Kyrgyzstan

Quick Facts

[edit]

Capital

Bishkek

Population

4,893,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Islam, Christianity (Russian Orthodox)

Languages

Kyrgyz, Russian

Calling Code

+996

Nationality

Kyrgyzstani

Local name

Kyrgyz: Кыргызстан; Russian: Киргизия

Help contribute to this article to share the ad revenue.

Introduction

Jailoo between Osh and Bishkek

© All Rights Reserved ameurice

Kyrgyzstanis are a warm, inviting sort of people: it's likely that you'll be welcomed into homes with as little as an introduction to acquaint you. That said, most travellers' first reason for coming to Kyrgyzstan is not to sit and chat with the locals. Kyrgyzstan is a place of stunning natural beauty, chiefly due to the mountainous terrain which occupies it. The snow-covered peaks of Tian Shan march along the southeastern border, delivering breathtaking views and great opportunities for adventure. Though few people are aware of it, Kyrgyzstan has skiing and mountaineering possibilities to match the best of 'em - the only difference is that there are fewer tourists (and, understandably, less tourist facilities). But the country's on the rise: with desperately little to sell the outside world, Kyrgyzstan is actively promoting itself as one of Central Asia's best destinations.

Brief History

Geography

Regions/Provinces

Kyrgyzstan is made up of 7 provinces. The capital, Bishkek, is an independent city with the status of a province.

• Batken Province
• Chui Province
• Jalal-Abad Province
• Naryn Province
• Osh Province
• Talas Province
• Issyk-Kul Province

Cities

• Bishkek - The capital
• Osh
• Karakol
• Karabalta
• Jalalabad
• Uzgen

Sights and Activities

Lake Issyk Kul

Lake Issyk Kul is a beautiful lake, and the largest in the country, located in the northwest of the country. In fact, it is the second largest alpine lake in the world and the surrouding area comprises snow-capped Tien Shan mountains at an elevation of 3000 to 4000 meters above sea level. The lake itself is at 1300 to 1600 meters. There are many activities here and it is one of the most favorite places in Kyrgyzstan to go hiking into the mountains surrounding the lake. There are also many beaches along its shore which are popular for swimming and sunning, although the water is cold, even in summer. Karakol is one of the most popular places along the shores of the lake and there are many things to explore from here.

Ala-Archa National Park

This beautiful national park is only about an hour away from the capital Bishkek. The park has many things to offer travellers, including walking, trekking and climbing. There are magnificent hikes to glaciers and waterfalls and experienced hikers even can climb to the Ak-Sai Canyon and Ak-Sai Glacier which are surrounded by fantastic hih peaks.

Altyn Arashan

Altyn Arashan is located a short drive east of Karakol and is located in the extreme east of the country. Altyun Arashan is a beautiful mountain gorge with very spectacular roads which are only navigatable by four-wheel drive trucks. The area is at 3000 metres above sea level and known for its curative hot springs as well. The valley is a very popular place amongst trekkers and climbers but there are more easy day walks to offer travelles as well.

Other sights and activities

• Lake Song Kul
• Burana Tower
• Torugart Pass - the famous pass between China and Kyrgyzstan, on the road between Bishkek and Kashgar.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Getting there

Plane

Kyrgyzstan Airlines is the national airline of Kyrgyzstan with its base at Manas International Airport (FRU) near the capital Bishkek. It operates a limited number of international flights to Delhi, Ürümqi, Karachi, Dushanbe and Incheon (Seoul). Connections with Europe are directly with another airline Kyrgyzstanwhich has charter flights to and from Frankfurt. BMI has flights to London while Istanbul is served by Turkish Airlines. There are also several flights to Moscow from another smaller international at Osh (OSS).

Train

Kyrgyzstan - Russia vv
Two trains a week link the capitals of Russia and Kyrgyzstan. From Moscow, trains leave on Thursdays and Sundays at 11.15pm, arriving in Bishkek on Mondays and Thursdays at 2.30 at night. Trains leave Bishkek around 10 in the morning on Mondays and Thursdays, arriving in Moscow on Thursdays and Sundays just after 3 in the afternoon.

By Car

By Bus

There are daily bus connections between Bishkek and Almaty in Kazakhstan.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Red Tape

Money

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

Post