Where to Go for May Holidays: Rest Options in Kyrgyzstan

This year’s May holidays will give Kyrgyzstani residents long weekends — from May 1 to 10. This is a great opportunity to rest from the hustle and bustle of the city, change the scenery, and spend time in nature.

The **24.kg** editorial team has prepared a selection of places to go for a vacation. In spring Kyrgyzstan, there are many travel options — from short trips to the outskirts of Bishkek to walks through picturesque gorges and horseback routes.

### Ala-Archa National Natural Park

Ala-Archa Park is one of the most popular recreation spots near Bishkek. The park is located about 30 kilometers from the capital, and the drive takes about 40–60 minutes. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit here annually — both local residents and guests from other countries. Visitors are attracted by the clean mountain air, majestic landscapes, glacial rivers, and coniferous forests.

Bus No. 1 runs from central Bishkek to the park. Fare is 50 som for cash payment, 40 som via QR code. Transport departs from Turdakun Usubaliev Square (Old Square) from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Buses run every 20 minutes.

In the park, you can visit the Ak-Sai waterfall and the Ratsek hut.

Room rates:

* Lux (2-bed) — 9 thousand som;
* Family (4-bed) — 7 thousand som;
* Semi-lux (2-bed) — 6 thousand som;
* Standard (2-bed) — 4 thousand som (without breakfast);
* Cottage (4-bed) — 11 thousand som (with breakfast).

You can also ride the cable car in Ala-Archa Park. Cost for adults is 600 som, free for children under 7.

But there is one downside — there will likely be too many people wanting to go to the park during the May holidays. If you want seclusion — Ala-Archa is clearly not for you. And most likely, vacationers will face traffic jams, so you’ll have to be patient.

### Horseback Tour. Chon-Kemin

Chon-Kemin is a unique natural park where almost untouched nature and rich biodiversity are preserved. Rare species of animals and plants live here, some of which are listed in the Red Book.

Despite its relatively close location to large settlements, the park’s territory has retained its pristine beauty. Green mountain slopes, blooming meadows, and dense forests create an impressive natural landscape. The park is about 150 kilometers from Bishkek, and the road takes two to three hours.

From here, you can go on hiking or horseback trips through mountain passes towards Issyk-Kul. Chon-Kemin is perfect for a relaxing vacation, during which you can enjoy the silence, clean mountain air, and the beauty of Kyrgyz nature.

Cost of horseback tour: 2.6 thousand som per person.

### Suspension Bridge in Chon-Kurcak Gorge

The Sky Bridge is an unusual tourist spot located at the Chon-Kurcak ski base and offers bright emotions and unforgettable impressions. Visiting this place becomes a real adventure for those who love extreme sports.

The bridge is located at a significant height, and crossing it brings a slight feeling of fear and an adrenaline rush. However, these emotions are compensated by the impressive views opening from the height.

Trip cost from 1,490 som to 1,690 som.

### SUP Boarding and Canoeing on Ala-Archin Reservoir

In spring, the Ala-Archin Reservoir in Chui region turns into one of the most unusual natural places. The so-called “flooded forest” looks especially impressive — trees that stood on the dry shore in winter end up partially submerged in water as the water level rises.

Excursion costs start from about 1.8 thousand to 2.2 thousand som per person.

### Altyn-Arashan Gorge

Altyn-Arashan is a picturesque valley in Kyrgyzstan located at an altitude of about 3 thousand meters above sea level. To the south, it is dominated by Palatka Peak (4,260 meters).

The path runs along the Arashan River through a narrow gorge, where both cold and thermal springs are found. A significant part of the territory is part of the state natural reserve.

The route is considered challenging, steep and difficult in places, passing through coniferous forests. In this area, you can encounter wild animals, including bears. There is a small museum dedicated to local fauna for visitors.

Above the resort are the Kyzyr-Tash cave and the peaks of the Ak-Suu ridge, reaching heights of over 5 thousand meters.

Tour operators offer two-day tours from 7.8 thousand to 9 thousand som per person.

### Tour Around Issyk-Kul Lake

This is the pearl of Kyrgyzstan, where thousands of tourists come annually. But today, a trip around the lake is not only beach rest and swimming in clean water, but also getting to know the natural diversity of the region.

Modern tours show another side of Issyk-Kul: sandy canyons, mountain waterfalls, glaciers, picturesque gorges, and unusual rock formations. Each route reveals new natural locations.

The cost of a two-day tour around the lake starts from about 8 thousand som.

### Tour Around Issyk-Kul Lake

Rafting starts at the 113th kilometer of the Bishkek — Balykchy highway and ends near the Burladai Bridge. The rafting takes place on the Chu River.

Here, there are both calm sections and more dynamic ones with fast currents, waves, and small rapids. The route’s difficulty is rated about 2–3 points on the six-point international scale, making it accessible for beginners.

Rafting is one of the most popular active tours on the way to Issyk-Kul.

The rafting duration is about 1.5 hours, the season is from May to October, the total route length is about 19 kilometers.

The cost of this entertainment is about 4.5 thousand som per person. The amount includes transport to and from the site.