Your Last BordersBEST THINGS TO DO IN KYRGYZSTAN
Kyrgyzstan is a land-locked country in Central Asia famous for its ancient nomadic culture and astonishing mountain ranges. Kyrgyzstan is further from the sea than any other country in the world, and surrounded by a mountainous region with peaks of over 7,000 metres high. Therefore, the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan include lots of mountains and cultural experiences.
If you enjoy nature, being outdoors, and experiencing nomadic culture Kyrgyzstan is your dream destination. Book a flight to Bishkek, the country’s capital, and keep this Kyrgyzstan travel guide to hand. It contains all the must have experiences and best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan to help you plan a memorable trip.
Must-Have Experiences in Kyrgyzstan
1. Spend a night at a Kyrgyz Yurt
Sleeping in a Kyrgyz yurt is something so typically Kyrgyz and unique that will make you understand the history and traditions of the country within the hour. In 2024 Kyrgyzstan remains a semi-nomadic country. Thousands of its inhabitants still spend the coldest months of the year sheltered in villages and the warm summer months wandering the mountains with their herds and horses in yurt camps.
Living in a yurt can be tough for foreigners, as these have no electricity nor running water. So no showers nor toilets, heating, or internet. If these sounds appealing, or at least bearable, here’s how to spend a night in a Kyrgyz yurt.
The cheapest and most authentic way is by approaching nomad families you come across when in the mountains. Many of them welcome travellers in their yurts and let them participate in their daily activities as nomads. Just share your plans with them, offer some payment in exchange, smile, and enjoy their hospitality. Bringing along some food and sweets will always help.
Alternatively, if you’d rather have a secured plan, there are yurt camps settled for tourist around Kyrgyzstan’s major lakes and highlights. Some of these even have electricity and hot water a few hours a day.
Accommodation usually includes breakfast and dinner. And these yurt camps are a perfect base to enjoy additional activities such as horseback riding, eagle hunting, swimming, hiking, etc. You’ll find them on Booking or via guided tours.
2. Ride a Kyrgyz Horse
One of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan is admiring the country’s landscapes from the back of a horse. In no other way will you feel more alive, connected to nature, and tiny before the immensity of Kyrgyzstan’s wilderness.
Kyrgyz people live on the back of a horse. They eat, sleep, play, pray, work, and carry their homes on horses. Nomad kids even learn how to ride before learning how to walk. Therefore, seeing the unique connection Kyrgyz have with their horses is really beautiful.
Experienced riders can rent a horse for a multiple-day trip from most yurt camps, with prices typically starting at $20/day. Likewise, everyone can rent a horse for a couple hours to enjoy a short ride by the yurt camp, with prices starting at $3/hour.
It’s unlikely that locals will rent you a horse without one of them coming along as a guide. So do not worry about getting lost on the way or struggling with the animals, the guide will ensure you’re alright.
3. Witness Golden Eagle Hunting
In the present times, Kyrgyz nomads are mostly shepherds. However, back in the day they were also great hunters and had an extremely unique way of chasing their prey: Golden Eagle hunting.
Ancient Kyrgyz believed human-made weapons were very painful on animals and to be avoided. They preferred “nature-like” techniques such as having a golden eagle hunt game for them as if the bird was killing to feed itself. These eagles are huge, fast, have a perfect sight, and can quickly hunt and kill animals as big as wolves.
Nowadays eagle hunting is no longer common. Thus, the Salburun Federation looks after this ancient tradition and protects it from banishing. You can contact the Community Based Tourism Office in Karakol or reach out to a local yurt camp or tour guide near Lake Issyk Kul to request a demonstration.
They will show you how hunters interact with the eagles and organise a little hunting with some fur and, sometimes, a live rabbit. At the end you can hold the eagle and take photos with her. Definitely one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan.
4. Attend a Kok Boru Game
Kyrgyz people are so attached to their horses that their national sport could only be played while riding. Kyrgyzstan’s national sport, Kok Boru, is brutal as it demonstrates the unique hunting, ranching, and riding skills that identify Kyrgyz people. Nevertheless, attending a Kok Boru game is one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan.
