While I was travelling the Silk Road, one of the countries that surprised me the most was Kyrgyzstan. Central Asia is not exactly one of the most popular destinations, and Kyrgyzstan is, for most people, just one of those far away “-stan” countries.
However, it has so much to offer! From its incredible natural beauty to the fascinating culture of the Kyrgyz people, there is so much to see. If you are not sure if Kyrgyzstan is worth visiting, let me give you a couple of reasons why Kyrgyzstan should be next on your bucket list.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Visit Kyrgyzstan
#1 Culture
Everybody has a different reason for travelling, but, for me, one of the most important ones is discovering new cultures. The nomadic people from the Central Asian steppes are one of the most fascinating ones. Kyrgyz people are, of course, famous for their yurts. These portable tents can be built and packed in just a matter of hours and are perfect for the nomadic lifestyle.
Inside, there is usually a small coal or wood furnace to keep it warm. Kyrgyz people also love putting up colourful decorations. One of the coolest experiences in Kyrgyzstan is sleeping in one of them. While it might be very cold inside in high altitude, a good amount of blankets is usually all you need to spend a comfortable night in a cosy yurt!
Yurts aside, there are plenty of fascinating aspects of the Kyrgyz culture. Food is, of course, one of the most important aspects of a culture, and Kyrgyzstan is not short on it!
Plov, the mix of rice with boiled meat and vegetables, is everywhere in Central Asia. The meat shashliks (smoked kebabs of meat, usually mutton) are amazing, as well as the different types of fried bread. One of my favourite dishes was manty, steamed dumplings filled with meat and onions.
Drinks can also be very interesting. So be prepared to try Kymyz, made with fermented horse milk, or Bozo, a winter drink made with fermented millet.
However, nothing is such an integral part of the Kyrgyz culture as the horses. In the Central Asian steppes, the horse is venerated by all cultures, from Mongols to Turkmen.
The culture of Kyrgyzstan rotates around these animals in many, many ways. One of the most shocking ones is the (now illegal) practice of ala kachuu or bride kidnapping. Traditionally, two families that were very close would arrange a wedding between their children, sometimes before they were born. However, there was another way: two people that were in love could agree on performing an interesting stunt where the groom kidnapped the bride (with her consent). This was especially useful when the parents of the bride were against the wedding since they would be forced to accept it.
Sadly, today a lot of women are forcefully kidnapped, and some people still do that despite it being illegal. It was, however, extremely popular in the past. So much that by 2015, when it was outlawed, 40% of married women said that they were kidnapped by their partners, and only two-thirds of them were consensual.
#2 Nature
The biggest surprise for me when I travelled to Kyrgyzstan, was, without a doubt, its natural beauty. I must confess I probably didn’t do my homework when it came to researching the country before I went there. In my defence, I like to be surprised, so I usually try to avoid spoiling myself too much.
Once I was there, looking at the incredible landscapes and deep valleys, I couldn’t do anything but admire the country in awe. I always associated Central Asia with deserts and rocky mountains, and I never expected the lush, green fertile mountains and plains that cover Kyrgyzstan.
No matter where you go in the country, the background is always amazing. From the beautiful peaks of Ala Archa to the stunning mountains of Altyn Arashan or the blue waters of the Song Kol Lake. Kyrgyzstan has plenty to offer to any lover of beauty and nature.
#3 Bishkek
Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and probably the best place to start a trip around the country. It is a big, modern city, very different from the rest of Kyrgyzstan. The contrast between the nomadic people from the mountains and the city dwellers is very interesting. Here you can find all the amenities you would expect from a capital. You will have to move mainly by taxi since public transport is not the best. However, there are a few buses, vans and trolleybuses going here and there.
Bishkek is a very good place to book the rest of your trip in the country. CBT (Community Based Tourism Association) is probably the best way to do it. They are pretty much the only option. What I like is that they try to connect local people and improve the living conditions of the Kyrgyz. So it’s pretty cool.
Once you have your itinerary sorted out, go out and explore Bishkek! While it doesn’t have the monuments and historic buildings that you might find in other places, it has a lot to offer. The city centre has beautiful corners, like the painting market you can see in the picture above. And it is the perfect place to try all kinds of food!
There are lots of restaurants that are perfect for a first impression of Central Asian cuisine. Of course, you can find plenty of options, including Western-style restaurants. But I recommend diving in and trying some of the Kyrgyz food. There is also room for innovation. While I was there, some of the people I was travelling with discovered a beautiful cafe opened by a Kiwi guy that we all loved!
