Alamedin Gorge

The basics

Reachable in just over 30 minutes by car from the capital, Alamedin Gorge is one of the most popular destinations for Bishkek day trippers. You’ll find a range of trails here, with options suitable both for beginning and experienced hikers—the most popular trail leads to a waterfall and takes a couple of hours. There’s also a small set of thermal pools, making for a great post-hike soak. Anyone without their own transportation can reach the gorge on a guided tour.

Things to know before you go

• Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good ankle support, as while not all of the paths are challenging, you can expect rugged terrain.
• Weather in the mountains can change on a dime; pack layers, and wear a high SPF sunscreen, especially in summer.
• You won’t find much in the way of facilities here, so bring your own food, snacks, and plenty of water. Nuts and dried fruits make for great nibbles while hiking.
• You may not want to hike with the extra weight of a DSLR, but consider bringing a camera or using your smartphone to snap pics of the lush scenery along the way.
• Never hike alone, and if hiking in a group make sure that a trusted friend or family member knows your location. Less experienced hikers should join an organized tour with a hiking guide.

How to get there

If driving, head west from Bishkek along Chuy Avenue and follow signs for Alamedin further along to the gorge. The route is paved and well-marked. Adventurous travelers might consider catching a marshrutka (shared minibus) from the Western Bus Station, although an easier option is joining an organized tour—many tours offer hotel transfers.

When to get there

The peak summer season is roughly from May to September, when you’ll find reliably sunny days and the extra daylight hours mean you can pack more activities in. Weekends get busy, so aim for a quieter weekday if you can. Late spring is another option, although you may find muddy ground from winter rain. Fall brings a stunning array of colorful foliage, but expect crisper temperatures and dress accordingly.

Experiencing Kyrgyzstan’s banya culture

Kyrgyzstan was under Russian and then Soviet rule for well over a century, and the country still retains a few Russian habits. The banya, referring to a bathhouse in Russian, is one of them. Visitors to Alamedin Gorge can take a hot soak at a small Soviet-era spa resort, but anyone looking for the full USSR bathhouse experience should head to Jeti Oguz, located on the eastern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The sanatorium still offers time-warp treatments like radon baths.