As we evolve into a more digital age, where information is shared in the blink of an eye, the mysteriousness of destinations around the world begins to shrink.
We plan our trips on blogs and get inspired on Instagram, and we often know quite a bit about a place before we ever step foot off the plane there. The more I travel the world, the harder it is I have found to be completely surprised anymore; that initial joy of “wow, I wasn’t expecting that” is much less frequent, the more stamps I collect in my passport.
When I hopped off the plane in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, I knew I was in for a lot of surprises.
While I did some planning and research before I flew halfway around the world to Central Asia, I avoided looking at visual sites and limited my serious planner side, hoping to be surprised.
And guys, surprised I was!
If I had to hanker a guess, I would say most of you guys don’t know anything about Kyrgyzstan, from where it’s located to how to spell it to what’s famous for, Kyrgyzstan has definitely been flying under the radar for international travelers for years.
But not anymore. With a strategic goal of boosting tourism, and knowing they’ve got a lot to offer, Kyrgyzstan is working hard to get the attention it deserves.
25 photos that will inspire you to visit Kyrgyzstan
While I didn’t know much about this stunning country, I certainly left two weeks later almost overwhelmed with things I learned and with a newfound love for this amazing land and people.
Bottled down, here are 12 things you probably didn’t know about Kyrgyzstan. Enjoy!
1. There are some huge mountains
More than 90% of Kyrgyzstan is covered in mountains. There are even three 7,000 meter peaks here. So if you are a mountain fiend like I am, well this is the place for you.
They are fairly accessible if you’re willing to walk or ride. It’s really cheap to hire guides and porters and horses to head into the hills, and trust me, it’ll be the highlight of your trip.
2. And also a ton of lakes
There are about 2000 lakes in Kyrgyzstan, most of them small mountain lakes.In Kyrgyz, the word for lake is “kul” something you’ll see a lot.
LakeIssyk-Kul is where we spent most of our time on the trip. It’s the region with some of the best infrastructure and tourism development, and the huge lake there is magical. It’s the second largest mountain lake in the world, 182 kilometers long and up to 60 kilometers wide. It’s a whopper.
But what makes Issyk-Kul really awesome is that it’s warm and never freezes. In fact, it’s a bit salty. Even more random, the Black Plague is thought to have originated here.
3. It is the definition of a cultural melting pot
One of the biggest surprises for me in Kyrgyzstan is the wide variety of culture and ethnic groups that make up the country. The main language is Russian but also everyone speaks Kyrgys too. Believed to be descended from 40 original tribes, the main current religion is Islam. But, if I’m being honest here, it didn’t really feel like any other Islam country I’ve ever been to before.
About half the people are ethnic Kyrgyz, the rest are Russian, Uzbek, Tatar, Ukrainian, and even ethnic Chinese Muslims called the Dungan people.
We spent a fair bit of time in Karakol with some of the local Dungan folk, and it was so fascinating to learn about how they ended up there. And don’t even get me started on the food.
4. Yurts, yurts everywhere
If you visit Kyrgyzstan, you will spend a lot of time in yurts. They are everywhere.
Though the area we were in was more modern, and while traditional nomadic culture is being preserved, most people live in houses and modern apartments in the cities. We only saw the more “authentic” kind of yurts once we were high in the hills among the nomad shepherds, and even then the yurt is often been replaced by a more modern tent.
One of the best ways to stay is at the yurt camps; they’re everywhere and super cheap. It’s a kind of accommodation that kinda reminds me of Southeast Asia but even better, holing up by the lake in a yurt of your own drinking .60 cent beers and getting a tan and gorging yourself on homemade meals in the communal yurt.
They are an awesome way to stay in Kyrgyzstan.
5. Bridenapping is definitely a thing
Now here is something I’ve never seen before and rarely, if ever, heard about on my travels. Bride kidnapping,ala kachuu in Kyrgyz, which means “grab and run.”
Despite being illegal in Kyrgyzstan, kidnapping brides is pretty common. It ranges from an elaborately staged consensual kidnapping between a couple have have been dating and are already engaged (usually in cities) to definitely not consensual grabbing a woman and forcing her into marriage (more often in rural places).
Even nowadays it’s estimated that half of all marriages in Kyrgyzstan resulted from bridenappings and two thirds are non-consensual. 1 out of ever 10 girls is married before they turn 18. So, um, yeah.
Watch two really good videos about it here and here.
6. It’s one of the easiest Central Asian countries to visit
Kyrgyzstan is currently visa-free for 45 countries (most of the EU, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Austalia etc.) for up to 60 days, making it the easiest of the Central Asian countries to visit as a tourist.
