Kyrgyzstan is an exquisitely beautiful country with huge tourism potential: the rugged nomadic culture, endless mountains and lakes, warming hospitality and endless potential for adventure are a combination that draws increasing numbers of tourists each year to this off-the-map little nation. Kyrgyzstan is a great place for extreme sports: climbing, skiing, snowboarding, trekking and hiking. Kyrgyzstan offers some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet, paired with centuries of culture and history.

Depending on your travel plans and ideas, you can visit Kyrgyzstan all year round, but the usual tourist high season is summer. Highlights of Kyrgyzstan definitely include going to the mountains and going out of the cities, thus the best time to visit is July and August. It is the time when summer pastures are full of yurts, fruits and vegetables are ripe and the weather is warm. It is also an ideal season to go for day hikes or do multi-day trekking or mountain biking.

Traditional Kyrgyz food revolves around mutton, beef and horse meat, as well as various dairy products. Popular dishes include Pilaf or Paloo (rice with lamb and vegetables or fruit), shashlyk (kebab), laghman (stew with noodles) and manty (mutton-filled dumpling). Salads and vegetable dishes are usually available as starters. Flatbreads are ubiquitous and very good. National beverage of the country is Green tea.

You can buy handicrafts and food in Bishkek, Alamedin and Osh bazaars. For souvenirs, there are several shops and galleries along the avenue of Manas and Chui. Some of the souvenirs you can take back home are embroidered shyrdak, leather items, chess sets, jewellery and some tradition figures.

Russian and Kyrgyz are the two official languages of Kyrgyzstan, with the latter being the most widely spoken native language.

1. BISHKEK

Bordered by mighty Tian Shan Range, Bishkek is the capital city and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kyrgyzstan. Known as the doorway to Ala Archa National Park and Kyrgyz Ala-Too Mountains, Bishkek boasts of state museums, art museums, galleries, opera and ballet theatre.

The centrally located public square; Ala-Too Square has the Manas Monument which is built in memory of Kyrgyz Epic of Manas. The city always buzzes with tourists coming from different corners of the world.

Places to visit in Bishkek: Ala-Too Square, Gapar Aitiev Arts Museum, Ata Beyit Memorial Complex

2. ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK

Nestled in the Tian Shan Mountains, Ala Archa National Park is surrounded by alpine vegetation, presenting a spectacular terrain. Accessible round the year, Ala Archa National Park is located 40 km from Bishkek and one of the must-see places to visit in Kyrgyzstan. Visited by locals and tourists alike, Ala Archa National Park is ideal for picnics, wildlife trails, mountain treks, nature walks, and hikes.

3. ISSYK KUL LAKE

Nestled in the Northern Tian Shan Mountains, Issyk kul Lake is a sprawling endorheic lake, known for its tranquillity and scenic beauty. It is the second largest lake after the Caspian Sea and showcases stunning surrounding beauty of Tian Shan ranges.

Estimated to be 25 million years old, Issyk kul Lake is one of the few ancient lakes in the World worth visiting. Swimming, rafting, kayaking, and horse riding on the bank are some of the tourists’ favourite things to do.

4. SONG KOL LAKE

Nestled at an elevation of 3000 m, Song Kol Lake is known for its heavenly beauty and serenity. Surrounded by mountains and verdant meadows, Song Kal Lake is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. Reached by horse rides, this lake offers such a beauty that will make your jaw drop in amusement.

5. KARAKOL

Famed as one of the major tourist attractions and one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Kyrgyzstan, Karakol reflects the true culture and traditions of the country. From hiking to trekking, a sunset cruise to food tours and city walks; the place offers everything to make the holiday worth and exciting.

There are cafes and pubs to relax and sprawling local markets for hearty retail therapy. Moreover, the Animal Market where the barter system is still in practice is a place to explore during the Karakol visit.

6. OSH

Just like Bishkek, which is the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Osh is the cultural capital of the country which displays a beautiful amalgamation of Kyrgyz, Uzbek and Tajik cultures and traditions. There are buzzing bazaars and markets where one can shop traditional souvenirs, handicrafts and knick-knacks, and restaurants where one can rejoice traditional food. Enjoy walking tours and experience the cultural vibe of the country.

Places to visit in Osh: Kyrgyz Ata National Park, Alai Valley, Sulaiman Too Mountain, Abshyr Ata waterfall

7. BURANA

Burana is a small hamlet in the Chuy Region but what makes it one of the best places to see in Kyrgyzstan is the historical Burana Tower and remnants of Balasagun. Burana Tower is one of the most popular historical minarets.

This 25-meter-tall tower reflects rich history of Silk Caravans and hence attracts visitors from parts of the world. One can also see bal-bals in the field close to the Burana Tower which are gravestones, engraved by the nomadic Turkic tribes.

8. CHOLPON ATA

Located on the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul, Cholpon Ata is a buzzing resort town. Flocked by tourists, round the year; Cholpon Ata is famous for museums, famous statues, and monuments.

The Museum of Petroglyphs, the Historical Museum, Equestrian Hippodrome, Lenin Statue, and Veteran Monument are the must-see places. The beauty and wilderness of abandoned airport at Cholpon Ata and the runway are surely worth experiencing.

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