Kyrgyzstan Introduction

Kyrgyzstan is a small mountainous country of around 7.3 million people, nestled in the heart of Central Asia. Known regionally for its incredible natural beauty, it’s a land of vast lakes, craggy mountain ranges, and nomadic traditions.
The country itself borders Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the south, and China to the west. However, it’s perhaps more comparable to the European alps than the steppe of Central Asia, something which has earned it the nickname ‘The Switzerland of Central Asia’.

The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek, a classic example of a Soviet-era city, with wide boulevards, grand squares, and impressive architecture. The city centre is built for walking, and thus that’s the best way to explore. From relics of the communist past sitting in tree-lined city-centre parks, to huge statues and museums dominating many of Bishkek’s public spaces.

Leaving the capital, Kyrgyzstan switches from a bustling modern country to a rural nation still in close connection with its nomadic roots. Much like neighbouring Kazakhstan and nearby Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan is still home to many nomadic families, each travelling about the country herding animals, living in yurts, and growing up to be skilled horsemen. The country is also home to many traditional eagle hunters, a lifestyle that’s becoming rarer these days across the region, in which local nomads use specially trained eagles to catch rabbits, foxes, and other animals. Despite still being a true hunting lifestyle, such hunters also regularly meet for eagle hunting competitions.

Broadly speaking, Kyrgyzstan can be split into two regions; the southern regions are dominated by the Pamir mountain range, making the area more difficult to travel to, but perhaps more rewarding. In the northern region, whilst still mountainous, open plains and vast lakes are much more common, with Issyk Kul lake being a real pull, alongside the rich history of the Burana tower telling the stories of civilisations past.

Staying true to the nomadic lifestyle, local Kyrgyz people are incredibly welcoming and friendly, especially to foreign visitors, often keen to discuss and show off their country. Tourism to the country focuses largely on the natural landscapes, from staying in local yurt camps along the banks of the Issyk Kul or Song Kul lakes, to horse trekking through the country’s many beautiful valleys. After all, it was to Kyrgyzstan that Soviet officials from Moscow often had holiday homes!

Kyrgyzstan History

201 BCE

The Kyrgyz people are first mentioned in historical records from modern day China, described as nomadic people living in southern Siberia.

840

The Yenisei Kyrgyz defeat the powerful Uyghur Khanganate, one of the dominant forces in the region, briefly making the Kyrgyz civilization a significant power broker in Central Asia.

16th-18th Centuries

Over time, the nomadic tribes of the various valleys and regions around modern day Kyrgyzstan begin to merge and develop and distinct language, culture and identity. The core tenant of Kyrgyz culture becomes the nomadic lifestyle that continues today.

1876

The region of modern-day Kyrgyzstan is annexed by the expanding Russian Empire.

1916

The Urkun; known internationally as the Central Asian revolt, saw thousands flee from the country into China as part of uprisings against the Russian state and the forced conscription of Kyrgyz to fight in World War One.

1936

The Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic is proclaimed.

1991

The collapse of the Soviet Union leads to Kyrgyzstan declaring independence on the 31st of August.

2005

The so-called ‘Tulip Revolution’ leads to the ousting of President Askar Akayev from power as part of widespread democratic uprisings across Kyrgyzstan

Travelling Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a true adventure travel destination. With the challenging, yet beautiful terrain, the country is perfect for those looking for an unlikely getaway defined by stunning natural landscapes. Mountains dominate the country, with small cities dotted in between, and nomadic families travelling about in between.

For those looking for countryside trekking, Kyrgyzstan is ideal, as it is for an travellers looking to horse trek through the country’s many river valleys.

The local culture and tradition is also a real pull factor, with local nomadic families offering homestay opportunities, and a chance to learn a little about traditional life in the country; from making Kyrgyz food to staying in a local yurt.

For those looking for more of an adventure, the south of the country, and its second-city Osh, marks the start of the famed M41 Pamir Highway which winds its way deep into the Pamir mountains and over the border into Tajikistan. A road trip along the highway gives a rare chance to explore southern Kyrgyzstan, often too remote for an easy trip from the capital. Here, local guesthouses and yurt camps are the only options for an overnight stay, nestled inside small rural villages far from any urban centre.

By contrast, the north of Kyrgyzstan is dominated by Issyk Kul Lake, one of the nation’s most famous tourism hotspots favoured by former Soviet officials as well as modern day travellers. Yurt camps dot the shores of this lake, and great mountain passes and picturesque canyons make the area a real highlight.

The traditional cuisine in Kyrgyzstan reflects the nomadic culture which defines the rest of the country. The national dish is Beshbarmak, boiled meat (suitably Central Asian!) mixed with handmade noodles in an onion broth. Other traditional foods include Plov, a rice and meat dish, and Shashlik, skewers of marinated lamb or beef. Whilst many Central Asian countries overlap in their cuisine, each has their speciality, so whilst in Kyrgyzstan why not try cooling off with a refreshing class of Kumis, fermented mare’s milk?

Trips to Kyrgyzstan can be arranged for both group tours and independent adventures. However, you’ll need a trusty local guide and driver team to navigate the mountains and valleys that make Kyrgyzstan both a desirable, but challenging destination for adventure travel. Plus, a local alongside you will always be a benefit when learning about local life, traditional culture, and the rich history that has made Kyrgyzstan what it is today.