7 Must See Tourist Attractions in Kyrgyzstan Everyone Can Enjoy

Kyrgyzstan’s surreal Olympus-like atmosphere makes Kyrgyzstan a new up-and-coming destination for international travelers. Not only are the Tien Shen Mountains perfectly sculpted to enhance the land’s breathtaking terrain and house some of the most beautiful scenery known to man, but Kyrgyzstan boasts lots of intriguing historical places along with a virtual playground for outdoor sports fans.  Here’s a list of 7 tourist spots in Kyrgyzstan that are guaranteed not to disappoint.

SARY CHELEK BIOSPHERE RESERVE

In the entire country of Kyrgyzstan, places to visit are abundant, but few hold a candle to the Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve. This 23.9 sq km piece of wilderness is remote, virginal, and spectacular.  Untouched by the rest of the world, Sary Chelek contains 7 pristine apline lakes, 157 bird species, deer, long-horned mountain goats, porcupines, and wild boar.  Sary Chelek is located in the province of Jalal-Abad in between the Chatkal and At Oynok Mountain Ranges.

TASH RABAT

There are several historical places in Kyrgyzstan that are popular with travelers, but none as famous as Tash Rabat.  Tash Rabat is an ancient Silk Road caravanserai composed of 31 domed rooms that once housed merchants and travelers along the great Silk Road fighting to make their way from China to the West.  It is located in the province of Naryn in the Kara Koyun Valley.

ALA TOO SQUARE

Ala Too Square in the capital city of Bishkek is both a famous historical site in Kyrgyzstan as well as a modern attraction for travelers.   Ala Too Square is surrounded by beautiful parks and filled with towering statues and is often used for Kyrgyz celebrations and special events.  It is also the location of the famous protests of 2005 that were responsible for ousting Askar Akayev, Kyrgyzstan’s first president, from office.

LENIN PEAK

Lenin Peak is a 7,134 meter peak in Kyrgyzstan that can actually be summited by amateur and professional climbers alike.  The most accessible of all the 7000+ meter peaks in Kyrgyzstan, it is a spectacular destination where you can feel like you’re standing at the top of the world!

MOUNT SULAIMAN TOO

A list of Kyrgyzstan attractions wouldn’t be complete without this famous mountain. Located in the middle of the southern city of Osh, Mount Sulaiman Too is considered a sacred place by those of the Islamic faith and is frequently visited by travelers as well.  Mt Sulaiman Too contains a large museum as well as several historical sites including 2 mosques from the 16^th century, large numbers of petroglyphs, and medieval bath remains.

MANAS COMPLEX

Manas is a legendary hero of the Kyrgyz people whose name is known by small children and adults alike for unifying the 40 tribes of Kyrgyzstan against a common enemy.   There is a complex in Talas dedicated solely to Manas that contains a museum and mausoleum that are must-sees.

LAKE ISSYK KUL

Lake Issyk Kul is the most popular tourist attraction in Kyrgyzstan. It’s the world’s 2nd largest alpine lake and spreads itself out majestically in the midst of the Tien Shan “Celestial” Mountains.  The lake is so big, it looks like an ocean, but with a snow-capped backdrop in the distance. Not only is Lake Issyk Kul beautiful, but it’s surrounded by several stunning gorges that are popular with trekkers.

THINGS TO DO IN KYRGYZSTAN

As you’re visiting these different places in Kyrgyzstan, take advantage of the many activities available to you throughout the country.  There are peaks for climbing and paragliding, lakes for boating and swimming, rivers for white water rafting and fishing, mountain ranges for horseback riding, 2-tracks for off roading , gorges for hiking, and endless valleys for cycling. Traveling around Kyrgyzstan visiting spectacular tourist attractions will also inevitably put you in the path of peaceful nomads roaming the mountains.  Cultural experiences are limitless as well as outdoor activities.  Don’t limit yourself.  Experience all of what Kyrgyzstan has to offer and go home with memories and stories you’ll be sharing for years to come! Photo from source:

www.mountpix.livejournal.com