Despite its stunning, practically untouched landscapes, rich culture, low prices, and friendly locals, Kyrgyzstan is often overlooked by travelers. Maybe some people feel put off by the “stan” in the country’s name, or quite possibly they simply have no idea what attractions the former Soviet republic has to offer.
Whatever the case, Kyrgyzstan’s lack of popularity puts the country in a unique position of offering an abundance of adventures and attractions without crowds of tourists – something that in this global age is becoming quite a rarity!
In fact, after one month traveling through Kyrgyzstan, I can officially say it is one of my top destination recommendations for budget backpackers.
I mean, horse treks through the beautiful Kyrgyz mountains, evenings spent chatting with locals over glasses of fermented mare’s milk, overnight stays in yurts, and shopping trips to bustling local markets? Do I even need to finish this blog post?
Kyrgyzstan’s Culture and People
Kyrgyzstan boasts a proud nomadic tradition. While much of the Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle was lost during Soviet rule, you’ll still see plenty of families camped for the summer in yurts high in the mountains.
This nomadic tradition can also be seen in the local food, which, sorry veggies, is almost wholly meat-based. You’ll be offered countless mutton, beef, or horse soups, meat pastries, and plov – a Central Asian favorite consisting of rice, meat, vegetables, raisins, and whatever else the cook may have had lying around.
People are warm and welcoming, always referring to foreigners as “guests” instead of “tourists.” If you don’t speak any Russian, language will be a bit of a barrier, as generally only youth in urban areas speak English, however this won’t deter locals from smilingly offering you a cup of tea.
And if you can’t seem to communicate at all with them, take this as an opportunity to flip through your camera and show off the photos you took of their beautiful homeland. They will be excited to see that you share their enthusiasm for Kyrgyz nature and will probably ask you to do a photo shoot with them!
Must See Destinations in Kyrgyzstan
Sary-Tash
If you’re entering Kyrgyzstan overland from China or Tajikistan, the small village of Sary-Tash will be your first stop. Set high up against snowy mountains and filled with roaming horses and cows, Sary-Tash makes for the perfect introduction to Kyrgyz culture. Here you’ll have the opportunity to take treks up into the mountains, sample traditional fermented mare’s milk, and maybe even milk a cow! (SPOILER: milking a cow is hard)
There is a yurt camp guest house in the center of the village, or you can simply ask around for a place to stay (mime sleeping if you don’t speak Russian!) and you’ll be directed to a family willing to host you for the night.
Arslanbob
A small town in Kyrgyzstan’s Jalal-Abad province, Arslanbob proudly boasts producing Kyrgyzstan’s first (known) export to Europe: the Arslanbob walnut!
While the town’s walnut forest offers the perfect setting for a tranquil afternoon stroll, Arslanbob has more to offer than just its famous nuts. The town’s Community Based Tourism (CBT) center has established several trekking routes through the surrounding hills and valleys, and in the winter the town is a growing destination for cross-country skiing!
The CBT also sets up cheap home stays with local families, so make that your first stop on arrival and you should be set!
Read also: Get Off the Path: Complete Guide to Arslanbob, Kyrgyzstan
Issyk Kul
A favorite vacation spot for Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and Russian tourists, Issyk Kul is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, second only to Lake Titicaca in Peru/Bolivia. Here you can spend the night in a yurt in one of the many villages surrounding the lake. Wake up early for a refreshing dip in Issyk Kul’s crystal-clear water and take photos of the Kazakh mountains rising up behind the glistening lake!
A trip to Issyk Kul also warrants a stop in Karakol, a city near the eastern tip of the lake. Karakol offers a wealth of activities for tourists, including trekking, skiing, and Russian-style spas.
Where to stay in Karakol
If you’re going to Karakol then you HAVE to stay at Askar Guesthouse – and tell Askar I say hi! You won’t regret it, I promise. Check current prices and more details for Askar Guesthouse
Kochkor
While this small dusty town might not look like it has much to offer tourists, Kochkor makes for the perfect base from which to head up into the mountains to see the enchanting Song Kol lake. Organize a horse trek to the lake with an overnight stop at the yurt of a family of nomads for a truly authentic Kyrgyz experience! But be prepared to be very sore the next day.