The United States has had strong ties to Kyrgyzstan since the collapse of the Soviet Union, giving over $2 billion in economic and tourism development through USAID (The U.S. Agency for International Developmen, with Kyrgyzstan beingis the only freely elected parliamentary democracy in post-Soviet Central Asia. I traveled to Kyrgyzstan with USAID and was fascinated by the close ties with America.
Even more interesting, after decades, USAID is ending in Kyrgyzstan next year after the US State Department awarded a human rights award toAzimzhan Askarov, a journalist and activist currently serving a life sentence in Kyrgyzstan.
7. The food is delightful
My only comparison for Kyrgyz food before I headed over was Mongolia, and after a month there in 2014, I set the bar extremely low when it came to foodie expectations. My bag was stuffed full of granola bars in preparation for meals of sheep’s heads and horse meat.
However, let me tell you, the food in Kyrgyzstan is fabulous!
Barbecued meats, all the noodles, tons of flavor and spices, and of course, lots of dumplings, I definitely put on weight on the trip.
8. But the mare’s milk…
Forget Coca Cola, like Mongolia and many of its Central Asian neighbors, fermented mare’s milk is often the drink of choice. And to the untrained palate (mine), it’s revolting. And will probably give you the runs too.
Best avoided. From personal experience.
9. The World Nomad Games are a must!
Every two years the World Nomad Games are held in Cholpon Ata in an arena that rivals something from Gladiator, and it’s basically the Olympics for Central Asian nomad culture where they compete in 16 traditional games and sports.
While I missed it visiting in 2017, it looks like it’s on for 2018 and you can be rest assured I’ll be back for it.
Ak Zholtoi, the six year old eagle queen of Kyrgyzstan
10. Let’s play, naming your ancestor
One of our young guides told me that in Kyrgyzstan every kid learns and memorizes seven generations back of their fathers and grandfathers.
Growing up American (well I guess I’m still American) I feel like the respect for your ancestors has been culturally lost in recent decades. I certainly cannot name anyone past my grandparents, what about you? Be honest.
It’s refreshing and borderline jarring to be faced with a culture who’s primary importance, i.e. family and the past, is so different than your own which really just focuses on the present. It puts things in rather harsh perspective and it makes me wish I focused more on family. Sorry mom!
11.If you want to fit in, put jam in your tea
Tea drinking is a huge part of the culture in Central Asia and is no exception in Kyrgyzstan. You meet someone, you share a cup of tea. There are often elaborate rituals around how the tea is served, who serves is, what it all means, that’s almost incomprehensible to us outsiders.
But if you want to fit in with the locals, next time you’re offered a cup of tea, add a spoonful of jam into it. Go for the raspberry.
While I’m pretty sure this is a tradition that dates back to Soviet times (don’t quote me but I think they do the jam + tea thing in Russia too) it’s one I definitely can get behind.
12. It’s the most beautiful place you’ve never heard of and now’s the time to go
We all know the phrase hidden gem is totally overused when it comes to travel, but in this case, it’s a perfect fit.
Tourism has only recently begun to be more established in Kyrgyzstan, and only in certain parts of the country. If you are an intrepid, curious traveler who wants to get off the beaten path (yes yes YES) then start looking at flights to Bishkek.
Now is the time to visit Kyrgyzstan. Just wait to be surprised.
Have you been to Central Asia? Is Kyrgyzstan on your bucketlist? What place has surprised you the most traveling? Spill!
Many thanks to USAID for hosting me in Kyrgyzstan, like always I’m keeping it real, all opinions are my own, like you could expect less from me.
Written by Liz and was published on October 5, 2017 in Asia, Destinations, Get Inspired, Kyrgyzstan
FAQs
What are 5 interesting facts about Kyrgyzstan? ›
- Kyrgyzstan independent from the Soviet Union since 1991.
- Kyrgyzstan is a land-locked country.
- 90% of the population of Kyrgyzstan are Sunni Muslims.
- 70% of the Kyrgyzstan is mountains.
- Kyrgyzstan is one of the least-crowded countries in the world.
Avoid large crowds and any demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities. Security is volatile in the Kyrgyz-Uzbek and Kyrgyz-Tajik border areas. This includes the Ferghana Valley. Crime, civil unrest, terrorist activity, clashes and landmines are a risk.
What is Kyrgyzstan most known for? ›Kyrgyzstan is home to three Unesco World Heritage sites. One of these is the Tien Shan mountain range. Another is the historic Silk Road, the ancient trade route that connected China with Europe and the Middle East.
