Plan your visit
Getting here from Bishkek, entry fees, payment and hours: what to know before you set off.
Getting here from Bishkek
The park is about 40 km from Bishkek. Petrol and diesel cars stop at the checkpoint; from there the park’s free electric cars take you on.
Bus No. 1 (semi-express)
From Old Square (named after T. Usubaliev) to the park. 08:00–19:00, every 20–30 minutes. Fare: 50 som cash, 40 som by card.
Data from May 2025; check the current schedule.
Source: Bishkek City Hall (bishkek.gov.kg), 16 May 2025; economist.kg, 16 May 2025
Taxi or Yandex Go
About 40 km from Bishkek to the checkpoint, 40–50 minutes by car. The app shows the fare.
Source: rome2rio, vc.ru
By your own car
Since 1 May 2025 private petrol and diesel cars are not allowed into the park; electric cars are. There is parking for 700 cars in front of the checkpoint, with more being built.
Source: 24.kg, 29 April 2025
Free electric cars around the park
About 80 free electric cars take visitors to any point in the park.
Source: 24.kg, 29 April 2025
Entry fees
- Adults250 som≈ $3
- Children aged 7–14180 som≈ $2
- Children under 7Free
- Entry by private electric car880 som≈ $10
Payment is cashless: payment terminals at the checkpoint, QR code or bank card.
Source: 24.kg, 11 June 2026 (the park’s new price list) · Source: 24.kg, 29 April 2025; banks.kg
Dollar amounts are approximate, at the National Bank rate of 15.10.2026.
All park prices
Hours
- Bus No. 1
- 08:00–19:00
- Park office, Mon–Fri
- 09:00–17:30
- Khan Tengri cable car
- check by phone
The park does not publish its own opening hours. Call the office before you go.
Call the office: +996 (312) 883 204What to bring
- Water
- Warm layers
- Sun protection: a hat, sunglasses, sun cream
- Shoes you can walk a trail in
Frequently asked questions
How far is Ala-Archa from Bishkek, and how long is the drive?
About 40 km from Bishkek to the park checkpoint: 40–50 minutes by car or taxi.
How do I get to Ala-Archa without a car?
Bus No. 1 (semi-express): from Old Square (named after T. Usubaliev) to the park. 08:00–19:00, every 20–30 minutes. Fare: 50 som cash, 40 som by card. Data from May 2025; check the current schedule. Taxi or Yandex Go: about 40 km from Bishkek to the checkpoint, 40–50 minutes by car. The app shows the fare.
Can I drive my own car into the park?
Only an electric car. Since 1 May 2025 private petrol and diesel cars are not allowed into the park; electric cars are. There is parking for 700 cars in front of the checkpoint, with more being built. Entry by private electric car: 880 som.
How much is the entry fee to Ala-Archa, and can I pay in cash?
Adults: 250 som; children aged 7–14: 180 som; children under 7: free; entry by private electric car: 880 som. Payment is cashless: payment terminals at the checkpoint, QR code or bank card. Source: 24.kg, 11 June 2026 (the park’s new price list).
Are the electric cars inside the park free?
Yes. About 80 free electric cars take visitors to any point in the park.
How long is the hike to the Ak-Sai waterfall?
From Alplager it is 3.9–5 km one way: 2–3 h up and 4–6 h for the round trip, climbing about 700 m. A moderate trail. No guide needed: the trail is marked.
Is Ala-Archa good for children and people who don’t hike?
The easiest walks are Broken Heart rock (1.2 km one way) and the Tepshi plateau (1.8–2 km, 3–4 h there and back), with no guide needed. Free electric cars run inside the park. Children under 7 enter free; children aged 7–14 pay 180 som.
What should I bring to Ala-Archa?
Bring water; warm layers; sun protection: a hat, sunglasses, sun cream; shoes you can walk a trail in. Use repellents on exposed skin and clothing according to the instructions.
How much is the cable car, and do I need cash?
Return ticket: adults 600 som, children 400 som. Cashless payment only, by electronic payment systems. Cabins climb from 2,166 m to 2,494 m. Check opening hours by phone: +996 555 766 676.
Where can I stay in Ala-Archa, and how do I book?
Inside the park: Forest houses “Tokoydogu Uy”, A-frame cottages, Ala-Archa Hotel, Ak-Bata Hotel, Adygene Hotel, Teplye Klyuchi health complex, and a banya with a pond. Pick a place and dates on the Stay page and send the request: WhatsApp opens with the message and a request number. The administrator confirms availability and the final price in the chat; nothing to pay on the site.
How safe is it: mudflows, ticks, and who do I call?
A siren and the message “Alarm. MUDFLOW” mean there is a risk of a mudflow. Do not stay in the riverbed. The signal means immediate evacuation from a potentially dangerous area. If there are no signs nearby, head uphill or toward the nearest safe exit. Tick-borne encephalitis: the disease is most common from April to September. Use repellents on exposed skin and clothing according to the instructions. In an emergency, call 112.
What time does the park open?
The park does not publish its own opening hours. Call the park office: +996 (312) 883 204 (Mon–Fri 09:00–17:30). Bus No. 1: 08:00–19:00; Teplye Klyuchi complex: 24/7 (per 2GIS); Khan Tengri cable car: check by phone.