Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is located in the Chüy Valley in the north of the country, between the Talas Valley to the west and the Issyk-Kul region to the east. The city was founded in 1878 and was originally named Pishpek, after a wooden paddle traditionally used by the Kyrgyz people to prepare kumis—fermented mare’s milk and the country’s national drink. Later, during the Soviet era, the city was renamed Frunze in honour of the renowned Soviet military commander Mikhail Frunze. Following Kyrgyzstan’s independence in 1991, the city was renamed Bishkek.

Cholpon-Ata is the largest town on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. It is located approximately halfway along the lake’s northern coast, about 250 kilometres from Bishkek. During the summer, large numbers of travellers have traditionally visited the town, staying at nearby sanatoriums and holiday resorts. Cholpon-Ata is also home to one of the two presidential residences situated on the lakeshore. In Soviet times, athletes came here to train at high altitude. Although the town still attracts many holidaymakers during the summer, the region has somewhat lost its former appeal as it has struggled to keep pace with competing destinations. Today, many visitors are affluent residents of Almaty, Kazakhstan, who travel across the border to spend their holidays here.

Karakol is a charming city in eastern Kyrgyzstan, nestled at the foot of the majestic Tian Shan Mountains. Here, visitors can admire breathtaking natural scenery, discover the rich culture of the Kyrgyz people and explore centuries of history preserved in unique architectural monuments. Karakol is an ideal destination for active travellers. Ski slopes, hot springs and the famous Lake Issyk-Kul are all within a short drive of the city. In this guide, we will introduce Karakol’s main attractions and the local dishes you should definitely try.

Naryn is a long, narrow city situated on both banks of the fast-flowing Naryn River, between high, steep cliffs. The city still hosts a military base and the headquarters of the customs post at Torugart, so camping on the hills overlooking the city is prohibited. Naryn is mainly known as a stopover for travellers heading to and from Kashgar. Unfortunately, many guidebooks published in the West do not portray the city very favourably. However, the surrounding region offers numerous opportunities for hiking. If you are not rushing through on your way to China, Naryn can serve as an excellent starting point for exploring this unspoilt and largely unknown part of the Central Tian Shan.

Osh is Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city and, according to tradition, is around 3,000 years old. Archaeologists have discovered artefacts dating back to the 5th century BC, and it is often claimed that Osh is “older than Rome.” Several legends surround the city’s origins, including stories that it was founded by Solomon or Alexander the Great. Even if Osh was not established by such a prominent historical figure, its location at the crossroads of ancient trade routes—later known collectively as the Great Silk Road—almost inevitably ensured its growth into a major settlement. Between the 10th and 12th centuries, Osh was the third-largest city in the Fergana Valley. In 1762, it became part of the Kokand Khanate and developed into one of the khanate’s six principal trading centres. Following its incorporation into the Russian Empire in the 19th century, the city expanded onto the left bank of the river, where European-style houses began to appear.

Talas is a little-known town located in the valley of the same name. It is separated from the rest of Kyrgyzstan by mountain ranges, and the “easiest” route passes through Kazakhstan, requiring a transit visa. However, the valley can also be reached by crossing the Töö-Ashuu Pass and then turning north from the main Bishkek–Osh road after passing through the Suusamyr Valley. This area is known as the Land of Manas and is believed to be the birthplace of the legendary hero. His mausoleum is located several kilometres from the town. The mausoleum complex also contains a museum devoted to the history of the Epic of Manas. Rising above it is a burial mound once used by sentries as an observation post to protect the valley. Archaeologists have made several fascinating discoveries here, and the mound may well be artificial—which, if true, would represent a remarkable achievement.

Tash Rabat was built in the 15th century along an ancient trade route connecting Central Asia with China. It served as a resting place for merchants, ambassadors, travellers and other wayfarers. It is the largest stone structure of Central Asian architecture from that period. The monument is remarkable not only for its size and construction materials, but also for its distinctive layout, based on perfect symmetry. Hidden amid pristine wilderness and far from inhabited areas, the caravanserai appears untouched, monumental and impregnable. The ancient Tash Rabat caravanserai stands at an altitude of approximately 3,500 metres above sea level. It is located about 520 kilometres from Bishkek, 125 kilometres—or around 1.5 hours—from Naryn, 17 kilometres beyond the end of the paved road, just past an emergency airstrip, and 90 kilometres—or approximately 1.5 hours—from the Chinese border at Torugart. According to one author, Tash Rabat is probably the best-preserved site on the Silk Road, and “no other site has retained so much of its original atmosphere.”