Major Tourist Attractions In Kyrgyzstan

The capital city of Bishkek does not have much by way of sights or historical treasures. There are a number of interesting museums though, tributes to Soviet and Kyrgyz art and examples of Soviet architecture. There are also some privately owned galleries where artists work, display and sell their works. Scour these and you’ll find petroglyph reproductions, puppets, handcrafted pottery, jewellery, paintings, and other Central Asian handicrafts.

But most visitors to Kyrgyzstan only hop into Bishkek so they can skip town to the surrounding ski jumps, hiking trails, begin their trekking tour and generally, get on with the job of seeing Kyrgyzstan.

Lake Issyk-Kul is a beautiful salt-water lake in the midst of snowy peaks. A healing dip in the thermal springs, massages and mud baths are popular around the lake area.  

Ala-Archa Canyon near the capital is a picturesque alpine nature reserve. The Burana Tower, an 11th century minaret is also near Bishkek.The ancient city of Osh in the south is a pilgrimage spot. Uzgen, near Osh, houses the mausoleum of Manas, Kyrgyzstan’s greatest hero, and subject of the epic poem of the same name. The Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve nearby lies near a beautiful lake of the same name.

 Eastern Kyrgyzstan is ideal for mountaineering for in this region lie Khan-Tengri, Pobedy and other peaks of the central Tian Shan. The regions below these summits offer fine treks of two or three weeks. Some of the most accessible and beautiful treks are in Kyrgyz Alatau above Bishkek.

Banditry is a problem in low traffic areas. Bring your own equipment, as it is difficult to find the right gear here. The best walking season is from June through September but be prepared for bad weather any time. You must either have good local knowledge or a local guide, essentials for trekking in Central Asia. It’s safest to go through a reliable agency.