Where to stay in Kochkor
My top recommendation for a hotel in Kochkur is Nur Guesthouse, which has clean and comfortable rooms and an ideal location. Check current rates and more details about Nur Guesthouse
Bishkek
With its limited historical attractions, Kyrygzstan’s capital city might seem unimpressive at first, however it offers a unique glance into Soviet-era Kyrgyzstan. The city is set on a grid with wide boulevards, countless statues, and imposing Soviet-style buildings.
Bishkek might not ooze charm, however it does boast an active nightlife. Just know that things can get a little crazy late into the night!
Speaking of violence, if you’re lucky enough to be in Bishkek at the end of August for the Kyrgyz Independence Day celebrations, head to the Hippodrome to enjoy an exciting (and shockingly violent) game of buzkashi (Ulak Tartysh in Kyrgyz), or goat-carcass polo. That’s right – polo played with the headless carcass of a goat! I basically hid my face in terror for most of the match, but maybe you’re braver than I am (you are).
Genghis Khan devised the sport, though legend has it that he preferred to use an actual human carcass for the ball. The game continues to be popular throughout Central Asia, and lives up to its violent roots. In fact, a Tajik buzkashi match in 2001 killed twenty-two people, and for years the sport had been banned in Afghanistan by the Taliban. The Kyrgyz version is a little tamer, but certainly not an event to be missed while visiting the country!
Where to stay in Bishkek
I loved the Sakura Guesthouse in Bishkek, though I did end up with bedbugs there! So my top hotel recommendation for Bishkek actually comes from a friend who says Interhouse Bishkek is amazing. Check current prices and availability at Interhouse Bishkek here
Osh
Osh is Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city and at more than 3,000 years old, it is also the country’s oldest. Lying against the border to Uzbekistan, Osh marks an important center for silk production along the Silk Road and is still today home to the largest outdoor market in Central Asia, the Great Silk Road Bazaar (commonly referred to as Osh Market).
Head straight to the bazaar, where you can by traditional Kyrgyz hats and eat EVERYTHING. The shashlik (meat kebabs), soft serve ice cream (the world’s best), and samsa (meat pastries), are all to die for!
Where to stay in Osh
While Kyrgyzstan is great for home stays, in Osh I would definitely book a stay at the Osh Guest House, which is amazing and a hub for backpackers in the area. Check current prices and availability at Osh Guest House here
Taking an organized tour of Kyrgyzstan and surrounding countries in Central Asia
Travel through Kyrgyzstan (and all of Central Asia) can be difficult, especially if you don’t know any Russian, but I assure you it’s worth it! However if you’re worried about your trip you can always leave the organizing and planning to someone else and take a tour.
I haven’t done this myself, but I’ve heard back from several blog readers who chose to do Central Asia tours with G Adventures and they loved them. The tours organized everything for them, but I think the best part was seeing the region with a group of likeminded travelers.
The two best options for seeing Central Asia would be:
The Best of Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan // this is a 9-day trip that actually covers more of the two countries than I managed to. I would love to go back and do this very trip someday! Check current tour prices and the full itinerary here
Central Asia Adventure – Almaty to Tashkent // this is the ultimate Central Asia tour, taking you through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in 14 days. I love that this one covers so much ground while still spending time in each place, and one reader wrote back to me after doing this tour saying it changed her life, so it must be good! Check current tour prices and the full itinerary here
Travel Insurance
Guys, please, please do not forget to get travel insurance for your trip to Kyrgyzstan! I always get travel insurance wherever I’m going, but it’s particularly important when going through more remote regions like this.
It costs so little, but will save you SO much in the long run – I’ve had to use my World Nomads travel insurance twice over the course of my travels (once when I got sick and once when my bag was stolen), each time saving me over a thousand dollars. They helped get me to the nearest hospital and all I had to do was send them my receipts and I had a check from them in the mail within a couple of weeks. So easy!
