Getting there
- Flights to Bishkek (BSZ) 55 km from the start
Treks / Kyrgyzstan
Ala Archa: Ratsek Hut and Ak-Sai Glacier
Kyrgyzstan · Nearest city: Bishkek
TypeMulti-day trek
Days1–2
Distance≈ 16 km
Climbing≈ 1,150 m
Highest point3,350 m
A steep climb from a national park just outside Bishkek to a mountaineers' hut below the Ak-Sai glacier and the peaks of the Kyrgyz Range.
Fitness
Hard
Best seasonJune to September
High pointRatsek Hut
Watch out: The climb is steep and relentless. Glacier travel beyond the hut needs a guide.
Why people choose it
It's big mountain scenery half an hour from Bishkek, perfect for acclimatising.
What makes it different
- Glaciers close to a capital city
- Mountaineers' hut at 3,350 m
- Great acclimatisation hike
Before you go
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Phone and data
Roaming in Kyrgyzstan is expensive on most phone plans. A data eSIM bought before you fly gets you online as soon as you land.
Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.
Insurance that covers this trek
This trek reaches 3,350 m, and many policies stop covering hiking at 2,000 to 3,000 m unless you add an activity upgrade. World Nomads needs its Level 3 activities above 2,000 m, Heymondo its Adventure add-on above 3,000 m, and SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers trekking up to 4,500 m.
Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section.
True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.
Camping and where to sleep
Wild camping is common and accepted in Kyrgyzstan's mountains. Yurt camps and guesthouses are good alternatives.
Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.
Route map
Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.
Straight lines between stops Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city
Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. We don't have the exact trail for this route yet, so stops are joined with straight lines. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.
Stops: Ala Archa National Park
Simple overview map
Step by step
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Months before
Plan and book
- Book your first and last nights, and check whether accommodation along the way needs reserving.
- Best time to go: June to September.
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6–12 weeks before
Train and test your gear
- Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
- Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
- Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.
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Getting there
Travel to the start
- Most people start from Bishkek.
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On the trail
Walk it
- Start early each day, so you arrive before the afternoon weather and the rush for beds.
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The finish
Get home
- It's a one-way route, so plan your transport back from the finish in advance.
How the season changes things
Best time: June to September
June to early July
Early summer
Snow still on high passes, fast rivers from snowmelt and green pastures filling with herders.
Bring
- Gaiters and warm layers
- River-crossing shoes
- Cash for yurt camps
Mid-July to August
Peak season
The best weather window, but high passes can still get snow and storms.
Bring
- Warm sleeping bag for cold nights
- Sun protection for strong UV
- Water filter
September
Late season
Clear skies and autumn colours, with freezing nights and herders leaving the high pastures.
Bring
- Down jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
- Check that yurt camps are still open
Be ready for
Big climbs
Some days climb 1,000 m or more. Train with stairs and a loaded pack, and use trekking poles.
Thinner air
You'll feel the altitude on the climbs. Spend a night or two in the mountains first if you can, and pace yourself.
What you'll see
4 photos taken on and around the route by Wikimedia Commons photographers. Tap one to see it bigger.
Gear for the Ala Archa: Ratsek Hut and Ak-Sai Glacier
Photo credits: Ala archa by The original uploader was Garthwillis at English Wikipedia., CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons; Ochotona rutila by Dmitry Kulakov, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Capra sibirica by Griha Hasanov, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; River Ala-Archa, Kyrgyzstan - panoramio by ThomasG, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photos resized for the web. Figures are approximate and vary with the variant you choose.
