Logistics

How to Get There

By Private Vehicle

As of May 2025, entry to the national park is closed to vehicles with internal combustion engines. Entry for electric vehicles remains open and costs 800 som. There is a parking lot at the top, costing 50 som for an unlimited time.

By Taxi

You need to get to the entrance to the national park: https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=19/42.655741/74.495202&layers=P ↗. However, taxi drivers are not very fond of going there, so some minor difficulties may arise. The cost per car is around 600-800 som from the center of Bishkek.

By Public Transport

In May 2025, a free bus was launched. It starts from T. Usubaliev Square (often referred to as the old central square of Bishkek, near monuments and administrative buildings in the center) — a landmark in the city center.

Transport Inside the National Park

If you're not using a private vehicle, you need to pay 200 som per person to enter the national park. The number of days spent in the park is unlimited. Payment can be made in cash, by card, or with national QR transfers. Buses run around the clock from the entrance of the national park to the end of the road inside the park. The interval between buses is approximately every 10 minutes during the day and every 30-40 minutes at night.

Porter Services

Porters can help with transporting your gear to Racek Hut. They are managed by Aksat, his phone number is: +996 708 885 618. He is available on WhatsApp. The rate is 250 som per 1 kg, plus travel expenses, as a rule. You need to call and make arrangements in advance.

Infrastructure and Prices

Hotels Down Below

At the end of the road, there are several places to stay overnight.

"Pyramid" Hotel: +996 701 551 026
Two-bed rooms without amenities: +996 703 464 673

Climbing Huts

There are three huts in Ak-Sai gorge that can be used by climbers.

Racek Hut

A national landmark. There is a 24/7 attendant. Accommodation is paid, ranging from 700 to 1400 som per person per night. A sleeping place with a mattress is provided, and a warm sleeping bag can be rented for an additional fee. There is electricity (220 volts) and internet available for 12-24 hours a day. There is a bar where you can order food and drinks. Capacity is 32 people in shared rooms and 6 beds in a VIP room.

https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=19/42.535004/74.528918&layers=P ↗. Elevation 3370 m.

Light-House Hut

Actually, there are two huts standing next to each other, one of which is mainly used as a dining room. It's located three minutes' walk from Racek Hut further up the gorge. Built by Ak-Sai Travel company and primarily used for climbing events. As a rule, free accommodation is not available, but during the high season (July-August), Ak-Sai company may accommodate those who couldn't fit into Racek Hut. The cost of accommodation is the same.

https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=19/42.533444/74.531511&layers=P ↗. Elevation 3390 m.

Koronskaya Hut

Built by public efforts. There used to be two huts, but one burned down in a fire. Currently, a major renovation has been completed. There is electricity (USB power delivery), lighting, and a small library of books and films accessible via WiFi. There is no internet. Capacity is 6+6 people. Accommodation is free, but you need to check with people in the area if it's occupied.

https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=19/42.512095/74.543136&layers=P ↗. Elevation 3930 m.

"Nauka" Hut

Built many years ago, supposedly by glaciologists or public efforts. Currently, it's in a state of disrepair: it's skewed, there are gaps in the walls, and the roof leaks partially. However, it's still possible to live there quite comfortably if needed. Accommodation is free, but you need to check with people in the area if it's occupied.

https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=19/42.518356/74.551558&layers=P ↗. Elevation 3920 m.

Food

Racek Hut has a bar/cafe where you can order food. The cost is approximately 900 som for breakfast and 1300 som for a full lunch. Note that:

1. You need to order food in advance, a few hours ahead. Without waiting, they can only prepare a sandwich.
2. If you're planning to arrive in a large group and eat at the cafe for several days, you need to notify them so they can stock up on food. This can be done through Ak-Sai Travel company: https://ak-sai.com/ ↗

Information Online

You can view the webcam at Racek Hut here: http://aksaionline.com/ ↗

Weather: https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/week/raceka-camp_kyrgyzstan_12047900 ↗ and http://82.146.59.228/ ↗. The second link works as long as there's internet at Racek Hut, where you can view an archive of actual weather data (temperature, pressure, humidity) from several years ago.

Seasonality

The peak season is considered to be from early July to mid-August. During this time, the temperature around Racek Hut does not drop below +5 degrees, and the air warms up to +25 during the day. However, during this time, only trekking and rock climbing routes are available.

Ice Routes

The safe period is from mid-October to mid-May. In other months, the risk of rockfall is very high. Mixed routes are best climbed closer to the end of winter, as there's a higher likelihood of sufficient ice formation. You can also climb ice in the summer, at your own risk, starting at 11-12 PM and with a strict time limit: you must complete the route by 6 AM.