Start your trip to Kyrgyzstan exploring the beautiful mountain ranges with a trip to Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range. The place is perfect for hiking, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities where you can enjoy the panoramic view over the area. It is a perfect spot for those looking for adventure and beautiful scenery.
Your next destination is the Son-Kul Lake, which is one of Kyrgyzstan's prime scenic spots. It's a high altitude lake nestled in the middle of the Tien Shan mountains, surrounded by alpine meadows, and grazing yaks. Don't forget to try the traditional Kyrgyz food and stay the night in one of the yurts to experience the local lifestyle
Tash Rabat is an ancient stone caravanserai located in the At-Bashy district of Naryn Province in Kyrgyzstan. It was built in the 15th century and is considered one of the Silk Road's best-preserved architectural landmarks. The caravanserai served as a refuge and stopping point for travelers and merchants along the historic Silk Road.
Osh Market is one of the biggest markets in Central Asia, and it's home to an extensive collection of traditional Kyrgyz goods, souvenirs, and delicious cuisine. Visitors can taste local delicacies and stock up on unique souvenirs to commemorate their trip.
The Sulayman Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. The mountain is considered to be sacred, and legend has it that the biblical prophet Solomon, after wandering the earth for forty years, supplicated to God on this mountain to be forgiven for his sins.
Ala Archa National Park is a 200-square-kilometer park set in the stunning Tian Shan mountains. It's scenic with its peaks, valleys, and glaciers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, including hiking, trekking, and rock climbing.
Issyk-Kul Lake is the second-largest mountain lake and one of the most stunning places to visit in Kyrgyzstan. The lake offers numerous recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and sunbathing on the beach. There are also hot springs with medicinal properties located around the lake.
This 11th-century structure stands in what used to be a Central Asian city along the Silk Road. The tower is one of the few remaining structures that survived multiple earthquakes and invasions. Visitors can climb more than 20 meters to reach the tower's top, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Head towards Kyrgyzstan's Eastern region, where you will find Karakol, a city with distinctive Soviet-era architecture. The city is surrounded by snowy mountain peaks and pine forests. Visitors can enjoy a walking tour of the city, take a dip in hot springs, and visit the Dungan Mosque and Wooden Orthodox Church, both of which are known for their unique architecture.
Jeti-Oguz Canyon is a popular tourist attraction known for its vivid red rock formations that resemble seven bulls, thus its name— "Jeti-Oguz," meaning "Seven Bulls." Visitors can hike through the canyon or opt for horseback riding. Nearby are small streams, waterfalls, and a sulphuric spring.
Self-driving and hiring a driver are the most efficient ways to get around Kyrgyzstan. Taxis and local buses are also available, but they are often crowded on peak hours. Moreover, domestic flights are an option to travel from one end to the other quickly, but it is the more expensive.
The estimated cost of gasoline to travel around Kyrgyzstan for ten days is around 4500 KGS ($54). Hiring a driver for ten days could cost 15,000 KGS ($180), while a domestic flight would cost around 10,000 KGS ($120).
If you have less time, you can cut out a couple of days to accommodate your schedule, and if you have more days, don't miss the city of Bishkek, which has palaces, museums, and galleries. Similarly, try spending time in remote villages for a rural experience.
The main airport in Kyrgyzstan is Manas International Airport (FRU) located in Bishkek. This airport is roughly 30.6 miles (1 hour 30 minutes) from the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range destination.