Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan, officially the Kyrgyz Republic and also known as Kirghizia, is a country of 6 million in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country with mountainous terrain - bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west and southwest, Tajikistan to the southwest and China to the east. Once a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, the country became independent in 1991 and over the years has become the gateway of choice for many travelers in Central Asia. The nation is defined and well renown for its natural beauty - unspoilt mountains, stark craggy ridges and rolling pastures are brought to life by semi-nomadic, yurt-dwelling shepherds. Let's take a look at this beautiful, mountainous country.
Our tour of Kyrgyzstan begins with a visit to Bishkek, the capital and largest city of of Kyrgyzstan. Bordering the Tian Shan and Ala-Too mountains, it's a gateway to the country's mountainous landscapes. The city's architecture is an eclectic mix of new and old, reflecting the city's Soviet roots when it was formerly named Frunze until 1991.
Not far west from Bishkek is the country's most fertile region, where much of the country's grain and wheat production comes from. Small valleys are dotted with a mesmerizing array of fields and villages like Sokuluk - this breadbasket located just north of the Tian Shan and plays an important role in the country's economy.
We travel further southwest, finally reaching Osh, the country's second largest city. The "South Capital" is well known for its bazaars - Osh Bazaar is one of the largest bazaars in the entire region. Here, one can buy food products, almost any common household good, clothes, souvenirs, and even musical instruments. It's a little chaotic at times (and you could get lost) - but any trip here certainly is memorable.
After exploring western Kyrgyzstan, we start heading back east until we've reached the country's crown jewel - Issyk-Kul. Issyk-Kul is an endorheic lake in the northern Tian Shan mountains and is the seventh deepest lake in the world, the tenth largest lake in the world by volume, and the second largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. It's truly impressive from above.
Bordering Issyk-Kul is the impressive Tian Shan mountains - one of Central Asia's greatest mountain systems. Meaning "Mountains of Heaven" or "Heavenly Mountains" - they're just as majestic as they are mighty, but make no mistake, these mountains can be quite unforgiving to the inexperienced climber. Even for the more seasoned trekkers, the weather can make things difficult in a hurry. The range is capped off by the impressive peak of Jengish Chokusu - the mountain range's tallest point at 24,406 feet. Jengish Chokusu is considered the most northerly 7,000-metre mountain in the world by geologists - and due to it's remote location, it's proved to be quite a difficult climb over the centuries. Many have perished on these slopes due to unexpected blizzards and avalanches.
After exploring the mighty Tian Shan, the tour winds down with a stay at the nearby Ala Archa National Park. This alpine national park in the northern fringes of the Tian Shan mountains was established in 1976 and located approximately 30 minutes south of the capital city of Bishkek, making it easily accessible for tourist and locals alike. Ancient glaciers and rivers have carved out an incredible landscape here - and traditional yurts can still be seen dotting the landscape. It's truly a can't miss destination in Kyrgyzstan, and a fitting end for our journey.
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-korver
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