Exploring Kyrgyzstan for the First Time: A Comprehensive Guide for Newcomers on Sights and Activities
In the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan offers a unique blend of unspoiled natural beauty and traditional nomadic culture. With over 90% of its terrain consisting of mountains, the country is home to unspoiled valleys and silent alpine lakes. The capital, Bishkek, serves as a political and cultural hub, with Ala-Too Square at its heart and a sprawling bazaar, Osh Bazaar, that is a treasure trove of local goods, such as traditional woollen slippers, dried fruit, embroidered corsets, and more.
For Indian travellers, visiting Kyrgyzstan is made easy with the option of e-visas that can be applied for online. Once there, spending nights in yurts near Song-Kul Lake and Chunkurchak was a significant part of the author's experience. One of the author's favourite stays was at Sopara Resort in Chunkurchak, where rooms are designed to imitate yurts.
Nomadic traditions are still a part of everyday life in Kyrgyzstan. Days were spent on horseback, riding alongside nomadic families who still live as their ancestors did. Activities included herding sheep, trying to churn milk, and drinking kymyz-fermented mare's milk.
The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is during summer (June to September) for clear skies and the best hiking conditions. Winter, on the other hand, is ideal for skiing in Karakol. Without phone signal or electricity, nights were spent under heavy wool blankets, listening to the wind whistle across the steppe.
Kyrgyzstan is also home to several notable landmarks. Jeti-Ögüz, a rock formation near Karakol, resembles seven bulls standing in a stone fortress. Burana Tower, near Issyk-Kul Lake, is one of the last standing minarets from an ancient Silk Road city. Issyk-Kul Lake, located near Karakol, is Asia's largest natural lake and never freezes, even in winter.
Travellers can also explore Skazka Canyon, located on the route to Karakol, which has cliffs that resemble sculptures and glow in earthy reds and golds. Haggling was expected and often ended in a laugh and a free sample.
The local currency, Kyrgyzstani Som, is close in value to the Indian rupee. However, it is advisable to check the official Kyrgyzstan e-visa portal or the Embassy of India in Bishkek for precise fees and current procedures. Indian travellers should also register with the Indian Embassy in Bishkek if they plan to reside there for work, education, or a short-term visit.
Among the treasures the author brought back from Kyrgyzstan were handmade felt rugs, a traditional Kalpak hat, bundles of herbal tea, and Korean skincare products. A popular meal in Kyrgyzstan is Laghman, a type of hand-pulled noodles in a savory broth.
For those seeking an adventure off the beaten path, Kyrgyzstan offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and nomadic traditions that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Experiencing Kyrgyzstan's unique lifestyle, incorporating nomadic traditions and travel, was a significant part of the author's journey. During summer, nights were spent in traditional yurts near Song-Kul Lake and Chunkurchak, while days were spent exploring the natural beauty of the country on horseback.
