Hello, everyone! My mom and I will be visiting Bishkek this October, and we’re hoping to see Ala-Archa. I’ve only found private tours online for $120–150, which seems a bit pricey. Are there any companies offering more affordable tours? Perhaps group tours?
The only thing is—we need transportation as close as possible to the main area. My mom’s legs hurt after long walks, so we won’t be able to do much hiking. Any advice?
Honestly, I’m not sure you even need a tour to visit Ala-Archa, especially considering your mom’s condition. A lot of those organized tours are designed for hikers or people who want guided walks into the deeper parts of the gorge.
For you, the best plan might be to go at your own pace. Here’s what you can do:
Getting there:
There’s a public minibus (marshrutka) that runs from Bishkek to Kashka-Suu village and the entrance gate of Ala-Archa. From the gate (shlagbaum), you’ll need to grab a taxi to get to the parking area near the hotel inside the park. Trust me, it’s a much cheaper option than a private tour.
Once inside the park:
Taxi vs. tour:
Hiring a regular taxi for the day will probably be the easiest and most cost-effective option. Many locals offer informal taxi services to Ala-Archa from Bishkek, and you can even negotiate a fixed price for the round trip. This way, you’ll have total flexibility, and you won’t feel pressured to keep up with a group.