Kok Boru originated as a nomadic entertainment for riders caring of nomadic cattle. Back then, whenever riders hunted a wolf they used to play with its dead body as if it was a ball. Years later, when wolf hunting became rare, scarce wolf bodies were substituted by goats. Every shepherd had goats to kill for food, so Kyrgyz started scarifying and playing with the goat’s bodies ahead of eating them, creating today’s Kok Boru.
Kok Boru games always begin with the beheading of a goat. Afterwards, the referee will place the goat’s carcass on a field with a goal on each end. Two teams of riders will fight to grab the carcass and score a goal with it. The game is quite aggressive and very dynamic. When the time is over, the team who has scored the most wins. Finally, the rider’s families split and share the goat’s meat.
You will most likely spot ongoing games driving across Kyrgyzstan. And there are always matches on local festivals during the summer. However, the easiest way to attend a Kok Boru game is asking your local guide or host to arrange one for you.
5. Watch the night sky
Few cities, lots of mountains, and people living in yurts without electricity can only mean one thing: Kyrgyzstan is one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky.
You won’t need anything special to enjoy this wonderful starry sky. Human eyes can spot many stars without light pollution and there is none in Kyrgyzstan.
6. Swim in a mountain lake
Kyrgyzstan is packed with mountain lakes, there are over 2,000 across its territory, and they all are wonderful. The biggest and most popular is Lake Issyk Kul. Other famous major lakes are Son Kul Lake, Sary-Chelek Lake, and Kol-Tor Lake.
Lakes make a great spot for picnics, relaxed walks, fishing, and of course swimming. Indeed, swimming in a mountain lake is one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan, as it will provide a completely different perspective of its natural surroundings.
From its clear fresh water you’ll feel part of the landscape and the views will stay in your mind forever. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit when traveling to Kyrgyzstan.
7. Bath in a hot spring
Kyrgyzstan is known for its many natural hot springs that emerge from its mountains. They can reach temperatures as high as 50C and rarely go below 25C which makes them perfect for a relaxing warm bath. Moreover, hot springs have great health benefits.
The most famous hot springs in Kyrgyzstan are those in Altyn Arashan, a valley and mountain resort near Karakol. One can also visit hot springs resorts.
These are built near natural hot springs and provide man-built pools surrounded by changing rooms and cafes. Either way, hot springs are a wonderful relaxing must-have experience in Kyrgyzstan.
Best landscapes to explore in Kyrgyzstan
8. Enjoy Issyk Kul Lake
Lake Issuk Kul is the world’s second largest mountain lake. It’s 182km long, 60km wide, covers an area of 6236 km² and reaches 668m on its deepest point. As it’s originally a thermal lake, Issyk Kul Lake never freezes. Therefore, the lake can be enjoyed all year round.
The lake’s North side, close to mountains bordering with Kazakhstan, is a popular holiday destination among Russians and Kazakhs. As such, there’s many resorts providing a relaxing beach-like getaway.
Alternatively, the South side of the lake is filled with yurt camps and makes one of the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan, if not the best.
9. Admire Sazka Canyon
The variety of landscapes in Kyrgyzstan is mind blowing. Among them, one of the best landscapes to explore in Kyrgyzstan is that of Sazka Canyon. The rock formations in this scenic canyon are so irregular they resemble castles, animals, and magical characters. To the point it’s popularly known as fairy tale canyon.
You’ll find Sazka Cayon at the south shore of Lake Issykul, near the villages of Kaji-Say and Tosor. Make it your first stop on the way from the lake to Karakol. A quick photo stop or a few hours hike, that’s up to you. Either way visiting the Fairy Tale Canyon is one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan.
10. Hike to the Barskoon Waterfalls
Barksoon Valley, home of the three Barksoon Waterfalls, is one of the greenest areas in Kyrgyzstan and features plenty of hiking trails. No wonder the famous astronaut Yuri Gagarin (first human into outer space) considered this his favourite spot on Earth.
Those looking for an easy trek can walk up to the first waterfall in a 20 minutes. If you enjoy hiking, walk for another 30 minutes uphill to the second waterfall.
The third waterfall is for experts only, as the terrain gets very rough and unstable. If you feel confident enough, you’ll get there in another 45 minutes and the views will definitely be worth the effort.
11. Face the rocky bulls at Jeti Oguz
Leaving behind Barksoon Waterfalls and continuing into Karakol you’ll soon come across Jeti Oguz. This is a stunning colourful sandsatone rock that resembles the shape of 7 bulls.
