Kyrgyzstan, a country located in Central Asia, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination. With its breath-taking mountain ranges, vast lakes, and unique cultural heritage, Kyrgyzstan has plenty to offer visitors.
Long
known for its wildly beautiful hiking and cycle-touring trails, its few cities
– which have good air links – offer a sophisticated crossover between
post-Soviet chic and nomadic culture.
Here are eleven (11) reasons why you should consider adding Kyrgyzstan to your travel bucket list.
1 - Warm hospitality
The Kyrgyz people are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. Guests are treated with utmost respect and are often welcomed with traditional songs and dances. Staying with a local family in a yurt camp is a great way to experience the Kyrgyz hospitality and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Visitors can experience the country's rich cultural heritage first-hand by attending festivals and participating in cultural events.
2 - Affordable
Travel
Kyrgyzstan is
an affordable destination, with a low cost of living and inexpensive travel
options. You can travel around the country by public transport, which is cheap
and efficient. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury
hotels, catering to all types of travellers.
Thanks to its growing reputation as a centre for adventure tourism, Kyrgyzstan has a whole community of backpacker-friendly hostels. Hippyish TES hotel in Osh is a major hangout for the cyclists and bikers coming down from the Pamir highway and allows campers to pitch a tent in the garden for a seriously cheap stay. Friends Guesthouse in Bishkek is a comfortable hotel-slash-hostel, with plenty of plush day beds for lounging. High in the mountains, family-run homestays offer unparalleled hospitality for less than $10 (£7.57) per night.
3 - Outdoor Adventures
Kyrgyzstan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as hiking, trekking, skiing, horseback riding, and mountaineering. Visitors can explore the country's rugged terrain, high-altitude lakes, and lush forests, which are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
4 - Scenic natural beauty
Kyrgyzstan
boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. With over 90%
of its territory covered in mountains, the country is a paradise for adventure
seekers and nature lovers. The Tien Shan Mountain range dominates the country's
skyline, and the highest peak, Peak Pobeda, reaches over 7,400 meters. Lake
Issyk-Kul, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, is another natural
wonder in Kyrgyzstan that draws visitors with its clear blue waters and
picturesque surroundings.
The Tian Shan
Mountains also known as the "Mountains of Heaven," are also a popular
spot for trekking and climbing.
5 - Silk Road history
Kyrgyzstan is located on the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected China to the Mediterranean. The country's history is closely linked to this famous trade route, and visitors can explore the remains of the Silk Road cities, including the UNESCO-listed site of Tash Rabat, a 15th-century caravanserai that served as a resting place for merchants and travellers, Osh, Kashgar, and Tashkent. You can also visit the ancient caravanserais and see the ancient artifacts that were traded along the route.
6 - The Wildlife
Kyrgyzstan is
home to a wide variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, brown bears, lynx,
and ibex. You can go on a wildlife safari in the mountains and see these
majestic animals in their natural habitats. You can also visit the Kyrgyzstan
National Park, which is home to over 200 species of birds.
7 - Eagle hunting
Eagle hunting
is a traditional form of falconry that has been practiced for centuries in
Kyrgyzstan, as well as other parts of Central Asia. This ancient practice
involves using a trained eagle to hunt for prey, usually foxes and rabbits, in
the mountains and steppes of Kyrgyzstan.
The tradition of eagle hunting is passed down from generation to generation among the Kyrgyz people and is often practiced by men who live in the rural areas of the country. The hunters use specially trained eagles, known as berkut, to catch prey, and they often ride horses to cover the vast distances involved in hunting.
Eagle hunting is not only a means of livelihood for many Kyrgyz hunters, but it is also an important cultural practice that is deeply rooted in the history and identity of the Kyrgyz people. The practice has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is now gaining popularity as a tourist attraction in Kyrgyzstan.
If you visit
Kyrgyzstan, you may have the opportunity to witness an eagle hunting
demonstration, where you can see the skill and agility of the hunters and their
eagles as they work together to catch their prey.
8 - Delicious Cuisine
Kyrgyz cuisine
is a mix of influences from neighbouring countries like China, Russia, and
Turkey. Kyrgyzstan's national dish is beshbarmak, a hearty noodle soup made
with lamb or beef. Manti, steamed dumplings filled with meat and vegetables,
are also popular. You can also try traditional dairy products like kymyz
(fermented mare's milk) and airan (sour yogurt).
9 - Nomadic
Culture
Kyrgyzstan is
home to a nomadic culture, which has been preserved for centuries. The Kyrgyz
people are proud of their heritage and enjoy sharing it with visitors. You can experience
the Kyrgyz way of life by staying in a yurt, the traditional nomadic dwelling.
You'll also have the chance to learn about the importance of horses in Kyrgyz
culture and witness traditional activities like eagle hunting and horseback
riding.
10 - Craft beers
Bishkek is the
capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan, located in the northern part of the
country at the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains. The city has a population
of around 1 million people and is the political, economic, and cultural centre
of the country.
Bishkek has a
rich history and culture, with influences from both Kyrgyz and Russian
traditions.
Craft beer is
becoming increasingly popular in Kyrgyzstan, with several small breweries and
taprooms opening up in recent years. Some of the most notable craft beer brands
in Kyrgyzstan include:
Bishkek
Brewing Company: This brewery was founded in 2016 and offers a variety of craft
beers, including IPAs, stouts, and pilsners. Their taproom in Bishkek is a
popular spot for beer enthusiasts.
Black Canyon
Brewery: Located in the city of Karakol, Black Canyon Brewery offers a range of
craft beers, including their popular Karakol Stout.
Overall, the
craft beer scene in Kyrgyzstan is still relatively small but growing. Visitors
to the country can enjoy a variety of locally made beers, often using local
ingredients such as honey and wildflowers.
11 - Unique
Souvenirs:
Kyrgyzstan is known for its unique handicrafts
and souvenirs, including felted wool products, traditional hats, and handmade
ceramics. Visitors can take home one-of-a-kind souvenirs and support local
artisans and craftspeople.
In conclusion, Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful and
welcoming country that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich
cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Whether you are interested in
exploring the country's stunning mountain ranges or immersing yourself in its
vibrant cultural traditions, Kyrgyzstan has something for everyone.
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