Kick-off your adventure in Kyrgyzstan by learning more about its capital city's culture, history, and heritage. Start at the Ala-Too Square to see the monument to Kyrgyz independence from the Soviet Union. From there, head to the State History Museum to appreciate the amazing collection of exhibits on display. Other city attractions to visit are the Victory Square, Oak Park, and the Bishkek Central Mosque.
Explore the historic Burana Tower, which used to be the capital of the Karakahnid Empire. It houses unique architecture, looking like a circular minaret, and has numerous petroglyphs and grave markers surrounding it. Next, enjoy the beautiful views of Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest mountain lake in the world. Here you can relax on the beach, swim, and take in the amazing surroundings.
Take a tour of the charming city of Karakol, located on the eastern side of Issyk-Kul Lake. An important stop is the Karakol Dungan Mosque, a unique building that showcases a fusion of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. Another highlight is the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, designed by a Russian architect with a colorful wooden structure different from the conventional cathedral.
Explore the amazing Ala-Archa National Park, a popular spot for locals and tourists. Take hikes of varying difficulty levels that bring you closer to the beautiful mountains that surround the park. A must-visit destination within the park is the Ak-Sai Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool below.
Head to the southern part of Kyrgyzstan to visit the city of Osh, a vital trade and economic hub for Southern Kyrgyzstan. Visit landmarks such as the Sulayman Mountain, which is considered sacred by both Muslims and Buddhists, the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Annunciation, and the historical bazaar, where you can enjoy traditional Kyrgyz food delights.
Explore the stunning Sary Chelek National Park, which is home to stunning glacier-fed lakes and some of the highest peaks in the country. There are numerous trekking routes with varying difficulties that bring you closer to some of the natural beauties in the park, such as the Sary Chelek Lake, the highest-lying lake among the seven in the area. Don't forget your camera as the views are breathtaking.
Take a break from the hikes and explore the village near Toktogul Reservoir, situated in the Jalal-Abad region, and observe the local way of life. The reservoir is a genuinely stunning area with breathtaking views. Sitting on the banks of the reservoir is the Chychkan Gorge, a fantastic spot for camping and trekking.
Visit one of the essential landmarks from the ancient Silk Road era, Tash Rabat Caravanserai, which dates back to the fifteenth century. It was used as a stopping point for traders amidst their long journeys along the Silk Road. It's a unique construction, made of slate and set into a mountain basin, resembling aboveground caverns.
One of the highlights of Kyrgyzstan is visiting Song-Kol Lake. This high altitude, pristine lake offers spectacular scenery, surrounded by wildflowers and grazing livestock. Take a relaxing horseback trip or trekk in the mountainous terrain to see beautiful scenery, including green pastures and sky-high peaks.
End your journey in Kyrgyzstan by visiting the picturesque Jeti Oguz Canyon, best known for its reddish sandstone cliffs that look like the shape of a broken heart. The name Jeti-Oguz means 'Seven Bulls' after seven strangely-shaped rock formations that locals claim look like seven bulls lying down. Take a hike up to the cliffs and explore the unique shapes that brought about the myths from the Kyrgyz people.
To get from place to place during your trip to Kyrgyzstan, it is best to hire a private car with a driver. Rental cars and taxis are available in the larger towns and cities, but hiring a private car is more comfortable, efficient, and a better value when itinerary is packed with various destinations. Be sure to negotiate the price of the car rental and the cost of petrol. The estimated cost of a car rental with a driver is $60-$120 per day. The estimated travel distance is around 2000 km, with a total estimated travel time of 50 hours.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve, the Peak Lenin base camp for a 3-day trek, or Jety-Oguz Canyon to explore the mountains and the waterfalls. For visitors with less time, consider a more concise itinerary focusing mainly on Bishkek, Ala-Archa National Park, and the Issyk-Kul Lake region. However, if you wish to explore the mountains for a longer duration and want to take part in a trekking, consider adding more time and visit the country between May to September when the weather is pleasant.
The country's primary international gateway is the Manas International Airport (FRU), located 25 km outside of the capital, Bishkek. It is the hub for the national and flag carrier, Air Kyrgyzstan, and flights are available to most of the Central Asian countries and Russia. The Osh International Airport (OSS), located in the southern part of the country, is the other major airport, with direct flights to Turkey, Russia, Dubai and Uzbekistan. Also, a third airport, Karakol, is being built with a scheduled opening in the coming years.