Ala Archa gorge

Ala Archa gorge is one of the picturesque places of Chuy valley. This gorge is located 45 km from Bishkek city, and during one hour drive you will rise from 750 to 2100 meters above sea level. The Ala arch gorge is Natural park of Kyrgyzstan and its name stands for Bright Juniper. These trees grow everywhere there and there are five species of them. For Kyrgyz juniper used to be a sacred tree that they have used almost in all their traditional ceremonies. When a child is born it got a cradle made of juniper this day is called "Beshik Toy" or "Cradle Celebration" , when he is ill adults burn it nearby saying special prayings, when the child is adult already and wants to marry - again a woman with burning juniper will go inside his new yurt to protect it from bad spirits. And when the man passes away his grave will be also made of this sacred tree.

Ala Archa is a perfect place to have a day off. You can have a trekking trip (5 hours) to Ak Sai waterfall or just to have a walk along the mountain river that flows in the gorge.

 

Program:

9 a.m. You will be met by your guide.

9.45 a.m.   First we visit the Baitik Kanaev mausoleum on the way. He was the chieftain of Solto tribe who captured Bishkek fortress. In 1825 it belonged to Uzbek people when Kyrgyz had to pay high tribute. Baitik Kanaev made them leave and saved integrity of Kyrgyz people. Also you will learn about different rituals of burring people in different times.

10.30 a.m. We arrive in the gorge. Then you can make a choice if you will have a track to the waterfall or you will walk along the gorge.

12.30 p.m. Lunch time.

3.30 p.m.   You will be transferred back in the hotel.