Experience your own Race Across The World — Kyrgyzstan Edition
Kyrgyzstan is a green haven dotted with mountains and lakes, often nicknamed the “Switzerland of Central Asia”. The Kyrgyz people, meanwhile, are a semi-nomadic people with deep-rooted traditions focused on hospitality, horses, and the surrounding nature.
The nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan is even seen in its flag. The yellow sun with 40 rays represents the 40 Kyrgyz tribes, the middle of the sun shows a tunduk, the central roof opening of a yurt, and the red background is said to have been inspired by the pennant carried by the country’s folk hero, Manas.
In order to preserve and further popularise nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan created the biennial World Nomad Games, which incorporates traditions from all over the world. Becoming more and more popular each year, in 2026 the games are returning to their homeland in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Best Tours That Visit Kyrgyzstan
For those wanting to solely appreciate Kyrgyzstan, our Kyrgyzstan Explorer tour is the perfect trip to book. Starting in the capital of Bishkek, you will soon be exploring the mountain ranges and serene lakes, from driving through Tuu Ashuu and Ala Bel mountain passes, staying at the second largest saline and mountain lake in the world, Issyk Kul, to exploring picturesque Son Kul Lake and enjoying walnut forest and waterfall walks. This journey takes in some of the most magnificent landscapes in Central Asia.
If you'd like to add a dash of Silk Road history and architecture, our Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan: Mountains and Cities of the Silk Road itinerary would be our recommendation. On this tour, you can combine semi-nomadic culture with stunning Silk Road cities. Starting off with the highlights of Kyrgyzstan, you will then travel through the fertile Fergana Valley before moving into the more arid desert landscapes of Uzbekistan, where the focus starts to shift more towards the intricately tiled mosques, minarets, and forts of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.
For more adventure and to experience more of the region, our 21-day tour through Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan will leave you with a lifetime of memories. Fittingly named, Silk Road: Central Asian Odyssey, this itinerary will take you through the mountains and lakes of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, ancient cities of Uzbekistan, and the welcoming people who bring each country to life.
If you’re seeking to tick off all of the ‘Stans, our Silk Road: The Five Stans of Central Asia will help you do just that! This epic trip takes you through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Following ancient trade routes of the Silk Road, transport yourself to a bygone era.
Five Best Places to Visit in Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK
When visiting Kyrgyzstan, your first stop will most likely be the capital, Bishkek, named after a butter churn used by nomads to create kumis or butter from mare’s milk. The capital has a gorgeous background of the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains. Although this is the country’s biggest city, Bishkek’s centre is compact, and all the highlights are easily walkable. Full of green parks, large boulevards, soviet architecture, as well as a relaxed pace of life and a vibrant café culture, it’s a great first taste of the rest of the country.
SARY CHELEK NATURE RESERVE
In 1978, this area became part of the UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserves, although one of the least visited areas, we would argue it’s one of the most striking landscapes that the country has to offer. The reserve consists of seven lakes — two of which you can explore on our Kyrgyzstan Explorer tour — home to 1,000 different plants, around 160 species of birds, and 34 mammals, including snow leopards in the higher altitudes, lynxes, wild boars, and bears.
CUP OF MANAS
Kyrgyzstan has a long history of fighting for independence and continues to fight against authoritarian and corrupt leaders, something that is deeply rooted in their folklore and seems to run deep in their veins. The Epic of Manas is said to be the longest epic in existence and has lived on in oral traditions from generation to generation. The story is 20 times longer than The Odyssey and The Iliad combined and tells the tale of his and his descendants’ bravery for Kyrgyz independence and to unite the scattered tribes into one nation. In one of his tales, it is said that the hero scooped water with his hand and formed a waterfall, which is now known as the Cup of Manas. The waterfall is located in Barskoon Canyon, a place that is steeped in legend.
