Kyrgyzstan

Reasons To Travel To Kyrgyzstan

This beautiful landlocked country, formerly part of the Soviet Union is probably most popular travel destination in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan tourism is growing year on year, so take the chance to visit one of the worlds most spectacular countries.

Kyrgyzstan is home to the magnificent Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai mountain ranges, which constitute 90 percent of the territory of this beautiful, pristine, and rugged land in the heart of Central Asia. With 29 peaks over 4000 meters tall, and 45 over 3000 meters tall. Kyrgyzstan offers more than 200 trails for avid hikers and horseback riders. For climbers, the country boasts some of the highest points in the world – the famous Pobeda and Khan Tengri Peaks – both towering more than 7000 meters above the earth. More than 50 national parks and forest preserves present nature in its myriad forms. Tours by foot, bicycle, or horseback can be arranged easily. In fact, for mountainside travel, most Kyrgyz still use horses as the most effective mode of transportation.

Visa Matters

Kyrgyzstan has a visa-free regime for citizens of more than 40 countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Georgia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia (up to 30 days), Moldova, Mongolia (up to 90 days), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey (up to 30 days), Ukraine (up to 90 days), Uzbekistan (up to 60 days), and Vietnam. In 2012, Kyrgyzstan extended a 60-day, visa-free regime to develop tourism and encourage investment to citizens of Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Croatia, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, The United States of America, and the Vatican. Consequently, Kyrgyzstan widely opens its door and its heart to guests of many countries.

Mountain Lakes

There are more than 2000 high-altitude lakes nestled in Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan mountain range. Since antiquity, people have passed on many legends about the origins of these spectacular lakes. Lake Son-Kul, at more than 3000 meters above sea level, draws visitors from around the world. Several yurt camps along its shores offer a unique glimpse into the mountain traditions of Kyrgyz nomadic culture. The resorts and guest houses surrounding Lake Issyk-Kul – the second deepest lake in the world, at 668 meters – offer visitors a touch of beach experience at the center of the great Asian land mass. Fed by hundreds of underground springs, its name means 'hot lake' because the mildly saline lake never freezes. Lake Issyk-Kul offers a breathtaking view of its dozens of encircling mountain peaks. This ring of mountains protects Issyk-Kul from cold air invading from the north and hot air rising from the south, granting travelers a pleasant and comfortable microclimate that offers every opportunity for rest and relaxation. Mountain-sea breezes, low humidity, clean air, abundant solar heat, water infused with therapeutic minerals, hot springs, and mud treatments will revive the health and spirits of all visitors.

Great Silk Road

The current territory of Kyrgyzstan served as the main bridge on the giant trade route connecting the East and West. Some routes are still used in the country as highways. By visiting the historical sites along the route of the Great Silk Road, one can delve into the past and feel the spirit of antiquity and the middle ages.

How to Travel to Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is serviced by two main airports; Bishkek and Osh. The vast majority of international flight will land in Bishkek. If you’re looking at flying into Osh from overseas then you will either have to transfer in Bishkek or the regional hubs of Almaty in Kazakhstan or Tashkent in Uzbekistan. Flights to Kyrgyzstan can be pricey depending on where you’re flying from. I would recommend researching across a number of platforms and book your flights as early as possible.