wheretogo
Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Highlights

Kyrgyzstan, situated in Central Asia, is a nation famed for its stunning natural beauty, nomadic traditions, and hospitable people. The capital, Bishkek, offers wide avenues, numerous parks, and Soviet-era architecture. The country is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with the celestial Tien Shan Mountains providing opportunities for trekking, horse riding, and winter sports. Lake Issyk-Kul, the world`s second-largest alpine lake, is a must-visit spot for its crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The country`s nomadic culture can be experienced in a yurt stay on the summer pastures, known as jailoos. The local cuisine is a blend of Turkic, Mongol, Russian, and Persian influences, with dishes like beshbarmak and manti. Kyrgyzstan`s combination of cultural experiences and natural beauty offers an off-the-beaten-path destination for travelers.

Top 10 Attractions

Ala Archa National Park

This park, situated about 40 kilometers south of the capital Bishkek, is an outdoor lover`s dream. Hiking trails wind through alpine meadows, forests, and high mountain ridges, providing incredible views. Despite its elevation, the park is easily acc... more

This park, situated about 40 kilometers south of the capital Bishkek, is an outdoor lover`s dream. Hiking trails wind through alpine meadows, forests, and high mountain ridges, providing incredible views. Despite its elevation, the park is easily accessible, making it a popular spot for day trips and short hikes.

Altyn Arashan

This valley is known for its hot springs, situated in a spectacular alpine setting. Accessed from Karakol by a challenging road, Altyn Arashan is often visited as part of multi-day treks. However, those who make the journey are rewarded with beautifu... more

This valley is known for its hot springs, situated in a spectacular alpine setting. Accessed from Karakol by a challenging road, Altyn Arashan is often visited as part of multi-day treks. However, those who make the journey are rewarded with beautiful landscapes and relaxing hot springs.

Arslanbob Walnut Forest

Arslanbob is home to the world`s largest natural walnut forest. These ancient forests also include many other types of fruit and nut trees. The local community offers homestays, horseback tours, and guided hikes, making it an excellent place for cult... more

Arslanbob is home to the world`s largest natural walnut forest. These ancient forests also include many other types of fruit and nut trees. The local community offers homestays, horseback tours, and guided hikes, making it an excellent place for cultural and ecological tourism.

Burana Tower

The Burana Tower is a large minaret in the Chuy Valley in northern Kyrgyzstan. It`s an important archaeological site, providing a glimpse into the country`s Karakhanid-era history. Visitors can climb the tower for a panoramic view of the surrounding... more

The Burana Tower is a large minaret in the Chuy Valley in northern Kyrgyzstan. It`s an important archaeological site, providing a glimpse into the country`s Karakhanid-era history. Visitors can climb the tower for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Also, the site features Balbals (stone markers) and a small museum.

Fairy Tale Canyon

Also known as Skazka, Fairy Tale Canyon is known for its unusual rock formations, created by erosion patterns in the red sandstone. The canyons and cliffs, located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, take on shapes that visitors often associate... more

Also known as Skazka, Fairy Tale Canyon is known for its unusual rock formations, created by erosion patterns in the red sandstone. The canyons and cliffs, located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, take on shapes that visitors often associate with familiar images, hence the name.

Issyk-Kul Lake

Issyk-Kul Lake is a significant draw for visitors in Kyrgyzstan. It`s the second-largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea and the second-largest mountain lake in the world. Its name means "hot lake," as it never freezes, even in the coldest winters.... more

Issyk-Kul Lake is a significant draw for visitors in Kyrgyzstan. It`s the second-largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea and the second-largest mountain lake in the world. Its name means "hot lake," as it never freezes, even in the coldest winters. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and hosts many popular beach resorts, offering numerous recreational activities.

Jeti-Oguz

The "Seven Bulls" rock formation is one of the most famous natural attractions in Kyrgyzstan. Located near Karakol, these red sandstone cliffs resemble seven bulls standing together. There`s a spa resort at the base, while the surrounding area is per... more

The "Seven Bulls" rock formation is one of the most famous natural attractions in Kyrgyzstan. Located near Karakol, these red sandstone cliffs resemble seven bulls standing together. There`s a spa resort at the base, while the surrounding area is perfect for hiking, with spectacular panoramic views from the top of the cliffs.

Karakol

Karakol, a city situated near Issyk-Kul Lake, is a great base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders. The city itself has a charming, laid-back atmosphere, with interesting sights like the Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Dungan... more

Karakol, a city situated near Issyk-Kul Lake, is a great base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders. The city itself has a charming, laid-back atmosphere, with interesting sights like the Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque.

Kegety Gorge

This beautiful gorge located not far from Bishkek is known for its alpine meadows, crystal clear rivers, and a stunning waterfall. It`s a great place for hiking and horseback riding, and there are several yurt camps where visitors can experience trad... more

This beautiful gorge located not far from Bishkek is known for its alpine meadows, crystal clear rivers, and a stunning waterfall. It`s a great place for hiking and horseback riding, and there are several yurt camps where visitors can experience traditional Kyrgyz hospitality.

