Kyrgyzstan feels like one of the last unexplored countries of our time. Wedged between China and the central-Asian states of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, visiting this beautiful country felt like going to another world, and some of the landscapes do indeed feel like a different planet. But if discovering new cultures, unusual foods and untouched nature is your kinda thing, then get Kyrgyzstan on your list! See below for some of the reasons that I loved this amazing country:
*Apologies for the poor photo quality in this article – I visited back in 2013 with a very basic little point and shoot camera. But I loved Kyrgyzstan so much that I just have to share them all the same!
Magnificent Landscapes
Kyrgyzstan is a must for nature lovers. From rolling steppe to dramatic mountains to rich forests, this Central-Asian country has it all. The first thing you’ll notice when hiking or trekking through Kyrgyzstan is that the air is so pure you can see the surrounding mountains in wonderful detail. Think Switzerland, but without the crowds! Top tip: visit in late spring/early summer to see meadows carpeted in wildflowers such as yellow aconites and pink clover.
A Horse-Lover’s Paradise
Horses are a way of life in Kyrgyzstan, and, in my opinion, the BEST way to see this country. Horse-trekking allows you to travel greater distances than hiking on foot, but still allows you to feel “at-one with nature” and access places that cars and buses cannot get to. We did a two-day horse trek starting near Lake Issyk Kul which took us up into the mountains, where we stayed overnight in a cute little wooden mountain lodge. Waking up to the sound of birdsong and the river crashing its way down the valley made city life feel like a distant memory.
A Rich History and Culture
From felt yurts to traditional wooden churches, there’s plenty to see in Kyrgyzstan if you’re interested in history and culture. Visit Cholpon Ata on the north shore of Lake Issyk Kul and you will find a huge hundred-acre boulder field where you can see ancient petroglyphs carved on the rocks by prehistoric people. Later on in history, Kyrgyzstan was a stopping point on the Silk Road, so it has seen its fair share of interesting visitors. They say that Alexander the Great visited Kyrgyzstan (but never conquered it) and that the walnut trees we find in Europe are descended from trees taken by Alexander back to Greece from Kyrgyzstan.
In fact, Kyrgyzstan was once inhabited by the Saka-Usun people (known by the Ancient Greeks as the Scythians): think a totally bad-ass tribe whose women fought just as hard as men, conquering vast lands by bow and arrow on horseback. It’s nice to remember that women have not always been as submissive as history so often portrays us to be.
Flower-Spotting
Kyrgyzstan is home to at least 20 species of wild tulip, various plants with bright berries, and more species of rare wildflower than I can count! You can even do special flower-spotting tours of the country which take you up to the alpine meadows and grasslands – perfect for any budding botanists out there (excuse the terrible pun!). Unfortunately when I visited it was too early in the year to see the wildflower meadows (best seen in late spring/early summer), but I would love to go back to see the country in bloom.
So, why not do something a bit different and head off to this magnificent central Asian country. I can promise you that you will not be disappointed!
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If you’re thinking about visiting Kyrgyzstan then why not get a copy of the Central Asia Lonely Planet here. Please note that I receive a small kick-back if you purchase a book through this affiliate link (the price of the book remains the same). This allows me to continue providing travel advice for free!
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