Kyrgyzstan travel guide
Packed with nomad culture, mighty mountains and super horse-riding across the steppes, Kyrgyzstan is the adventure hub of Central Asia
Set in the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan has few historical sites, thanks partly to a nomadic culture – and thanks, too, to Genghis Khan.
But what it does have is mountains. Lots of them. More than 90% of Kyrgyzstan is higher than 1,500m, making it a paradise for walkers, trekkers, climbers, riders and anyone who loves epic scenery.
While there are only a few people left living a truly nomadic lifestyle, the yurt is still highly symbolic and families still spend their summers in the high pastures with their livestock.
Wanderlust recommends
- Stay in a yurt near the shores of shimmering Lake Song-Kol in the high steppe.
- The horse is king in Kyrgyzstan – take to horseback, whether for an hour, a day or a week-long trek.
- Take a walk or ride through the alpine meadows of Jeti-Oghuz Canyon.
- Trek through the Celestial Mountains – the little-visited Tien Shan, with their alpine meadows, glaciers, summer pastures and snowy peaks.
- Cross the border into Kazakhstan to take a helicopter ride from Karkara basecamp into the icy heights of the Central Tien Shan.
Wanderlust tips
With the exception of hotels in Bishkek, and the very top yurt camps, toilets are usually longdrop and very basic. Take your own toilet paper and soap.
With the high altitudes and changeable climate, do take plenty of warm layers and a waterproof, even in the middle of summer.