Getting around in mountainous Kyrgyzstan can be difficult. Nevertheless, there are sustainable alternatives to domestic flights or car trips. Even more, avoiding waste and shopping at local merchants helps.
Railroad network
For longer distances, rail travel is almost always the more environmentally friendly alternative. Kyrgyzstan also has a rail network, operated by the State Railway of Kyrgyzstan. However, it is very difficult to build a rail network in the mountainous country, which is why there is only one line that is open for passenger traffic. Nevertheless, it can be worthwhile to use it. Because this line connects the capital Bishkek with Balyktchy. This city is located on the impressive Yssykköl, the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. So if you are planning a trip here, the railroad line is definitely worth it!
The leisurely train ride is also worthwhile for the many small Kyrgyz towns along the way. Here you can experience the traditional life of the Central Asian country.
In the other direction, the railroad line leads without changes to Kazakhstan, from where it is possible to continue to other Asian countries.
Horses
In rural regions, horses are still frequently used as a means of transport and locomotion. Horses are the national animals of Kyrgyzstan and also culturally therefore very popular. For those who already have experience in horseback riding, the animals are an idea to get to know the country in a very special way. In some places horses can also cover distances that are impassable and therefore would never have been reached by car. This is because many Kyrgyz horses are already used to covering distances over hill and dale, through rivers and at heights of thousands of meters.
Less than half of all official roads in Kyrgyzstan are paved, with the majority consisting of gravel or dirt.
Waste
As in many less prosperous countries, waste is a major problem in Kyrgyzstan. Large amounts of waste are dumped or illegally incinerated. Since this leads to damage to the health of the population, it is particularly important to avoid waste as long as there is no developed circular economy system. Reusable containers for food and jute bags or backpacks for shopping are suitable for this purpose. For drinking, however, you should never fill up your own bottle with tap water. The tap water in Kyrgyzstan is not drinkable.
Nevertheless, garbage is not always avoidable. If trash is generated, it is always important to take it away and dispose of it properly, despite the critical waste management. This way, the landscape does not become littered and the danger for animals and plants is reduced.
Overnight stay in yurts
Yurts are the dwellings of nomads. It is also possible for guests to book an overnight stay in a yurt. This not only brings you very close to the Kyrgyz culture and in contact with locals and their exciting stories. No, this unique experience also helps the local economy and the local people.
Travel in group
Since the train network is relatively limited, those who don't have time for horseback riding are usually left with the car as their only means of transportation. But here, too, a lot of emissions can be saved. Because if you're not traveling alone, but with a group, you'll share the car and the footprint per person will be much smaller. This way you can enjoy the country, meet new friends and harm the environment as little as possible.
If you now feel like getting to know Kyrgyzstan up close, experiencing the culture and traditions and discovering the vast landscapes, then check out the TripLegend Kyrgyzstan trip over. Here you will not only discover the most exciting parts of the country on the round trip, but you are also climate neutral on the road and travel the country sustainably in the group, while you experience the adventure of a lifetime.
For even more travel inspiration, follow TripLegend also on Instagram.
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