All countries in Central Asia have a lot of natural capital, but none manage to present it as well as Kyrgyzstan.
The main tourism highlights are accessible and inexpensive, it’s easy to get away from the few places where tourists congegrate and authentic experiences of nomad life, post-Soviet life and animal life can be had at every step. Ecotourism projects are running smoothly: hiking, horse riding and yurtstays can be arranged easily with the benefits going to those who need it the most.
With visa-free travel now available for citizens of most wealthy countries, and better flight connections with Europe and the Far East, Kyrgyzstan is poised to become the new darling of the outdoor community.
Horses roaming free at Song Kol lake – Jacek Oleksinski
Where to go?
We’ll just assume you are coming in summer…skiers look elsewhere.
The skiing is good too in Kyrgyzstan
First stop: Bishkek
Starting from Bishkek, most travelers will want to head straight for the Issyk-Kul region east of the capital. Here you can find what Kyrgyzstan is all about in a small, easy-to-access area. Alpine lakes and mountain circus, white water fit for rafting. Broad jailoo pastures with shepherds, horses and yurts. With 1 or 2 weeks time, there’s no need to look any further.
The lush Altyn Arashan valley, east of Issyk Kul
To cool down from all the hiking and horse riding, Issyk-Kul has beaches. There’s even a bit of ancient history for the geeks. Karakol and Kochkor are the 2 main gateway towns to the lakes and mountains beyond.
Crossing Central Kyrgyzstan on public transport is not possible. Backpackers on a budget will have to return to Bishkek if they want to see the other side of the country. Those with transport, a budget, or a lot of time can make their way to Suusamyr via Song Kol, or to Jalal-Abad via Naryn and Kazarman.
Post-jailoo: meat dishes are Kyrgyzstan’s staple food
First stop: Osh
If you are coming from China, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan, you can hardly avoid Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s southern capital. While hardy trekkers and climbers can spend weeks in the Alay range straddling the border with Tajikistan, most will prefer to move north onto the highway towards Bishkek.
On the way north, Arslanbob is a fixture on the tourist route, thanks to a splendid homestay network in a wonderful setting. Between Arslanbob and Bishkek, there are detours for the more persistent. However, the path of least resistance leads straight to Bishkek and on to Issyk-Kul. Just follow the kymis.
Sunset at Holy Lake, Arslanbob
Off the beaten track
Climbers, dedicated trekkers, independent kayakers, hard-nosed cyclists and those willing to buy a horse: Kyrgyzstan is your oyster. If you’re not that hardcore but want to do something different anyway: you can find a homestay anywhere. You just have to arrive; before you know it, you have become part of village life.
The Karavshin gorge, near Tajikistan, has been dubbed “Asia’s Patagonia”
Delve deeper
Find out more about Kyrgyzstan’s different regions.
- Issyk-Kul region: Issyk-Kul and the mountains surrounding it have everything you need for a great outdoor holiday with a cultural touch.
- The North: Bishkek and the mountains around. No one goes to Talas (yet).
- The South: Osh is the second capital and the gateway to China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Arslanbob is a highlight. Beyond, there’s more stunning mountain scenery.
- The Center: A huge mountainous area. Song Kul is the star attraction. Beyond, much more mountains, lakes, yurts and jailoos.