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Kyrgyzstan

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Overview

Kyrgyzstan (Кыргызстан) is a nation defined by its natural beauty. Joyously unspoilt mountainscapes, stark craggy ridges and rolling jailoos (summer pastures) are brought to life by semi-nomadic, yurt-dwelling shepherds. Add to this a well-developed network of homestays and visa-free travel, and it's easy to see why Kyrgyzstan (officially the Kyrgyz Republic), is the gateway of choice for many travelers in Central Asia.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Rock formation around the alpine Köl-Suu lake, Kurumduk valley, Naryn province, Kyrgyzstan; Shutterstock ID 2255076413; your: Sloane Tucker; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI 2255076413

    Köl-Suu

    Kyrgyzstan

    Remote even by Kyrgyzstan standards, magnificent Köl-Suu lake stretches over 10km through a sheer mountain gorge that reaches nearly to the Chinese border…

  • Copyright Stephen Lioy - Photography and Travel Media

    State Museum of Fine Arts

    Bishkek

    Collections of Kyrgyz embroidery and felt rugs, a splendid variety of paintings, and rotating exhibitions of local and international touring works all…

  • Ak-Köl

    Ak-Köl

    Kyrgyzstan

    Winding 10km up a dirt road off the Kazarman–Chaek highway, brilliant Ak-Köl lake reflecting the surrounding peaks and the village beyond are a real…

  • Kol-Tor Lake.

    Köl-Tör Lake

    Kyrgyzstan

    This turquoise-hued glacial lake is one of the most beautiful in Chuy oblast, and the surrounding peaks and verdant pastures certainly don't do anything…

  • Sary-Chelek Lake

    Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve

    Kyrgyzstan

    Though the full Unesco Biosphere Reserve includes seven mountain lakes and numerous rare flora and fauna, the star attraction for most visitors is the…

  • Burana Tower

    Burana Tower

    Kyrgyzstan

    Burana is a popular side-trip when driving between Issyk-Köl and Bishkek. In the fields south of Tokmok, the Burana Tower is the 24m-high stump of a huge…

  • Copyright Stephen Lioy - Photography and Travel Media

    Frunze House-Museum

    Bishkek

    This modest museum forms a concrete shell around the thatched cottage that was allegedly the birthplace of Mikhail Vasilievich Frunze (1885–1925), for…

  • Copyright Stephen Lioy - Photography and Travel Media

    Ala-Too Square

    Bishkek

    Surveyed by a triumphant statue of Айкол Манас (Mighty Manas), Bishkek's nominal centre is architecturally neobrutalist in style but has a photogenic…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

A visit to Kyrgyzstan evokes the rugged spirit of Silk Road exploration - fuel your dream adventure with these cultural, culinary and mountain experiences.

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Best Places to Visit

From valleys to mountains, take your pick of the best of Kyrgyzstan with our guide to the top places to visit.

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Best Time to Visit

From trekking through mountain passes in summer to skiing and festivals in winter, this is what Kyrgyzstan has to offer year-round.

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Things to Know

From logistical concerns to social mores to personal safety, here’s what you need to know before you next trip to Kyrgyzstan.

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Go Beyond

Kyrgyzstan and beyond

Beyond Kyrgyzstan