A paradise perched in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is an unbelievable location with a charming atmosphere coupled with an adventurous spirit. This nomadic land, which has a Soviet history, has a landscape consisting of about 65% mountain ranges and boasts more than 2,000 turquoise lakes. Comfortable weather throughout the year due to its high altitude makes it a perfect holiday destination with family and friends. With a multitude of stellar locations, here are some of the best places to visit in this enchanting country.
Bishkek
The capital city, which is bordered by the Tian Shan Range, serves as a doorway to the Ala Archa National Park and Kyrgyz Ala-Too Mountains. Like a modern-day city, it has a host of museums, art galleries, and opera and ballet theatres. You can see the influence of various types of architectural styles, which makes it a culturally rich city. You can visit the Ala-Too Square and Manas Monument, which are built in memory of the Kyrgyz Epic of Manas. Besides the many monuments, the city is home to a bustling gastronomic scene that is full of international, regional, and central Asian cuisines.
Ala Archa National Park
This national park is covered in a dense alpine envelop in the Tian Shan Mountain, and its beauty lies in its all-year-round accessibility. Located just 40km from the capital, it is a tourist favourite as it serves as an ideal spot for picnics, wildlife trails, mountain treks, nature walks and beautiful hikes. There are two most popular hikes: one trail leads to a surreal waterfall, and the other leads to the Ala Archa River.
Issyk Kul Lake
Translating to ‘hot lake’ in English, the Issyk Kul Lake is so huge that you can be surprisingly fooled that it is indeed a lake and not a sea. This endorheic lake is one of the largest and is surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Tian Shan ranges. Estimated to be about 25 million years old, the lake is perfect for swimming, rafting, kayaking, horse riding and more outdoor activities. It is even more wonderful since even in harsh cold weather, it does not freeze as it is loaded with salt and mineral-dense properties. Having 668 metres and an elevation of 1607 metres, it is the second-largest mountain lake in the world.
Karakol
Straight out of a fairytale setting, Karakol is untouched, which makes it a step back into serenity and full of beautiful architectural gems, tranquil markets, hearty cafes, and cultural sites. You can ride into the sunset with a backdrop of alpine trees, towering mountains, wild horses and quaint streams that confluence to form a magical setting. The Animal Market is a place to visit where the barter system still exists and is surely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Burana
Home to the famous old minarets of Burana Tower, this little hamlet in the Chuy Region has a historical setting as it houses the remains of Balasagun. Dating back to the 11th Century, it was a flourishing Silk Road city that had a minaret at the height of 40 meters, making it the oldest structure in Central Asia. However, it was destroyed during an earthquake and stood at half its height. There are museums and ancient stone carvings engraved by nomadic Turkic tribes called bal-bals there to explore.
Osh
The cultural capital of the country, which is a sublime blend of varied cultures like Kyrgyz, Uzbek, and Tajik, makes it a melting pot of different traditions. You can find many bazaars, handicraft stores, and delectable restaurants. The famous Sulaiman-Too is located here, where Solomon’s burial site is located. There is Babur Mosque too, which is considered the first mosque built by the Mughals. For the best sightseeing, a walking tour is an ideal option to absorb the vibe of the city.
