Photo of AI-VascoDaGama
01 Feb 2025Updated last time
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

10 Best Places to Visit in Kyrgyzstan

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan: The Land of Untamed Beauty

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia with this immersive expedition across Kyrgyzstan. From the bustling bazaars of Bishkek to the serene shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, and from the rugged peaks of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range to the historical corners of Tash Rabat, Kyrgyzstan opens up like a book brimming with tales of nature, culture, and history.

Get ready to challenge yourself with adventurous treks, unwind amidst stunning landscapes, delve into rich history, and experience the unique nomadic lifestyle. This trip turns an ordinary vacation into a voyage of discovery, taking you to places of incomparable charm and making you a part of Kyrgyzstan's incredible story.

Whether you're a history buff, an adventurer, a culture enthusiast, or a nature lover—Kyrgyzstan holds an experience for every traveler. Come, it's time to write a new chapter in your book of travel stories!


Recommended Activities

  • Being the capital and the largest city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek showcases a fascinating fusion of modern lifestyle and traditional culture. The vibrant bazaars, irresistible culinary scene, and impressive Soviet-era architecture make it an intriguing place to start your Kyrgyz adventure.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin2

    Ala Archa National Park

    This natural haven features majestic alpine landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. It’s a paradise for trekkers, allowing you to explore glacier-clad peaks, spectacular waterfalls, and pristine forests.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin3

    Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range

    Part of the grand Tien Shan mountain system, the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range offers breathtaking views and challenging trails for mountaineering enthusiasts. The rugged peaks, vibrant wildflowers, and gorgeous vistas are guaranteed to leave you in awe.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin4

    Song Kol Lake

    Song Kol Lake is a serene high-altitude lake nestled amidst enchanting alpine meadows. Besides the peaceful environment and captivating views, it offers a unique opportunity to stay in a traditional yurt and experience the nomadic lifestyle of the locals.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin5

    Issyk-Kul Lake

    Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest saline lake in the world, is renowned for its dazzling turquoise water, sandy beaches, and stunning mountain backdrop. The lake never freezes, making it a perfect year-round destination for water activities and relaxation.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Tash Rabat is an important historical and architectural monument dating back to the 15th century. Known as a 'caravanserai', it used to serve as an inn for travelers along the Silk Road. Its remarkable stone construction and isolated location in the midst of the wild landscape make it a must-visit site.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin7

    Burana Tower

    Burana Tower stands as a monument to Kyrgyzstan's rich history. It is all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun. Visitors can ascend the tower for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage site also houses a museum of archaeological discoveries.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin8

    Jety Oguz Canyon

    Jety Oguz Canyon, also known as the 'Seven Bulls Rocks', is famous for its unique red sandstone formations. It is an ideal location for hiking, horse riding, or simply admiring the dramatic landscapes. Its verdant valley is also adorned with traditional yurts.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin9

    Sulayman Mountain

    Recognized as the only World Heritage Site located entirely in the country of Kyrgyzstan, Sulayman Mountain holds significant spiritual and historical importance. The site features a mosque and a museum, and a climb to the top offers a panoramic view of Osh city.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Trip Point Pin10

    Osh Bazaar

    Osh Bazaar is one of the most vibrant and largest markets in Bishkek. A visit here offers you a chance to immerse in the local culture, taste authentic Kyrgyz foods, shop for traditional crafts and fresh produce, and observe the bustling daily life of the locals.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Navat Restaurant

    Navat Restaurant

    Navat is a popular restaurant in Bishkek known for its excellent Kyrgyz cuisine. The interior is decorated with traditional Kyrgyz crafts, providing a unique dining experience.
    Picture for Navat Restaurant
  • Restaurant Icon

    Supara Ethno-Complex

    Supara Ethno-Complex

    Supara offers a blend of delicious Kyrgyz meals served in traditional yurts. An ideal place to get a well-rounded cultural experience.
    Picture for Supara Ethno-Complex
  • Arzu

    Arzu boasts a menu boasting the best of national and European cuisine. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere and musical performances.
    Picture for Arzu
  • Restaurant Icon

    Chicken Star

    Chicken Star

    A cozy place in Bishkek offering an unusual combination of Korean chicken dishes and its own art gallery.
    Picture for Chicken Star
  • FAIZA

    Famous for homemade Central Asian food in a bazaar-like setting, FAIZA offers an unusual, savory, and authentic dining experience.
    Picture for FAIZA
  • Restaurant Icon

