Kyrgyzstan is one of the friendliest, warmest and most hospitable countries in Central Asia. The Kyrgyz welcome you into their country and homes with true nomadic openheartedness: for the nomads living in the mountains, life has not really changed since the days of caravans trailing along the Silk Route. The charming highlanders invariably invite you into their yurts for a cup of tea and a chat.
Kyrgyzstan has been called The Land of the Tian Shan – Oasis on the Great Silk Route because of its importance as a trading post between Europe and Asia. Though the country is still struggling to find its feet after the break up of the Soviet Union, modern Kyrgyzstan has done much to promote tourism. Kyrgyzstan, rugged, remote and romantic, is the stuff of adventure travel.
The Tian Shan Mountains cover almost the entire country, making Kyrgyzstan a fascinating country for trekkers and mountain lovers. The Khan Tengri Peak or Marble Mountain in Central Tian Shan is Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful peak, while the fabulous Inylchek Glacier is amongst the longest in the world. The frozen Mezbacher Lake melts in August, and the water drains out completely in three days. Issyk-Kul Lake, another wonder, is deep, large and spectacular, never freezing in spite of its latitude and altitude. The grasslands are wonderful for horseback riding and walking, streams and lakes for fishing.