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Ever heard about “the Switzerland of Central Asia”? Well, that is the title that Kyrgyzstan is often referred to. The country is 70% mountainous terrain with views and landscapes that will blow your mind. On several occasions, travellers visiting the country are gobsmacked by the natural mountainous beauty the country has to offer. Owing to its hilly terrain and limited urbanization, the country is never overcrowded by tourists. So for travellers looking for some peace, serenity and thrill, Kyrgyzstan is the perfect match. Below is an interesting read on the 25+ mind-blowing places to visit in Kyrgyzstan.
25+ Places To Visit In Kyrgyzstan
Alay
The Alay mountain is a mountain range in Kyrgyzstan that stretches from the northern part of China to the south-eastern part of Kazakhstan. The mountain has a length of about 650 kilometres, and it is about 1,500 meters high. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Kyrgyzstan. The Alay Mountain is one such tourist destination in Kyrgyzstan that attracts people from all over the world because of its scenic beauty. The Alay Mountain can be accessed by driving on different routes from Osh or Jalal-Abad regions. Tourists can also take buses or trains to get to this destination.
Location: Western Kyrgystan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, mountaineering
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4, marshrutkas (local bus)
Ala Archa
The Ala Archa National Park is a national park in Kyrgyzstan. It is located in the southwestern part of the country, in the Talas region. The area of the park is about 1,500 square kilometres. The Ala Archa National Park was established on December 18, 1993, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations not only for locals but also for foreigners. The park has a number of unique features that attract tourists and locals alike to this place. Some of these features are waterfalls, lakes and rivers, as well as glaciers and caves which are visited by many tourists every year.
Location: Southwestern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Hiking, boating, swimming
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4, bus and train
Altyn Arashan
Altyn Arashan Valley is a popular tourist destination in Kyrgyzstan, with hot springs and natural scenery. The valley is a popular tourist destination in Kyrgyzstan, with hot springs and natural scenery. It is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level and has a population of just over 1,000 people. The valley itself has been used as a spa resort since the 19th century. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kyrgyzstan because it offers a variety of activities such as horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking.
Location: Northeastern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Hiking, sauna, mountain biking
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4, bus or train
Ala Kul
Ala Kul Lake is a beautiful high altitude lake with turquoise colours. It’s located in the Tian Shan mountains and is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan. This lake has an elevation of 3,300 meters, which means it usually snows year round, even during the summer months there are spots of land with snow on them. The best time to visit Ala Kul Lake is during the spring and fall seasons.
Location: Northeastern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: March and April
Things to do: Trekking, mountain biking, hiking
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4, marshrutkas (local bus)
Arslanbob
Arslanbob is a city in Kyrgyzstan. It is located on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The city is famous for its hot springs and mineral water. Arslanbob was founded in 1881 by gold prospectors who found the area to be rich with minerals and precious stones. The name of the city means “lion’s head”, referencing the mountain peak that towers over it from the south. One of Kyrgyzstan’s famous food is walnuts that come from the Arslanbob Walnut forest. It is said that the forest is over 50 million years old and is home to over 130 varieties of other nuts and fruits.
Location: Central Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: December to April
Things to do: Horseback riding, skiing, hiking
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4, bus or train
Barskoon
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kyrgyzstan, Barskoon Waterfall is a popular tourist destination. The waterfall lies in the Barskoon Valley, on the left bank of the Chu River. The height of its cascade reaches up to 30 meters and it has a width of about 100 meters. The water that flows from Barskoon Waterfall is considered to be clean and safe for drinking.
Location: Eastern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, swimming
Best way to reach: Shared taxi or on feet
Bishkek
Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city is home to many historical and cultural attractions, making it a great place to visit for both history and culture buffs. Some of the top tourist attractions in Bishkek include the Ala-Too Square, the Osh Bazaar, the Kyrgyz National Opera and the Ballet Theatre. The city is also an excellent location to try some authentic Kyrgyz delicacies like manti, beshbarmak, dimlama etc.
Location: Northern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: City Tour, shopping, trying Kyrgyz cuisine
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4, bus or train
Burana Tower
The Burana Tower is one of the important historical places in Kyrgyzstan. The minaret is around 25 meters tall and is one of the last standing remains of the ancient city of Balasagun. Balasagun was once a prosperous and trade-friendly city welcoming thousands of traders plying on the Silk Route. The destination may not excite all, but for lovers of history and archaeological wonders, this location is wonderful. The city of Balasagun was once thought to be the centre of the world.
Location: Northern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, a tour of the region
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4, bus or train
Engilchek
Once a popular mining settlement back in the1980s, Engilcheck currently is a ghost town with a total population of 100. So, you must be wondering why would we suggest this place? Well, the answer lies in the region’s natural beauty and landscapes that add to Engilchek’s. One such example is the Kara Tash hot springs, which lies between the Sary Jay river and a cliff. The location is a 15 minutes drive from the Engilchek town going towards Jailoo. The best time to visit these springs is during the spring season as the waters from the river feed the hot springs. Another thing to keep in mind is that there are two open-air pools. Of which you can bathe in just one as the other one is too hot.
