Kyrgyzstan is one of the most beautiful, pristine, and interesting countries in Asia. This travel destination is rich and rewarding for the adventurous traveler. Kyrgyzstan might be small but it is perfectly formed. The Mountains of Heaven or Tien Shan that stretch across its breadth and length are wild and high, lush and green, dissected by lofty snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, crystal creams, primal forest, and sweeping steppe lands.
Primarily, Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous land with an altitude of 400 meters in the Ferghana Valley to more than 7,400 meters on the summit of Peak Pobeda. Over half of the country is more than 3,000 meters high while about one third is covered in snow permanently. Despite this landlocked Central Asian republic immense natural beauty, it is the locals that bring Kyrgyzstan to life.
Bishkek is the capital of the country and it is renowned for its excellent museum, monuments, and markets. Some top attractions here include Lake Izzy Kul and Borana Tower. You can also spend some days on the lake or head to Karakara Mountain Camp for a helicopter assisted glacier trekking.
From here, you can move to the southern shores of the lake, visit the eagle hunters, or trek over one of the magnificent passes before hitting the Silk Road caravansaries at Tash Rabat. Here you can ride on a horse or go for a walk or stay in one of the traditional yurts.
From Tash Rabat, you can either head to Kashgar, a famous Silk Road crossroads town or west across the mountains to Lake Son Kul, another jewel in the Kyrgyz crown. This glacial lake is about 3,000 meters high and 40 kilometers in length. It not only offers visitors a great place to ride or walk among the hills but it also allows you to meet more locals.
As you head west, you can cross the Ferghana range and the Tajik border region. You can travel to Peak Lenin base camp or head down into the ancient Silk Road town of Osh and the Ferghana Valley. Continuing your journey towards Bishkek, you will come to Sary Chelek National Park. This is another wonderful Kyrgyzstan’s region of natural beauty.
Kyrgyzstan is unrivaled in terms of natural mountain beauty. It is a place with relatively few tourists, good tourist infrastructure, and few political issues. It is a great place where you can heli-trek, raft, mountain bike, ride, or walk, all on a single trip. Kyrgyzstan is indeed one of the best-kept secrets of adventure travels.