You can get a quick quote for your insurance here:
kami says
ah, I so wish I had gone to Kyrgyzstan after all earlier this year (I already had my tickets booked but cancelled the trip…). This country is still very high on my bucket list and I really hope I will go there soon! And with this post you made my Kyrgyzstan wanderlust even stronger!
Silvia says
That’s really too bad you had to cancel your trip, but now you can start planning it again! Ha. But seriously, Kyrgyzstan felt like a bit of a dream – definitely not like anywhere I had ever been before.
Jackie says
Oh man, this is really tempting me to Central Asia! And buzkashi sounds INSANE!
Silvia says
Haha yeah, watching the buzkashi match was a little terrifying – one of the horses broke his leg! So sad. And you really have to make a trip to Central Asia sometime, it’s such a unique place.
Vanessa @ The Travelling Colognian says
Thank you so much for the great introduction to Kyrgyzstan, Silvia. I am considering to take a trip along the chinese part of the Silk Road from Beijing to Kashgar this upcoming fall and concentrate on this part of the ancient trade route, but Kyrgyzstan is also one of the places I am very much interested to visit in the future, but I am more into concentrating myself on one country and do another next time instead of doing the Silk Road from Beijing to Tashkent in 26 days like some Adventure Travel companies tend to offer. Hopefully Footsteps in Asia will launch a Kyrgyzstan tour in the (near) future which concentrates on Kyrgyzstan and gives a deep insight into the country.
Silvia says
That’s so exciting that you’re heading to Kashgar, Vanessa! It probably ended up being my favorite city in China (I’m also going to be posting an article on Kashgar later this month!). I think your plan to focus on one country is perfect, especially considering the great distance between Beijing and Kashgar.
Chris says
Wow, this sounds awesome! I saw the video you posted on your page, and now after reading this I definitely want to head out to Kyrgyzstan soon.
Silvia says
I can pretty much guarantee you’ll love Kyrgyzstan. Absolutely worth the trip!
Martina Donkers says
Hey Silvia
Wow, what gorgeous photos!
Kyrgyzstan has been on my list since I had to research it for a brief at work two years ago. It just seemed like such a remote, interesting place – I don’t know anyone who has been there!
I have this dream of doing the Silk Road through the ‘stans sometime soon. No firm plans yet, but it’s something I’d love to do, and this post just makes me even keener.
Good to note about needing some Russian. My Russian goes as far as pajalsta and spasiba, and once when someone asked me for directions in St Petersburg I managed to say nyet pa ruski! Haha so I might need to work on before making my way into the old Soviet… Still, it’s pretty amazing how far you can get with a smile, a positive attitude and perhaps a phrasebook!
Martina 🙂
Silvia says
Kyrgyzstan should absolutely be on your list! And it sounds like your Russian is already pretty good – at least better than the two girls I was traveling with! And like you said, if all else fails just smile. I, on the other hand, am constantly daydreaming about Mongolia. Going to check out your post right now!
Martina Donkers says
Haha well that’s what I managed to pick up in two weeks on the Trans-Siberian. Essentials, you know. 😉 I remember this one time we were hanging out in the train with a Mongolian girl and a Kazakhstani girl. The Mongolian girl didn’t speak English, but they both studied in Russia, so the Kazakhstani girl translated everything into Russian for her. It was great! We managed to have a really interesting conversation despite the language barrier.
And yes, Mongolia is amazing!! 😀
Silvia says
I love situations like that, where people are speaking a bunch of languages!
Erika says
Hi Sylvia! Followed a link on twitter and read your post. I am Kyrgyz and I was glad to read such inspiring words about my country.
I’d only like to add about great trekking opportunities in Kyrgyzstan. Mountains are just impressive here, and if someone likes hiking he/she must definitely visit Kyrgyzstan. A lot of virgin mountain areas to discover here. Lots of hiking passes up to 3500 meters above the sea that won’t require any special skills, so you can literally enjoy a walk in the clouds and see stunning, amazing views.
Was happy to see those comments too))
Silvia says
I would love to return and do some treks in Kyrgyzstan one day!
