Green pastures
Broad hills near the capital.
Vilya Shoni — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arzybek Mallabaev — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Askarjumagulov — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Satchidananda Adhikary — CC BY-SA 4.0 · KaparovaI00573 — CC BY-SA 4.0
Chunkurchak is a green valley in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range south of Bishkek and one of the closest mountain landscapes to the capital. City residents come for walks and horses in summer, and for skiing in winter. Being so close, it is a good choice if you only have half a day outside Bishkek. The valley has no major historic monument, and its modern story is one of leisure and health. Guides mention four ski bases here, which in summer become rest homes and resorts offering treatment with koumiss, fermented mare's milk. More recently, tourist complexes such as Supara have added yurts and Kyrgyz food. Broad pastures stretch between hills covered with juniper and spruce, and a fast stream runs among the rocks. Wildflowers bloom in early summer, and snow lingers on the peaks until late. Higher up you find yurts, horses for hire and, at some of the bases, chairlifts that carry you above the slope for a fee. The valley is about 27 km in a straight line from central Bishkek and about 40 km by road, around an hour and a half according to tour operators. A private car or tour is the simplest way to get there. Bring a jacket even in summer, as the air cools quickly, and shoes suited to rocky ground. The place changes with the season: choose spring and summer for greenery and winter for snow.
Broad hills near the capital.
A short ride in the valley.
Ski bases and chairlifts.
Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, south of Bishkek, Chuy Region
Yes. It is about 40 km by road, and companies offer it as a day trip or together with Ala-Archa.
Yes. Ski bases and chairlifts operate then, while in summer it becomes a place for horses and walks.