Northern Kyrgyzstan is the country's gateway, where the capital Bishkek sits on the steppe edge and the snow-capped Kyrgyz Ala-Too rises abruptly to the south. It is the most accessible corner of the country and the launch point for most first trips — yet serious glaciated mountains begin barely an hour from the city, and empty valleys and passes lie just beyond.
Mountains from the city
Day hiking and beginner mountaineering in Ala Archa National Park, horse trekking in the Chong-Kemin valley, and single-pitch climbing in the gorges of Chüy.
Quiet valleys and passes
Gravel and mountain biking on old Soviet mountain roads, and remote ridge walking in seldom-visited Talas, all easy from Bishkek. Open the Book here tab for live dates and prices.
