Snapshots
Visitors would be pleasantly surprised by the variety of sites to spend time in hilly Kyrgyzstan, considering the country's tiny size. The popular places to visit in Kyrgyztan offers a wide variety of landscapes, including seemingly endless woods, red desert gorges, and the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Travellers with limited time typically opt for a southern or northern route, with the latter potentially incorporating an overland border crossing to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, or China. However, if you have a bit more time and an adventurous spirit, there are multiple places to see in Kyrgyzstan that will keep you occupied for months. Let me show you the top spots to visit.
Kyrgyzstan- best time to visit
During the summer, from late June to September, Kyrgyzstan's main horse trekking and hiking areas are easily accessible, making it the ideal time to visit the country. Even if it's not common to encounter visitor throngs during this time, the busiest season is still upon us. Come celebrate horse racing, Manas-epic storytelling, Salburuun eagle hunting, and more at one of the several summer Community-Based Tourism festivals that take place across the nation.
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Best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan
Explore the rural side of Kyrgyzstan
One of the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan is its beautiful rural countryside! Most visitors head directly to the trailhead, hoping to embark on a multi-day hike or horseback excursion, where they can immerse themselves in the pastoralist hospitality and breathtaking alpine scenery that are the country's most distinctive features. Indulge in a night's sleep beneath the stars in a yurt at an altitude of 3000 metres (9843 feet), have breakfast with your host over a cup of fermented horse milk, or accompany shepherds as they gather herds for a mission that goes beyond a typical outdoor excursion.
Embark on a culinary sojourn in Osh
Nosh at Osh! For foodies, this is one of the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan! Osh, located on the eastern end of the Fergana Valley and not far from the Uzbek border, is the finest place to eat in Kyrgyzstan because of its diverse population. Located on the slopes of Sulaiman Too, the legendary mountain where the Mughal dynasty founder Babur supposedly meditated before establishing his empire in India, the modern-day Osh population includes Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Koreans, and others. Osh now boasts some of Kyrgyzstan's finest (and most reasonably priced) cuisine because of the centuries-long mixing of ingredients and cooking styles brought about by these civilisations' coexistence.
Soak in the misty views of Lake Son-Kol
If you just have time for a day excursion to Kyrgyzstan, the best way to see the countryside is to go to Lake Son-Köl and return. A short introduction to some of the nicest parts of rural travel may be found in the shifting light against the lake and surrounding mountains, in the absence of mobile service and city bustle, and the possibility for a cool swim or a horseback jog along the shore – making this one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kyrgyzstan!
Spend a night under the stars at Lake Issyk-Köl
Spend a few extra nights camping on a secluded beach or in a tourist yurt camp to complete a full circle around Lake Issyk-Köl. Alternatively, fly straight to Karakol and begin the two- to three-day trek over the Ala-Köl Pass, which stands at 3907 meters (12,818 feet), offering unparalleled views of the lake and the surrounding peaks that reach up to 5000 meters (16,404 feet).
Hike for unmissable views at Karakol
For a long time, the little settlement of Karakol, situated below massive mountains, has served as the most convenient location for ecotourism in Kyrgyzstan. Just beyond the city limits in the summer, walks lead to Ak-Suu Arboretum, the immensely popular Ala-Köl lake, and the Altyn Arashan hot springs. Continuing further, nearly every valley running parallel to the road from Jeti-Ögüz to Boz Uchuk may serve as a trailhead. The Ak-Suu Transverse trip, which is considered one of the greatest in the country, connects all of these valleys by hiking routes. Local operators have revived the Soviet tradition of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trips in the area, and the adjacent Karakol ski base is the greatest spot to ski in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia in the winter. For people wanting a taste of adventure, this is one of the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan!
Explore the city lights at Bishkek
In addition to serving as the capital, Bishkek is Kyrgyzstan's biggest city. Since most flights land at Manas International Airport, just a half-hour from Bishkek, you should start your trip there. At an elevation of 800 meters, Bishkek borders the Tian Shan Mountains in Central Asia. If the weather is clear, the city may be seen set against the backdrop of the majestic Kyrgyz Ala-Too Mountains. Rich in biodiversity, this city in Central Asia boasts the greenest streets and the most parks.
Also, you won't find any towering buildings here. Bishkek, a contemporary and ever-evolving cosmopolitan city, still preserves the core of Kyrgyz culture and Soviet architecture. There is a wealth of impressive brutalist architecture that provides a window into the impact of the Soviet occupation in the twentieth century. Afternoons might be spent on an independently organised tour of Soviet architecture, with stops for ice cream at any of the several parks interspersed throughout. There are a plethora of pubs, taverns, and nightclubs to choose from in Bishkek after the sun goes down. On the other hand, you may unwind at one of the city's numerous restaurants' outdoor terraces with a tasty dinner and a beverage.