What do you know about Kyrgyzstan? ›Kyrgyzstan or the Kyrgyz Republic is a landlocked country in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the south, and the People's Republic of China to the east. Its capital and largest city is Bishkek.
What are 3 interesting facts about Kazakhstan? ›- Kazakhstan is considered home to about 120 ethnic groups and nationalities.
- The longest continuous land border in the world is between Russian and Kazakhstan (7512 kilometers).
- The tallest chimney in the world is in Kazakhstan – Ekibastuz GRES-2 (about 420 meters).
Economic Weakness
With a GDP of $8.5 billion and GDP per capita at $1,323, Kyrgyzstan's economy lacks the natural resources and industrial diversity to thrive in the global economy. While GDP growth is consistently 4%-5% annually, the country's poverty rate has remained relatively stagnant since 2009.
Actually, all five countries in Central Asia – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – were placed in Level 1 countries by the US Department of State, meaning they are among the safest countries in the world to travel to!
Is Kyrgyzstan friendly to USA? ›U.S.-KYRGYZSTAN RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Kyrgyzstan in 1991 following the nation's independence from the Soviet Union. The United States supports Kyrgyzstan in its development of an inclusive democracy based upon the rule of law and respect for human rights.
Kyrgyzstan has a lot of problems including: Global climate change, ozone layer depletion, desertification, and biodiversity loss are among global environmental issues presently on the agenda in Kyrgyzstan. Global climate change.
What are the risks in Kyrgyzstan? ›Reconsider travel to the border region with Tajikistan due to intermittent border clashes in the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan. Travelers are at heightened risk of injury or death when visiting or transiting that region. Armed violence may occur with little or no warning.
What is the unique culture of Kyrgyzstan? ›
Kyrgyz culture is closely connected with nomadism in everyday life with holidays, crafts, music and cuisine. The nomadic life and livestock culture are based primarily on the animals and what tending and harvesting from them require during different seasons of the year.
What is the most popular food in Kyrgyzstan? ›Beschbarmak is the national dish of Kyrgyzstan, although it is also popular in neighboring countries. It consists of horse meat (mutton or beef) cooked for several hours in a broth and served over homemade noodles with parsley. Beschbarmak means "five fingers" in the Kyrgyz language.
Are Kyrgyzstan people friendly? ›Kyrgyz people are generally welcoming toward foreigners, and there is little to be concerned about when it comes to serious safety concerns in this Central Asian country.
How is life in Kyrgyzstan? ›Kyrgyzstan is a country rich in culture and history, making it a rewarding place for foreigners to live. Kyrgyzstan's position at the Central Asian crossroads goes some way in explaining its rich and diverse cultural heritage. The country is also blessed with several beauty spots, which are a real draw for visitors.
What makes Kazakhstan unique? ›Kazakhstan is unique in that its people, the Kazakhs, did not form the majority of the population upon independence in 1991. Currently the northern part of the country is populated mostly with Ukrainian and Russian majorities while Kazakhs are more prevalent in the south.
What is Kazakhstan unique food? ›People of all ethnicities come to enjoy the traditional Kazakh dish 'beshbarmak' , the pilav (the traditional oriental dish with meat and rice), Russian pelmenis and blinys, Korean spicy salads and the noodles of the Uighurs. Our people welcome their guests to try their food and to enjoy our hopitality.
Why is Kyrgyzstan corrupt? ›One of the factors contributing to this is the possession of the largest gold deposit in Central Asia, Kumtor (the state budget receives only a small part of taxes and payments from the mine, but which contributed to many corruption scandals and allegations of corruption among the country's top officials), its large ...
What are the leading causes of death in Kyrgyzstan? ›The top cause of death and disability in 2019 is Ischemic heart disease, of type Non-communicable diseases, which has decreased by −3.94 percent since 2009. The axis shows the percent change from -38 percent to 30 percent.
Is Kyrgyzstan cheap to live? ›Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,378.4$ (120,503.8сом) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 381.1$ (33,319.6сом) without rent. Cost of living in Kyrgyzstan is, on average, 64.7% lower than in United States. Rent in Kyrgyzstan is, on average, 79.6% lower than in United States.
Is Kyrgyzstan safe for girls? ›Is Kyrgyzstan safe for solo female travellers? Yes, Kyrgzstan is safe for female travelers, locals are always welcoming with smiles. Still, girls and women in Kyrgyzstan had assigned roles. The Kyrgyz society expects us to become good wives, have kids, and stay home to take care of the family and the house.
