More

    Tourist Attractions in Kyrgyzstan

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Kyrgyzstan. Photos and a brief description.

    About Kyrgyzstan

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

    Nature is one of the main riches of the country. Kyrgyzstan surprises with its mountain rivers with waterfalls, unique mountain lakes and hot springs. Only here you can see the only fruit and nut relic forests in the world. 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 complexity 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, local sweets and dried fruits are served to it. Handicrafts will become excellent souvenirs: felt garments and carpets, jewelry and wood carvings.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Kyrgyzstan

    Issyk-Kul Lake

    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, has healing properties.

    Issyk-Kul Lake
    Tien Shan Mountains

    Tien Shan Mountains

    A large mountain system, part of it is located on the territory of Kyrgyzstan. On the border with China is the most prominent peak — Pobedy, 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, glacial lake — gorge are very beautiful at any time of the year. There are many hot healing springs in it. Mineralized, radon, hydrogen sulfide water — all sources are different in one area. You can take thermal baths all year round.

    Altyn Arashan Gorge
    Sacred mountain Sulaiman-Too

    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 massif of limestone rocks with a length of more than a kilometer. There are several historical sites and buildings belonging to different eras on the mountain and its elephants. There is also a museum of its history.

    Arslanbob

    In the mountains there are the 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 routes and sightseeing trips on off-road vehicles.

    Arslanbob
    Ala Archa Gorge

    Ala Archa Gorge

    Nature park in the river valley. It is located near Bishkek and is its main attraction. All climatic zones of Kyrgyzstan can be found in the gorge. Vegetation and fauna are very diverse, there are many rare representatives. A popular place for hiking and mountaineering.

    Jety Oguz Gorge

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

    Jety Oguz Gorge
    Burana Tower

    Burana Tower

    The archaeological and architectural complex, including an ancient minaret, is the only surviving structure of the ancient settlement. The height of the tower was about 40 meters, now only half has been preserved. The building consists of several levels, all made of red brick. There is a collection of stone tombstones and sculptures nearby.

    Tash-Rabat Caravanserai

    A structure built in the XV century on the site of an even older monastery. It is located in a secluded valley, among the mountains, near the border with China. A monument of medieval architecture. Later it was used as a caravanserai for merchants following the Great Silk Road.

    Tash-Rabat Caravanserai
    Mausoleum of Gumbez Manas

    Mausoleum of Gumbez Manas

    The oldest 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 Abuk. The mausoleum is made of brick and terracotta, decorated with carvings and inscriptions.

    Petroglyphs of Saimala-Tash

    In the Saimaly-Tash tract, deep in the Fergana Ridge, there is an ancient sanctuary of fire worshippers. 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.

    Petroglyphs of Saimala-Tash
    Inylchek Glacier

    Inylchek Glacier

    One of the glaciers of the Tien Shan, the largest of all. Its outlines resemble a tree, the crown of which forms about 70 other, large and small, glaciers. Square Inylcheka is about 500 km2, and the length of the "tongue" is almost 50 kilometers.

    Son-Kul Lake (Sonkel)

    A large alpine lake, located between the Tien Shan ridges. A popular place of ecological 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.

    Son-Kul Lake (Sonkel)

    Lake Sary-Chelek

    Deep and long freshwater lake, the second largest in Kyrgyzstan. It is located high in the mountains, on the territory of the biosphere reserve. It was formed about 10 thousand years ago. The shores are wooded, very picturesque. A popular route for eco-tourism.

    Bazaar in Osh

    A real oriental bazaar with a lot of 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. It works daily, seven days a week.

    Bazaar in Osh