Kyrgyzstan, known as the heart of Central Asia, is a beautiful landlocked country, hidden behind the empty steppes of Kazakhstan and western China. Let’s unveil the unique features here through the following article.
Kyrgyzstan, a country surrounded by mountains
Capital: Bishkek
Currency: Kyrgyzstan Som
Language: Kyrgyz and Russian
Population: 5,849,296 people
Area: 199,951 km2
Voltage: Standard voltage is 220V, frequency 50 Hz
Power socket: Type C and F
Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia, with most of its border located along mountain peaks. This country was once located on the legendary Silk Road, known as the heart of Central Asia. Coming to Kyrgyzstan’s cities you can admire the overwhelming Soviet-style buildings, vast markets and ornate mosques.
However, beyond the bustling streets of Bishkek and Osh, there are still many wonders waiting for you: Journey deeper into the wilds of Kyrgyzstan that will soothe your senses with lakes above Turquoise mountains, towering snow-capped peaks and vast walnut forests. This is a place where the city dust cannot reach, the sound of car horns gives way to the sound of horse hooves and offers true adventures.
Kyrgyzstan belongs to Central Asia and has a typical nomadic culture
The mountain ranges stretching along this country’s area provide a majestic scene
Modern and wild features are interwoven to create an extremely different beauty here
Some important information to know before traveling to Kyrgyzstan
Ideal time to go to Kyrgyzstan
You can visit Kyrgyzstan at any time of the year, each month will have its own unique beauty:
– January to March – Winter: At this time the temperature in Kyrgyzstan will drop sharply, even dropping to -40 degrees Celsius, suitable for outdoor skiing activities. However, because of heavy snowfall and cold air, climbing routes will be blocked and we cannot access many areas.
– From April to June – Spring: When everything begins to wake up after winter sleep, you will admire the scenery of people working in the fields and climbing paths are opened. Although the weather has gradually warmed up, the temperature is still unstable, ranging from -5-25 degrees Celsius, with a lot of rain.
– From July to September – Summer: This time is very suitable for outdoor activities with temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius. This is also the season of fruit trees and the peak tourist season in Kyrgyzstan. .
– From October to December – Autumn: At this time the temperature has dropped but not too cold below -10 degrees Celsius, the weather is dry and pleasant.
Summer is the peak time to travel to Kyrgyzstan when visitors can fully experience outdoor activities.
Instructions for applying for a Kyrgyzstan tourist visa
As a Vietnamese citizen, you will be exempted from visa if you have an invitation letter from a Kyrgyzstan travel company. You can ask for this letter when buying a landtour from a travel company, ask them to send the original invitation letter and photocopies of operating documents to Vietnam. Visitors need to present the original invitation letter when entering the country at Bishkek or Osh airport. If there is no letter, we will have to buy an entry visa at the airport for about 50 USD/person.
Kyrgyzstan’s land border gates are quite rigid and do not have the same on-site visa issuance function as the airport, so this form of travel is rarely chosen. If you enter the country via land, you will have to bring your itinerary, original invitation letter and activity documents from the travel company.
Moving to Kyrgyzstan
Currently, Vietnam still does not have direct flights to Bishkek or Osh, so we will need to transit in third countries such as Thailand, Uzbekistan, Russia, China… Some airlines are currently operating Flights to this country include: Air Astana, Uzbekistan Airlines, China Southern, S7, Turkish Airlines… Most international flights will land at Bishkek airport, about a 30-minute drive from the center.
After arriving, you can catch a taxi to the city center for about 10-15 USD. In addition, we can also take marshrutka #153 or #380 (minibus) running daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., reaching the city center takes about 40KGS and travel time is 50 minutes.
