The main northwest part of the region is flat, a rarity in Kyrgyzstan. This is the valley of the Chu River. The valley’s black soil is very fertile and is largely irrigated with water diverted from the Chu River. The region’s Agricultural production includes wheat, maize, sugar beets, potatoes, lucerne, and various vegetables and fruits.

The Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains form the southern border of the region, and the northern border of Talas Region. There are many hiking and trekking routes accessible from the towns in the valley. The southwestern heel of the region over the Kirgiz Alatau is geographically more like Naryn Region.

The northeast panhandle is the Chong Kemin Valley

The main east-west transportation axis of the region is the Taraz–Bishkek–Balykchy highway, running through most major cities of the region

Ala-Archa Gorge – Ala Archa National Park

The Ala Archa National Park in the Tian Shan mountains is less than an hour drive from Bishkek, and is a wild, beautiful place.   Public transport is sparse, and it is most convenient to hire a taxi from Bishkek for about $60 for 2 people.

If you get a local minibus it will drop you 7 kilometers from the main entrance at the first car park where private vehicles have to pay ($6 for two people) to go in.   People are kind though and will pick you up if you wave them down. Once you get to the main entrance there is a hotel where you can stay for 2000 som a night.

 

 

Alternatively you can camp or stay in the miriad of kirghiz yurts and small homes scattered around. Main trails are well marked and it is easy to get away from the bustle of the main entrance.

Ala Archa National Park has over 200 square kilometers of beautiful mountains, snowed peaks, dry river bed. A must go place.

There is lots of great hiking to be done at Ala-Archa Gorge and all throughout the region. The stunning landscape speaks for itself and the fresh air and friendly but not crowded trails are a joy to hike.

Every level of excellent hiking, treking and mountaineering is available. It is approximately 3 kilometers from the parking lot to the waterfall, is a medium difficulty level trekking (4 hours there and back). 7 kilometers to the ratzek hut requires mountaineering level and can be done in 4-5 hours to get there and 3-4 hours to return.

Ala Archa Gorge is an mazing place to wander beside a river, climb up into unspoilt hills, have a picnic, or do some serious hiking.

Töö Ashuu Pass

Töö Ashuu , literally “camel pass”, is a mountain pass in Kyrgyzstan on the highway from Bishkek to Osh (European route E010) in Kyrgyzstan approximately 120 km from Bishkek. The pass goes over part of the Kyrgyz Alatau range of the Tien Shan mountains. A 2.7-kilometre-long (1.7 mi) road tunnel enters the mountain at 3130 m on the north side and comes out at 3180 m on the south side. The old pass over the mountain at this point was around 3500 m and thus this road pass is often described as reaching this height.

A ski resort is situated on the south slope of the Too Ashuu pass at 2960 m.a.s.l. The resort has one blue 1,500-metre-long (4,900 ft) ski slope operated by a chairlift with height difference of 200 m. There is a possibility to ski further 1500 m down to the highway. Shuttle marshrutkas then take the skiers back to the top section of the resort.

Suusamyr Valley

Suusamyr Valley lies at 2,000-2,500 meters above the sea level between Suusamyr Too and Kyrgyz Ala-Too ranges of Tian Shan mountains.    The Suusamyr River flows through it. The valley is predominantly used as “alpine summer pastures full of herbs and wild flowers – carpeting the valley floor in many colors.”

The Bishkek — Osh (M41) (European route E010) road enters the valley at the tunnel under Töö Ashuu Pass and leaves it at Ala-Bel Pass.

The colors and plains make this Spot unique.  Its vast .   You get there via a 3500m Pass, and the Best Option is your own Transport or better own car.

You can sleep in the Village of Suusamyr and the next day you can follow the river down south. …and will be surprised!  Its great in colors and landscape.  Plan the whole day for the Action.

Trekking in Suusamyr Valley and skiing is really an amazing place for nature and mountains!  Make sure to plan ahead there is only one or two guesthouses in the village but the whole valley is amazing!  Horse back riding is an option too.