Ala Archa National Park
begeldinova str., south of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Description:
One of the main natural attractions of Kyrgyzstan is the Ala-Archa National Park, located on the northern slope of the Kyrgyz Range, 41 kilometers from Bishkek. It originates from the center of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too and extends north to the Ala-Archinsky gorge. Literally, its name translates as a motley juniper. It was established on April 29, 1976 by the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Kyrgyz SSR. Currently, the forest lands of the reserve are 1316 hectares, and the area of the steppe zone reaches 970 hectares.
The landscapes of mountain forests and foothill steppes are very diverse - about 600 plant species grow here, including 70 species of shrubs and trees, 50 species of medicinal plants, as well as many tannins and honey plants. There are also coniferous plants - pine, Tien Shan spruce, as well as a tree-like juniper (archa).
The territory of the Ala-Archa National Park is inhabited by such animals as the Siberian deer, arkhar, boar, capricorn, fox, deer, hare, wolf, ermine, badger, marten, porcupine and stone partridge. Also there are snow leopard and vulture, which are listed in the Red Book.