Location: Eastern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, mountain biking
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4 and marshrutkas (local bus)
Jeti Oguz
One of the top Kyrgyzstan tourist attractions is the Jeti Oguz valley and a sandstone rock formation. The sandstone rock face used to resemble seven bulls from where the region and structure got their name. The sandstone structure was a sacred location for the first residents of the region and once you visit the place you’ll understand why. The location is a popular day tour from Karakol and if you book a tour the lodging, permit and other things are automatically taken care of.
Location: Northeastern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Trekking, hiking, skiing (from December to March)
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4 and marshrutkas (local bus)
You can read this: 15+ Breathtaking Things to do in Kyrgyzstan
Jyrgalan
On the list of places for couples in Kyrgyzstan, we would recommend the region of Jyrgalan. The Jyrgalan Valley is one of the best picturesque places in Kyrgyzstan and one which is perfect for romantic couples. The heart of the valley is home to a small village, which is reminiscent of an old mining residence back from the 80s. After the fall of the Soviets, the region was abandoned. However, recently the village is coming back to life and many changes are becoming evident. With new hiking trails, new guest houses, horse treks and with other miniscule infrastructure changes the region seems to be on its way to becoming the best-hiking destination in Kyrgyzstan.
Location: Northeastern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking
Best way to reach: Shared taxi or a marshrutka (local bus)
Kol’tor
The next location on the list of places to visit in Kyrgyzstan is the destination of Kol’tor lake. It is one of the popular locations that lie in close proximity to Bishkek, so it tends to get crowded during summers. The lake is one of the top alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan with views that are to die for. The turquoise coloured waters in the lake change colour as the sun changes its position throughout the day. There are different times of the year that one may visit this location and still be blown away by the lake’s eye-catching beauty. The Kol’tor lake tour is the best and cheapest way to explore the top tourist attractions in Kyrgyzstan.
Location: Northern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July, August and December to March
Things to do: Swimming, trekking,
Best way to reach: A rental 4×4 or the local 303 minibus from the Eastern bus stop in Bishkek
Karakol
Of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan, the city of Karakol is a destination popular for its historical reminisce. The reason behind these historical importance is the displacement of the Dungan Muslims from China to this location. These refugees came to the land and set up their own little place which was passed down generations. The unique culture, cuisine and traditions of the region gave rise to gastronomical wonders that soon became a part of the Kyrgyz culture. This also serves as the main purpose of visiting the best places to visit In Kyrgyzstan.
Location: Eastern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: City tour, hiking, savour the local delicacy of ‘Lagman’
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4 or a marshrutka (local bus)
Kel Suu
In the heart of Kok-Kiya lies the Kel-Suu lake which makes the region a hard to reach place and the best places to visit In Kyrgyzstan. The reason being is that Kok-Kiya is one of the highest valleys in the country. The lake is one of the highest mountain lakes in the world. One can rent a boat from the locals to explore the farther ends of the lake. You can also take a dip in the lake, but be assured the water is far chillier than the surrounding air. You may also rent horses from the local shepherds for a nice tour of the Kel Suu from the back of a horse.
Location: Southeastern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Camping, horseback riding, boating
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4 or through a local travel company
Lenin Basecamp
Lenin Peak or Pik Lenina is a mountain in the Tian Shan range near the city of Osh in Kyrgyzstan. The mountain is one of the highest peaks in Central Asia measuring a height of 7134 meters. It was named after Vladimir Lenin. The mountain is a popular climbing destination and has a climber’s base camp at its foot. Lenin Peak is a high-altitude camping area used by climbers, hikers, skiers, and snowboarders during their ascent and descent. There is a ridge which goes by the name of ‘Travellers Pass’. This location lies at an elevation of 4150 meters and offers a wonderful view of the peak and the surrounding glaciers.
Location: Southern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Trekking, hiking, mountain climbing
Best way to reach: Horse or foot
Osh
Located in the Fergana Valley, Osh is the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Central Asia, with around 130 different nationalities represented. The city is home to a large number of historic monuments and is often called a “living museum”. The reason is the city’s close proximity to the neighbouring nations of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Which has transformed the city into a melting pot of cultures and traditions from these neighbouring countries. Turning the location in one of the best places to visit In Kyrgyzstan.
Location: Southern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: City tour, explore the local cuisine,
Best way to reach: Shared taxi or rental 4×4
Pamir-Alay
The Pamir-Alay are an awe-inspiring sub-range of mountain system in southwest Kyrgyzstan. The mountain system is home to the Alay mountains or popularly the Alay valley. The mountain range is popular for some of the most wonderful mountains with green and alpine landscapes. The region is home to several small traditional villages, with the nomadic shepherds seeking refuge in yurt camps during summer.