Is alcohol illegal in Kyrgyzstan? ›
Kyrgyz President signs law banning swearing, drinking alcohol in public places. President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev has signed amendments to the Code on administrative responsibility, Information Policy Department of the Presidential Administration reported.
Can you drink alcohol in Kyrgyzstan? ›Can I drink alcohol in Kyrgyzstan? Although Kyrgyzstan is a Moslem country, alcohol is readily available in shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and hotels.
Can you drink tap water in Kyrgyzstan? ›Is it safe to drink tap water? The water in Bishkek is safe to drink, but we recommend visitors boil it before drinking. Bottled water is available almost everywhere in Kyrgyzstan, and is safe to drink.
How long can US citizens stay in Kyrgyzstan? ›US citizens are permitted to enter Kyrgyzstan for tourism for up to 60 days without a visa. However, a visa is required if you are traveling to Kyrgyzstan for religious or business purposes, and this visa must be obtained in advance of arrival via the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Washington, DC.
Is English widely spoken in Kyrgyzstan? ›Kyrgyz is written using an adapted Cyrillic script similar to Russian. Meanwhile, most people can speak Russian, and do so, especially in the north. English is widely spoken by those involved in tourism. Uzbek, Kazakh, Tajik, Korean and various other regional languages and dialects are also spoken.
Is Kyrgyzstan friends with Russia? ›Kyrgyzstan has close relations with other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, particularly Kazakhstan and Russia, given the historical legacy of the Soviet Union.
Is Kyrgyzstan under Russian control? ›Kyrgyzstan, known under Russian and Soviet rule as Kirgiziya, was conquered by tsarist Russian forces in the 19th century. Formerly a constituent (union) republic of the U.S.S.R. , Kyrgyzstan declared its independence on August 31, 1991.
Is Kyrgyzstan a Chinese ally? ›China is also the main bilateral creditor of Kyrgyzstan. Their economic relationship is highly asymmetrical as "[w]hile for China the bilateral projects in Kyrgyzstan are small, they are significant for Kyrgyzstan".
Is it safe to walk in Bishkek at night? ›Safety. During the day, Bishkek is a safe city, generally speaking. However, after sunset Bishkek becomes a poorly-lit place awash with drunk men. We advise against walking the streets in the dark by yourself, and to definitely avoid parks at night.
Why do people go to Kyrgyzstan? ›It has beautiful unspoiled mountains, crystal-clear mountain lakes, a fascinating culture, and interesting traditions. We were amazed to see so many horses everywhere and that nomads are still living in yurts during the summer to follow the grazing of their cattle.
What is Kyrgyzstan culture about marriage? ›
People in Kyrgyzstan tend to marry young, though men are generally several years older than women when they get married. Grooms should ask for permission to marry from the bride's family and negotiate a bride price, which could include horses, cattle, money, embroidery or clothing.
What faith is Kyrgyzstan? ›Kyrgyzstan is a multiethnic country, populated with people of various religions that peacefully coexist. Today, Sunni Muslims make up about 83% of the population of Kyrgyzstan, followed by Christians at 15%.
What symbolizes Kyrgyzstan traditions? ›Kalpaks are the Kyrgyz national hat, also almost always made of felt. Colors and designs are chosen to symbolize Kyrgyz traditions and rural life. Flowers, plants, animals, stylized horns, national designs, and emblems of Kyrgyz life are often found in these ornate and colorful embroideries.
What is the national drink of Kyrgyzstan? ›Maksym, a sour drink made from barley, wheat, millet and corn, is the national drink of modern Kyrgyzstan.
What is Kyrgyz traditional drink? ›Jarma is a traditional Kyrgyz drink made from crushed wheat. The taste is similar to sour, salty, slightly-off oatmeal and it's delicious… although maybe an acquired taste. It's basically undistilled beer before it's filtered or had a chance to become alcoholic.
What is the national animal of Kyrgyzstan? ›National Animal of Kyrgyzstan – Snow Leopard
Known as the most beautiful and spiritual medium-sized wild cat, Snow Leopard was chosen on account of its bravery, wildness, fearlessness, and beauty.
Kyrgyz start their day with a light breakfast between 7:30am and 8:30am that usually consists cheese, curd, bread, honey, cucumbers and pickled cabbage. Lunch is served between 1:00pm and 2:00pm and usually consists, of bread, pilaf, soup and/or mutton.
What is the unusual animals of Kyrgyzstan? ›Kyrgyzstan is home to some of the world's most unique animals such as the rare Snow Leopard and the Argali Sheep with its majestic horns. Occasionally a herd of Saiga Antilopes forages in the Kyrgyz steppes.
