Let your spirit fly high in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek city skyline in the back drop of the Tian-Shan Mountains

Travelling to Kyrgyzstan is like taking a magic carpet ride back in time.

A former Soviet Republic, Kyrgyzstan is a small country tucked away in the middle of Central Asia. Little was known of Kyrgyzstan while it was in the shadow of the Soviet Union but now it has opened its doors to the world though, for many visiting the country for the first time is like stepping into the unknown.

This Central Asian country has it all — beautiful mountain peaks, mountain resorts, golden sandy beaches, Lake Issyk-Kul, the high mountain pearl of the country one of Asia’s largest lakes, spectacular scenery, parts of the country where you can enjoy taking a ride on a horseback and of course, a rich historical past.

Kyrgyzstan has some spectacular scenery such as this winter picture taken at the Ala Archa Gorge

There are 88 mountain ranges in Kyrgyzstan, Over 90 per cent of its territory is mountainous and located on the height of 1500 meters and above. With its rugged mountains that seem to touch the sky, stark glaciers and pristine lakes, this country is an adventure lover’s paradise. The capital Bishkek, the largest city in Kyrgyzstan, is at an altitude of 2,600 feet near the northern border of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, an extension of the Tian Shan mountain range.

When the sky is clear, the Kyrgyz Ala-Too materialises as if just by magic to create an amazing mountain backdrop in Bishkek.

The city, which was historically called Pishpek and later, during the Soviet era Frunze, was renamed Bishkek on independence in 1991.

Its historical importance is not been lost as, among other things, it was a fortification in the 1800s to protect the caravan routes running from Tashkent, the capital of present day Uzbekistan, across the Chui Valley to Issyk-Kul Lake. This modern metropolis with a population of nearly 950, 000 is today ranked among the major cities of Central Asia. With an area of 49 square miles, Bishkek is a relatively small metropolis with wide boulevards, tree-lined streets flanked by narrow irrigation channels, public buildings with marble fronts and Soviet-style blocks of flats.

Even though the country still retains its Soviet era feel, many new buildings and posh private houses are coming up. Much of the city is wide and flat and can be explored on foot, by car or public transport. The city has some interesting sights to offer for visitors alongside many restaurants and bars.

The National Museum of History in Bishkek.

Enjoy the Silk Road Explore tour of Bishkek, and walk to various sightseeing areas including Ala Too Square, Parliament House, Lenin Statue, Manas Square, National History Museum, Erkindik Boulevard, open air art gallery, Opera House, Victory Square, the Eternal Flame and ZUM, the multi-level shopping mall and the local Bazaars including Osh and Dordoi bazaars.

Many visitors consider Bishkek as the starting point for an adventure-filled and a thrilling holiday in Kyrgyzstan. Branded as the Switzerland of Asia, Kyrgyzstan is known for its world class ski resorts around Bishkek and Karakol.

Kyrgyzstan’s life is closely tied to horses. There are many places to enjoy a horse-back ride but the Song-Kol Lake offers the best horse trek and a remarkably memorable experience at a high altitude.

Enjoy the nomadic lives of the Kyrgyz with horse riding at the height of 3,016 metres with the fascinating back-drop of snow-capped mountains as you gallop around the aqua blue lake and take in the scenery of natural alpine forest.

Just because Kyrgyzstan is further away from the ocean than any country does not mean that it lacks nice beaches.

Laze on the sandy beaches at Issyk-Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world. It is a popular holiday destination for locals and thousands of Russians who come to enjoy its unique beauty of nature. Nestled between the snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains, the dazzling lake is some 170 kilometres from Bishkek, and is a perfect spot for swimming, hiking, trekking and camping. Visitors are particularly attracted to the 663-metre deep reservoir of naturally heated water.

Cholpan-Ata a nearby village is a lively tourist village with a beautiful sandy beach perfect for swimming in the summer.

Young rider… a nomad’s child riding a horse near Lake Song Kul

Osh, the second largest city, in Fergana Valley, is worth a visit for its stunning views alone. Get a big bite of Kyrgyz culture and charm by visiting the Central Asia’s largest outdoor market, the Osh Market and Jayma Bazaar, the heart of local trading, for some local trinkets. One of the most popular beverages in Kyrgyzstan is Kymyz — fermentend horse milk.

It is not only a symbol of Kyrgyz hospitality but also offers amazing health benefits that can cure various ailments. It is generally available in low alcohol levels but if you prefer strong content you can buy this from a local family and get a chance to sample this cocktail. You can also enjoy a fascinating stay in a traditional Yurt, a portable rural Kyrgyz tent covered with skins or felt which is used by nomads as a dwelling in Central Asia. Here you will enjoy wonderful hospitality of the nomads.

Most of Kyrgyz’s hospitality customs are based on food and drink that range from kymyz, tea and a massive pile of meat  on the table. A guest is treated like a king. Kyrgyzstan is a destination you never knew you would love. It is perfect for a summer holiday but avoid going there in the harsh winter unless it is a skiing trip.

Like the rest of Central Asia the country has hot summers and freezing winters when the temperatures can be as low as minus twenty degrees celsius. The best time to visit is between May and October.