Ala Archa gorge is the preferable place for weekend tours. It is situated just 45 km from Bishkek city, and during one hour drive you will rise from 750 to 2100 meters above sea level. The name Ala-Archa signifies Colourful Juniper. These trees grow everywhere there. For Kyrgyz it is a holy tree that they use almost in all their rituals from ancient time. When a child born it has a cradle made of juniper, when he is ill adults burn it nearby saying special words, when the child is adult already and wants to merry - again a woman with burning juniper will go inside his new yurt to protect it from bad spirits. And when the man dies his grave will be also made of this sacred tree.
Ala Archa is a fine place to have a nice day off. You can have a track (5 hours) to Ak Sai waterfall or just to have a walk along beautiful mountain river that flows in the gorge.
Program:
9.00 a.m. We will meet you and take from your hotel.
9.45 a.m. On the way you will visit of the Baitik Kanaev mausoleum. He was the ruler of Solto tribe who captured Bishkek fortress. At that time it belonged to Uzbek people and Kyrgyz had to pay high taxes. Baitik Kanaev made them go away and save Kyrgyz independence. Also you will find out of different rituals of burring people in different times.
10.30 a.m. You will arrive in the gorge. Then you decided if you will have a track to the waterfall or you will walk along the gorge.
12.30 p.m. We will have a picnic
3.30 p.m. You will be arrived to your hotel.