Top Things to Do in Kyrgyz Republic | Best Places to Visit for Tourists

Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian country that blends ancient heritage with modernity. They have some stunning peaks, unique lakes, and other interesting natural wonders. This is an underrated country as a travel destination. But this country offers various peculiar things which are ideal for adventurers.

From this article, get to know about 15 top places to visit Kyrgyz with the best activities to do there. From mountain peaks to lakes to forests, Kyrgyz has some beautiful places to sit in your itinerary. So if you are wondering what things to do in Kyrgyz, then this guide is for you.

Also learn about SimCorner's eSIMs for a smooth journey with high speed reliable data and no roaming fees. Read further in the article for more details of our service. Read on to learn about this wild gem country.

Cultural and Historical Influences of Kyrgyz

Kyrgyz Republic mixes old nomadic life along with Silk Road history and Soviet times with modernity. They still have old market places, and styles that were there in their old times. They have kept old architecture, moments, and follow some places as sacred. The people speak Kyrgyz and Russian due to their historical influence.

Foods to Try in Kyrgy

Must try beshbarmak, their national dish, which is boiled horse meat or Kazy, which is dried horse sausage. This is a Muslim country so you will get different sorts of Halal food like noodles, onion soup, Osh laghman, Shashlik, etc. Drink kumis, sour horse. Vegans can eat pumpkin manti dumplings, samsa pies, and boorsok. Yurt food is simple and tasty from nomadic days.

Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Kyrgyz

We will now discuss in more detail about Kyrgyz Republic's top 15 most popular and best visited spots where almost all the travelers, and culture explorers go across the country. You will then understand what makes each of the places special, and how to explore it by doing the best activities there, and also you will know some tips for your journey in those places.

Highland Lakes & Pastures

1. Issyk-Kul Lake

It is a lake sitting in eastern Kyrgyzstan, up high at 1,606 meters. Known worldwide as the second biggest mountain lake - stretches about 182 kilometers across. Despite cold temps dropping to -20°C, it stays liquid thanks to water packed with minerals. Nature lovers from everywhere flock here since it’s one of the viral Kyrgyz tourist attractions.

In this interesting lake, you can swim during summer, and can also take boat rides to Petroglyph Island for seeing rock arts. You can also watch eagle hunting, demonstrated by the locals. For more fun, you can ride horses along the shoreline. You can spend time in natural hot springs, and stay in overnight yurt camps for stargazing and picnics.

The best time to visit here is in the summer, from June to August when temperatures are suitable for swimming. Bring decent swimsuits, sunscreens, foods or snacks for picnics, and bugs spray or first aid medicines for camp nights.

Because this place is considered sacred to the locals, there is a Kyrgyz proverb about this place, "Issyk-Kul's waters heal eternally." So visiting this place is a must when you are thinking of things to do in Kyrgyz.

2. Song-Kul Lake

This is situated at 3013 meters high in the central Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan, but the lake is on a remote alpine plateau. The area beside the lake functions as summer pasture for 200000 sheep during nomadic migrations. You will find no direct roads there. So you can have little adventures going there by horse or hiking. This place will give you authentic traditional Kyrgyz nomadic life.

You can stay in yurts with the shepherds to spend time with the sheep and feel the local life. You can go on horse treks around the lake for 360 degree views. You can drink fresh mare's milk, watch eagles flying over your head. Such raw and natural life away from the city chaos is among the must things to do in Kyrgyz. If you do overnight camping then you can enjoy stargazing.

Come here in the popular top spots of Kyrgyz during July and August as that is when the pasture season is active and shepherds are present. Bring all the essentials needed for an adventurous tour like a warm sleeping bag, heavy clothes for cold nights, safety measurements, and good fitness.

Mountains & Gorges

3. Ala-Kul Lake Trek

This turquoise lake sits up at 3500 meters in the Almaty range, east of Kyrgyzstan. It’s a top choice for serious trekkers. Getting there means six full days on foot - crossing Tian Shan trails, high-altitude fields, and peaks above 4000 meters. So as a hiker, if you are thinking of what to do in Kyrgyz, this is your spot. But, tough terrain like this works best for those who have done big hikes before.

On this trip, your key move is tackling the 6-day ride between yurts on horseback and then climbing up at 3860 meters. Go to that peak, and you are staring at a wild wide-open scenery. This is one of the must things to do in Kyrgyz. You will also see some surrounding glaciers. You can spot some marmots playing in meadows. For more thrill, set up night camps by the lake, and do stargazing at night.

The ideal time to come here is July to September for stable weather and open trails. Hire local guides for a smooth journey. Pack trekking poles and other necessary things like a water bottle, boots, etc.. Keep altitude sickness tablets if needed.

Because of this place’s beauty, local trekkers usually compliment by saying, "Ala-Kul mirrors the heavens above."

