Visit Central Asia
To the east of Bishkek is the deep and imposing Lake Issyk-Kul. Mountains rise almost sheer from the water on all sides, their jagged peaks capped with snow for most of the year. On the southeastern shore is Karakol, a pretty old Russian settlement with gingerbread houses and a photogenic bazaar. The town is an excellent base for Kyrgyzstan’s best and most accessible hiking, with Altyn Arashan - possibly the most beautiful place in a very beautiful country - only a short drive away. To the north and east of Issyk-Kul are the highest peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains, including 7,010 metre Khan Tengri and 7,439 metre Pik Pobedy, either side of the massive Inylchek Glacier. Further west, set in a high alpine valley is Lake Song Kol. During the summer months nomadic herdsmen set up yurt camps in the fertile pastures surrounding the lake, and visitors diverting from the road to China can soak up the splendour of the region before making the final push for the border.