Hello everyone, this is Sugiura, the editor-in-chief of Ashu Travel, a travel agency specializing in Central Asia.
In this article, we will introduce some of the best tourist spots in Kyrgyzstan, a country of breathtaking scenery and adventure that is known to those in the know. It has unspoiled nature, a relaxed nomadic culture, and a unique culture that is a mix of different cultures. It is full of attractive spots that are irresistible for those who want to go on a slightly exciting and exotic trip.
Let’s go and find some of the tourist attractions in Kyrgyzstan that are still unknown!
What kind of country is Kyrgyzstan?
First of all, for those of you who are wondering “What kind of country is Kyrgyzstan?”, we will give a brief introduction.
Kyrgyzstan is a kingdom of mountains and grasslands. 90% of the country is mountainous, making it a paradise for mountain lovers. The magnificent Tian Shan mountain range runs through the heart of Central Asia, and the scenery is truly spectacular! If you are going for hiking or trekking, the best season is summer (around May to September).
The culture of the nomadic people is also deeply rooted in the country, and the yurt, their mobile dwelling, and the colorful, cute designs that can be seen in everyday life are unique to Kyrgyzstan. If you have the chance to talk to a local nomad, it would be interesting to ask them about their lifestyle of living in harmony with nature.
In addition, Kyrgyzstan prospered as a key location on the Silk Road, where the East and West intersected, and it was once annexed by the Russian Empire. So in the city, you can see a strange landscape of Russian Orthodox churches and Islamic mosques side by side, and you can immerse yourself in a different culture.
If you want to know more, please check out this article.
5 recommended popular tourist spots in Kyrgyzstan! Let’s start with these!
Let’s take a look at some of the classic tourist destinations in Kyrgyzstan that you should definitely visit, and the appeal of each.
Lake Issyk-Kul|A spectacular lake with one of the world’s highest transparencies
When you think of Kyrgyzstan tourism, this is the first place to come to mind! Located at an altitude of about 1,600m above sea level, it is a lake with crystal clear water that is one of the most beautiful in the world. The blue of the water and the backdrop of the mountains are like a painting, and visitors are all amazed at how clear it is. Incidentally, it is about 9 times the size of Lake Biwa.
How to enjoy Lake Issyk-Kul
During the summer season, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking and water sports. It is recommended for solo travelers, couples, and family trips.
In addition, areas such as Cholpon-Ata and Karakol are home to hotels, cafes, restaurants, museums, spas and other facilities, making them perfect for tourists looking to relax in a resort atmosphere. They are also suitable for wellness trips, where you can reconsider your health and way of life through food, activities, cultural experiences and relaxation.
Songkhla Lake|A photogenic spot in the sky
Located 3,016 meters above sea level, Songkhla Lake is a tranquil world where time seems to flow more slowly. All you can hear is the sound of the wind rustling through the grasslands and the bleating of sheep. In the daytime, the sky is reflected in the lake, and at dusk the whole area is bathed in dramatic colors, while at night the sky above you is filled with stars.
During the summer, the nomads live in yurts in this area, and sheep and horses graze by the lakeside. It’s an idyllic, picturesque world straight out of a picture book or painting.
How to enjoy Songkhla Lake
Recommended ways to enjoy Songkhla Lake include horse riding and camping by the lake. The real thrill is being able to experience the life of a nomad by galloping through the vast grasslands in a yurt. Enjoy unforgettable outdoor experiences such as greeting the sunrise by the lake or gazing at the star-filled night sky.
Oshu Bazaar|Deep local gourmet and souvenir hunting
The Osh Bazaar in Bishkek is a huge market packed with local foodstuffs and miscellaneous goods. You can find a whole range of ingredients that you won’t find in Japan, such as Kyrgyz spices, dried fruit, and slightly peculiar fermented dairy products.
How to enjoy the Osh Bazaar
It’s perfect for eating your way around while sightseeing or looking for souvenirs. You can enjoy the aroma of spices and local flavors while being surrounded by a lively atmosphere. You’re sure to find some unique Kyrgyzstan-style local products and small items that will make great souvenirs. We recommend this place for those who want to enjoy the local atmosphere as well as sightseeing!
The Tower of Brana|Feel the timeless history at the Silk Road ruins
The Burana Tower is a historical ruin that once prospered as a relay station on the Silk Road. It is located about an hour and a half drive from Bishkek. The minaret (tower) stands at a height of about 24 meters, and it still retains a strong sense of the ancient Silk Road era. This tower was originally about 45 meters high, but it shrank after suffering from several earthquakes, and it is said that it was repaired and took on its current form.
The exterior walls are engraved with a geometric pattern, which looks rather stylish. There are also stairs inside the tower, and the view of the grasslands from the top is also spectacular.
How to enjoy the Brana Tower
The Burana Tower is not just a single structure, but can be enjoyed as part of the surrounding area. There are many stone monuments called “balbal” lined up, and it is interesting to look at the unique patterns on each one. There is also a small museum with relics on display, and it is exciting to imagine the Silk Road era more realistically after seeing the tower. This is a must-see tourist destination for those who like to travel and experience different cultures and history!
6 Hidden Gems in Kyrgyzstan! A Special Guide for Travelers
Next, we will introduce some of the best-kept secrets of Kyrgyzstan. If you are looking for something a little different from the usual tourist spots, or if you have a bit more time to spare, then this is the place for you!
