Short guide to Kyrgyzstan
It may not be at the top of the list of obvious tourist destinations, but the Kyrgyz Republic is a real hidden gem. Dwarfed by spectacular mountains and an awe-inspiring natural environment, the Central Asian country is among the friendliest republics in the region.
Kyrgyzstan has become fondly known as the “Switzerland of Central Asia”, thanks to its unrivalled mountain peaks. In fact, the country has some of the world’s tallest mountains with an incredible 23 peaks over 6,000m.
For the majority of the 20th century, the country was out of bounds to people from outside the Soviet Union. But if you love the great outdoors, especially mountaineering, hiking and skiing, the opportunities for adventure are boundless in Kyrgyzstan, where the Kyrgyz people – traditionally nomadic herders – are the largest ethnic group.
An array of glaciers and mountain peaks adorn the impressive Ala-Archa National Park where a myriad of activities are available, including horse trekking and climbing. The spectacular Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world at 105 miles long, is another major highlight of this area.
A contrasting mix of cities is another feature of the republic, from the attractive capital Bishkek, renowned for its greenery, to the ancient city of Osh, which oozes historical charm. A visit to the market in Osh, which has a reputation for being one of the most dazzling in Asia, is not to be missed.
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