The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in Kyrgyzstan. So if you are in Kyrgyzstan, I recommend visiting the following:
- Ala Archa Gorge, Chüy Region, Kyrgyzstan
- Arslanbob Village, Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan
- Jety-Oguz Canyon, Dzhetyoguz, Kyrgyzstan
- Issyk Kul Lake, Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan
- Burana Tower, Chüy, Kyrgyzstan
- Chon Kemin Valley, Chüy, Kyrgyzstan
- Peak Lenin, Trans-Alai Range, Kyrgyzstan
- Ala Too Square, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Tash Rabat, Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
- Panfilov Park, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Osh Bazaar, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Song Kul, Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
- The Uzgen Minaret, Uzgen, Kyrgyzstan
1. Ala Archa Gorge, Chüy Region
In this place located approximately 40 km from the city of Bishek, you will see waterfalls, a gorge that will amaze you and, depending on the season, a glacier. Getting there is a bit complicated because you have to go up in several “marshrutkas” and then hitchhike to the park’s gate if you don’t have a private vehicle. The park is a trekking park with breathtaking views.
2. Arslanbob Village, Jalal-Abad
Arslanbob is a village situated at an altitude of 1,500m in a deep valley that ends abruptly in the snow-capped Babash Ata Mountains. Nearby is one of the world’s largest walnut forests, planted a thousand years ago. In summer Arslanbob provides an escape from the high temperatures of Osh and the Fergana Valley. And in early autumn the forest turns into a festival, with hundreds of locals (of Uzbek origin) taking part in the walnut harvest. Arslanbob’s main tourist attractions are its two waterfalls, popularly known as Little and Big Waterfall; the Panorama viewpoint, with the best views of the valley; and numerous trails through the walnut forest.
3. Jety-Oguz Canyon, Dzhetyoguz
A picturesque alpine valley that mixes lush coniferous forests with red sandstone rock formations. The most famous feature that gives the valley its name is a ridge of reddish sandstone that erosion has cut into a series of rounded cliffs called Djety Oguz (Seven Bulls). Past the Seven Bulls rock, a trail of several kilometres leads you along the river of the same name to a field of yurts where you can stop for lunch.
4. Issyk Kul Lake, Tian Shan
It is 182 km long and 60 km wide, making it the second largest alpine lake in the world. In the northern part, you’ll find several large hotels on the shore, as well as several rock painting sites nearby. On the southern shore, buildings are located further from the water and are more sparse, so it’s common to find yurt camps to sleep in. The yurt is the classic Central Asian nomadic tent, but nowadays several of these camps are permanent and are a most interesting way to get a glimpse of the traditional way of life.
5. Burana Tower, Chüy
The Burana tower is 24 metres high, although it was originally built higher. Inside there are stairs that allow visitors to climb to the top and enjoy beautiful views of the valley with the mountains in the background. In addition, from the top you can see a field near the base of the tower filled with what at first glance looks like a pile of stones. In reality, this area is a field of petroglyphs, the Balbals, stone totems made between the 6th and 10th centuries. There is also a small museum in the area with pieces that have been found in archaeological excavations.
6. Chon Kemin Valley, Chüy
Chon-Kemin is popular with adventure seekers who want to raft the river and hike through the valley’s forests. Even non-adrenaline seekers will appreciate the scenic quality of the river, which meanders through deep valleys surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Much of the area around the Chon-Kemin River is protected by the Chon-Kemin State Nature Park, which covers a total area of 5,000 hectares. The park was created to protect the region’s unique plant and animal species, such as hare, pheasant and spruce.
7. Peak Lenin, Trans-Alai Range
Situated in the Trans-Alai mountain range in the Pamir region, Lenin Peak reaches 7,134 m in height. In fact, with clear skies, you can see this imposing mass from many kilometres away. It is one of the most accessible 7,000 m peaks in the world. The ascent route is not very technical but requires high mountain experience, good physical condition and proper acclimatisation.
8. Ala Too Square, Bishkek
It is the most mythical square to see in Bishkek and the emblem of the city. Located in the centre of the city, this Soviet-style square was built in 1984 in honour of the 60th anniversary of the Kyrgyz Republic (formerly the USSR). It is a very large square with beautiful gardens and the Kyrgyz flag in the middle of it. In the northern part of the square, there is a museum of history and it is also possible to see the changing of the guard.
9. Tash Rabat, Naryn
This site was an important and busy place during the time of the ancient Silk Road. The dark stone building is actually a former 15th-century caravanserai that served as a shelter for caravans of Silk Road traders. Today, nomadic families still come to the caravanserai to spend the night. This is one of the most remote places to see in Kyrgyzstan. It is possible to enter the Tash Rabat caravanserai and take a tour inside. The valley in which Tash Rabat is located is also a beautiful place for hiking and horseback riding. Horseback riding can be arranged at the yurt camps.
10. Panfilov Park, Bishkek
It is the most important park in the city and where you can have a great time for little money. It has beautiful gardens making it an idyllic place for a quiet stroll. However, if you want to go back in time to the 90s, there is an amusement park where you can take a trip back in time. The rides are super cheap, the atmosphere is great and it’s one of the must-see and do attractions in Bishkek.
11. Osh Bazaar, Bishkek
Osh is the meeting point with Uzbekistan, just a few kilometres away, which is why it enjoys one of the largest and liveliest bazaars in Kyrgyzstan, the Jayma Market. It is one of the oldest sites in the world: it has been in its present location for over 2000 years and stretches along the Akbar River in Osh. Long ago, Osh was the centre of the Silk Road, a marketplace where merchants sold their wares to those travelling across the continent. For thousands of years, if you need anything, this is the place to be. Here you can find food, appliances, handicrafts, textiles, perfumes, jewellery, hot bread and even pets. Be sure to try the Uzgen rice, which is the best pilaf (plov).
12. Song Kul, Naryn
An alpine lake with calm, crystal-clear waters that is uniquely accessible between June and October when the winter snows and ices disappear and give way to green pastures, which are occupied by the livestock of the nomads who set up their yurts around the lakeshore. This lake has some of the best scenery you can see in Kyrgyzstan. Lake Son-Kul is a perfect place to enjoy and learn more about the nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan. As well as staying in a yurt, you can hike or horseback ride through the hills and mountains surrounding the lake, and if you dare, you can take a dip in the lake.
13. The Uzgen Minaret, Uzgen
The approximately 27.5-metre-high Uzgen Minaret was built in the early 12th century and consists of three parts: an octahedral base, seen from below, a conical cylinder in the middle and a lighthouse with arched arched windows at the top. It is built of fired bricks of various sizes with perforated masonry laid in several decorative layers. The Uzgen minaret is much more finely decorated than the Burana minaret. Climbing the spiral staircase inside the minaret is like walking in the dark because not enough light enters through the two narrow windows, but it is a rewarding experience.
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