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Did You Know? 5 World-Class Things Kyrgyzstan Is Proud Of, and Why the World Is Taking Notice

Salamatsyzby! This is Sugiura from ASHU TRAVEL, your guide to scenic horse riding tours in Central Asia.

Many of you may be wondering what kind of country Kyrgyzstan is, but it actually boasts a number of world-class things that are catching global attention! This time, I’ve picked 5 top-level points that Kyrgyzstan is proud of.

The World’s Longest Epic: the Epic of Manas

The flag of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is home to “the longest epic poem in the world”, recognized by Guinness World Records. It’s called the Epic of Manas.

📖 It’s over 500,000 lines long!
📜 20 times longer than Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey combined, and 2.5 times longer than India’s Mahabharata

It tells the story of the Kyrgyz hero Manas and his descendants, passing down the pride and culture of the people to this day. It’s inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list and is a precious tradition still passed on orally by storytellers (manaschi).

Issyk-Kul Lake, with Some of the Clearest Water in the World

Issyk-Kul Lake, as vast as the sea


Issyk-Kul Lake in northeastern Kyrgyzstan is a breathtaking spot known as the “Pearl of Central Asia.”

🌊 The second clearest lake in the world (after Lake Baikal)
🌡 A mysterious lake that doesn’t freeze even in winter (its water temperature stays stable, so it never gets covered in ice)

There are beaches and hot springs around the lake. It’s a summer resort, and in winter it’s a popular attraction where you can enjoy the contrast of snowy mountains and the lake.

Nature So Grand It’s Called “the Switzerland of Central Asia”

Chelek Lake

Thanks to its magnificent, beautiful nature, Kyrgyzstan is also called “the Switzerland of Central Asia”

🏔 Ala-Archa National Park: Spectacular mountain hiking trails just an hour from Bishkek
⛰ Song-Kul Lake: A highland lake at 3,000 m, where you can stay in a nomads’ yurt in summer

For anyone who just wants to be surrounded by stunning scenery, it’s the ideal destination.

A YouTube Sensation! Kyrgyzstan’s “D Billions”


The Kyrgyz YouTube channel “D Billions” has become global kids’ entertainment!

🎵 Over 33 million subscribers and more than 44 billion total views!
🌍 “Shake, Shake Your Body!” ranked 9th in the world’s annual YouTube views ranking

Its colorful characters singing and dancing are a huge hit with children around the world. Kyrgyzstan has long had a deep-rooted culture of music and storytelling, which may be part of D Billions’ success.

One of the Best Business Environments in Central Asia

Central Bishkek

Kyrgyzstan is attracting attention not only for tourism but also for its ease of doing business.

🏆 Ranked 2nd in Central Asia, after Kazakhstan, in the World Bank’s “Doing Business” ranking! 💼 Smooth procedures for property registration and company formation

It’s drawing more and more attention as a “hidden business hub in Central Asia.” If you’re thinking of starting a new venture, Kyrgyzstan could be your chance!

Go on an Adventure in Kyrgyzstan! Enjoy Scenery and Culture You’ve Never Experienced

Kyrgyzstan is a country packed with little-known charms. A grand epic, a mysterious lake, a hit YouTube channel and overwhelming nature are waiting for you. For travelers, Kyrgyzstan is truly a treasure trove of new discoveries. If you haven’t been yet, make Kyrgyzstan your next adventure!

With ASHU TRAVEL Tours, Even Your First Trip to Kyrgyzstan Is Worry-Free

Worried about Kyrgyz or English? No problem. On ASHU TRAVEL tours, a Japanese-speaking guide will support you all the way!

Here are some of the tours we offer

  • Tour to enjoy Issyk-Kul Lake and horse riding
  • Tour that also visits Kazakhstan
  • Unique mare’s milk detox tour

Be sure to check them out!

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About the author

sugiura

yu

sugiura

A 40-something editor who loves the outdoors. Wanders around Japan and abroad in search of unique experiences. Longing for a digital detox, she goes on a trip, but in the end, she can't give up her computer, which is a problem.

About Us

We are a local travel company based in Kyrgyzstan,
sharing the spectacular Tian Shan mountains and the charm of nomadic culture.
Our founder, Nuriya, is a Kyrgyz guide fluent in Japanese
who once worked at the Embassy of Japan.
Blending Japanese attention to detail with warm
Central Asian hospitality,
we can also arrange trips that cross borders.

Our base is Ashu Guesthouse,
located inside a national park.
With a sauna and a pool, it is a comfortable place
for a retreat that restores body and mind
in the heart of nature.
What matters most to us
is sustainable travel.

By keeping groups small to protect nature, and by paying local guides
and nomads fairly,
we want travel to bring new energy to the region.
Through safe, meaningful experiences,
both our guests and our hosts come away uplifted.
Why not come and discover something “beyond sightseeing”
with us?

Why Travelers
Choose ASHU TRAVEL

  • Japanese- or English-speaking guides

    No language worries, and a real understanding of the culture and background. Not just “seeing” Central Asia, but enjoying it because you understand it.

  • A pro who has guided 3,000+ travelers

    Founded by a guide with many years in the field. Every trip is planned with safety, routes and pacing in mind so it never feels rushed.

  • Shared tours: join solo and save

    Solo travelers are welcome. When other travelers book the same tour on the same dates, you share it and the per-person price drops with the number of participants. The final price is fixed about three weeks before departure.

  • Based at a trusted guesthouse with 20+ years of history

    Our base is Ashu Guesthouse, a long-established guesthouse inside a national park. With private rooms, showers, heating, a sauna and a pool, you stay comfortable even in the wild.

  • Sustainable travel built as equal partners

    Our trips are made together with guides, nomads, their families and the community. As a locally run company, we pay fair wages, so the livelihoods and skills of everyone involved are protected.

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