Ala Archa Winter Hike: Ak Sai Waterfall Adventure

Climb to a mountain waterfall and eat Kyrgyz food on the way back

A winter hiking tour from Bishkek to Ala Archa National Park, 38km away, where you hike to either Ak Sai waterfall (4km) or Broken Heart point (2km) with trekking poles and an English-speaking guide, then return for complimentary lunch at a national restaurant. The tour runs 5 to 7 hours and includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, park admission and a moderate level of physical fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and cultural lunch near Bishkek

• Pickup from hotel in morning
• Drive 50 minutes to Ala Archa Park
• Receive trekking poles and start hike
• Hike to Ak Sai waterfall or Broken Heart point
• Stop to enjoy mountain and forest views
• Explore and take photos at waterfall
• Descend back to park entrance
• Return to Bishkek
• Have complimentary lunch at national restaurant
• Drop off at hotel

The experience

Trekking poles are waiting for you at the trailhead. After a 50-minute drive from your hotel through the Kyrgyz capital, you'll arrive at Ala Archa National Park: a 1976 protected reserve that sits between 2,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level. Your guide will hand you the poles at the foot of the mountains and lead you along a laid trail toward either Ak Sai waterfall or Broken Heart point, depending on what suits your pace. The coniferous forests, river views and mountain stops along the way are where most people linger to photograph.

The waterfall or viewpoint is the turnaround. Once you reach it, you have time to walk around and take pictures before descending the same route back to the vehicle. The descent takes as long as the climb, so plan for that rhythm. On the drive back to Bishkek, the tour stops at a national restaurant where lunch is complimentary: a chance to taste Kyrgyz cuisine without arranging it separately. Your hotel drop-off ends the day.

What’s included

• Trekking poles and an English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• park admission.
• complimentary lunch at a national restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Ventura Tours Central Asia

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a full day free and want to combine mountain hiking with a cultural meal: the 5 to 7 hour commitment includes both the trek to waterfalls and a restaurant visit, leaving no time for other Bishkek activities that day.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

15 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is the hike from Bishkek to Ala Archa National Park?

Ala Archa National Park sits 38 kilometers from Bishkek. The drive takes about 50 minutes in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup included.

What are the two hiking options in Ala Archa?

You can hike to Ak Sai waterfall, a 4-kilometer route, or to Broken Heart point, a 2-kilometer option. Your guide will help you choose based on your fitness level and the time you want to spend on the trail.

What's included in the tour besides the hike?

Trekking poles, an English-speaking guide, park admission, hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and complimentary lunch at a national restaurant on the return journey are all included.

Is this tour suitable for teenagers?

Children are welcome from age 13 onward. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to complete the hike and the full day.

How long does the entire tour take?

The tour runs between 5 and 7 hours total, including the drive, the hike, time at the waterfall or viewpoint, and the return journey with lunch.