Top 7 Things to do in Kyrgyzstan
An amazing road-trip destination, mostly through the beautiful Tian Shan mountains, Kyrgyzstan is a travellers delight. It’s beautiful markets, rich traditions and unmatched natural beauty are a pull for all! Here’s a list of our top 7 things to do in Kyrgyzstan
Drive to Jeti Oguz
Jeti Oguz, which literally translates to Seven Bulls, is a sandstone formation about 25 KM from Karakol. The panoramic views are spectacular, and a drive through the bulls is the highlight of any road-trip through Kyrgyzstan.
Build a Yurt/Stay in a Yurt
A significant part of the Kyrgyz culture, yurts are mobile dwellings of the Nomads, who travel to the alpine jailoos ( green pastures) to heard their livestock in the summer months. As you travel across Kyrgyzstan, you will see yurts dotting the countryside! These yurts are easy to assemble, and you must try your hand at helping a local build one! No trip to Kyrgyzstan is complete without spending a night in a Yurt, and we highly recommend the Nomads Dream Yurt Camp at Song Kul.
Witness the art of Eagle Hunting
In ancient times the Kyrgyz hunters would tame and train the golden eagle, (called Berkut in Kyrgyz) to hunt their prey. Even though their livelihood is now not dependant on eagle hunting, there are a few who are keen to preserve their traditions. Visit the village of Bokonbayevo and witness the art of eagle hunting with the Salbuurun Federation.
Watch a sun-set at Song Kul
If you’re one for sun-sets like we are, then it does not get much better than witnessing the sun-set over Son Kul!
Explore on horse-back
Across the country, you will notice young kids, to older men and women commuting on horses, especially as they heard their cattle in the Jailoos. Horse riding is a big part of the Kyrgyz culture, and spending half a day, exploring on horse backs is something we highly recommend. However, be sure to go with a certified agency, and definitely pay attention to your guides! Our favourite horse tracks are the ones leading the Kel Su!
Visit Tash Rabat
Tash Rabat is a 15th Century stone Caravanserai, which was used as a road-side inn, for travellers and merchants on the Silk Road. It is one of the most well preserved silk-road relics across the world, and can easily be accessed by a short drive from the town of Naryn.
Explore Osh Bazaar
A massive open air market, towards the western part of the city, Osh Bazaar is a great place to experience the local culture. On display are local snacks, fresh produce and almost everything that is consumed by a Kyrgyz family. The market will give you a great insight into the local way of life – how the kyrgyz dress, interact and go about their business!
If you’re keen to travel to Kyrgyzstan, then reach out to us, to plan your trip, or join us for our guided self-drive adventure.
