Hello everyone! I'm Liselotte and I traveled Kyrgyzstan with TripLegend last December. We traveled off the beaten path, met locals, learned about nomadic traditions, tasted Kyrgyz food and were surrounded by beautiful nature. It was an unforgettable adventure!
Now you might be wondering: where exactly is Kyrgyzstan and is it really as unforgettable as you say? Well, read on and you might find out!
First, let me tell you a little more about Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan (or the Kyrgyz Republic) is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It is characterized by the breathtaking Tien-Shan Mountains, which occupy 80 % of the country. It borders Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the south, and China to the east. The majority of the country's seven million inhabitants are ethnic Kyrgyz, followed by Uzbeks and Russians. The language they speak is Kyrgyz, a Turkic language, but Russian is also widely spoken. Communication in English will be somewhat difficult, as very few people speak this language.
Where should you travel in Kyrgyzstan?
Despite its small size, Kyrgyzstan has a lot to offer its visitors. The country is still relatively undiscovered by tourists, which makes it a unique and authentic adventure destination. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes, immerse themselves in the nomadic culture and discover the country's rich history and archaeology. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Kyrgyzstan that you could easily spend months in the country! Here are some of the most beautiful places I visited in Kyrgyzstan:
Bishkek: capital of Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. The city's bustling bazaar is a must-see for travelers who want to experience the life of the locals. The market offers a wide range of goods, including traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs. Visitors can also learn about the city's rich history by visiting one of its many museums, such as the State Historical Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. The city also offers impressive examples of Soviet-era architecture, including the iconic White House, which serves as the seat of the Kyrgyz government. Overall, Bishkek is an adventure destination that has something for everyone
Konorchek Gorge
Konorchek Canyon is a natural wonder not to be missed. The canyon is known for its stunning red sandstone cliffs and rock formations that tower over the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike the trails of the canyon while enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mountain goats and sheep, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Konorchek Gorge is also a popular place for climbing, horseback riding and other adventure sports.
Lake Issyk-Kul: the second largest mountain lake in the world
Lake Issyk-Kul is the tenth largest lake in the world by volume and the second largest salt lake after the Caspian Sea. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including kayaking, swimming, fishing and boating. Kayaking on the lake is especially popular, allowing visitors to explore the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of the lake.
Shatyly Panorama: breathtaking views
Located on the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains, Shatyly Panorama offers breathtaking views of some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. From the azure skies to the majestic snow-capped peaks to the rolling foothills. The Panorama itself is a peaceful and tranquil place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the landscape. The lookout is also a popular place for hiking, as it offers a variety of trails that lead to beautiful mountain passes and valleys. Another plus is that the viewpoint offers a magnificent view of the sunset and sunrise, making it the perfect place for a picnic with loved ones.
Fairytale Canyon: a spectacular natural wonder
Fairytale Canyon is a canyon known for its unique rock formations, sculpted by water and wind over thousands of years. Visitors can admire the breathtaking beauty of the canyon by hiking the trails and enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The canyon is also a popular photo subject, as its unique rock formations provide an opportunity to capture the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan in a single image.
Karakol: a stunning city with a fascinating history
Karakol is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Visitors can learn about the city's rich history by visiting its two main architectural landmarks, the Russian Orthodox Church and the Dungan Mosque. The Russian Orthodox Church is a beautiful example of traditional Russian architecture.
The interior of the church is decorated with colorful icons and intricate carvings. The Dungan Mosque is another popular attraction in Karakol. The structure is an important symbol of the city's Muslim heritage. The mosque has a unique design that combines elements of Islamic and Chinese architecture. Inside, visitors will find an impressive collection of Islamic art and artifacts.
Jeti-Oguz: breathtaking landscape
The Jeti Oguz Valley is known for its striking red sandstone cliffs that tower over the valley and contrast beautifully with the lush green pastures. One of the landmarks of the valley is the Seven Bulls, a group of seven red sandstone rock formations that resemble bulls. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the valley by hiking the trails and taking in the views of the Seven Bulls and the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Engilchek: Abandoned mining town
Engilchek is an abandoned mining town with a mysterious and fascinating history. The town began as a small mining camp in the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, the town had grown to over 5,000 residents and had a school, hospital, and other amenities. During this time, the town was a thriving community full of life and energy. However, during the Soviet era, the town fell into disrepair. The mines were shut down and the population dwindled as people left the city in search of better opportunities. By the end of the 1980s, the town was virtually abandoned, and today the only inhabitants are the 25 families who still live there, as well as occasional visitors. Engilchek is a fascinating place, full of history and mystery. The ruins of the abandoned buildings and the surrounding mountains make for an otherworldly experience.
Mars Canyon: amazing rugged terrain
Mars Canyon, also known as the "Valley of Red Rocks", is located in the western part of Kyrgyzstan. The striking rock formations, eroded river valleys, and narrow sandstone walls characterize the unusual landscape of Mars Canyon. The canyon is also home to Kyrgyz eagle hunters, a tradition still practiced by a few nomadic Kyrgyz. Visitors can observe the hunting skills of the eagle hunters and learn about the history and culture of the Kyrgyz people.
If you are interested in my travel reports, please feel free to contact me on Instagram follow. On my account I take you on all trips and give exciting insights into the culture.
Do you want to discover Kyrgyzstan for yourself? Then you can find here our current TripLegend Kyrgyzstan Round Trip. Here you can travel sustainably in a group of like-minded people while discovering the most exciting parts of the country. For even more travel inspiration, follow TripLegend also on Instagram and subscribe to our Newsletter
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