Kyrgyzstan travels you to the Swiss Alps of Central Asia, an astonishingly gorgeous land unspoiled by overcrowded cities or excessive tourism. Kyrgyzstan is the real deal – delightfully simple and laid-back, its people are adaptable and hard-working, its nature pristine and inspiring, its opportunities for adventure numerous and diverse.
Nomads follow the footsteps of their ancestors into alpine pasturelands, where visitors can join them for an authentic taste of their itinerant life. History is engraved in every fortress, tower, and petroglyph dotting the landscape, which serves as silent reminders of the land’s dramatic past. Horses, donkey carts, well-worn buses, and sleek new vehicles vie for country roads. At the same time, friendly Kyrgyzstan displays its unique culture through a tapestry of soulful songs, colorful felts, and time-honored traditions.
If your curiosity is piqued, use this Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide to become acquainted with this tiny nation and to answer your questions regarding Kyrgyzstan tourism.
Embark on Your Dream Journey in Kyrgyzstan
Ascend the snowy heights of glacier-covered peaks on horseback, hike the enchanted valleys of Fairy Tale Canyon and enjoy simultaneous swimming, sunbathing and mountain views at Lake Issyk-Kul. Local history spans time and space, from petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata to castle remains at Tash Rabat and the giant Lenin statue waiting to greet you in Osh. Equally versatile is Kyrgyz cuisine, offering a whole buffet of new and delicious foods.
Permeating each experience is the delightfully authentic, traditionally nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz, expressed through rambunctious sports, colorful national dress, finely woven handicrafts and long-held traditions forged over centuries in this beautiful, rugged land.
Traveling Through Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan welcomes its most beautiful and tourist-friendly season in summer, not spring. Yet the country is so filled with natural splendor that each time of year offers its own incentives in turn:
Winter: Ski and snowboard season stretches from mid-November through March, and with drastically fewer travelers, most accommodations and tour operators offer discounted prices. Unpredictable weather can impact travel plans, so come with an adventurous spirit.
Autumn: The weather may grow a little moody, yet autumn in Kyrgyzstan equates with fewer tourists, bazaars filled with home-grown produce and travel opportunities ranging from horseback riding and rafting to city and historical tours.
Spring: Frequent rainfalls that puncture the early weeks of Kyrgyzstan’s shortest season give way to fields of flowers and lush mountain scenery by May.
Summer: With little rainfall, pleasant mountain temps and festivals galore, summer is the ideal season for hiking, mountain exploration, yurt camp stays and lounging near Lake Issyk-Kul.
Your Travel Map Guide
Use the Kyrgyzstan map to locate the country’s major destinations and find out what each one has to offer:
Determining the Ideal Destination for Kyrgyzstan
The simple answer to this question is ‘As many as you can manage’, for Kyrgyzstan is so full of outdoor opportunities that it’s simply impossible to cram it all into a few days. Plus, its mountainous terrain and laid-back culture make it difficult to travel efficiently from one destination to the next. That being said, the following may be helpful as you plan your Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary:
Bishkek – Far more than just a landing point, the capital offers an impressive variety of shopping, entertainment and dining options amidst wide boulevards and historically significant sites.
How long should I stay? 2-3 days if you wish to take day trips to nearby attractions
Major Sites: Ala Too Square, Oak Park, Osh Bazaar
How to get off the beaten path: Take a day trip to Ala-Archa Gorge or Burana Tower in ancient Balasagun.
Osh – Capital of southern Kyrgyzstan which is heavily influenced by Uzbek culture.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Major Sites: Suleiman-Too Mountain, Lenin statue (largest in Central Asia), Navoi Park
How to get off the beaten path: Relax at Kyrgyz-Ata National Park or explore Uzgen historical town and bazaar.
Jalalabad – Trailing only Bishkek and Osh in population, this former Silk Road power is regarded as a holy city.
How long should I stay? 1 day
Major Sites: Lenin Street, mineral springs at Jalalabad Sanatorium, Arslanbob’s walnut forest
How to get off the beaten path: Book a homestay in nearby Kara-Sulu Village or Sary-Chelek National Park.
Karakol – Traditional town on Lake Issyk-Kul, 4th-largest city in country and launching point for mountain treks.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Major Sites: Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Dungan Mosque, Przhewalsky Memorial Museum
How to get off the beaten path: Dine with a minority Uyghur or Dungan family or learn to make local bread while staying with a family in nearby Jergalan.
Cholpon-Ata – Resort and historical town along Lake Issyk-Kul.
How long should I stay? 2 days
Major Sites: Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs, Rukh Ordo Cultural Center, Issyk-Kul State Historical and Cultural Museum
How to get off the beaten path: Overnight in a yurt camp in the mountains or go parasailing over Issyk-Kul.
Naryn – Regional capital of the most mountainous and traditional province in Kyrgyzstan.
How long should I stay? 2 days if you wish to explore the surrounding regions
Major Sites: Koshoy Korgon Fortress, At-Bashi Village, Naryn River rafting
How to get off the beaten path: Head to the Torugart Pass, stopping at Tash Rabat Caravanserai on the way.
Kochkor – Small but pleasant mountain town and convenient stopover for tourists passing through the region.
How long should I stay? 1-1,5 days
Major Sites: Altyn Kol Handicrafts, Song Kul Lake, Kochkor Regional Museum
How to get off the beaten path: Explore the Chong Tuz Salt Caves or overnight in a yurt at Kol Ukok Lake.
Talas – Among Kyrgyzstan’s westernmost cities, Talas borders Kazakhstan and receives very few tourists.
How long should I stay? 1 day
Major Sites: Manas Ordo, Kirov Reservoir, Tuyuk-Tor Petroglyphs
How to get off the beaten path: Explore Besh-Tash National Park or Herzen Museum in nearby Ak Dobo Village.
Where Culture Comes Alive
Kyrgyz holidays honor the past and perpetuate beloved traditions through unparalleled festivities. Be it the country’s distant nomadic history or its hard-earned victories over recent world conquerors, the nation knows how to celebrate in style. Consider incorporating one of these celebrations into your Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary.
Nooruz (21st March) – The traditional New Year of Central Asia and the Persian world is celebrated in full pomp in Kyrgyzstan, where song and dance, games, traditional foods and a myriad of outdoor activities welcome the arrival of spring.
Best place to celebrate: Lake Issyk-Kul or Bishkek, although every city and village will have special events
Victory Day (9th May) – Spawned in Soviet times, Victory Day commemorates the triumph over Nazi Germany with grand parades, speeches, concerts and ceremonies honoring WWII veterans.
Best place to celebrate: Bishkek
Independence Day (31st August) – Kyrgyzstan’s second 20th-century victory is commemorated with military marches and a speech from the president, as well as more lighthearted activities including national sports, dances, ethnic foods and fireworks.
Best place to celebrate: Bishkek
National Horse Games Festival (July, date varies) – Equestrian activities, long central to the Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle, are given free reign at this unforgettable event defined by traditional horse races and lively competitions, national dress, local foods and displays of Kyrgyz craftsmanship.
Best place to celebrate: Kyzyl-Oi village on Son-Kul Lake
Birds of Prey Festival (early August) – A delightful carnival centered around demonstrations of Kyrgyz hunting birds, the festival also includes such diverse activities as felt making, horse races, traditional dance shows and a presentation on how to construct a yurt.
Best place to celebrate: Issyk-Kul Lake
.png)
Get a Call Back