Do they celebrate Christmas in Kyrgyzstan? ›January 7 – Orthodox Christmas
On this day, around a million Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas in Kyrgyzstan. This is the only Orthodox holiday that is a day off in Kyrgyzstan. On the night of January 6-7, Christmas services are held in Orthodox churches. The Christmas table should be generous and rich.
There have been several new reports of cases of persecution in Kyrgyzstan where citizens converting to Christianity are being targeted because of their newfound faith. These Christians have been experiencing pressure and even physical violence because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
Is Kazakhstan safe for US citizens? ›
Kazakhstan - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Country Summary: Demonstrations, protests, and strikes may occur. These events can develop quickly and without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, communication, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent.
Tipping is not part of the culture in Kyrgyzstan and is therefore not required. What is this? Restaurants in the larger cities usually include a 10-15% service fee in the bill.
Do people smoke in Kyrgyzstan? ›Kyrgyz Republic smoking rate for 2020 was 25.40%, a 2.2% decline from 2019. Kyrgyz Republic smoking rate for 2019 was 27.60%, a 0% increase from 2018. Kyrgyz Republic smoking rate for 2018 was 27.60%, a 0.8% decline from 2015. Kyrgyz Republic smoking rate for 2015 was 28.40%, a 1% decline from 2010.
What is the crime rate in Kyrgyzstan? ›| Kyrgyz Republic Crime Rate & Statistics - Historical Data | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Per 100K Population | Annual % Change |
| 2020 | 1.75 | -20.49% |
| 2019 | 2.20 | -24.71% |
| 2018 | 2.92 | -10.56% |
For that indicator, we provide data for Kyrgyzstan from 1960 to 2020. The average value for Kyrgyzstan during that period was 9.08 deaths per 1000 people with a minimum of 5.2 deaths per 1000 people in 2018 and a maximum of 16.28 deaths per 1000 people in 1960. The latest value from 2020 is 6.1 deaths per 1000 people.
What is Kyrgyzstan most famous food? ›Beschbarmak is the national dish of Kyrgyzstan, although it is also popular in neighboring countries. It consists of horse meat (mutton or beef) cooked for several hours in a broth and served over homemade noodles with parsley. Beschbarmak means "five fingers" in the Kyrgyz language.
What are some facts about Kyrgyzstan for kids? ›Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country. The massive Tien Shan mountain system runs throughout Kyrgyzstan and extends into China. Snow and ice cover its peaks year-round. The highest point in both the Tien Shan range and Kyrgyzstan is Victory (Pobedy) Peak.
Is Kyrgyzstan rich or poor? ›...
Kyrgyzstan Economy Data.
| Currency Name and Code | Som (KWD) |
|---|---|
| Industrial Growth Rate | 6% |
Particularly felt items like hats, toys, shoes and bags are popular and proper sized items to take back home as a souvenir. The most known Kyrgyz felt product is the white felt hat called kalpak.
What are Kyrgyzstan traditions? ›Kyrgyz culture is closely connected with nomadism in everyday life with holidays, crafts, music and cuisine. The nomadic life and livestock culture are based primarily on the animals and what tending and harvesting from them require during different seasons of the year.
Is Kyrgyzstan safe for girl students? ›
Yes, Kyrgzstan is safe for female travelers, locals are always welcoming with smiles. Still, girls and women in Kyrgyzstan had assigned roles.
What is Kyrgyzstan rich in? ›Kyrgyzstan's major exports include gold, cotton, wool, garments, meat, mercury, uranium, electricity, machinery, and shoes.
What is the problem in Kyrgyzstan? ›Torture. According to statistics from the Kyrgyz National Center for Torture Prevention, 1,422 complaints of torture were received in the first eight months of 2022. The center also reports that in 2021, more than 76 percent of those perpetrating torture and ill-treatment were police officers.
What are the food habits of Kyrgyzstan? ›Traditional Kyrgyz food revolves around mutton, beef and horse meat, as well as various dairy products. The preparation techniques and major ingredients have been strongly influenced by the nation's historically nomadic way of life. Thus, many cooking techniques are conducive to the long-term preservation of food.
Is Kyrgyzstan a good place to live? ›Kyrgyzstan is a country rich in culture and history, making it a rewarding place for foreigners to live. Kyrgyzstan's position at the Central Asian crossroads goes some way in explaining its rich and diverse cultural heritage. The country is also blessed with several beauty spots, which are a real draw for visitors.