Coming to Kyrgyzstan, you can try to experience horseback riding like the locals
Top outstanding attractions in Kyrgyzstan
Ala Archa National Park
Just 40km from Bishkek, the striking canyon of Ala Archa National Park is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beloved natural attractions. In Kyrgyzstan, “ala archa” refers to the juniper trees that adorn the canyon. Traditionally, Kyrgyz people used juniper to protect their homes and ward off evil spirits. Coming to Ala Archa National Park, you will be able to participate in many outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, skiing…
Ala Archa National Park is an ideal destination to participate in climbing and hiking activities…
Kol Suu Lake
Kol Suu natural lake is located in the highlands near the Chinese border, hidden among many dangerous rocks. Water from nearby snow-capped peaks flows into Kol Suu’s vast basin during the summer, creating a brilliant turquoise hue. Absolute isolation and sparkling blue water with sand rocks make Kol Suu Lake an attractive destination in Kyrgyzstan. Asia News Daily recommends hiring a local guide who knows the route from the nearby city of Naryn to navigate the bumpy, unpaved roads and complete the final leg by horseback riding or on foot.
The water surface at Kol Suu Lake is so blue that you can see down to the bottom
Lenin Peak
Lenin Peak is located between the Tajik border and is the second highest mountain peak in the country with a maximum altitude of over 7010.4 m. You can hike to Lenin Peak Base Camp or explore the surrounding hills and valleys. This eternal snow peak is one of the most iconic mountains in Kyrgyzstan.
Lenin Peak is an eternal snow peak
Arslanbob
Arslanbob’s special feature compared to many other mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan comes from its 11,000-hectare walnut forest, the largest in the world. Located between the Fergana and Chatkal mountains in western Kyrgyzstan, Arslanbob holds an annual walnut harvest festival in late September or early October. It is also home to picturesque waterfalls, pathways Walking trails and many Muslim tombs. To get to Arslanbob, you can travel by taking a marshrutka (a local minibus) from Jalal-Abad or Osh.
Arslanbob’s vast walnut forest
Ala-Kul Lake
The picturesque Ala-Kul Lake is located at an altitude of 3352.8m above sea level, located in the snow-capped Terskey Alatau range. Today, it is also one of the most popular climbing destinations in the country, located near the vast Issyk-Kul Lake and accessible from the nearby city of Karakol. According to Kyrgyzstan travel experience , most visitors will combine the journey to Ala-Kul with a soak in the nearby hot springs in the Altyn Arashan valley after the hike.
Ala-Kul Lake is located in the snow-covered Terskey Alatau range
Tash Rabat
Tash Rabat is the best-preserved Silk Road stone inn in Kyrgyzstan. Built in a remote valley amid the At-Bashi Mountains in the south, Tash Rabat’s isolation adds to its beauty. This is clear evidence of a golden age when caravans of traders and camels traveled through the most remote areas to trade. Currently, the inn is still quite intact with 30 domed rooms, in the middle is a large fire hall, surrounded by stone niches for merchants to sit and gather for common activities.
The inn made of Tash Rabat stone is a witness of the Silk Road
Accommodation and cuisine Kyrgyzstan
Where to stay in Kyrgyzstan?
Coming to Kyrgyzstan, you will not have too many hotel choices like many other famous tourist countries. You can book a room through online booking channels such as Booking, Agoda, Traveloka… and you should try the following special accommodations:
Homestay: No matter where you go, a remote village or a crowded tourist destination, Kyrgyzstan also has homestays for foreigners to stay in, quite cozy and beautifully decorated with local cultural characteristics.
Yurt tent: Yurt is a typical round tent of nomadic people in Central Asia and Mongolia, with a wooden/iron frame inside and covered with canvas and very thick animal skin so it is very warm.
Yurt tent typical of Kyrgyz people. Photo: Anssi Karppinen
The space inside the tent is quite complete, comfortable and cozy
Enjoy unique local cuisine
Some delicious dishes in Kyrgyzstan that you should not miss include:
Shashlyk: grilled skewered meat from lamb, beef, veal, poultry, venison, rabbit meat… marinated with vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, carrots.
Manti: steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetarian filling.
Lagman: fresh yellow noodles cooked with lamb, potatoes, vegetables.
Kymyz/Kimus: fermented mare’s milk.
Kyrgyz style dumplings – Manti
Kymyz is a nomadic fermented horse milk dish
Hopefully, with the above useful experiences exploring Kyrgyzstan, you are ready to pack your suitcase for your future exploration journey. The nomadic land with majestic mountains and endless steppes can attract anyone who is visiting for the first time.