Arkan Tokoy — Extreme Heights Park

Technical Progress Against Humanity

No one needs convincing anymore that movement is life, and without movement, our bodies turn into bags stuffed with information. This has long been understood… laziness! Laziness to acquire equipment to confirm the status of a "cool skier," laziness to drag oneself to the pool and perform all the required movements; laziness to buy a bicycle and learn to rollerblade. And it’s dangerous… ski slopes are just waiting to break legs, pools threaten to bloom with mushrooms, bicycles and skates leave knees scraped… and in general, technical progress has long spoiled both human nature and the human body. What we want is something safe, not far away, and… breathtaking! And something that resonates with our nature! You might say there’s nothing like that?



Nature, Wow, and Relaxation

The Extreme Heights Park "Arkan Tokoy" is an incredible combination of nature, adrenaline, pleasant physical activity, safety, and… accessibility. Just ten minutes from the center of Bishkek, in the shade of magnificent trunks of the Karagach grove, passersby gaze up in amazement and excitedly point at the mysterious intertwining of climbing ropes, strange rope ladders, and wooden platforms clinging to mighty, healthy oaks. "Look there, and over there, and this!" – emotions are all that remains, as it’s hard to describe the structure in words. And a familiar fear arises in the city dweller, worn out by barriers and restrictions – don’t climb, it’ll kill you! But the young people present here, with exemplary athletic figures, charming smiles, and climbing gear at their waists, gladly explain that climbing is not only possible but necessary:

- This is not just entertainment; it’s a new perception of the world for a city dweller. The rope park, consisting of various transitions, descents, and ascents between trees, allows urbanites to feel like if not Indiana Jones, then at least a tourist in the tropics, to experience not just the spirit of adventure but also to gain quite, if I may say so, physical impressions, – explains the instructor of the "Arkan Tokoy" Park, Yaroslav. By the way, Yaroslav, like all the park staff, is not just a "muscle-bound boy," but a real representative of the rare tribe of professional climbers; both have several years of experience. So the guys know the intricacies of attachments, safety, and proper behavior at heights not just in words; they have undergone special training and have verified rights to ensure your safety during a dizzying journey through the treetops of the Karagach grove.



- You will get an adrenaline rush by passing one of our routes, – adds instructor Roman. By the way, there are several of them – at heights ranging from five to fifteen meters above the ground (equivalent to a two- to seven-story building), securely fixed wooden platforms comply with international safety standards, connected by nets, steps, swings, loops, logs, and other obstacles. One of the most extreme stages of the entire adventure course is the rapid descent from a height on a safety line, known as the "zip line."

- So, can I just climb a tree right now?

- Well, not right away, but it’s quite simple – laughs the park manager Vitaly. – First, we will conduct a briefing with you, provide you with equipment – helmets, climbing harnesses, safety ropes, and then the instructor will guide you through the selected routes. For example, there’s a route for children; for adults, but cautious citizens – their own; for thrill-seekers – a special one. Children are treated here especially well; there’s an approach for every child, and the instructors have plenty of experience in communicating with kids. It’s no surprise, as more than 70% of visitors are children.

By the way, we have a special “Forest Squirrels” program – a survival skills school in the wild – a very popular type of children’s recreation in Europe (more about "Forest Squirrels"). The "Forest Squirrels" usually start at the end of May when children finally go on their long-awaited summer vacation. You can familiarize yourself with the "Forest Squirrels" program on our website.



- The main thing that passing the route gives is a sense of victory; the blood literally boils, adrenaline is off the charts, – shares his feelings a regular park visitor, Maxim. This is a completely new entertainment for Kyrgyzstanis, and indeed for all of Central Asia – such a park exists only in Bishkek. The sensations are amazing, getting there is easy, and in terms of cost – it couldn’t be more affordable. I come here with friends and family. Last year, I even brought my work colleagues, as there was an opportunity to conduct team building in Bishkek – an unconventional event for the team, called the "Rope Course." That’s where we found out who among the ladies screams the loudest and who among the men is the most agile and fearless (laughs). But after such "shared adrenaline," the atmosphere at work changed – we started to trust each other more.

- Indeed, many companies come to us to pass the "Rope Course." This type of leisure has become very popular among many companies – it is quite beneficial for the moral climate. The Rope Course program is exceptionally interesting and diverse. After completing it, you are guaranteed to achieve results and unforgettable impressions, – says Vitaly.

Where Do the Logs Come From?

The structure of the rope park looks ridiculously primitive – trees, ropes, sticks, and knots. That’s it. It seems like basic skills for building tree houses, but it’s not that simple. Let’s start with the fact that not every tree is as strong and reliable as it may appear. And not every rope can repeatedly bear human weight. And not every knot is tied in such a way that it won’t "suddenly" come undone.

