October 13, 2014

6 of the Best Kyrgyzstan Destinations for Travelers to Visit

Daniel-Korzhonov_14Where in the world is Kyrgyzstan?  This happens to be a normal response when people are confronted with the country of Kyrgyzstan in conversation.  To answer that question, Kyrgyzstan resides in Central Asia as a peaceful, beautiful oasis just west of China and south of Kazakhstan.  It’s a small country covered almost entirely with mountains with a population of about 5 million.  Most of the population is concentrated in a few large cities, but otherwise, there are just small villages and nomads that are scattered amongst Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai Mountains, making the country feel open, raw, and unexplored.   The great thing about Kyrgyzstan is that it doesn’t have a huge tourism industry even though the country’s beauty is stunning!  So travelers can experience this country without all the fake bells and whistles that come with popular tourist countries. To give you an idea of what IMG_6541Kyrgyzstan holds, take a look at these 6 travel-worthy Kyrgyzstan destinations:

LAKE SARY CHELEK

In Kyrgyzstan beautiful places abound, but none are quite like Lake Sary Chelek. Lake Sary Chelek is an alpine lake located within a biosphere in a remote part of Kyrgyzstan.  The emerald green waters of Sary Chelek provide a tranquil atmosphere for travelers.  Horseback riding and trekking are recommended around the biosphere.  Wildlife in the Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve includes 157 bird species, porcupines, deer, wild boars, and the long-horned ibex.

OSH, THE SOUTHERN CAPITAL

osh-04

One of the most famous places in Kyrgyzstan is the bazaar in the southern city of Osh.  The Osh Bazaar is said to have been open and operating for over 3,000 years and was a popular stop along the Silk Road.  Feast your eyes on endless bags of dried fruit, nuts, and spices, fresh bread, handmade carpets, musical instruments, traditional Kyrgyz clothing, saddles, household goods, and so much more.

ARSLANBOB WALNUT FORESTS

Travel to Arslanbob to visit a stunning Kyrgyzstan destination that even merited mention by Alexander the Great during his travels.  Arslanbob houses the largest naturally growing walnut forests in the world!  These walnut forests produce over 1,500 tons of walnuts every year.

арсланбобALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK

Ala Archa National Park is located 40 kilometers from the capital city of Bishkek and holds 20 glaciers, 2 rivers, over 50 mountain peaks, waterfalls, and springs.  This is one of the most popular Kyrgyzstan destinations with hikers and mountain climbers.  Trails within the park are extensive and training classes are held within the park for mountain climbers looking to make their way up Ala Archa’s glaciers and peaks.

KARAKOL

Karakol is the 3rd largest city in Kyrgyzstan.  The slopes around Karakol are some of the most famous places in Kyrgyzstan for skiing and parasailing.  Inside the city of Karakol, travelers can dpp_60121902_1200also visit a Dungan Mosque built without the use of a single nail, a famous Russian Orthodox Church, and several local museums.

LAKE ISSYK KUL

The most famous place in Kyrgyzstan by far is Lake Issyk Kul, nicknamed “the Pearl of Central Asia.” Lake Issyk Kul is the world’s second largest alpine lake.  It’s ringed by snowcapped Tien Shan Mountains, offers a variety of water sports and resorts, and also houses the remains of ancient settlements in its depths.

The lake is close to several exquisite gorges and travelers interested in experiencing Kyrgyz culture can visit one of the many small villages that rest at the water’s edge.

Kyrgyzstan_Ala_Archa_National_Park_01

TRAVELLING TO KYRGYZSTAN

All of these beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan are merely a taste of what the country has to offer.  Kyrgyzstan is filled with Silk Road relics, picturesque canyons, hundreds of alpine lakes, thousands of rivers, endless mountain peaks, and an authentic personality.  Travelers interested in touring Kyrgyzstan should be aware that Kyrgyzstan has recently gone visa free for citizens of 44 counties including the US, Canada, and most of the European Union.  Travelling inside the country has very few restriction and the Kyrgyz people are warm and hospitable.  So as you’re making plans for your next vacation, take advantage of tourism in Kyrgyzstan and experience a country that you’ll want to come back to again and again!

Photo by Daniel Korzhonov, photo from source: www.mountpix.livejournal.com

13 days

Asian Holidays in Kyrgyzstan silk road: 13 days

This Kyrgyzstan tourism packages has everything needed for a true off-roading games! Enjoy Kyrgyzstan’s pristine natural beauty by visiting alpine lakes (Lake Song Kul and Lake Sary Chelek), ...