Location: Southwest Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Explore local traditions, hiking, horseback riding
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4 or a marshrutka (local bus)
Issyk Kul
The region of Issyk Kul is home to a lake, which is the second-largest mountain lake in the world. The lake lies at an altitude of 1,609 meters above sea level in northeastern Kyrgyzstan. The name Issyk Kul literally translates to “warm lake”, which is a unique feature of the lake as it never freezes. Yes, you read that correctly, it is one of the mountainous lakes in the world that does not freeze over in winter. There are two reasons for this unique phenomenon, first, is the depth of the lake which measures approximately 668 metres. Secondly, the major source of water in the lake is several thermal springs spread across the lake’s bed.
Location: Eastern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Swimming, paddle boating, horseback riding
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4 or a marshrutka (local bus)
Sary Chelek
In the Jalal-Abad region of western Kyrgyzstan lies one of the best places for couples in Kyrgyzstan. The Sary Chelek Lake and national reserve lie hidden away in the Western Tien Shan mountain at the foot of the Chatkal mountain range. The lake is the highlight of the larger Sary Chelek National Reserve which is a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1978. The reserve is home to over seven alpine lakes of which Sary Chelek lake is the largest with dense forest, wild fruit and walnut trees.
Location: Western Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, swimming
Best way to reach: Marshrutka (local bus) or a rental 4×4
Sary Jaz
One of the top Kyrgyzstan tourist attractions to explore in the country is the Sary Jaz valley. The valley is one of the hidden locations in Kyrgyzstan and is part of the Khan-Tengri National Park, the largest in the country. The word Sary Jaz literally translates to “yellow spring” owing to the yellow hills that offer wonderful views of the snow-covered Celestial Mountains in the background. The valley is riddled with several rivers, which are the only source of water in Kyrgyzstan.
Location: Eastern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, river rafting
Best way to reach: Marshrutka (local bus) or a rental 4×4
Skazka
On the list of places to visit in Kyrgyzstan, Skaza Canyon is a must-visit destination. The canyon is locally popular by the name, “Fairytale Canyon”. The reason for this is the unique rock formations of the region that resembles castles, fantastical characters and animals. Visitors will find themselves in a world with hues of red, yellow, pink and orange. The canyon offers wonderful views of the horizon and the Issyk Kul lake in the background.
Location: Eastern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, photography
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4, marshrutka (local bus) or a shared taxi
Song Kul
Another popular location in Kyrgyzstan is a lake that goes by the name of Song-Kul. The lake is the best location to paint the perfect picture of a Kyrgyz landscape in one’s memory. From mountains to horses to yurts this lake has it all and is the best place to experience the life and culture of the local Kyrgyz nomads. The place is a little difficult to access, which is kind of a good thing as it protects the location from overcrowding of tourists. Yurts on the banks of the lakes now serve as welcoming huts for tourists and locals alike.
Location: Central Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Trekking, hiking, horseback riding
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4 or a marshrutka (local bus)
Tash Rabat
One of the important historical places in Kyrgyzstan is the location of Tash Rabat. It was one of the important locations during the era when the silk route was established. The destination served as a shelter for humans and animals traversing this route during their trade. It is one of the Caravanserai’s, a roadside inn where travellers could stop and rest for a few days before moving on with their journey. But what is intriguing is the architecture of the structure at Tash Rabat. It has led many researchers to believe that it may originally have been a Buddhist monastery, that later became a caravanserai.
Location: Western Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Hiking, historic exploration, horseback riding
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4 or a marshrutka (local bus)
Toktogul
One of the popular paces to visit In Kyrgyzstan is the Toktogul Reservoir. It is one of the largest in the country and in Central Asia. The reservoir is also home to Kyrgyzstan’s biggest hydroelectric power stations. The source of water for the reservoir is the Naryn River, whose waters flow in from the northern parts of the Jalal-Abad region. The red hills surrounding the reservoir are an interesting contrast to the turquoise colour of the water in the reservoir.
Location: Northwestern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Horseback riding, hiking, swimming
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4 or a marshrutka (local bus)
Too Ashuu
One of the things to do in Osh is to visit the Too Ashuu mountain pass that lies on the mountainous road connecting Bishkek and Osh. The pass is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Kyrgyzstan and can be accessed by car. The most beautiful feature of the pass is that it lies at an elevation, with two beautiful valleys that lie on both sides of the pass. On one side you have the Chichkan Valley and on the other hand, lies the Susamir Valley. The high altitude of the pass offers some mesmerizing views of the valleys below.
Location: Northern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, road trip
Best way to reach: Rental car or a marshrutka (local bus)
Tulpar Kul
One of the remarkable places to visit in Osh is the destination of Tulpar Kul which lies in close proximity to the Peak Lenin Basecamp. The Tulpar Kul is essentially an area with a collection of a few alpine lakes and is home to a number of yurt camps. The drive from Osh to Peak Lenin will lead you to the first checkpoint which is Tulpar Kul. The base camp is a few hours of walk from Tulpar Kul as the camp cannot be accessed by a car.
Location: Southern Kyrgyzstan
Best time to visit: July and August
Things to do: Trekking, horseback riding, hiking
Best way to reach: Rental 4×4 or a marshrutka (local bus)