- Safety is the issue we addressed from the very beginning during construction, and it’s something we continue to care about every day throughout the history of the rope park, founded in 2008. And, by the way, we are successfully managing this – besides all the official permits, we can boast that there has not been a single serious incident on the park's territory. One could say "let's not jinx it," but jinxing and mysticism have nothing to do with it; it’s all about a scientific and technical approach to ensuring safety. I would even say it’s a biological approach, – shares the park manager Asel Enaglycheva. Let’s start with the fact that every tree encompassed by the park has undergone a special inspection – biologists have confirmed that its age and trunk condition allow it to be used for the rope park, that it won’t crack or break under the weight of the structure and the people on it. So we trust our trees, also because they undergo annual inspections. We treat the trees with respect – during the construction of the park, not a single nail was hammered into any tree. We also went through a lengthy procedure to obtain the necessary permits. We had to invite experts from the Department of Environmental Protection, who thoroughly checked the materials and attachments on the trees.

- But allow me, what about the reliability of the attachments? Wouldn’t it be more reliable with nails?



- It only seems that way. In fact, the special climbing ropes and equipment we use provide a more reliable connection of the structure to the trees than any nails. Moreover, such attachments are humane towards the tree, which lives a normal life and doesn’t get sick, as it would if we hammered nails into it. Overall, despite the park’s economy, the main expense for the organizers is the acquisition of equipment; it must be branded, high-quality, and guarantee reliability. We use equipment and gear from companies like PETZL, Manaraga, Venta, Omega.

We have all the necessary permits. We undergo technical expertise annually before the season opens, just like any other attraction in the city.

We monitor the surrounding area, organized a resting place, and installed a bio-toilet. Every year, we invest significant efforts into improving the "Arkan Tokoy" rope park, which has become a true gem of the Karagach grove, harmoniously fitting into its landscape and historical infrastructure.



Prices and Routes for the 2015 Season:

1. Route “Beginner” for children aged 6-9 and especially cautious individuals – 250 soms per pass

2. Route “Amateur” for older children and not particularly prepared adults – 300 soms per pass

3. Route “Pro” for prepared individuals - 350 soms per pass

4. Route “Pro+” for thrill-seekers - 450 soms per pass

5. Route “Mega” for our active visitors – 450 soms per pass

6. Adrenaline route “Banzai” for everyone over 140 cm tall – 500 soms per pass

7. Any direction route: considered one ascent and one descent, with no time limit – 750 soms



Forest Squirrels

“Forest Squirrels” have become even more interesting and engaging this season!!! Three-day day camps for children (Summer Children’s Camp “Forest Squirrels”)

How to tie a "bowline"; what is a jumar and harness; how to navigate using the forgotten item called a compass; how to set up a tent, light a fire; what to do in the woods if you get lost and have nothing to eat, how to help a friend who has twisted an ankle??

Do you know the answers to these questions?

We guarantee that your children, after completing the exciting "Forest Squirrels" program, will learn to tie knots, pack backpacks for hikes, cross rope bridges, and even cook food over a fire.

“Forest Squirrels” are designed for children aged 7 to 14 and take place in the Karagach grove at the base of the "Arkan Tokoy" rope park in groups of 10-15 children. Over three days, professional climbers and instructors teach your children various skills that are not so easy to acquire in our everyday lives, but which often determine a person's safety.

Action: Day 1. Squirrels in the Trees

Introduction to climbing equipment
Knot tying,
Crossing rope bridges,
Ascents and descents to various heights using a jumar



Day 2. Squirrels Build a House (Hike through the Karagach Grove)

Packing backpacks
Choosing camping spots
Setting up tents
Gathering firewood
Lighting a fire
Cooking food over the fire



Day 3. Squirrels Search for Treasure

Basics of navigation (azimuth, compass)
Game with navigation elements “Maze”
Game-exam “Treasure” across the territory of the Karagach grove
Summarizing, awarding certificates and prizes



Camp conducted by:
Leader of the military-sports club "Rodina," educator with 20 years of experience, Ilya Borisovich Tolsky, and instructors of the "Arkan Tokoy" rope park



Cost of three-day participation is 1500 soms. The cost includes:

Lunches for three days
Passing the routes of the rope park (only on the third day of the camp)
Prizes and certificates

Requirements:
Light sports shoes and clothing
No contraindications to physical activities



Working Hours and Contacts

Summer working hours:
Every day except Monday, from 10 AM. The last launch on the course is at 6:30 PM.

Autumn and Spring working hours
Saturdays and Sundays, all holidays from 10 AM. The last launch on the course is at 6:30 PM.

For groups of more than 10 people, the Rope Park “Arkan Tokoy” can be opened at any convenient time by prior arrangement.

Inquiries by phone: 0555 509221, 0557 772127

Map to the location