Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a great place to visit for a true immersion in local culture. Spending a few days in a small town or village will provide you with an amazing insight into the lives of Kyrgyz people and their way of life.

After two revolutions that toppled authoritarian presidents in 2005 and 2010, the country adopted a parliamentary form of government. However, governance has proved unstable, and corruption remains pervasive.

Lakes

Kyrgyzstan’s untamed lakes provide an opportunity to see wild nature in its purest form. They can be found in the Chatkal Mountains, Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve and Naryn region.

Lake Sary Chelek (or “yellow bowl” in the Kyrgyz language) is one of the most beautiful and secluded lakes in Central Asia, nestled within the Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve. It’s surrounded by vertiginous peaks and the water glistens a pristine greenish-blue.

The flora and fauna of the lake are abundant and varied, including 40 species of mammals, 170 species of birds and over 1000 plant species. The lake is surrounded by the Teskey Ala-Too and Kungey Alatau mountain ranges, protecting it from extreme climate changes.

It’s a perfect base for hikes and horseback riding, and there are many opportunities to go kayaking on the waters of the lake as well. The area also has an excellent network of homestays, where you can learn about traditional Kyrgyz crafts such as felt rugs or eagle hunting.

Issyk Kul is Kyrgyzstan’s biggest and most popular lake, a massive 182km long and 60km wide. It’s surrounded by the beautiful Teskey Ala-Too and rocky Kub-Tau ranges, which protect it from extreme weather conditions.

In the lake basin, Kyrgyz people are the majority, with other ethnic groups including Russians and Uzbeks. In the cities around the lake, there are a variety of sightseeing attractions.

A number of museums in the region focus on culture and history. They include Rukh Ordo open-air museum that explores world religions, a hippodrome that hosts World Nomad Games and well-preserved petroglyphs.

Throughout the lake region, there are plenty of natural hot mineral springs that can be accessed through the surrounding villages. These springs are very beneficial to the health of local residents and visitors.

There are also a number of resorts located on the shores of Issyk Kul, including Cholpon-Ata and Karakol. These resorts have many tourist activities available, including swimming, boating and fishing.

Another popular destination is the Sary Chelek Lake, which is a secluded and untamed paradise. It’s part of the Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve, which is home to numerous species of plants and animals. The secluded lake is also the site of many archaeological discoveries, including traces of ancient settlements and burial grounds.

Hot Springs

The hot springs of Kyrgyzstan are a popular attraction for both locals and foreigners. These natural sources are found in the gorge Altyn Arashan, which is located just 30 km south of Karakol. This place is known for its healing hot springs that are enriched with radon at a temperature of 50degC and are highly recommended for treating diseases of the nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems.

The Altyn Arashan gorge is a beautiful mountain valley with lush mountainsides and the rolling clouds of the Tien Shan. The gorge is filled with natural beauty and is considered to be a paradise for hiking and exploring.

In addition to the hot springs, many of the local towns and villages also offer various recreational activities such as trekking, horseback riding and fishing. These activities are especially popular with families as they allow children to have a fun and active time.

Another popular activity is skiing. The snow in the mountains usually remains until April and even into May, making it a great opportunity for skiing. This is especially popular with those who have never ridden a ski before, as it is an excellent way to experience the mountains in a unique and exciting way.

There are a number of hot spring resorts in the Chui Valley, including Issyk-Ata and Teply Klyuchi (a former Soviet all-Union resort) that offers various types of water therapy. Some of the most important places are Kamyshanovskoye and Lugovskoye, which have a low-mineralized hydrogen sulfide deposit of therapeutic mud as well as 130 thermal springs that date back to the 2nd century.

These hot springs are famous for their healing properties and are very popular among tourists. The radon waters accelerate the resorption process of the body, have a beneficial effect on the heart and nerves, as well as improve the condition of muscles and bones. Hydrogen sulfide baths have a similar therapeutic effect, but they help to cure a variety of skin diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

The country of Kyrgyzstan is a great travel destination that is rich in culture and nature. It is a land of breathtaking scenery and friendly people. Whether you are interested in trekking, mountain climbing, or simply relaxing in the hot springs, this Central Asian region has something for everyone.

Mashrutkas

In Kyrgyzstan, the marshrutka is a popular form of public transportation. They ply the dusty roads throughout the country, and they can be a great way to see the countryside at a more relaxed pace than on a bus.

However, they are not without their problems. For instance, they often don’t run very frequently, and you may have to wait hours to get one. Also, they can be a bit expensive, especially if you are traveling late at night or in an isolated part of the country.

The most common type of marshrutka is a white minibus, though they are also available in other colors. Most of them have sitting room for about 12 people, and standing room for about 30.

I was surprised at how much personal space was actually available on these buses, considering that they are so crowded. If you don’t have a seat, it is very important to sit on the opposite side of the driver, so that you can feel safe and comfortable.

When you board the marshrutka, make sure that you have your tenge with you. You will need to give a stranger in front of you the correct amount of money so they can pass it on to the driver.

It is also a good idea to let the driver know you are paying with som (the local currency) rather than tenges, because he might need to change his tenge to som before leaving the bus station. Fortunately, there is a small money exchange booth with reasonable tenge-som spreads.

A taxi is another good option in Kyrgyzstan, though they can be more expensive than a marshrutka. These are a good way to travel between the larger cities, as well as to some more remote towns.

For example, a trip from Bishkek to Almaty takes about 3 1/2 hours by car. Alternatively, it is possible to fly between Bishkek and Almaty.

If you have time, I would definitely recommend taking a tour of the countryside. These are a great way to learn about Kyrgyz culture, meet some friendly locals, and see the beautiful countryside of the country.

Food

Kyrgyzstan has a rich and varied cuisine. Most of the country is mountainous and a little dry, so a lot of dishes are prepared from fresh local ingredients such as meat, cheese, vegetables and fruits.

Some of the most common Kyrgyz dishes are Beshbarmak, Kuurdak, Manti and Plov. These dishes are traditional for special occasions or festivals, and they are often served with kaymak (sour cream), or shorpo (fried bread).

Beshbarmak is a national dish of Kyrgyzstan, and it consists of horse or mutton meat slow-boiled in a broth and poured over hand-cut noodles. It is traditionally consumed with the hands, but can also be eaten from a large communal platter.

This dish is a staple of Central Asian cuisine. It combines a variety of finely chopped meat, vegetables and spices to make a delicious and hearty meal. Typically, it is served over rice, but can be made vegetarian.

Another Kyrgyz classic is Kuurdak, a stew of mutton and large chunks of potatoes and onions. It is cooked in copious amounts of animal fat, ensuring that all the flavors are perfectly mingled together.

Kuurdak is a staple of many nomadic families, and it’s also commonly served at weddings. It’s a delicious and hearty meal that hits the spot any time of year, especially when it’s accompanied by a glass of kaymak or shorpo.

The dish is particularly popular in the Ferghana Valley and in Osh, and it’s always a great meal for visitors. The sauce is very spicy, and it’s made from a variety of vegetables and meats.

In ancient times, a mutton dinner was a very important part of Kyrgyz culture. It was a way for people to socialize and build strong relationships. A special tradition was the distribution of a cut sheep’s head to the most honored guest at the table.

Today, this dish is still eaten at many dinners, but it’s not usually as important as it used to be. Instead, Kyrgyz people have adopted a new way of eating it. They have a variety of different types of samsa, including ones made from lamb, beef and potato.

Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan