Ala-Archa Water Reservoir

Ala-Archa Reservoir is located in the northern part of Bishkek, in the channel of the Ala-Archa River. The reservoir is used to store meltwater and supply it during the hot season, primarily for agricultural needs. The water level reaches its maximum in April–May, when part of the shoreline covered with columnar poplars becomes flooded. This is why May is the perfect time for a boat trip on the reservoir. During this period, you can paddle along an alley formed by slender rows of poplars, admiring their reflections in the clear, slightly bluish water. Thanks to the permanent presence of fresh water and tall trees, some bird species (grey herons and cormorants) choose the reservoir shores as nesting grounds, and many trees are crowned with dozens of bird nests. Frogs, other waterfowl, and aquatic animals can also be found here. Ala-Archa Reservoir is a true reservoir of life and coolness at the beginning of the hot southern summer.

To get there, drive north from Bishkek along Mahatma Gandhi Street (the continuation of Molodaya Gvardiya Boulevard). At the intersection with the ring road, continue straight ahead. After crossing the canal bridge, turn right onto a dirt road and follow it toward the northern end of the reservoir and the dam supporting it from the north. After crossing the dam, turn right onto the peninsula extending into the reservoir from the north. From there, choose a branch of the road depending on your final destination. The roads beyond the dam are barely passable for a regular city sedan, but the distance to the destination is short, so you can leave your car and continue on foot if necessary.

The season is strictly limited to April–May. In early June, the water level begins to drop, the shoreline recedes, and boat rental companies close for the season, moving to Issyk-Kul or other locations. Do not forget basic water safety measures (a life jacket will be offered — do not refuse it) and also be aware of ticks: in spring, they are quite common in the moist, tall grass on the peninsula.

It is best to start the water route from the western shore of the peninsula, paddling around it counterclockwise. Try to stay close to the shore — this is where you can literally glide through a flooded forest, in the dense shade of huge trees. The bird colony is located on the eastern side of the peninsula; reaching it by water takes about 30–40 minutes one way, depending on your speed and starting point. You can rest here for a while and observe bird life. It is better to keep some distance from trees with nests, as their inhabitants sometimes practice targeted aerial “bombing” of absent-minded naturalists.