Imagine a country; 65% of its lands are covered with mountains, the country farthest from the sea in the world, it has only been 100 years since the transition from a nomadic life to a settled life, goats, cows, horses and Tibetan oxen are spread like sheets in its springs, its mountain stone is covered with colorful flowers, World famous writer Cengiz Aytmatov It is a lesser-known country where people live in harmony with nature, drinking kumiss and riding horses, who brought up the . Here is the name of that country Kyrgyzstan… 9 amazing places to visit in Kyrgyzstan list awaits you in this article, enjoy reading!
This time we are going to Kyrgyzstan, a route that nature lovers, those looking for alternative routes, and those who want an authentic travel will love. This untouched country, adorned with fertile plains and highlands fed by Lake Issyk, in the shadow of the Tian Shan, amazes those who see it!
Kyrgyzstan is divided into 8 regions called oblasts in Russian; Bishkek, Batken, Talas, Chuy, Narin, Jalal Abad, Issyk Kul, Osh, Batken. The country's most popular travel routes are around Bishkek and Issyk Kul.
If you're planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan Things to Know Before Going to Kyrgyzstan I recommend that you read my article.
1. Capital Bishkek
The first place in our list of 9 places to visit in Kyrgyzstan Bishkek, the largest city and capital of Kyrgyzstan. Manas Airport, which connects the country with the world, is 30 km from Bishkek. The city, which was established at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains, makes you feel the Russian influence with its wide streets, large parks, statues covering streets and parks. The city is the greenest capital of Central Asia.
Ala Too Square is the heart of the city. Fine Arts Museum, State Opera and Ballet House, Oak Park, the oldest park in the city, Frunze Museum, State Historical Museum, Erkindik Street, Panfilov Park, Osh Market, Victory Square, Atatürk Park are places to see in Bishkek. Ala Archa National Park is a natural wonder in the Tian Shan Mountains, 45 minutes' drive from Bishkek. It is preferred for walking and picnicking.
2. Ata Beyit Monument
Ata-Beit National History and Monument Complex, a memorial complex located just 22 km from the city center of Bishkek. The meaning of Aya Beyit in Kyrgyz is the Grave of Our Ancestors. Here is a monument to the Kyrgyz people who were killed by the Russians in 1916, the graves of 1937 people killed by the Russian intelligence along with Chingiz Aitmatov's father in 137, a monument to the young people who rebelled against the Kyrgyz government and were killed in 2010, and the world-famous Kyrgyz writer Cengiz Aytmatov. 's tomb is also located here.
The house where Cengiz Aytmatov lived, 12 km from Ata Beyit, has been turned into a museum. You can visit this place after Ata Beyit.
3. Burana Tower and Balasagun Ancient City
which was the capital of the Karakhanids balasagun His city is one of the rare places in Kyrgyzstan that survived the Mongol attacks. The city, which is on the UNESCO world cultural heritage list, is also famous as the city of Yusuf Has Hacib, the author of the Kutadgu Bilig policy. Burana Tower, balbals, petroglyphs, a small number of city ruins and a museum are among the places to see in the ancient city.
Although this place is more commonly known as the Burana Tower, the tower is one of the city's towers. The city is 85 km from Bishkek. You can reach it in 1,5 hours by private car.
4. Chon Kemin National Park
When you continue towards Issyk Kul from Bishkek, you slowly begin to discover the heavenly geography of Kyrgyzstan. Çon Kemin National Park is 150 km from Bishkek, the road takes about 3 hours by private car. It is also possible to reach Bishkek by bus.
You can go hiking by choosing one of the many hiking routes in the surrounding area by staying in the pensions in the village located in the national park. Colorful flowers, clean air, a great place to see the impressive view of the Tian Shan Mountains.
5. The Resort of Issyk Kul Lake, Cholpon Ata
Finally, we are on the shore of Issyk Kul, which means warm/hot lake. Cholpon Ata is one of the most popular tourist destinations with many beaches on the shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Petroglyph Open Air Museum and Ruh Ordo Cultural Center are places to visit in Cholpon Ata. Ruh Ordo Open Air Museum is a cultural center established on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul to explain the Kyrgyz culture. It is among the places to be seen with its location on the shore of Issyk Kul and the various pavilions and statues inside.
Çolpan Ata is also the city where the stadium is home to the country's largest Kök Börü competitions. The Kyrgyzstan part of the International Nomad Games (Nomad Games) took place here.
6. Police Station
On our list of 9 places to visit in Kyrgyzstan, Karakol is one of the most popular touristic spots in Kyrgyzstan. The city, which is a frequent destination for skiing in winter and nature walkers in summer, is located in the south of Issyk Kul Lake.
If we list the places to see in Karakol; Karakol Ski Center, Dungan Mosque, Orthodox Church, Marketplace, Kök Cayık Plateau, Jeti Ögüz Rocks, Altın Arashan Valley, Ala Kul Lake, Barskoon Valley, Skazka Canyon. Since there are many valleys around Karakol, it is possible to extend the list of places to see.
A feature of Karakol city is that it is the closest Kyrgyz city to China. The Muslim community from China settled in Dunganlar Karakol. Therefore, it is possible to see traces of China in the city. Of course, the culinary culture was also affected. Cold nooddle soup called Ashlyan-Fu is the most famous dish here.
7. Hunting with the Eagle in Bökönbaev
One of the most impressive traditions of the Kyrgyz is hunting with eagles. Throughout history, nomadic hunters have used their own raised eagles to hunt. Although there is no hunting with eagles as before, it is possible to watch traditional hunting as a tourist attraction. The most suitable place for this is the city of Bökönbaev. The hunter gives you a hunting show with his two horses and two eagles. It's very impressive even though you watch it knowing it's a show. The hunter gives detailed information about the relationship with the eagle before and during the show, and how hunting is done. It is an activity that should be watched even to see the relationship between the hunter and the eagle.
8. The Last Lake
Son Lake, the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and located at an altitude of 3000 meters, is the most popular tourist route of Narin Region. You have the chance to live the Kyrgyz traditions in place by staying in traditional dormitory camps around the lake, which is about 300 km from Bishkek. You can ride a horse around the lake, take long walks, participate in horse care and milking.
9. Tas Rabat Caravanserai
Another place to see in Narin Region is Taş Rabat Caravanserai, one of the oldest historical and architectural works of Central Asia. The caravanserai, located in a pass 430 km from the capital Bishkek, was built to prevent the Silk Road trade from being interrupted, to rest the caravans coming from China and to protect them from snow storms.
Of course, there are many more places to see in Kyrgyzstan, and there are many options for those who love nature and culture trips such as mountain passes, lakes and the Üzgen Historical Complex in the Osh and Celal Abad regions.
Although Kyrgyzstan is a country that no one thinks of to visit, I am sure that we will start to hear more of its name in the near future. Add this country of flowers to your travel routes as soon as possible!
An edited version of this article was published in the September 2022 issue of Skyroad Magazine.
1 Comment
He travels a lot