Highlights of Kyrgyzstan
- Experience a homestay in Arslanbob
- A rich oasis known especially for its enormous walnut production, Arslanbob is surrounded by some of the country's most stunning scenery. Enjoy friendly homestays and splendid hikes here.
- Experience a homestay in Arslanbob
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- Go alpine walking in the Jeti Oghuz Valley
- In the east of the country, the Jeti Oghuz valley near Karakol offers some stunning Alpine walking. The head of the valley is Oghuz Bashi, meaning 'Bull's Head' - a mountain distinctive for its two horn-like peaks. At the base of Oghuz Bashi is a large glacier - a great destination to walk to.
- Go alpine walking in the Jeti Oghuz Valley
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- Kyrgyzstan
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- Spend the night in a yurt by Lake Song Kol
- Spend a night in a traditional nomad yurt by the shore of beautiful Lake Song Kol. Staying in a yurt is a special experience and affords the visitor a privileged view of Central Asian life.
- Spend the night in a yurt by Lake Song Kol
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- Kyrgyzstan
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- Take a helicopter flight over the Inylchek Glacier
- Take a helicopter flight over the Inylchek Glacier to Kan Tengri, one of Central Asia’s highest peaks. Straddling the borders of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and China, the Inylchek Glacier, one of the largest non-polar glaciers in the world.
- Take a helicopter flight over the Inylchek Glacier
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- Kyrgyzstan
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- Take in the scenery of the Torugart Pass
- The 3,752m Torugart Pass that forms one of the main border points between Kyrgyzstan and China, is one of the most spectacular border crossings in this part of the world. Spot golden eagles and Himalayan vultures circling overhead.
- Take in the scenery of the Torugart Pass
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- Kyrgyzstan
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- 39.1728248596191
- 69.2765960693359
Our country specialists have travelled the length and breadth of Kyrgyzstan - here are a few of their favourite things to do
Perched between two of the greatest deserts on Earth, remote and mountainous Kyrgyzstan glows in lush contrast to its dusty neighbours.
Within a hundred miles of the scorched plains you can be high on the grasslands, larksong on the breeze, mingling with yak-herding nomads and contemplating the majesty of the mountain scenery.
Culture
The Kyrgyz themselves, especially the nomadic families of the high steppe, are disarmingly friendly and welcoming to visitors.
Around Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek, the leafy capital, makes a pleasant entry or exit point, and Lake Issyk-Kul, a great inland sea and renowned beauty spot, is now open to the wider world after being a favourite haunt of Soviet rulers.
Many visitors will pass through quickly following the Silk Route from Kashgar to Uzbekistan, but for those with the time to look closer, horse trekking and yurt-stays offer access to pristine wilderness areas alive with eagle, deer, wolf and bear and the chance to experience a traditional way of life, unchanged over the ages.
Popular Places to visit in Kyrgyzstan
From the road, Bishkek is almost obscured by trees. It is one of the world’s greenest capitals and has a reputation for being laid-back and welcoming to visitors. The best hotels in Kyrgyzstan can also be found here.
View place
Lake Issyk-kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world, measuring over 170km in length and 70km at its widest point. The name meaning "warm lake" is a reference to the fact that it has never frozen.
View place
Located at the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-kul, Karakol is the largest town in the area. The main reason to come here is for the superb scenery nearby, with trekking and horse-riding possibilities as well as multiple opportunities for photography.
View place
Tucked away in a natural bowl formed by the surrounding mountains, during the summer months nomadic herdsmen set up yurt camps in the fertile pastures surrounding Song Kol lake.
View place
Practical Info
Flight time from UK
9 hours (via Istanbul)
When To Go
Jan
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