    Sierra Coffee

    Sierra Coffee

    Known for its exceptional coffee, delicious desserts, and atmosphere filled with book lovers. Perfect for a peaceful afternoon retreat.
    Picture for Sierra Coffee
  • Zum Cafe

    Zum is a chain of trendy cafe-restaurants around Bishkek with stylish decor, a diverse menu, and delightful bakeries.
    Picture for Zum Cafe
  • Bellagio

    If you fancy some Italian cuisine, Bellagio serves classic Italian dishes in an elegant setting, definitely an unusual find in Kyrgyzstan.
    Picture for Bellagio

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Apple Hostel

    Apple Hostel

    A popular choice for travelers due to its warm hospitality, offering dormitory-style rooms and private rooms. It's located near numerous tourist attractions in Bishkek.
    Picture for Apple Hostel
  • Hotel Icon

    Asian Mountains

    4.6

    Asian Mountains

    This hotel offers traditional yurt accommodation near the breathtaking Ala Archa National Park for an immersive rustic and natural experience.
    4.6
    Picture for Asian Mountains
  • Hotel Icon

    Nomad's Dream

    Nomad's Dream

    Offering unique felt yurts by the scenic shores of Song Kol Lake, this place brings you close to nature and traditional Kyrgyz lifestyle.
    Picture for Nomad's Dream
  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel Resort Aurora Plus

    Hotel Resort Aurora Plus

    This hotel, located near the pristine lake Issyk-Kul, offers stunning views, comfortable rooms, and easy access to water activities.
    Picture for Hotel Resort Aurora Plus
  • Hotel Icon

    Ak-Keme Hotel

    Ak-Keme Hotel

    A luxury hotel located in Bishkek with panoramic views of the city and mountains, it provides comfort with a touch of extravagance.
    Picture for Ak-Keme Hotel
  • Hotel Icon

    Tash Rabat Yurt Camp

    Tash Rabat Yurt Camp

    Located near the Tash Rabat Caravanserai, this yurt camp offers a unique stay, evoking the feel of ancient Silk Road traders.
    Picture for Tash Rabat Yurt Camp

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Rock 'n' Road Festival

    Rock 'n' Road Festival

    Get ready for Apple Valley's Rock n Road Summer Festival! Enjoy live music, a car show, a vendor market, delicious ice cream, ice cold beer, delicious BBQ, and more! All day outdoor festival runs from 12-7 PM Band Opener: All Day Special 4-5 PM Best ...
    Map IconApple Valley in Milford (59.86 mi)
    Calendar Icon3 Aug 2024
    Picture for Rock 'n' Road Festival
  • Event Icon

    Sugar Ray & Tonic

    Sugar Ray & Tonic

    The event will take place at Musikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem.
    Map IconMusikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem (104.12 mi)
    Calendar Icon2 Aug 2024
    Picture for Sugar Ray & Tonic
  • Event Icon

    Jowell & Randy

    Jowell & Randy

    The event will take place at Musikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem.
    Map IconMusikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem (104.12 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Aug 2024
    Picture for Jowell & Randy
  • Event Icon

    Slash's S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival

    Slash's S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival

    The event will take place at Musikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem.
    Map IconMusikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem (104.12 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Aug 2024
    Picture for Slash's S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival
  • Event Icon

    Lynyrd Skynyrd

    Lynyrd Skynyrd

    The event will take place at Musikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem.
    Map IconMusikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem (104.12 mi)
    Calendar Icon7 Aug 2024
    Picture for Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Event Icon

    Black Eyed Peas

    Black Eyed Peas

    The event will take place at Musikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem.
    Map IconMusikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem (104.12 mi)
    Calendar Icon8 Aug 2024
    Picture for Black Eyed Peas
  • Event Icon

    Big Time Rush

    Big Time Rush

    The event will take place at Musikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem.
    Map IconMusikfest - Wind Creek Steel Stage Patio in Bethlehem (104.12 mi)
    Calendar Icon9 Aug 2024
    Picture for Big Time Rush

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Tour Packages: Is going with a tour package the best approach for visiting Kyrgyzstan? If you have any tour companies or packages that you've had positive experiences with, pl...

    Seeking Advice for a Group Trip to Kyrgyzstan

    Tour Packages: Is going with a tour package the best approach for visiting Kyrgyzstan? If you have any tour companies or packages that you've had positive experiences with, pl...

    /r/Kyrgyzstan
  • Reddit Icon

    This kind of question comes up at least once every 1-2 weeks here as people prepare for the tourism season. Also everybody wants to keep things local, avoid touristic hotspots...

