Travel · Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian country on the Silk Road shaped by rugged natural beauty. In the Tian Shan mountains many ethnic groups live together. In the south lies the millennia-old city of Osh, whose great bazaar was once part of the Silk Road's trading centres.

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For several years we have supported an aid project for children with cleft lip and palate at the Oblast hospital in Osh. Over the years we have come to know and appreciate the country and its people, with their culture and traditions.

8 tips you shouldn't miss

1. Multi-day hike in nature

For example from Arslanbob to Karakul. Contact: Ibragim Karimjanov, ibragimhouse6-k@mail.ru · Tel: +996 0777733056.

2. Stay with a Kyrgyz family

In a private guesthouse you get to know the lifestyle and hospitality of Kyrgyzstan first-hand.

3. Yurt on a summer mountain pasture

Go up to a summer high pasture and sleep in a yurt — for example at Song Köl, a scenically beautiful area also ideal for hiking. Tourism has arrived here, but is still within bounds.

4. Horse trip into the mountains

If you're not experienced, start with a day trip. Multi-day tours go deep into lonely high valleys.

5. Ride a marshrutka

Take the public marshrutka and enjoy encounters with locals. We laughed a lot — and were amazed at the wonderful contact despite the language barrier.

6. Rent a car & explore remote areas

There are only a few rental companies. We've had good experiences with Iron Horse Bishkek and Muztoo. Stop wherever you like and stay alert with all your senses.

7. Sary Tschelek National Park

A beautiful, relatively untouched national park. Snow leopards, lynx and Marco Polo sheep are said to still live here.

8. Kyrgyz banya

The local sauna is a wonderful place to get into conversation with people.

What do people eat in Kyrgyzstan?

Laghman — noodle soup with mutton and vegetables
Beshbarmak — clear broth with noodles and boiled pieces of meat
Shorpo — meat soup with potatoes and vegetables
Manty — small dumplings with meat and vegetables
Samsa — spicy filled pastries with meat and vegetables
Plov — fried rice with mutton and turnips (depending on the region also with chicken or beef)

Pictures from Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan — travel impression by Yvonne Frei