Katie Featherstone says
Kyrgystan (had to check my spelling there) sounds like an amazing adventure. I love the place names and your photos are incredible. The sky and scenery looks fantastic!
Silvia says
It is such an amazing place – hugely underrated for sure!
Alyssa says
Hey Sylvia! I stumbled upon your blog and I’m loving it! I’m trying to soak in all your info for the stans because I’m planning to go in October. I was curious what time of year you went because I know it’s going to get cold towards fall :-/ Also, you make it sound so easy to travel overland but I hear it can be lengthy. What do you think? I’ll be going with my boyfriend and we’re thinkin of just wingin it!
Silvia says
I visited from August through September, so a bit before you! I think it will be cold, especially in the mountains, so just bring really warm clothes. Overland travel definitely takes time and isn’t always comfortable, but I found that I adjusted to it quite quickly. I would definitely say winging it is the best plan, so then you can be flexible on local advice and things! Ahh you’re going to have such an amazing time!
berrit says
dear silvia,
thank you for your post, it is really inspiring when thinking of where I could go next 🙂
I wondered how you got from one place to the other, did you go by bus/train/car?
Silvia says
I usually took public minivans called marshrutkas – just ask locals for help!
Jacek Oleksinski says
Nice to see that other people appreciate Kyrgyzstan as much as I did. The whole country was beautiful, my favorites were Song Kol lake, Karakol, and the area around Sary Mogul / Peak Lenin. If you are a photographer you’ll have a great time photographing people and landscapes.
Silvia says
Yes, I would love to return to Kyrgyzstan now that I’m more into photography!
Andrea says
Hi Silvia! Just wondering what time a year you visited Kyrgyzstan. The colors in your pictures are beautiful and it seems you had some luck with the weather seeing at weather can be so variable in the region.
Silvia says
I was there from August to September!
Claire says
I am doing work interviewing older adults for a project. Looking to visit Kyrgyzstan in August/September 2018. How would I locate good interpreter and guide? I wish to learn about the elders of this beautiful country
Any assistance and advice would be greatly appreciated
Claire
Silvia says
I imagine the national tourism office could help you with that!
Agness of Etramping says
Kyrgyzstan is probably one of the most overlooked destinations and a real hidden gem, Silvia! I am definitely adding this destination to my bucket list and I would love to try their local food as soon as possible.
Allan says
We joined the 4-day trekking tour to Ala Kul and Altyn Arashan with Pegas Adventure and they really did a great job! I would highly recommend them!
Our guide Ermek is not only very caring and friendly but also speaks very good English – which really brought a lot of joy during the long hike!
He is very experienced and knows the route very well, so much so that we didn’t need to worry about the direction at all, especially when the path was unclear and rocky.
He always offered help when we found difficulties during the hike – he helped us down the very steep and sandy slope after the Ala Kul pass and helped us cross a river by stepping on the rocks in water. He even went back across the river multiple times to go and help other tourists crossing the river. So kind of him!
He was quick to improvise when it suddenly started to rain/snow on the way down from the Ala Kul pass and brought us to a yurt to wait it out so we wouldn’t get drenched. On our last stretch to Ak Suu, he got us a ride earlier than planned because he noticed how tired we were. Ermek really took good care of us throughout the entire trip.
Another thing I appreciate is how much they care about their environment as they kept the garbage from the food preparation until we could dispose of them in the guesthouse later. He even picked up plastic bottles and other rubbish along the way to keep the environment clean!
Highly recommend 🙂
Elizabeth says
What an adventure! Have never seen so many free horses, goats and sheep, deep in the mountains, far away from everything. Learned a lot about Central Asian culture. Learned some Kyrgyz and Russian words. Spent the nights in yurts amd tents. Took baths in rivers, a lake and used three “banjas”. And forgot life for just a while, without mobile connection and wifi…
In Kyrgyzstan, Song Kol lake is the best destination for horseback riding.
Most of the tour starts from Kochkor city, in the city a lots of companies, and our tour arranged by Pegas Adventure company. Everything organized professionally. Highly recommend
Lake Toba says
this is so amazing, love this trip and the photos are so amazing