Jetty Oguz – A spectacular spot with bright red rock formations
Jety Oguz is a huge red rock formation that has been registered as a natural and cultural heritage site. The name means “seven bulls” in Kyrgyz, and it is said that the formation looks like seven large bulls standing in a row. But to me, it looks like there are about 11… Everyone, please go and count for yourself!
How to enjoy Jetty Oguz
This spot is perfect for those who enjoy hiking and photography. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the red rocks while hiking in the nearby mountains. The vivid contrast between the red of the rocks, the blue of the sky and the green of the grass is perfect for photos.
Ala Archa National Park|A great hiking spot for beginners
Ala-Archa National Park, which is less than an hour’s drive from the capital, Bishkek, is a scenic tourist spot with beautiful valleys and mountainous areas. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and you can refresh yourself in the extraordinary natural environment. If you’re lucky, you might even see some rare plants and animals.
The most attractive feature of the tourist spot is the hiking course, which can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to advanced hikers. There are a wide variety of courses, so even beginners like me, who are in their 40s and starting to lose confidence in their stamina, can easily give it a try!
How to enjoy Ala-Archa National Park
The wide variety of courses means you can enjoy them at your own pace without overdoing it. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kyrgyzstan while getting some exercise in the great outdoors and refreshing yourself at the same time!
Cheonggye-min Natural Park|A relaxing walk through the healing meadows
Chon-Kemin Nature Park is a spot where you can enjoy activities such as rafting, hiking and horse riding in the vast wilderness. It is about a 2-hour drive from Bishkek by marshrutka (minibus). In summer, the meadows, rivers and colorful flowers are very peaceful, with cows and sheep spending their days in the flower fields. It is perfect for those who want to forget their daily lives and relax!
How to enjoy Cheongok-min Natural Park
It’s fun just to watch, but if you want a special experience, why not try horse riding? You can enjoy a luxurious moment as if you were one with nature as you ride your horse over gentle hills and through endless green meadows.
Doldoi Bazaar|A huge market where you can enjoy hunting for treasures
Dordoi Bazaar is a huge market located to the north of Bishkek. The unique feature of this tourist spot is that the containers are used as shops! The bazaar is lined with containers, making it look like a giant maze. You can buy all kinds of things here, including clothes, shoes, bags, and food, so have fun exploring and looking for bargains!
How to enjoy the Doldoi Bazaar
The shops close one after another in the evening, so it’s recommended to go in the morning. There are lots of people and things, and the energetic atmosphere can be overwhelming, so please go with plenty of time and energy to spare.
Ishikura Onsen|Natural hot spring where you can relax while enjoying the view of the great outdoors
Ishkualta Hot Spring is a tourist spot where you can enjoy a hot spring bath in the middle of nature. It is located about an hour and a half by bus from Bishkek. Unlike typical hot springs in Japan, it is an outdoor heated swimming pool, so be sure to wear a bathing suit.
Taking a hot spring bath while enjoying the magnificent scenery of nature is something special. The water is lukewarm, so you can take your time and relax. Why not go and be healed if you’re tired from traveling?
H4: How to enjoy the Isyk-Ata hot springs
It’s not far from Bishkek, so you can go there for the day, but if you want to make it a trip that refreshes both your body and soul, we recommend staying overnight. After hiking in the Isyk-Ata valley, relax in the hot springs and enjoy the mountain scenery.
Visiting historical spots in Karagol|Visiting churches and mosques where different cultures intersect
Karakol is the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan, located at the easternmost tip of Lake Issyk-Kul. In winter, it is a popular destination for tourists as a large-scale ski resort, and the beautiful Karakol Valley, which is rumored to have been the model for the Ghibli film Howl’s Moving Castle, is famous among trekking enthusiasts.
The city of Karakol is a tourist spot where you can enjoy not only outdoor activities but also cultural experiences. There are many historical buildings where different cultures intersect, such as Russian Orthodox churches and Islamic mosques. The exotic scenery is sure to be enjoyed by architecture and history lovers!
Things to do in Karakol
Just wandering around the city is fun, but the Dungan Mosque is a must-see. It was built in the 1900s by the Dungan people who came from China, and it was built without using a single nail! The colorful use of color and exotic design are also highlights. Women should not forget to bring a scarf as they will be entering the grounds of the mosque.
Enjoy a unique and special trip that will stay with you in Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan is a country like a jewel box, packed with magnificent nature and diverse culture. You can be healed by the great outdoors at Lake Issyk-Kul and Lake Song-Kol, or enjoy treasure hunting at the Dordoi Bazaar. You can also experience the traditions of the nomadic people, or take a relaxing break at a hot spring, and your heart will be liberated. Please visit the many attractive spots in Kyrgyzstan and make some special travel memories!
Recommended Tours by Ashu Travel
If you’re going to the popular Song Köl Lake on your trip to Kyrgyzstan, why not try horse riding? On the popular tour offered by Ashu Travel, you can enjoy a luxurious moment as you tour the beautiful alpine lake from the north and east on horseback.
You can stay in a guesthouse or a traditional yurt. Enjoy your trip to Kyrgyzstan in a relaxed atmosphere with the warm hospitality of the staff.
Click here for the official Instagram account, full of the charm of Central Asia!
Account name： @ashutravel_jp
URL: https://www.instagram.com/ashutravel_jp/
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