Kyrgyzstan
Lakes, rivers, mountains, delicious food, friendly people – and you don’t have to sell a kidney to see it.
It might seem like traveling in Kyrgyzstan is difficult and expensive due to the challenging routes and mountain roads. It seems like only climbers and the physically strong can afford it, especially when you see foreign tourists, laden with backpacks, climbing mountain routes that only jeeps or special vehicles can handle. I think they just love to suffer.
Kyrgyzstan’s tourist attractions are only 1% explored, as they say. I’ve been traveling in Kyrgyzstan since 2019, taking one-day and multi-day tours, and something new pops up every time.
How to travel on a budget
Until recently, it was possible to hire a guide and transportation for a considerable fee to travel somewhere. However, this has changed: local tour companies offer a wide range of tours almost every day. One-day tours start at 800 KGS ($10), which includes a guide, transportation, and entrance fees to nature reserves, if needed. Multi-day tours (approximately three days) start at 6,000 KGS, which includes a guide, accommodation, transportation, and meals.
One-day trips from Bishkek
My Most Unusual Water Adventures in Kyrgyzstan
Canoeing across a sunken lake? What? Yes! The Great Chuy Canal? Absolutely. The Chu River in the Boom Gorge? That too.
If you’re tired of one-day mountain hikes, let me tell you about my favourite hobby — paddling on boats, SUP boards, and canoes. And the best part? All of this can be done in just half a day.
Places to visit
Karakol: More Than Just a Ski Resort
Karakol is more than 150 years old — one of the first real cities in nomadic Central Asia. It’s worth stepping out of your hotel and walking around, because thanks to waves of settlers and a mix of cultures, Karakol is probably the most unusual — and in my opinion the most historic — city in Kyrgyzstan.
Multi-day trips
Kel-Suu Guide
The trip requires thorough preparation – I hope that this article will help you, and the trip to the lake will leave only pleasant impressions!
Ghost town Enilchek
A ghost town at 2,000 meters above sea level, a post-apocalyptic setting, and a natural hot spring by the cliff.
Altyn-Arashan Gorge Hot Springs Tour
Overview of the Altyn-Arashan hot springs tour with a stop at Fairy Tale Canyon and Barskoon Waterfalls.