Ala-Archa National Park and Burana Tower

Hiking in nature and a visit to an open air museum

Ala Archa National Park

Ala Archa is a valley and a National Park located about 40 km south from Bishkek. The alpine Ala Archa national park covers an area of about 200 km² and stretches for over 35 km of the western Tien Shan Mountain range. The park’s altitude ranges from about 1 500 meters at the entrance to a maximum of 4 895 meters at Semenova Tian-Shanski, the highest peak in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range. Ala Archa gorge is also a home to more than 20 glaciers and 30 mountain passes.


Burana Tower

Burana tower is almost all that remains of the ancient Sogdian city of Balasagun. The city was once a caravan stop along the Silk Road and hosted a sizable Nestorian Christian population. During this tour you will be able to take in amazing views from the top of the tower and explore the open air museum and cemetery. There is also an indoor museum and gift shop where you can view many ancient artifacts. Only 80 km from Bishkek, Burana Tower is a must see.

Itinerary:

Morning:

  • 08:00 — Departure from Bishkek
  • 09:00–11:30 — Ala-Archa National Park
    • Gentle trek along the river (1–1.5 hours) or walk to the panoramic viewpoint
    • Photo stops
    • Hot tea, biscuits (snacks)
  • 11:30–12:30 — Transfer to the Chuy Valley

Afternoon

  • 12:30–14:00 — Burana Tower
    • Visit to Burana tower
    • Small museum visit
    • Ancient Balbal stones
    • Your choice of lunch at Tokmak cafe or a picnic
  • 14:00–15:00 — Return to Bishkek

What to expect:

  • Tour type: nature + history
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Difficulty: easy to moderate

Price Includes:

  • Transportation
  • Entrance to Ala-Archa national park
  • Entrance to Burana
  • Snack stop in Ala-Archa national park
  • Lunch (Your choice of lagman/pilaf/manti)