From the cliffs of Dover to the peaks of Patagonia, the dry depths of Death Valley, and the Atacama Desert, this world is full of stunning surprises and views that leave you at a loss for words. One such place, nestled in the “Roof of the World,” is Ala Archa National Park in Kyrgyzstan. South of  Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, an intrepid traveler will find captivating views offered by one of the world’s tallest mountain ranges. Established in 1976, Ala Archa National Park is a jewel set in the crown of the great Central Asian mountains. Vast and tremendous, the Tian Shan mountain range runs through the park and is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Rare and elusive Snow leopards, orniery Ibex, shifty marmots, and numerous species of colorful birds add to the splendid natural beauty of the region. All year-round travelers can enjoy awe-inspiring views of deep green juniper trees in the summer and peaceful snow-covered paths in the winter.

Prior to Ala Archa’s designation as a national park, it was used by the Soviet military to train its soldiers for mountaineering in extreme conditions. Doubtless, this was the proper place to train. The peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains begin in Uzbekistan and extend through Kyrgyzstan into Western China. This range adds to the number of tallest mountain peaks and features perilously steep slopes and thousands of glaciers, creating some of the harshest conditions for survival training. The chief of these peaks (or Khan, if you will) is “Jengish Chokusu”, “Pik Pobedy”, translating to “Victory Peak” (in Kyrgyz and Russian respectively), which towers over the region at a staggering 24,604 ft! The park currently has hiking routes for hikers of all experience levels, so whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a family looking for a nice picnic spot, Ala Archa National Park welcomes all.