Köl-Suu Lake

One of the most remote places in Kyrgyzstan, Köl-Suu Lake, is a stunning high-altitude lake located near the Chinese border. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks, and a boat ride on the lake offers some of the most breathtaking views in the count... more

One of the most remote places in Kyrgyzstan, Köl-Suu Lake, is a stunning high-altitude lake located near the Chinese border. The lake is surrounded by towering peaks, and a boat ride on the lake offers some of the most breathtaking views in the country.

Konorchek Canyons

Located near Bishkek, these red sandstone canyons are great for hiking. The two-day trek to a viewpoint overlooking an unusual tower-like formation is a highlight here. The landscape is often compared to the American Grand Canyon. more

Located near Bishkek, these red sandstone canyons are great for hiking. The two-day trek to a viewpoint overlooking an unusual tower-like formation is a highlight here. The landscape is often compared to the American Grand Canyon.

Manas Ordo

A monument dedicated to the national hero of Kyrgyzstan, Manas, is located near the town of Talas. Manas Ordo is also the alleged burial place of Manas. The complex includes a large statue of Manas, a museum detailing his life and legend, and a mauso... more

A monument dedicated to the national hero of Kyrgyzstan, Manas, is located near the town of Talas. Manas Ordo is also the alleged burial place of Manas. The complex includes a large statue of Manas, a museum detailing his life and legend, and a mausoleum.

Navat

This popular restaurant in Bishkek is a great place to try traditional Kyrgyz cuisine. The interior is decorated with national motifs, and the menu offers a wide range of dishes, including beshbarmak, manty, and shashlik. more

This popular restaurant in Bishkek is a great place to try traditional Kyrgyz cuisine. The interior is decorated with national motifs, and the menu offers a wide range of dishes, including beshbarmak, manty, and shashlik.

Peak Lenin

For mountaineers, Peak Lenin is a highlight of Kyrgyzstan. This towering 7,000-meter peak is one of the most accessible of its size in the world. It`s situated on the border with Tajikistan, and while climbing it is a serious endeavor, there are a nu... more

For mountaineers, Peak Lenin is a highlight of Kyrgyzstan. This towering 7,000-meter peak is one of the most accessible of its size in the world. It`s situated on the border with Tajikistan, and while climbing it is a serious endeavor, there are a number of treks in the surrounding area that are available for all.

Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is known for its stunning alpine lake, surrounded by wild fruit orchards and forested mountains. It`s a great place for hiking and spotting local wildlife. The reserve is also home to many species of birds, making it a popular des... more

This nature reserve is known for its stunning alpine lake, surrounded by wild fruit orchards and forested mountains. It`s a great place for hiking and spotting local wildlife. The reserve is also home to many species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.

Song Kol Lake

Situated at over 3,000 meters above sea level, Song Kol is the second-largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and a highlight of the Naryn region. In summer, it`s a popular place to experience a yurt stay, enjoying the nomadic lifestyle surrounded by a stunning l... more

Situated at over 3,000 meters above sea level, Song Kol is the second-largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and a highlight of the Naryn region. In summer, it`s a popular place to experience a yurt stay, enjoying the nomadic lifestyle surrounded by a stunning landscape. The lake area is also a favorite among horseback riders.

State Museum of Fine Arts

Located in Bishkek, the State Museum of Fine Arts houses an extensive collection showcasing the rich artistic tradition of Kyrgyzstan. From modern art to traditional Kyrgyz crafts and Soviet-era paintings, the museum offers a diverse overview of the... more

Located in Bishkek, the State Museum of Fine Arts houses an extensive collection showcasing the rich artistic tradition of Kyrgyzstan. From modern art to traditional Kyrgyz crafts and Soviet-era paintings, the museum offers a diverse overview of the country`s art scene.

Sulayman Mountain

Recognized as a World Heritage Site, the Sulayman Mountain is a sacred site in the Islamic and pre-Islamic tradition. It`s located in the city of Osh and has a museum built within it. Climbing to the top rewards visitors with panoramic views of Osh. more

Recognized as a World Heritage Site, the Sulayman Mountain is a sacred site in the Islamic and pre-Islamic tradition. It`s located in the city of Osh and has a museum built within it. Climbing to the top rewards visitors with panoramic views of Osh.

Tash Bulak

Tash Bulak is a mountain valley with natural springs, located in the Osh region. It`s a great place for a quiet retreat, with several sanatoriums offering health treatments. The area is also popular for hiking and horse riding. more

Tash Bulak is a mountain valley with natural springs, located in the Osh region. It`s a great place for a quiet retreat, with several sanatoriums offering health treatments. The area is also popular for hiking and horse riding.

Tash Rabat

Tash Rabat, once a caravanserai for merchants traveling along the Silk Road, is a fascinating historical site. Located in the Naryn region, this stone-built structure has survived since the 15th century and offers insight into the area`s past. It fea... more

Tash Rabat, once a caravanserai for merchants traveling along the Silk Road, is a fascinating historical site. Located in the Naryn region, this stone-built structure has survived since the 15th century and offers insight into the area`s past. It features 31 rooms, including chambers and a central hall.

More