If you still find your time in Bishkek boring, you can try doing one of the many day trips offered there. Ala Archa, the National Park I mentioned before, it’s not far from the city, so going there and staying overnight is an option. Or maybe just a quick visit! It’s up to you. Since I had some time, I also went rafting to the Chu River. It was freezing cold, but it was very funny! And a good way of doing something different that day.
#4 Kok-Boru
If you go to Kyrgyzstan, you can’t miss Kok-Boru. This sport, played all over Central Asia is both fascinating and brutal. The game is somewhat similar to polo. The objective is to score in one of the goals on each side of the field. However, the significant difference is that instead of a ball, the players use the carcass of a goat.
I had the chance to witness a game of Kok-Boru while I was staying in a small yurt near Song Kol Lake, and it was outstanding. To decide who starts the game, two members of both teams have to fight, throwing each other off their horses. Of course, this is just training for the real game, where brutal encounters between high-speed horsemen will happen constantly. It’s a cultural experience on its own and a very different sport from what I am used to.
#5 Outdoor activities
I mentioned before how Kyrgyzstan has amazing landscapes. And this is perfect for outdoor activities! If you like hiking, trekking, skiing, climbing, or horse riding, this country is perfect for you.
There are plenty of trails for all kinds of hikers, from beginners to more advanced. The country offers a pretty good variety of landscapes, even in a relatively small area, so you will not get bored. While I’m not a climber myself, I’ve heard that it’s also the perfect country for beginner mountaineers. There is a huge variety in the altitude of the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, from the easy 3,000-meter ones to well over 7,000.
Hiking is also a fantastic option. There are all sorts of trails, especially in National Parks like Ala Archa, where there is even accommodation for hikers to stay overnight in case you don´t want to carry a tent.
Just remember to be very careful. The weather can change very quickly! What was a sunny and peaceful valley can suddenly become cold and rainy. It’s hard to get your head around it. Just by driving for a while, the scorched desert can transform into a cold glacier.
However, the main activity you should definitely do is, of course, horse riding! Horse riding is, after all, the soul of the whole region. Don’t worry if you have never done it before, that was my case, and it ended up being extremely good! I even got confident enough to make my horse gallop for a few seconds by the end of my second ride!
Can you Travel Kyrgyzstan on a Budget?
Definitely! Although Kyrgyzstan is not as cheap as its neighbour Uzbekistan, it’s still very affordable compared to almost any other destination worldwide.
Of course, your budget will dictate how comfortable your trip is. If you are looking for luxury and high-end dinners, you are going to spend way more than cheap hostels and street food.
If you join one of the many organized tours through Kyrgyzstan, you will have to pay extra, compared to travelling on your own, using public transport.
Keep in mind that some of the activities that make Kyrgyzstan so attractive will cost you. Spending a night on a yurt in Altyn Arashan or paying a group of people a bit extra so they can play a match of Kok Boru might be unexpected expenses, but in my opinion, well spent!
Is Kyrgyzstan Safe to Visit?
Kyrgyzstan is often associated with other “-stan” countries, like Afghanistan, which might raise an eyebrow or two if you are telling someone you are going there.
However, rest assured, Kyrgyzstan is very safe to visit as a tourist. The entire time we spent in the country, we felt completely safe. Of course, there is petty crime everywhere, and tourists are always a magnet for theft or scams, but that´s not different from travelling to any other destination. Most people will be welcoming, happy to see you and help you if you need anything.
There are areas that you should avoid as a tourist. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan often have border disputes at the Batken border, even to the point of actively fighting. So you should avoid that region. There have also been tensions between the Uzbek and the Kyrgyz border, and some countries recommend avoiding that region as well.
And as always, make sure to check the travel safety recommendations of your country. They usually keep an eye on any potential conflict, natural disasters or potential danger to tourists.
I hope after all this, I managed to spark your interest in this beautiful country! Kyrgyzstan was one of my biggest surprises as a traveller. It was an unexpected underdog on my travel itinerary that happened to charm me.
Remember that not only it’s a fantastic place to visit, but you will also get a lot of value for the money. After all, Kyrgyzstan is not an expensive country, especially compared with many popular destinations. So remember, if you like discovering new cultures, exploring amazing places and trying new food, Kyrgyzstan should be the next country on your bucket list!
Also, before you leave, check out the following posts, which you will find helpful in planning your trip:
- The best things to do in Bishkek
- The Ultimate 10 Days in Kyrgyzstan Itinerary
- Download these travel apps and resources for your trip!
Until your next adventure!
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