Ala Archa gorge
Ala Archa gorge is the favorite place for weekend tours among locals and foreigners. It is situated in 45 km from Bishkek city, and you will rise from 750 to 2100 meters above sea level during one hour drive. The name of the gorge is Ala-Archa that means Bright Juniper because it grows everywhere there. For Kyrgyz it is a sacred tree that stays with people during their earth life and even after death. 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 an evil spirits. And when the man dies his grave will be also made of this tree.
Ala Archa is a great place to have a nice day off. You may walk along the mountain river rushing in the gorge or hike (5 hours) to Ak Sai waterfall.
Program:
9.00 a.m. Meeting in your hotel.
9.45 a.m. On the way we visit the mausoleum of Baitik Kanaev - the ruler of Solto tribe. He 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. Arriving 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. Picnic.
3.30 p.m. Departure to your hotel.