When we started our adventure, we had no idea what to expect from most of the “Stan” countries. But we were sure little Kyrgyzstan would be a highlight. It’s easy to enter (no visa needed), packed with mountains and activities, and has great tourist infrastructure. We spent three weeks here and enjoyed every bit of it!
We admired the towering Ala-Too Range and swam in Lake Issyk-Kol, the second-highest lake in the world. We experienced bumpy rides in marshutkas and crowded shared taxis to get from one place to another. Equipped with a map and compass, we hiked from Karakol to Atlyn Arashan, reaching 3,800m, camping for two nights, and marveling at the stunning Lake Ala-Kul, followed by a soak in the hot springs at Atlyn Arashan—a definite highlight.
Local cuisine was a treat, with favorites like katlet (stewed beef with rice, buckwheat, noodles, and sauce), kuurduk (fried beef with potato and onion), shashlyk (grilled meat skewers), and laghman (noodle soup with veggies and meat). We stayed in wonderful homestays hosted by lovely families and embarked on our first-ever horse trek to the sparkling Lake Song-Kul.
We shared yurts with local families, experiencing traditional Kyrgyz hospitality. We also camped during an overnight fishing trip with a 70-year-old fisherman and a guide. Hiking to waterfalls and enjoying panoramic views was breathtaking. Visiting the world’s largest walnut grove, we met families living there during harvest season. No matter their ethnicity, the locals showed us immense generosity, hospitality, and kindness.
Exploring bazaars, we sampled fresh fruits, veggies, breads, and spices. Our time in Kyrgyzstan was unforgettable, filled with outdoor activities, intriguing culture, and fantastic scenery. We’d love to return and explore more!
We came back to Kyrgyzstan in June 2017! It had been four years since our last visit, and it was just as magical. We mapped out a new trekking route around the Village of Jyrgalan and enjoyed non-trekking activities in Karakol, many of which were new. Camping in yurts on the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, witnessing an eagle hunting demonstration, learning yurt-building from scratch, and partying in Bishkek were all part of our adventure.
Kyrgyzstan offers endless activities. For trekking info around Jyrgalan, contact Destination Jyrgalan at destination.jyrgalan@gmail.com, and for cultural activities around Karakol, contact Destination Karakol at info@destinationkarakol.com. Feel free to email us as well for advice and information!