OSH
Osh is the second largest, but the oldest, city of Kyrgyzstan. Nestled in the Fergana Valley, it is estimated to be over 3,000 years old. The city's UNESCO World Heritage Site — and one of three in the entire country — is an important Islamic pilgrimage site, known as Solomon’s Throne, or Sulayman Too. Solomon, the son of David, was the ancient ruler of the Israelites and was regarded as one of the greatest rulers. The mountain in Osh contains a shrine that is supposedly the grave of Solomon, and as such has become an important site for Islamic pilgrims. Solomon’s Throne has been a spiritual guide for more than one and a half millennia; the surrounding caves contain petroglyphs depicting animals and humans. On the highest peak stands a small mosque; although the building was reconstructed in the 20th century, it was originally built by the founder of the Mughal Empire, Babur, in the 16th century.
FAIRY TALE CANYON
Standing in the midst of the fiery rock formations, it’s obvious why this area has been named Fairy Tale Canyon, also known as Canyon Skazka. Formed through years of erosion from ice, wind, and water, walking around here transports you out of the usually green and verdant country you have come to recognise on your trip to a dry and red-tinted world. Each rock formation lets your imagination run wild — one might remind you of a golden-flamed phoenix, whilst another may look like a castle about to fall into a rushing sea. Standing amidst the landscape, it’s obvious why it’s steeped in tales and legends.
Five Best Experiences in Kyrgyzstan
YURT MAKING WORKSHOP
On the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, you can learn about the most important aspect of Kyrgyz culture, the yurt. Yurts are more than just a place to sleep; they represent the unity between families and the world around them, celebrating everything from birth to death, representing each stage of life and the knowledge of them passed down from generation to generation. Perfected over centuries, yurts are easily dismantled in order to transport them to the next destination. They are made from natural materials, are water repellent, and can easily be made warmer or cooler depending on the mountain weather.
Talking to the experts in the little village of Kyzyl-Tuu, you will learn what is needed to build a yurt, each aspect of the yurt, and of course, the symbolic meaning behind each feature.
VISIT AN EAGLE HUNTER
Eagle hunting is often associated with Mongolia, but the tradition is also prominent in Kyrgyzstan. Using golden eagles — usually females due to their bigger size — hunters train them for three to four years to hunt hares, foxes, and other small mammals toprovide fur and meat for the family. Eagle hunters develop a deep bond with their eagles, and after around a decade, they release them to live out the rest of their lives in the wild.
WOMEN’S FELT COOPERATIVE
Traditionally, Kyrgyz women would embroider the interior and exterior decorations of a yurt. The process of making the decorations would be done in groups, and the knowledge would be passed down from master to apprentice, mothers to their daughters, or the elders to the younger generations. In Kochkor, travellers will be able to meet with a women’s cooperative to learn more about the felt-making process and how they embroider Shyrdaks — a traditional wall or floor covering with Kyrgyz designs, the tradition of which has been inscribed into the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
SON KUL HORSE RIDING
It wouldn’t be a trip to Kyrgyzstan without getting up on a horse and roaming the valleys and hills. Having lived in Kyrgyzstan, my summers were spent riding semi-wild horses and going as fast as possible through the mountains, and I can attest that there is no freer feeling. For those wanting to understand a bit more about the deep connection between the Kyrgyz and their horses, take a leisurely stroll into the hills above Son Kul Lake for some staggering views of the lakes and the surrounding landscapes.
SWIM IN ISSYK KUL
Nicknamed the Pearl of Kyrgyzstan, Issyk Kul Lake is the second-largest saline and alpine lake. At an altitude of 1,609m, the lake never freezes due to its slight salinity and thermal springs surrounding it. The lake is surrounded by legends, from underwater cities that have been proven to be true through archaeological digs, tales of beautiful maidens, and even one legend that the burial site of the mighty Genghis Khan is on the shores of the lake.
Best Time To Visit Kyrgyzstan
Between June and September are the best times to enjoy hiking and walking activities in the mountains. The cities and lower valleys can get quite warm during the summer months, with highs of around 35 °C, but in the higher altitudes, nights, especially, can be cooler and need warmer layers.
