Ala Archa National Park - An Underexplored Wonder
The world offers plenty of mainstream national parks. Some big names include Banff National Park in Canada and Yosemite in the USA.
There was one national park I discovered and eventually explored that became my next major highlight of Central Asia. Ala Archa National Park in Kyrgyzstan.
I had arrived in Bishkek (the Kyrgyz capital), after a successful (first) trip to Kazakhstan (more on my second trip in a later blog). Arriving at my accommodation with a few free days before my tour of the Five Stans began, I was searching for sites to see in Bishkek. At the recommendation of my concierge, Ala Archa National Park popped up. Almost instantly, I was sold on the idea of visiting.
Established in 1976, Ala Archa National Park is an alpine located in the Tian Shien Mountain range of Kyrgyzstan, approximately 35 km south of Bishkek.
I went to Ala Archa with Silk Road Manas Travel, a local tour agency that arranges tours around Kyrgyzstan. My tour guide was a young 17-year old local, who prepared me for what became one of the most arduous, yet rewarding, mountain climbs I’ve ever experienced.
I arrived at the park early afternoon with temperatures at a sizzling 35 degrees. I came prepared with snacks, bottles of water and protein bars in my backpack and began the hike with my guide with the goal of reaching the Ak Sai Waterfall.
The climb was long and challenged me physically, mentally and emotionally. There were points of uncertainty, tiredness and where my spirit was nearly broken. This is all part of the process.
I was determined not to quit and to reach the waterfall. I met some solo travellers from Kazakhstan and India along the way who helped motivate me to continue the journey.
Finally, after three gruelling hours, the moment of triumph occurred. I had reached the peak of the Ak Sai Waterfall. It was a moment filled with joy, reward and bliss.
I treated myself by jumping into the water at the base of the waterfall. Stretching my arms out for a photo with the waterfall, I was elated and proud of what I had just accomplished.
After some snacks, breathtaking views and epic photographs, we descended down the mountain back the way we came. After two and a half hours, my tour guide and her colleague drove me back to Bishkek.
What valuable lessons did I learn at Ala Archa? First, Ala Archa offers some of the most beautiful naturistic mountain views in the world. Finally, I was taught to never give up and keep pushing myself even when I am worn down. That willpower is everything and pushed me beyond my limits.
More epic highlights and stories from Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia upcoming. Stay tuned as I have some wonderful sites, restaurants and places to visit for people who want to spend time in Bishkek.