All in one-day: Bishkek city tour and Ala-Archa National Park

All in one-day: Bishkek city tour

and Ala-Archa National Park

ABOUT TOUR

Within one day tour, the guide will introduce you to the history of Bishkek city, colorful streets of Osh Bazaar market, an amazing landscape of Ala-Archa National Park, and the national cuisines of Kyrgyz people.

Set against the backdrop of Central Asia's Tian Shan mountains, Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, abounds in spacious squares, wide boulevards, marble-faced public buildings and multiple monuments reflecting the country's history including, primarily, the Soviet period. These and other prominent sights make up this tour and allow visitors to see Bishkek in its variety.

You will see such sightseeings as Ala-Too Square and The Old Square, White House, The Oak Park, The Square of the Revolution Fighters, the oldest building in Bishkek, The Alley of Artists, The Museum of Arts, The Museum named after M.Frunze, City Philharmonic and many others places upon your request. The route includes more than 30 attractions and our guide will tell you the story of each of them.

It is not a real city tour without visiting real Central-Asian Bazaar! Our guide will take you through the endless merchant rows of the Osh market, where you can try to eat sweets directly from the counters.

The Ala Archa National Park is truly a hiking paradise near the Bishkek city. There are numerous hiking options, from gentle strolls along the Ala-Archa valley floor to serious mountaineering. The main attraction of the park in addition to the mountains, rivers, waterfalls and glaciers are is the unique wildlife: over 800 species of plants, 160 species of birds and about 170 species of animals in total.

The journey to Ala-Archa will last about 2-3 hours, and during this time, we will introduce you to the most stunning gorge near Bishkek. We'll explain why Ala-Archa is a favored destination among tourists and climbers. You'll have the freedom to explore in any direction you choose – whether it's to a plateau offering magnificent views of the gorge, along the serene Ala-Archa river, or towards the Broken Heart Stone, from where breathtaking panoramic views unfold.

What to expect

1

Bishkek

In the morning our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer to Ala-Archa National Park (40 km). In an hour you will find yourself in a picturesque gorge where the Ala-Archa mountain river rushes down like a rushing stream, the highest snowy peaks, juniper slopes, alpine meadows covered with a carpet of flowers will be revealed to your sight.

2

Ala-Archa National Park

The journey to Ala-Archa will last about 2-3 hours, and during this time, we will introduce you to the most stunning gorge near Bishkek. We'll explain why Ala-Archa is a favored destination among tourists and climbers. You'll have the freedom to explore in any direction you choose – whether it's to a plateau offering magnificent views of the gorge, along the serene Ala-Archa river, or towards the Broken Heart Stone, from where breathtaking panoramic views unfold.

On the way to the gorge your guide will tell you much interesting information about our country and people, as well as a couple of stories related to adventures in these mountains, also if we are lucky enough we can observe wild animals during the trip!

3

Osh bazaar

The first place to visit after the Ala-Archa will be the legendary open-air Osh bazaar market. It is said that if one wants to experience the local culture and life of a place one should visit the local market and Osh Bazaar is one of the best examples of the local markets in Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan in general. You can find everything here from food products and spices to common household goods, clothes, souvenirs, and even musical instruments, you’ll be surrounded by all the products you could possibly imagine.The crowds, the smells, and the noises can feel a bit overwhelming but it’s an experience you won’t easily forget.

4

Kyrgyz National Philharmoniс Hall

We will start our city tour with the charming architecture of the Mayor's office, International University, and the Philarmony itself. The white marble of the Philharmonic makes an impression by virtue of its being situated on a hill, like an antique temple, with colorful stained glass and hammered copper.

5

White House

The White House serves as the seat of Kyrgyz government and your guide will share dramatical story of riots during both the 2005 Tulip Revolution and the 2010 Kyrgyzstan riots that Kyrgyz citizens never forget.

6

Ala-Too square

The main square of the city - Ala-Too Square. "Ala-too" translates as "motley mountains" and this name perfectly describes the face of the country, famous for its stunning mountain scenery. Ala-Too Square is located in the center of Bishkek and combines several attractions. On its perimeter, there are State Historical Museum, numbering about 90 thousand exhibits; Oak park with a monument of Friendship of Peoples. In the center is a 45-meter flagpole with a national flag measuring 10 * 15 meters. The flag is guarded by a guard of honor. Nearby is the 10-meter-high equestrian statue of Manas, the legendary Kyrgyz batyr. Famous Panfilov park and Lenins monument is within reach.

7

Opera and Ballet theatre

The opera house in Bishkek is one of the landmarks opposite the Fine Arts Museum. During the Soviet era, opera and ballet were regardedas national arts. Opera houses and ballet theatres were erected in the centre of the capital of each Republic in the Soviet Union. In Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, you can find a theatre in the centre of the city. The grand Bishkek Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theatre opposite the Fine Arts Museum presents the best performances in the country.

Check out the classical heritage which is clear in the facades and rich décor throughout the theater. Picturesque paintings and facades by Kyrgyz artists adorn the interior, and serve as a testament to the country’s rich history.

8

Victory square

It is dedicated to the Victory in the World War II. In the center of the square stand three massive granite arches, forming the silhouette of a yurt(Kyrgyz nomad house). In the center of the composition is a sculpture of a woman with a cup in her hands at the feet of which the eternal flame burns, symbolizing a soldier’s mother waiting for her husband and sons to return from the War.

9

Central Mosque

The Bishkek Central Mosque is considered as one of the largest mosque in Central Asia. The mosque is built in an Ottoman revival style, with four minarets, each with three balconies. Inside, the mosque can simultaneously pray up to 6 thousand people. Taking into account that in the courtyard of the mosque can still pray 20 thousand people.

10

Bishkek

Afterward, we will drop you off at your hotel in Bishkek, marking the end of the tour. We wish you a beautiful evening ahead!

What our guests say❤️

The experience of rising horses across a small portion of the Tien Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan far exceeded my expectations. The majestic beauty of these peaks, draped in the spectacular robes of autumn in patterns of both coniferous and deciduous trees was like galloping through a dream. The best part, however, was the company and companionship of Talgat Bokeshov of Datka Travel. He is super knowledgeable, courteous and really great company.

Adam Rogers

Canada

I had a fantastic day with Talgat. I was able to see a good chunk of the city during the city tour. I enjoyed visiting the bazaars. Hiking Ala Archa was wonderful! The park is quite beautiful and a must see. But perhaps my favorite part of the whole experience was meeting Talgat’s family and having dinner with them. His mom is a fantastic cook. She is quite delightful. His brother was incredibly adorable! 10/10 I would highly recommend!

Lin A Oma

USA

I booked my tour with Talgat from Datka travel, he is such a good tour guide very involved, humble, patient and very helpful, I would say that only because of him we enjoyed our stay in Kyrgyzstan, we went for riding, burana tower , supara, ala archa national park, ski resort , waterfall in tokmok, osh bazaar, and different other malls and we enjoyed every part of it , only because Talgat made sure that we have fun and made us very comfortable.

Muhammed

Dubai

We had such an amazing tour of Burana Tower and a stunning horse ride through the Chong Kemin Valley with Datkq Travel! Tolgat is a fantastic tour guide who speaks English really well. He is very personable, friendly, and willing to answer questions and offer cultural guidance and local wisdom. He also interpreted into Kyrgyz when the locals didn't speak Russian or English and helped negotiate good pricing with vendors. My partner and I had a wonderful time and learned so much.

I highly recommend using Datka Travel during your trip to Kyrgyzstan for a truly quality trip.

Sonja

USA