offers the attractions and excitement of a modern city whilst placing the opportunity to explore an unspoilt and beautiful natural landscape within easy reach, Bishkek and the Ala Archa Gorge require no further recommendation.
