Excursion in Ala-Archa Nature Park. Ascent to Ratzek stop

Best season: July – August

Ala-Archa Nature Park is located only 42 km far from Bishkek and it is the biggest gorge of Kyrgyz Range. Summits there lift up to the altitude of 4895 m (the highest point of the Range is Semenov-Tien-Shanskiy Peak). Climbing routes are rock, combined, seldom ice and snow-ice. The rocks consist of tough granite and granodiorite. Difference of altitudes is up to 1100 m in the Gorge. The least amount of precipitation falls in August and September while the largest one in May and June. Average temperature is -12° C in winter, -7° C in autumn, and +3° C spring.

The most popular area among trekker, climbers and tourists in Kyrgyz Range is Ak-Sai Glacier. About 150 routes from the simplest to the most complicated walls lifting up to 1100 m have been explored there. There are four mountain huts in the area of the Glacier, three huts are small (roughly 4X4 m) and one stone made hut is more comfortable and appropriate for tourists. 36 persons can be accommodated here at the same time. Usually it takes about 5 hours of walking from the road in Ala-Archa Park to, so called, Ratzek stop.

Ascent to Ratzek stop, 2 days

Day 1. Morning transfer to Ala-Archa Nature park (40 minutes). Hiking to Ratzek Stop along Ak-Sai Valley. The route to Ratzek stop is not easy. You will go through the forest up to the first steep rise and will reach mountain meadows. Then the route is not so difficult. It comes among almost flat meadows, but you will need to have some rest after, before the most difficult part of your itinerary. When you cross two rivers you will come to winter. Path lift up along moraine very steeply. You are at Ratzek Stop after two more steep rises.

One way hiking distance is about 6.5 km takes 4-5 hours. Ratzek stop is located at the altitude 3200m. Overnight in Ak-Sai mountain hut.

Day 2. After breakfast short walking around. Afternoon descent to Alplager – 2 hours of walking.

Transfer to Bishkek.

Price includes the following service:

• A/c transport for two transfers to Nature Park and back
• Local English speaking Guide
• Lodging in Ak-Sai mountain hut
• Entrance fee to Nature Park

Price does not include :

• Meals :
• lunch-boxes on day 1 and day 2 – USD 20 per person
• Dinner and breakfast in Ak-Sai hut – USD 25 per person
• Porters to carry personal gear – USD 40 per porter

NB!: One porter carryes 20 km of commercial weight