Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a breathtakingly beautiful destination offering a unique blend of majestic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and thrilling outdoor adventures. From the pristine waters of Issyk-Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest alpine lake, to the awe-inspiring peaks of the Tien Shan mountains, nature lovers will find themselves in paradise. Explore the captivating Ala Archa National Park, a haven for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, or venture to the stunning Song Kul Lake, where you can experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle firsthand. For history buffs, the ancient Silk Road city of Osh offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past, while the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower near Bishkek reveals secrets of the Silk Road era. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture by visiting the bustling Osh Bazaar or witnessing the exhilarating horse games at the World Nomad Games. With its visa-free policy for UAE citizens, now is the perfect time to embark on an unforgettable journey to this hidden gem of Central Asia. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, Kyrgyzstan promises an unforgettable travel experience.
UAE citizens can enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa for stays of up to 60 days. Passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Kyrgyzstan with return air tickets and hotel booking.
Ala Archa Gorge
This grand, rugged but very accessible gorge is situated about an hour’s drive south of Bishkek. Now converted into a national park, it offers scores of walking and trekking possibilities, including hikes to glaciers and for serious mountaineers, climbs to some of the region’s highest peaks.
Arslanbob Village
Situated 1,600 metres above sea level on the south-facing slopes of the Ferghana range, Arslanbob boasts striking mountain scenery, friendly locals and the most prized walnuts in the country. Alexander the Great is said to have brought back large quantities of nuts from Central Asia but had to give them up once he reached Greece as a payment to the boatmen who transported his troops.
Bishkek
The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek, an attractive modern city with wide avenues, set against the backdrop of snow capped mountains with an abundance of green spaces. In 1825 the Khan of Kokand established a clay fort here called Pishpek. Following the Russian Revolution, the town was renamed Frunze after the famous Bolshevik general who was born here. It reverted to its original name Bishkek in 1991 following Kyrgyz independence.
Jety-Oguz Canyon
Twenty-five kilometres west of Karakol is the Jety-Oguz Canyon. These red sandstone cliffs are said to resemble bulls and the name itself means ‘Seven Bulls’. It is said that these splendid animals grew to huge proportions because of the lush pastures in the valley.There is a village nearby and walks can be taken into the canyon. Below the cliffs is one of the few surviving Issy-Kul spas. It was built in 1932 and there are a variety of pools and treatment rooms.
Karakol
Karakol is the administrative centre of Issy-Kul province and a good base from which to explore the lake. It was founded in 1869 after the commander of a nearby garrison realised that with its mild climate and fertile soil it was well suited for settlement. Today the town is famous for its surrounding apple orchards and there is a very good Sunday market.
Lake Issyk Kul
Lake Issyk Kul meaning “warm lake” is the second largest mountain lake in the world. Measuring 182km long by 58km wide, the lake is heated from below by thermal activity and never freezes even in the depths of winter. In the summer the water temperature reaches 25-28 degrees centigrade (warmer than the air) and you can swim in the clear blue waters enclosed on all sides by the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains.
Mountains of Heaven
The Tien Shan, or Celestial Mountains, are quite simply one of the most beautiful mountain ranges on earth. Though perhaps not as immediately dramatic as the mighty Himalaya or Karakoram, the colour, variety, shapes and simple wildness of the Tien Shan will still have you buzzing with wonder.
Naryn
The province of Naryn is a territory of wild beauty with alternating white peaks, valleys and gorges and an abundance of wildlife. Despite the rugged terrain, the Central Tian Shan has been inhabited since ancient times and numerous rock drawings and burial sites testify to this fact.
Osh
Osh is Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city. It is one of the region’s most ancient towns with a history stretching back to the 5th century BC and legends tell of it being founded by all sorts of people from King Solomon to Alexander the Great. It was a major hub on the Silk Road. Today it has a strong Uzbek feel which is unsurprising as 40% of the population are Uzbeks.
Son Kul Lake
Lake Son Kul is an alpine lake and the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. It is situated in the Northern Province on a high mountain plateau. The shepherds of the Kochkor, Naryn and At Bashi regions often use the green mountain meadows surrounding the lake for their summer pastures. There are a wide variety of herbs and grasses in the surrounding area as well as 66 species of waterfowl which make their homes on the lake.
Tash Rabat
Sheltering in the lee of a black granite cliff, in what must surely be one of the prettiest valleys in the country, this ancient Silk Road caravanserai, constructed of dark stone with a huge arched entrance, domed roof and corner turrets, appears like some ancient eastern castle, a mythical outpost from some long-forgotten legend.