Kyrgyzstan is Central Asia's most accessible mountain nation and one of the world's finest destinations for wilderness travel. A landlocked country where the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay mountain ranges dominate 90 percent of the landscape, it is a place where nomadic culture has survived with remarkable continuity.
Lake Issyk-Kul, the world's second-largest alpine lake, is surrounded by snow-capped peaks that reflect in its deep blue waters. The Karakol area at the eastern end is the gateway to excellent trekking in the Central Tian Shan. Bishkek, the capital, is a pleasant tree-lined city with a lively bazaar at Osh Market serving as an introduction to Kyrgyz food and daily life.
The Song Kul high plateau, at 3,016 meters altitude, is the supreme experience of Kyrgyz nomadic life. In summer, Kyrgyz herding families migrate to this vast mountain meadow with their herds and yurts. Staying with a nomadic family, drinking koumiss (fermented mare's milk), eating beshbarmak, and riding horses across the plateau is the reason most travelers come to Kyrgyzstan.
The Fergana Valley connects Kyrgyzstan to the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan. The rock paintings at Saimaluu-Tash contain some of Central Asia's most remarkable petroglyphs. The Ala-Archa National Park, just 45 minutes from Bishkek, offers accessible day hikes to glaciers and alpine meadows.
Kyrgyz food is hearty mountain fare: lamb and bread in every form, shurpa, plov, manti dumplings, and the dairy products of nomadic cuisine. June to September is the trekking season. Kyrgyzstan is for travelers who find their best experiences in wild landscapes.