4. Osh Suleiman Mountain

This is in the city of Osh which is Kyrgyzstan's only UNESCO World Heritage site. So this place is a must see in Kyrgyz. It is situated in the southern region of the capital. The mountain is considered sacred for having cave shrines. It is believed that the shrine is the grave of prophet Suleiman. This mountain’s peak will give you Silk Road views over the Fergana Valley.

Climb up to the mountain, and then walk in the cave shrine to see this natural wonder. This is a very popular and among the top rated must visit places in the country. So you will always find crowds here as it is one of the serene things to do in Kyrgyz. So wear modest dress as it is a sacred place. You can wait and watch the sunset from the top. You can visit here anytime.

5. Ala-Archa Gorge

This is a national park which is located just 40 kilometers from the capital Bishkek. This is the gateway to Tian Shan mountains with the Ak-Sai Glacier being visible. It was a popular place during the Soviet-era as a hiking base. So if you are looking for Kyrgyz tourist attractions with mountains for hiking, this is one of them.

So the hikers, you can do multi-days hikes here to scenic waterfalls, and can find distant glaciers from the viewpoints. You can also try rock climbing routes. For a little relaxation, you can arrange for a picnic along the riverside paths. This picnic is a good way to spend time with families among things to do in Kyrgyz.

Summer time offers the peak time to visit here, because you will get snow free trails that time and most wildflowers. Be prepared for a multi-day trekking and so keep all the essentials like food, drinks, and other safety measurements.

Soviet Bazaars & Markets

6. Bishkek Osh Bazaar

This market is located in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. This is famous for being the largest Soviet-style market. They sell things from kumis (mare’s milk) to camel wool rugs. It is a chaotic market filled with Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Uzbek traders. Many people find this market interesting and so it is among most-visited Kyrgyz tourism places.

Walk and explore the market and buy any traditional thing as a souvenir. Bargain the item before buying. You should eat some local and traditional foods at the food stalls. You can also visit the small Osh Bazaar museum to learn about the market’s history.

Go there in the early mornings to avoid crowds, and when fresh products just arrive. Wear modest and traditional clothes to feel like a local yourself, for one of the fun things to do in Kyrgyz.

7. Karakol Sunday Market

The market is located in the town of Karakol in eastern Kyrgyzstan. This is the largest weekly bazaar in the town. Here you will see recreation of the lively caravan trading atmosphere like in the ancient Silk Road. So keep this market place in your Kyrgyz bucket list destinations when you are thinking of Kyrgyz activities to do.

This market is open only on Sundays, so visit there at the evening time to see a full crowd. This will give you a vibrant look of the town and locals, and this activity is one of the chaotic things to do in Kyrgyz. Just like the previous market, walk and explore the market and have fun eating and shopping.

Forests, Canyons & Reservoirs

8. Arslan Bob Walnut Forest

The forest is in the western Kyrgyzstan. It covers an area of 600000 hectares and is recognized as the world's largest wild walnut woods. Legends say that Alexander the Great discovered this forest and supplied Silk Road caravans. So going to such a natural wonder should be one of the must things to do in Kyrgyz.

You can hike here to three cascading waterfalls through the forest. The locals are welcoming so try to stay in their homes to eat walnut-infused plov rice, or other dishes made with the nuts. You can do horse rides on the forest trails and enjoy the view. You can have other fun by contacting guides who will show you more things to do in this part of Kyrgyz.

September and October are the walnut harvest time so visit here during this time to get the fresh experience. But be careful if you have nut allergies. For the fresh food lovers, this is one of the Kyrgyz best places.

9. Jeti-Ögüz Red Rocks

These are located near Issyk-Kul Lake in a dramatic gorge. The rocks are called "Seven Bulls" as they are naturally red sandstone formations that look like bulls. You will get hot mineral springs nearby, which serves as a trailhead for hikes into Soviet health resort areas.

You can do many things here. Take some photographs of the iconic "Broken Heart" rock formation. Those who are looking for some scenic views, visiting this place is one of the must things to do in Kyrgyz.

You can also do paid sessions in hot springs, ride horses to nearby Skazka Canyon, enjoy picnics by these unique and weird rock shapes, and finally take short hikes in this area. Because of all these, the place is kept in Kyrgyz travel guide by many travelers.

Summer months are the best time to visit here for outdoor activities. Bring a swimsuit for the hot springs and keep sun protection for the hike.

10. Skazka Canyon

Skazka means "Fairytale," and this is near the Issyk-Kul Lake. It has red and orange eroded cliffs that look like Mars landscapes with hidden caves. Wind and water sculpted these dramatic formations over time. This surreal place visit is among the must things to in Kyrgyz.

You can do hiking here through the winding canyon labyrinth trails, and capture drone photos of the peculiar rock shapes. You can even hunt for small fossils that are embedded in the stone. As someone who is into geology, if you are thinking of Kyrgyz activities to do, then come here.

