Kyrgyzstan: 6 impressive highlights

In the far east, just before the border of China, stretches a country almost undiscovered by tourists. We show you the impressive highlights that Kyrgyzstan has to offer. Don't miss anything in this unknown paradise.

1. alaköl: Kyrgyzstan's mountain lake highlight 

In the northeast of the country, Alaköl Mountain Lake stretches 3532 meters above sea level. It is particularly famous for its surreal color scheme: the bright turquoise blue of the water looks like a forgotten splash of color on the rugged palette of the surrounding mountains. This unique sight, however, is only for the hardy: the climb usually takes three days, and in winter a thick layer of ice covers the high-altitude lake.

2. saimaluu tash: stones of the primitive people

If you are passionate about history and ancient cultures, Saimaluu Tash is a must-see in Kyrgyzstan. The archaeological site combines about 10,000 stones painted with petroglyphs across two high mountain valleys, which reveal a lot about the ancient cultures in this area. Many of the carvings are still not definitively explained today and their meaning will probably remain hidden forever.

Nevertheless, the art can still be viewed today, leaving each visitor with their own interpretation. The messages from ancient times were created over 4000 years ago and are considered the largest collection of stones of this kind in the world. Between images of animals and geometric symbols are faces of deities from times long past, which nevertheless have never completely lost their magic.

3. barskoon waterfall

South of the large Yssykköl Lake lie the Barskoon Waterfalls. Here the water of the Barskoon River falls into the depths on several steps. Surrounded by the impressive mountain nature and breathtaking views, this is a highlight that visitors to the region should not miss. At the highest step, the water masses fall 24 meters into the depth and meet loudly in the river course below. Just 20 kilometers to the north is a small town called Barskoon, just like the waterfalls. Here you can spend the night after a long day in the mountains.

4. engilchek glacier and ghost town

At the point where the borders of China, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan meet, the Engilchek glaciers rise many meters into the air. At the edge of the two glaciers, where the ice begins, many a visitor falls into amazement at the seemingly endless white masses. The higher of the two peaks, at 7400 meters above sea level, seemingly touches the sky. In summer, the meltwater flows in rushing streams towards the Tarim Basin in China. Not far from the glaciers hides the abandoned city of the same name, whose ruins today allow exciting glimpses of times gone by.

5. Bishkek: capital of Kyrgyzstan

The heart of the country beats in the north, here is the only city with a million inhabitants. From the sixth century, the first natives settled here, since then the vibrant city grew and grew until the metropolis manifests today the capital. Here the architecture can be admired at the impressive Soviet buildings, also worth a walk in one of the numerous parks.

The Bishkek Art Museum reveals a lot about the culture in this country steeped in history. Besides, the typical activities of a big city leave nothing to be desired: Restaurants serve typical local dishes and in bars, cafes, theaters and hotels life can be enjoyed before or after a trip to one of the many national parks. Right next to the city is the Kashka Suu ski resort, where skiing enthusiasts will get their money's worth.

6. fairytale canyon: the red desert landscape

Crumbled rocks shining red in the sun and the magical aura of this unusual landscape give Fairytale Canyon its name. This highlight shows probably one of the most worth seeing stretches of land, the picturesque aura invites you to dream. Even if this part of Kyrgyzstan seems desert-like at first sight, the landscape is anything but desolate. In the red of the big stones you can find a true blaze of color and if you look closely, you will quickly come across one of the many small canyon dwellers. Thousands of years of wind, water and ice have shaped this unique stretch of land as it presents itself today. 

Besides the National parks of Kyrgyzstan absolutely recommendable, we have compiled the most beautiful four.

For additional travel inspiration follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.