10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kyrgyzstan

When I told my friends and family I was going to travel to Kyrgyzstan, I was mostly met with a raised eyebrow. They’d either never heard of it or assumed it wasn’t really a place worth visiting. Fair enough, I suppose, given that Kyrgyzstan is a tiny nation in remote Central Asia.

But while it may be tiny, Kyrgyzstan sure packs a punch. Adventure tourists are beginning to flock to the country, allured by the promise of incredible scenery, excellent hiking, authentic culture and truly off-the-beaten-path experiences.

It was precisely for these reasons that I chose to visit, and let me tell you, Kyrgyzstan is absolutely worth visiting.

I’d like to share 10 reasons why you should visit Kyrgyzstan.

1. The landscape

It will come as no surprise to learn that the landscapes in Kyrgyzstan are pretty epic.

Here, you’ll find snow-capped peaks, impossibly blue lakes, meadows, waterfalls and herds of horses grazing across rolling green valleys. Often dubbed as “the Switzerland of Asia,” Kyrgyzstan’s alpine scenery really is a dream for fans of the great outdoors.

The country’s natural beauty is like no other – it’s untouched, wild and begging to be explored.

2. The people

Traditionally, Kyrgyz people were nomadic. They lived off their livestock, survived by hunting, and moved with the seasons. Land was not something to be owned, but rather something that was inhabited and shared.

The nomadic way of life has disappeared almost everywhere in the world but remains somewhat alive in Kyrgyzstan. Much of these people now live semi-nomadically; they live in villages during the winter but spend the warmer months moving around the mountains to allow their livestock to graze.

While roaming the mountains, Kyrgyz people stay in yurts, which are portable hut-like structures. An overnight stay in a yurt is a highlight of any visit to Kyrgyzstan. If you’re invited to stay, the feast you’ll be treated to is likely to include homemade bread, fresh yoghurt, a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers, and homemade jams. Oh, and your teacup will never be left empty, as Kyrgyz hospitality is like no other.

3. The horses

For more than 2000 years, the Kyrgyz people have relied on horses for transport and labour, and, still to this day, horses are seen as an integral part of life in the Kyrgyz mountains. Given this, it’s no surprise that the Kyrgyz landscape is inhabited by grazing horses.

Horse trekking is a popular activity in Kyrgyzstan. I recommend opting for a multi-day trek through the mountains, where you’ll likely cross jailoos (summer pastures), ride alongside rivers, sleep in yurts and experience the country in a truly memorable way.

4. Laid-back, low-key and surprisingly cosmopolitan Bishkek

When I think of Asian capitals, I picture hustle and bustle. Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, was the opposite. Surprisingly peaceful, green and modern, this beautiful city really impressed me. While there isn’t a lot in the way of must-see sights, the city certainly has its charms. You’ll find delicious restaurants and excellent coffee houses to enjoy, as well as parks, fountains, sculptures and statues to admire. Be sure to visit Ala-Too square, the main square of Bishkek, from where all the key sites of interest are within walking distance.

5. The Soviet history

Kyrgyzstan was part of the ancient Silk Road trading route, and for the majority of the 20th century, it was part of the Soviet Union’s sprawling Central Asian empire. It shares borders with other former Soviet states – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan – as well as China. On August 31, 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed, and Kyrgyzstan declared its independence.

Despite the fact its been almost 30 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union, you’ll find remnants of the era across the country. Particularly in Bishkek, you’ll spot many intriguing Soviet-style buildings and structures.

6. The hiking

In my opinion, Kyrgyzstan is one of the best hiking destinations in Asia. Most of the country is covered in mountains, with 90% of its territory above 1,500 meters. This means there are endless trekking opportunities to be had.

There are over 88 major mountain ranges in Kyrgyzstan, most of them forming the Tian Shan, often referred to as the Celestial Mountains. The country even boasts three peaks above 7000m, namely Khan Tengri, Jengish Chokusu and Lenin Peak, which attract trekkers and climbers world-over.

7. The alpine lakes

If Kyrgyzstan does one thing right, it’s the lakes. I remember feeling absolutely gobsmacked once I reached Ala Kul Lake after a multi-day hike in the Tian Shan mountains. The colour of its waters was really quite surreal; I’d never seen a shade of blue like it.

Kyrgyzstan’s biggest and most popular lake is Issyk-Kul. It’s over 170km long and 70km across, making it the world’s second-largest alpine lake. Here, visitors can swim in the vivid blue waters, where thermal activity and mild salinity ensure the lake never freezes over, even in the depths of winter.

8. The Fairytale Canyon

Just outside of the village Tosor, south of Issyk Kul Lake, you’ll find Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon. Legend says that the canyon came to be after a dragon turned to stone – the ridge you see in the image above is supposedly his spine!

And while thousands of years of ice, water and wind erosion is a more likely story, this magnificent landscape truly lives up to its name. Erosion has transformed the area into an array of unique rocky sculptures and formations, making it a fun place to hike, photograph and explore.

9. Fascinating cultures and traditions

Central Asia is the birthplace of the ancient tradition of eagle hunting. The nomads who roamed the mountains of the region first began to learn how to use these magnificent birds for hunting thousands of years ago. This hunting culture, known as Salbuurun, combines the use of golden eagles, taigan (an ancient Kyrgyz hunting dog), and hunters on horseback.

The tradition was passed down through the generations, as it was critical for finding food and furs in the harsh winter months. Sadly, during Soviet times, the practice was almost wiped out, although it is now being rekindled by those who hope to preserve the wisdom.

Another fascinating Kyrgyz tradition is that of the Nomadic Games. These games were designed to teach survival in harsh conditions by developing good horsemen, shepherds, hunters and warriors who could feed and protect their people.

10. Enjoy the path less travelled

Kyrgyzstan is a country that not many people seem to know about, likely due to its small size and the fact it was plotted on a map only as recently as 1924. Tourism only began in this tiny nation in recent years, so the industry is still just starting to grow.

On one hand, this is a crying shame, because Kyrgyzstan is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited. On the other hand, this makes the country a highly appealing destination. You won’t find any hint of over-tourism here; no tourist scams, no crowded attractions, no inflated prices.

After visiting a country like Kyrgyzstan, you face the ultimate traveller’s conundrum: to keep it to yourself or to tell everyone to go.

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Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren.

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