From 
$
The price depends on a group size. The price 3224 USD per person is available for groups of 4 people.
More info
4 days

Lake Issyk Kul: Southern Shore

The beautiful scenic views around Lake Issyk Kul’s southern shore are beyond compare. On this trip you’ll visit the Jeti Oguz Gorge which is famous for its spectacular red rock formations an ...

From 
$630
Price from 630 USD to 750 USD per person (the price depends on a group size). The price 630 USD per person is available for groups of 6 people.
More info
9 days

Holiday Excursions to Kyrgyzstan silk road: 9 days

This 9-day trip culminates in a visit to the stunning alpine lake Sary Chelek. Lake Sary Chelek is located in a remote biosphere reserve that also houses 6 other lakes as well as unique wild ...

From 
$1320
Price from 1320 USD to 1620 USD per person (the price depends on a group size). The price 1320 USD per person is available for groups of 6 people.
More info
21 days
Guaranteed!
i
Fixed dates for 2020:

Guided expedition to Khan Tengri Peak 2020

In 2019 we will run 2 expeditions to great Khan Tengri peak: via the Northern ridge (26 July-15 August 2019) and via the Western ridge (4-24 August 2-19). Undoubtedly, the crown jewel of th ...

From 
$2950
The tour price is 2950 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person buy it.
More info
8 days
Fixed dates
i
Fixed dates for 2020:
06/05/2022 - 06/12/2022
06/12/2022 - 06/19/2022
06/19/2022 - 06/26/2022
06/26/2022 - 07/03/2022
08/21/2022 - 08/28/2022
08/28/2022 - 09/04/2022
09/04/2022 - 09/11/2022
09/11/2022 - 09/18/2022

Nomadic Culture & History Tour 2022

This week-long trip ensures travelers a wide variety of experiences during their stay in Kyrgyzstan. Start out by visiting the country’s most popular national park and continue on to see anc ...

From 
$995
The tour price is 995 USD.
More info
14 days
Guaranteed!
i
Fixed dates for 2020:
07/23/2022 - 08/05/2022

Hike to the Patagonia of Kyrgyz Mountains 2022

The nature of Kyrgyzstan is amazing. Its mountain landscapes are various in different corners of the Republic. SR1401 presents a new trekking program which goes along the gorges of Turkestan ...

From 
$2330
The tour price is 2330 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person book it.
More info
11 days
Guaranteed!
i
Fixed dates for 2020:
08/04/2022 - 08/14/2022

Trekking the Terskey Ala Too 2022

This tour is a good choice for trekkers with initial hiking experience at the altitudes above 3000 m, and with good physical condition and health. Trekking time is approximate, 5 – 7 hours ( ...

From 
$1980
The tour price is 1980 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person buy it.
More info
14 days
Guaranteed!
i
Fixed dates for 2020:
07/10/2022 - 07/23/2022
07/28/2022 - 08/10/2022
08/07/2022 - 08/20/2022

Trekking to the heart of Tien-Shan 2022

This trek starts in the Karkara Gorge, an amazingly beautiful place, and ends at South Inylchek Base Camp. From the base camp you'll get stunning views of Khan-Tengri Peak (7010 m.) and Pobe ...

From 
$2540
The tour price is 2720 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person buy it.
More info
22 days

Lenin Peak Expedition 2020 from Bishkek

Go on an expedition to Lenin Peak with an experienced mountaineering guide! Tour dates are fixed and tours are guaranteed to run no matter the number of the group! The tour price includes an ...

From 
$2180
The tour price is 2180 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person buy it.
More info
20 days
Guaranteed!
i
Fixed dates for 2020:

Lenin Peak Expedition 2020 from Osh

Our special offer for fans of climbing - an expedition to the famous Lenin Peak with an experienced guide! The program is quaranteed to run at several fixed dates, which makes it very afford ...

From 
$1980
The tour price is 1980 USD. The price doesn't depend on the amount of people in a group. The tour will be fulfilled even if only one person buy it.
More info
1 day

Ala Archa Gorge: one-day trip

Ala Archa is a gorgeous national park that contains 20 glaciers, over 50 mountain peaks, 2 rivers, waterfalls, and springs. It stretches over 2,200 hectares and contains elevations ranging f ...

From 
$40
Price from 50 USD to 100 USD per person (the price depends on a group size). The price 50 USD per person is available for groups of 6 people.
More info
1 day

Sightseeing trip to Bishkek

Bishkek is Kyrgyzstan’s capital city, located in the Chuy Valley to the north of the country. It’s also by far the largest city in Kyrgyzstan silk road with a population of over 1 million. S ...

From 
$40
Price from 40 USD to 80 USD per person (the price depends on a group size). The price 40 USD per person is available for groups of 6 people.
More info