Jeti Oguz is a sacred place for those in the area, who believed magical bulls overlooked and protected their home valley. It makes a great spot for a quick stroll, a picnic, and a photoshot so don’t miss it in you Kyrgyzstan itinerary.
12. Venture into Altyn Arashan Valley
Visiting Altyn Arashan Valley is an adventure on its own. It’s located very close to the city of Karakol, yet the roads to get there are only accessible in a 4×4, on a horse, and on foot.
If you have the time, I definitely recommend spending at least a full day exploring the are as it’s one of the best hikes in Kyrgyzstan. However, if you are not into hiking in Kyrgyzstan or prefer quick walks, skip this one in full.
The 4×4 ride up to the mountain, which every hotel can arrange at a standard rate of about $50 per vehicle, takes 2 hours per way. Alternatively, the hike up the valley takes over 4 hours, and you’ll need at least another 3 hours to descend back to Karakol.
Once you reach the top of the valley you’ll be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. The scene includes some of the highest mountains in Kyrgyzstan, located right at the border with China. it also features hot springs and a yurt camp.
Best Cultural Experiences in Kyrgyzstan
13. Join villagers in a home stay
Besides exploring cities and valleys, a great way to get to know Kyrgyzstan and the Kyrgyz culture is by visiting small villages and spending a night in a family home stay. These are tiny basic rural accommodation options where guests have their own room and toilet, and can enjoy common living and dining areas with the family and fellow guests.
Home stays are a great way of learning about how a Kyrgyz family live. You’ll get to play with the kids, taste their dishes, pet their animals, etc. You can book a home stay in the major western accommodation booking sites, or via your guide or local tourist office. Most of them also appear on google maps and apps such as Maps.me.
14. Shop at a local bazaar
Local markets in Kyrgyzstan, known as bazaars, are the perfect place to sort out your shopping needs, take beautiful photos, chat with vendors, practice bargaining, and picture the Kyrgyz’s daily life.
Bazaars are an integral part of Kyrgyz lifestyle and you’ll find one in almost every village. Here you can find all the fruit, vegetables, bread, sweets, drinks, and meat you might for your days out in the mountains. As well as socks, hiking boots, winter jackets, and anything your new horse may need.
15. Visit the animal market
Kyrgyz shepards need to get their herds and horses somewhere, right? Exactly, these are purchased at livestock markets all over the country and you can visit them too.
Here you’ll see sheep, cows, goats, horses, donkeys, etc. And the most interesting thing, the bargaining going on among them. Once a deal is closed, buyers often get the animals inside their tiny Landa cars which is also an unreal picture to spot.
You can visit the animal market in Bishkek on Tuesdays and Sundays early in the morning, from 6am to 10am. The animal market in Osh happens every Sunday early in morning at the outskirts of the city. On Saturday mornings there is also an animal market in Karakol.
16. Try traditional Kyrgyz food
The best place to try traditional Kyrgyz dishes is Bishkek, home of the nicest local restaurants. However, sometimes the best food is not found in fancy restaurants but on the table of an amazing home cook.
So expect to find very nice meals in recognized home stays and yurt camps, and also in ready-to-eat stalls at local markets.
Must-try food in Kyrgyzstan are shasklik, manti, ladma, plov and beshbarmark. They are mostly rice and noodle dishes served with vegetables and meat. You can watch me trying them on my Instagram and Tiktok pages.
17. Learn how to make a Shyrdak
Kyrgyz cover their yurts with local carpets to keep them nice and cozy. Nights in Kyrgyzstan are cold all year round and not every yurt can have a heating. Therefore, shyrdak carpets are both an art and a must have in the mountains.
Shyrdaks are hand made out of sheep felt and lamb whool. The art of making them is passed from generation to generation, especially among women, and learning about it is one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan.
The best place to do so is Bakanbaevo, a town near Lake Issuk-Kul, where local women host a centre and shop on the production and trade of shyrdaks.
The process is actually quite fun, at least as an outsider. The wool is treated so it becomes soft, put together, wrapped with leaves, and covered in boiling water. Then, artisans step on it to ensure it’s well compacted.
The process is repeated again and again for the whole length of the shyrdak, and you’ll get to do it in full. You can see more about it on my Instagram and Tiktok pages.