Visiting there early mornings will provide you the best light and view with cooler temperatures. Wear good hiking shoes and watch out for uneven terrain.

11. Toktogul Reservoir

It is a big, blue coloured, man made lake in the Jalal-Abad region. This was built during the Soviet times for hydropower. You will find golden grasslands surrounding it which is the prime spot for eagle hunting. Such an epic place is a must see in Kyrgyz.

You can rent kayaks or paddleboards for lake exploration. Patiently wait and watch live eagle hunting, as demonstrated by locals. You can also just relax and have beach picnics, and eat snacks or grilled foods. Summer months are perfect for water activities and picnics. In your things to do in Kygyz list, do not forget about this place.

12. Sary-Chelek Lake

This is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, located in a remote place of Chatkal Mountains, in the western Kyrgyzstan. This has pristine blue waters, surrounded by dense forests. It hosts 200 endemic bird species. Visiting here will give you a naturally paradise feel. So do not skip this one of the Kyrgyz bucket list destinations.

You can do some activities here like taking guided boat tours to explore the lake, hike the forested paths, and go birdwatching. You can stay in basic yurt (overnight) camps, and do fishing in the water. So for just simple yet good time spending things to do in Kyrgyz, these activities are recommended.

Summer is the best time to come and enjoy the best wildlife viewing. So pack binoculars to see distant birds, and also keep insect repellents.

Silk Road Relics & Steppes

13. Burana Tower

The tower stands in northern Kyrgyzstan as an 11th century minaret from the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun. It might become a UNESCO site due to its surrounding mausoleums and petroglyph fields. This is why such a UNESCO tentative site has already become one of the top spots in Kyrgyz.

You can do a little hiking by climbing 80 steep steps inside the tower and have panoramic views. You can also explore the open petroglyph field with ancient carvings,and view museum artifacts from excavations. Again, visiting here is the one of the things to do for the geologists. You can then have a simple picnic on surrounding grasslands. Come here during Spring and autumn.

14. Tash Rabat Caravanserai

It is in the Naryn region of central Kyrgyzstan. This is a 15th century stone inn along the Silk Road. This can host 100 camels per night. It has a fortress-like design, which was used as crypt cells for prisoners. This place might come out when you are looking for “Kyrgyz what to see” if you have extra time in hand after you are done with other viral places.

So you can walk and explore these ancient crypt cells and thick stone walls. You can even ride horses over the nearby Tian Shan pass.This horse riding activity can be a little thrilling yet enjoyable things to do in Kyrgz. Come here during Summer to enjoy it without any snow.

15. Alai Pamir Steppe

This lies near Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan as the gateway to Tajikistan's Pamirs. It has vast open grasslands, which host Wakhi nomadic yurt camps at the foot of 4500-meter passes. Though it is nothing special, still this place is considered as one of the Kyrgyz tourist spots.

You can stay overnight in traditional Pamiri yurts with shepherds to experience local culture. For getting blended with locals, then coming here should be one of the things to do in Kyrgyz in your list. Then take horse treks across the steppe. Stay in overnight camps to enjoy clear night stargazing. Visit here in the summer when nomads are active on the pastures.

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Things to do in Kyrgyzstan: FAQs

What is the best time to visit Kyrgyzstan tourist attractions?

June to September have warm days and so visit that time to have ideal and easy Tian Shan treks, Song-Kul horse camps, Issyk-Kul beach swims with open passes. Winter is perfect for Karakol skiing but closes high roads. In Spring wildflowers bloom beautifully. Skip the rainy season.

Is it safe for solo travelers in Kyrgyzstan tourism places?

Kyrgyz is generally a safe country for travelling. The violent crime rate is overall low here. But be careful of bazaar pickpockets. Solo women experience genuine hospitality, but still avoid night walks alone. Wear modest clothes and you will be respected by the locals. Mountain drives and tours at remote places will need local experts.

What to do in Kyrgyzstan?

Visit Issyk-Kul Lake for 182km shore swims and eagle hunts, then go to Song-Kul's 3013m pastures for yurt stays and horse treks, Ala-Archa Gorge near Bishkek for glacier hikes, Osh Suleiman Mountain for sacred cave climbing, and Skazka Canyon for Martian cliff explorations. The country gives an authentic adventurous feel with the local nomadics. For hikers, this country is like heaven.

How to get around Kyrgyzstan's best places?

Marshrutka minibuses will give you a cheap and authentic feel of local rides. They are crowded but fun. You can take shared taxis or sturdy 4x4s for Song-Kul's rough tracks or you can rent registered private cars. Hitchhiking is common and safe and taxis are reliable. Book expert tour guides for remote spots.

How to stay connected while exploring in Kyrgyz?

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