Easy winter spots you should definitely visit

You don't need to be a mountaineer to see the mountains in winter. Around Bishkek and on Issyk-Kul there are plenty of places you can visit for a day, walk a couple of hours along a well-trodden trail and be back for dinner. Here's our must-see list — all of them are easy in normal weather and low avalanche danger.

Ala-Archa: a walk along the river

The national park 40 km from Bishkek is the most accessible winter destination. From the mountaineering camp (about 2,100 m) a wide trail runs up the gorge along the river among Tian Shan spruces. You can walk an hour or two one way and turn back at any moment. In winter the park is quiet and very beautiful.

• Time: 2–4 hours. Gain: up to 300 m.
• What to take: microspikes — the trail is often icy.
• Important: in winter don't go further up the gorge or into the side gorges (Ak-Sai, Adygene) without preparation — there are avalanche slopes there.

Chunkurchak

A gorge 35 km from Bishkek with a small ski base. While some ski, you can walk up the valley to a waterfall or just stroll on the gentle snowy slopes. A good choice for a first winter outing with children.

• Time: 2–3 hours.
• The upside: there's a café nearby where you can warm up.

Kegety: the ice waterfall

A gorge east of Bishkek where a waterfall about 25 m high freezes in winter, turning into a huge ice sculpture. From the end of the road to the waterfall it's 1.5–2 hours on foot along the river.

• Time: 4–5 hours there and back. Gain: about 400 m.
• What to take: microspikes, a thermos, warm gloves for photos.
• The road into the gorge can be snowy in winter: a car with good clearance is better.

Issyk-Ata: mountains and hot springs

77 km from Bishkek is a gorge with radon springs, a sanatorium and an ancient image of the Buddha carved on a rock. First a walk up the gorge to the waterfall, then a dip in hot water surrounded by snow. The perfect "hike plus relaxation" format.

• Time: 2–3 hours for the walk.
• Don't forget: a swimsuit and a towel.

Jeti-Oguz: red rocks in the snow

25 km from Karakol are the famous red rocks "Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart". In winter the red sandstone against white snow and blue spruces looks especially striking. A short climb to the viewpoint and a walk into the Kok-Jaiyk valley are within almost anyone's reach.

• Time: 2–4 hours.
• The upside: easy to combine with a trip to the Karakol ski base.

Skazka canyon

On the south shore of Issyk-Kul there's little snow in winter, and the colourful clay canyons stay accessible all year round. It's an easy 1–2 hour walk and a great option when avalanche danger in the mountains is high.

Altyn-Arashan — if you're ready for more

A valley with hot springs at about 2,600 m above Karakol. The way in is 14 km up the gorge: 5–6 hours on foot or a ride in an off-road vehicle. This is already intermediate level, but a night in a guesthouse and a hot bath among snowy mountains are worth it.

General rules

Even on an easy route, start early, take a headlamp and turn back before dark. Check the forecast and don't leave the trodden trail. Cards for all the spots with time, elevation gain and tips are in the PDF for this article — handy to save to your phone before the trip.

📄 Download the PDF (in Russian): Easy winter spots you should definitely visit