Best cities to visit in Kyrgyzstan
18. Get to know Bishkek
Bishek is Kyrgyzstan’s capital and largest city. It features awesome soviet remnants, busy markets, nice parks, and great restaurants. So there’s lots of cool things to do in Bishkek.
Additionally, the city has a large international airport and is well connected to Kazakhstan by road. Plus it provides the best shopping and entertainment scene in the country. Make sure to spend some time in Bishkek during your trip to Kyrgyzstan.
19. Explore Karakol
What brings most tourists to Karakol is its location near Issyk Kul Lake and Alty Arasan Valley. And what makes them stay are the Dungan Mosque and the Wooden Church. Both are absolutely stunning and some of the coolest religious buildings among Kyrgyzstan places to visit.
Dungan Mosque is a super colourful mosque built in 1920 by the Dungan people. Dungans are ethnic Chinese muslims who emigrated to Kyrgyzstan in the 19th century fleeing persecution. The unique blend of chinese architecture and islam makes this mosque a must see, as it’s one of the few mosques in the world with animal representations.
Karakol’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, made out of wood and surrounded by a beautiful garden is also really nice. Make sure to spare some time to visit both when in Karakol.
20. Visit Osh
Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second city, lays at the South side of the country and is a great getaway for those willing to drive the famous Pamir Highway into Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Osh is the oldest city in Kyrgyzstan and back in the day it was the country’s capital. Today it remains Kyrgyzstan’s major cultural center due to the confluence of Uzbek, Tajik and Kyrgyz cultures in the city.
Best Ancient Sights to visit in Kyrgyzstan
21. Climb Burana Tower
Burana Tower, 80km off Bishkek, is the only remain of the old Balasagun city. This 9th century city was once a major stop along the Silk Road welcoming thousands of caravans a year.
It used to be 40 meter tall minaret, yet through years and earthquakes it’s been partially destroyed and the top now stands 25 meters high. The staircase is steep and winding inside which makes the climb quite demanding.
Around the tower, where there used to be a huge mausoleum, now remains a large collection of ancient bal-bals. These are gravestones and protection signs built by nomadic Turkish tribes around the 6th century.
Burana Tower is open from 9am to 7pm and entrance tickets are inexpensive. Make sure to visit if you are in the area as this UNESCO World Heritage site is the best ancient site to visit in Kyrgyzstan.
22. Go back in time at Tash Rabat Caravanserai
Caravanserais are old accommodation sites where traders and their animals cound spend the night when traveling on business along the Silk Road. These are really common on every major trading route and visiting them is always a must-do. One can also find beautiful caranvaserais among the Best things to do in Fes and Best things to do in Marrakech.
Tash Ravat was Kyrgyzstan’s main caravanserai. It has sheltered traders and their animals for centuries, and protected them from bandits. Moreover, it’s architecture is very special as it does not follow the usual caravanserai design. It’s shape and location are so unusual many historians believe it’s a reconverted Buddhist monastery.
Travellers visiting Tash Rabat can now stay in the nearby yurt camps and go hiking in the area, which is one of the nicest in the country.
23. Feel like an archeologist in Cholpon-Ata
If you love paleography and make it to Cholpon-Alta area, do visit its open-air museum hosting lots of ancient arcaic petroglyphs.
These are ancient drawings made on stone circles, tombs, and bal-bals featuring images of people’s daily life, hunting scenes, and animals. There’s over 5,000 of them and you’ll most likely have them all for yourself.
Recap on the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes and nomadic culture attract more and more trevellers each year. Every Kyrgyzstan itinerary should include must-have experiences such as sleeping in a yurt, riding a horse, and meeting golden eagle hunters. Along with watching a Kok Boru game, admiring the night sky, swimming in a mountain lake, and bathing in a hot spring.
Additionally, the perfect trip would start in Bishkek exploring its markets and soviet architecture and continue to Lake Issyk-Kul stoping by Burana Tower on the way. Finally, one could head to Karakol visiting Sazka Cayon, the Barskoon Waterfalls, Jeti Oguz, and Altyn Arashan.
Please leave a comment below with any questions. Or reach out via my Instagram and Tiktok pages, where you’ll also find videos of my trips and plenty of travel tips. Enjoy Kyrgyzstan, and pair it with a visit to Kazakhstan where possible. I visited both countries in a s ingle trip and loved them equally.
