Top 15 Attractions in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a state in Central Asia. The capital is Bishkek, the major cities are Osh, Karakol, Naryn. This is a country with oriental flavor, yurts of nomads, noisy bazaars, archaeological sites of the times of the Great Silk Road.

Nature is one of the main wealth of the country. Kyrgyzstan surprises with its mountain rivers with waterfalls, unique mountain lakes and hot springs. Only here you can see the world's only fruit and nut relic forests. Almost the entire territory of the country is occupied by mountains, the most prominent peaks of the Tien Shan and Pamir are located here. Climbing and trekking routes of varying difficulty are popular with tourists. In winter, ski resorts are active.

The cuisine is rich in meat and dairy dishes, among which koumiss is in a special place. Tea drinking is a traditional ceremony, served with local sweets and dried fruits. Handicrafts will be excellent souvenirs: felt garments and carpets, jewelry and wood carvings.

What to see in Kyrgyzstan?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

Lake Issyk-Kul

A very large and deep lake, the largest in the country. The maritime climate and convenient beaches have made Issyk-Kul popular with tourists. The infrastructure on the coast is very well developed and offers various opportunities for recreation. The fauna of the reservoir is diverse, represented by many species of fish. The water is mineralized and has healing properties.

Tien Shan mountains

A large mountain system, part of it is located on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. On the border with China, there is the most prominent peak - Pobeda, its height is more than 7000 meters. The landscape is represented by deserts, glaciers, mountain rivers and lakes.

Altyn Arashan Gorge

Nature reserve in the mountains. Forests untouched by man, mountain rivers with waterfalls, a glacial lake - the gorge is very beautiful at any time of the year. It contains many hot healing springs. Mineralized water, radon, hydrogen sulfide - in one area, the sources are all different. You can take thermal baths all year round.

Sacred mountain Sulaiman-Too

The mountain in the south of Kyrgyzstan is the first UNESCO monument in the country. The appearance of Suleiman-Too is unusual - it is an elongated five-domed limestone massif, more than a kilometer long. On the mountain and its elephants there are several historical objects and buildings dating back to different eras. There is also a museum of its history.

Arslanbob

In the mountains there is a village of the same name, a resort, a tract, waterfalls and a unique relict walnut forest. This is one of the most beautiful resorts in the south of the country. The area is picturesque, unique in its own way. Tourists at the resort are offered both hiking trails and sightseeing trips on off-road vehicles.

Ala Archa Gorge

Natural park in the river valley. It is located near Bishkek and is its main attraction. In the gorge you can find all the climatic zones of Kyrgyzstan. Vegetation and fauna are very diverse, many rare representatives. Popular place for hiking and climbing.

Jety Oguz Gorge

A picturesque gorge on the southern coast of Issyk-Kul. The long wooded valley is famous for its thermal springs (Jety Oguz resort) and picturesque red rocks. The Seven Bulls Ridge and the Broken Heart Rock attract many tourists.

Burana Tower

Archaeological and architectural complex, including an ancient minaret - the only surviving building of the ancient settlement. The height of the tower was about 40 meters, now only half has survived. The building consists of several levels, all of red brick. Nearby is a collection of stone tombstones and sculptures.

Caravanserai Tash-Rabat

A building built in the 15th century on the site of an even more ancient monastery. Located in a secluded valley, among the mountains, not far from the border with China. Monument of medieval architecture. Later it was used as a caravanserai for merchants following the Great Silk Road.

Mausoleum of Gumbez Manas

The most ancient monument of the republic, a unique architectural structure of the XIV century. The building is the tomb of one of the daughters of the local ruler Amir Abuq. The mausoleum is made of brick and terracotta, decorated with carvings and inscriptions.

Petroglyphs of Saimaly-Tash

In the tract of Saimaly-Tash, in the depths of the Ferghana Range, there is an ancient sanctuary of fire worshipers. Many stones are decorated with ancient petroglyphs, their age is estimated at several thousand years. In total, there are about 20 thousand stones with images in the valley.

Inylchek Glacier

One of the Tien Shan glaciers, the largest of all. Its shape resembles a tree, the crown of which is formed by about 70 other, large and small, glaciers. The area of ​​​​Inylchek is about 500 km², and the length of the “tongue” is almost 50 kilometers.

Son-Kul Lake (Son-Kul)

A large alpine lake, located between the Tien Shan ranges. A popular place for eco-tourism. Part of the coast of the reservoir is part of the state reserve. There are a lot of fish in the lake, various birds nest on the shore.

Lake Sary-Chelek

Deep and long freshwater lake, the second largest in Kyrgyzstan. Located high in the mountains, on the territory of the biosphere reserve. Formed about 10 thousand years ago. The shores are wooded and very picturesque. A popular route for ecological tourism.

Bazaar in Osh

A real oriental bazaar with many goods and sellers not only local, but also from neighboring countries. There is more choice here than anywhere else in Central Asia. The market is the same age as the Great Silk Road, which ran in this place before. The bazaar is more than 2000 years old and it has not changed its place during this time. Very large, almost a kilometer long. Works daily, without days off.