    2 weeks itinerary in Kyrgyzstan

    This kind of question comes up at least once every 1-2 weeks here as people prepare for the tourism season. Also everybody wants to keep things local, avoid touristic hotspots...

    /r/Kyrgyzstan
  • Reddit Icon

    I'm (35M) going to be in Kyrgyzstan for 3 weeks in May and I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice and tips for my stay. I can speak and understand Russian at an A...

    Advice and tips for my trip

    I'm (35M) going to be in Kyrgyzstan for 3 weeks in May and I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice and tips for my stay. I can speak and understand Russian at an A...

    /r/Kyrgyzstan
  • Reddit Icon

    2 days in Bishkek is fine, but I would recommend going to Kol Tor (day tour) and maybe Ala Archa (another day, but its closer to the city. I would do Kol Tor over Ala Archa). ...

    Advice for a summer trip to Kyrgyzstan

    2 days in Bishkek is fine, but I would recommend going to Kol Tor (day tour) and maybe Ala Archa (another day, but its closer to the city. I would do Kol Tor over Ala Archa). ...

    /r/Kyrgyzstan
  • Reddit Icon

    I'm planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan, but just would like your advice on the general logistics of getting around in the country. I've been reading a lot of reddit posts, blogs, a...

    Kyrgyzstan advice needed!

    I'm planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan, but just would like your advice on the general logistics of getting around in the country. I've been reading a lot of reddit posts, blogs, a...

    /r/solotravel
  • Reddit Icon

    I notice many of you frequently ask about where to get tours, how to find reliable tour, transfer, or car rental agencies, and whether prices are reasonable. As an active memb...

    Need help planning your trip to Kyrgyzstan?

    I notice many of you frequently ask about where to get tours, how to find reliable tour, transfer, or car rental agencies, and whether prices are reasonable. As an active memb...

    /r/Kyrgyzstan
  • Reddit Icon

    6.7K subscribers in the Kyrgyzstan community. Home to everything Kyrgyz on Reddit!

    10 TRAVEL TIPS BEFORE VISITING KYRGYZSTAN

    6.7K subscribers in the Kyrgyzstan community. Home to everything Kyrgyz on Reddit!

    /r/Kyrgyzstan

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Harrdy Sandhu - Kya Baat Ay

    Harrdy Sandhu - Kya Baat Ay

    A traditional folk melody that truly embodies the spirit of the Kyrgyz nation, carrying the elegance of the Kyrgyz girls in every tune.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Harrdy Sandhu - Kya Baat Ay
  • Music Icon

    Taylor Swift - All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

    Taylor Swift - All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)

    A beautiful song named after the scenic mountain range in Kyrgyzstan, capturing the charm of nature's grand spectacle.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Taylor Swift - All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)
  • Music Icon

    Aberdeen - Kyrgyz Jeri

    Aberdeen - Kyrgyz Jeri

    A patriotic song that exudes the love and pride of the locals for their homeland.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Aberdeen - Kyrgyz Jeri
  • Music Icon

    Gypsy Jazz Caravan - Take 5

    Gypsy Jazz Caravan - Take 5

    A modern representation of the rich musical culture of Kyrgyzstan.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Gypsy Jazz Caravan - Take 5
  • Music Icon

    Shervin Hajipour - Baraye

    Shervin Hajipour - Baraye

    This song beautifully captures the vibe of the capital city, Bishkek.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Shervin Hajipour - Baraye
  • Music Icon

    Bold - Зөвхөн Чамруу

    Bold - Зөвхөн Чамруу

    It's a tribute song to the famous Kyrgyz actor Suimenkul Chokmorov, known for his roles in many popular Kyrgyz films.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Bold - Зөвхөн Чамруу
  • Music Icon

    Mounty Crizto - Im Hungry

    Mounty Crizto - Im Hungry

    An upbeat tune that speaks of the breath-taking natural beauty of the Ak-Keme mountain range.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Mounty Crizto - Im Hungry
  • Music Icon

    framed - Altyn

    framed - Altyn

    Named after the famous folk tale of the golden bird, this song immerses the listener in the rich local folklore.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for framed - Altyn
  • Music Icon

    First of October - Jangly Bones

    First of October - Jangly Bones

    An energetic composition that celebrates the youthful spirit and enthusiasm that embodies Kyrgyzstan.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for First of October - Jangly Bones
  • Music Icon

    Bernward Koch - Deep Green Summer

    Bernward Koch - Deep Green Summer

    This tune, named after the mythological flying horse, unleashes the sense of freedom and limitless potential of the Kyrgyz nation.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Bernward Koch - Deep Green Summer