Eight reasons to go on a trip to Kyrgyzstan

Eight things that will make you want to visit Kyrgyzstan

Cave expeditions, helicopter rides over the glacier valley, and learning the basics of the life of a nomad in dzhailoo – we found 8 reasons to go on a trip to Kyrgyzstan.

Take your backpack with all essentials in it, and go to the wildest and almost unidentified places – an unforgettable trip to Kyrgyzstan is waiting for you. Here you have 8 indisputable reasons to start acquaintance with the world from this particular Central Asian country.

1 To be above the clouds – a trip to the Sarychat-Ertash reserve

The reserve of Sarychat-Ertash is located at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level, so it is not surprising that the path here lies through the clouds. Be prepared for the fact that under the influence of height and low pressure you can begin to behave a little unnaturally once you get there. 

Only here you can see huge blocks of ice spread on green meadows and meet the snow leopard – the severe highlands of the Tien Shan are fraught with many wonders.

2 Overnight in a yurt on a dzhailoo near Son-Kul Lake 

This place has absorbed everything from the life of a real nomad – a Kyrgyz yurt installed under the sky; pastures surrounded by mountain hills; the food at the stake in a large cauldron in the evenings. And endless silence, the light of the moon and the sound of horses barely audible somewhere in the distance at night. If you run away from the bustle of the city for solitude, then this place is perfect for you.

3 Acquaintance with a sunny boy

Places of ancient pagan shrines have incredible energy, therefore the Saimaluu-Tash Natural Park is one of the main historical and cultural attractions of Kyrgyzstan. There are many stones with ancient petroglyphs scattered on a flowering meadow. The most famous image in this stone age encyclopedia is the sunny boy.

4 The conquest of the main peak of the Pamir-Alay

The majestic peak of Lenin is probably the most famous mountain in Kyrgyzstan. The peak is located at an altitude of 7134 meters above sea level and is one of the highest peaks in Central Asia. But be aware that this place is not for those, who are used to “easy” hiking. The most experienced climbers who are accustomed to surviving in extreme conditions only can see the spectacular views which are opening from this mountain. But don’t worry, you can still admire the power of the mountain from Achik-Tash base camp in Osh if you are not a professional climber. 

5 Cave Expedition in Osh Region

The expedition through narrow stone tunnels and the dim light of a lantern will leave an unforgettable experience and is another good reason to visit Kyrgyzstan. There is no sound signal there – it is a luxury of the 21st century, right? The caves of the Tuya-Muyun and Chil-Ustun massifs are interesting even for those who are far from professional speleological expeditions. Here you can break away from reality and fall into space, where stone crystals of various colors and shapes surround you.

6 Breakfast on the south coast of Issyk-Kul

Here you wake up from the sound of the surf and the fresh breath of the wind much earlier than from the sound of an annoying alarm clock. If you’re lucky with the weather, getting out of the tent, you will see a clear sky and a rocky shore and small waves. The lake beckons, it is impossible to resist and swim there. After that, hot tea and a few minutes in the sun will save you from trembling. By the way, the sandwiches familiar to everyone seem to be a million times tastier here. Just make sure that food supplies are not flooded by the tide!

7 The road through massive and picturesque mountain passes

This is a place where instead of 1,000 words you need to see several photos or see it with your own eyes. These are not gold rush routes, but it’s worth taking them into account. Getting from one famous attraction to another, tourists often miss the opportunity to observe everything that happens on the way. Forget where you are going from and where. Stop and get out of the car! You will be amazed at what you see. On mountain passes and roads, it’s difficult to take a bad photo.

8 Helicopter flight over the Inylchek Valley

This place is the extreme point in the travel route in Kyrgyzstan, one of the most inaccessible areas of the country and a favorite place in the list of those who “have already seen everything.” Of course, these are not endless expanses of the Arctic with polar bears on ice floes. This is a mini-kingdom of glaciers – South and North Inylchek and the mysterious Merzbacher Lake with floating icebergs. You can explore the area by helicopter or by climbing one of the glaciers, which is extreme and more expensive in terms of money and time.

These inspiring, picturesque places of such a mountainous country as Kyrgyzstan will make you not only admire them once but also make you want to visit them many times after because such a beauty of nature is truly amazing. These 8 offered points are must-visit, you will understand that from the first sight. You will be able to come to see these places without any difficulty because the trips are not only impressive but also affordable.

Photos from sources: journalofnomads.com, showmekyrgyzstan.com