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Introducing Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is tucked into Central Asia’s geographical vortex amid a massive knot of colliding mountain ranges. Monster mountains and their associated scraggy valleys, glaciers, gorges and ice-blue lakes dominate over 90% of the country. Keen on trekking or horse riding? Just pick a range – there’s plenty to choose from – such as the Pamir Alay range in the Alay Valley or the Central Tian Shan. In true nomadic style, spend the nights camped under a star-crowded sky or bed down in a yurt. Be warned though, the Kyrgyz are renowned for their hospitably and guests are often treated to fermented mare’s milk and bowls of fresh yogurt.
Indeed, nomadic traditions are alive and kicking in Kyrgyzstan. You can take to the hills around Lake Issyk-Köl, the earth’s second-largest alpine lake, with a trained eagle to hunt rabbit or cheer wildly alongside the locals during a game of kok boru, a ferocious battle in which mounted riders wrestle one another for the corpse of a headless goat. Lake Song-Köl in Central Kyrgyzstan is a similarly picturesque spot, ideal for camping and getting to know the herders who bring their animals here in summer months.
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Latest headlines for Kyrgyzstan
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Kyrgyzstan approves US base deal
25 June 2009 10:06AM
Kyrgyzstan's parliament approves a deal allowing the US to continue using an airbase to support Afghan operations.
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Shot boss wins £160,000 payment
24 June 2009 2:36PM
A company boss who was shot in central Asia and sacked the same day wins a £160,000 pay claim.
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England fan is shot in Kyrgyzstan
4 June 2009 9:14AM
An England football fan has been shot in the build up to the World Cup qualifier match against Kazakhstan, the Foreign Office says.
