" A LAND FAR, FAR AWAY " Top 5 Page for this destination Kyrgyzstan by Travelchili

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: 479 reviews and 967 photos

KYRGYZSTAN...

Kyrgy-huh? Kyrgy-wha? Kyrgy-where?

That's right: Kyrgyzstan, the land of horses, kumys and incredible natural beauty that takes you in its grip and never really lets go. In 2004 I spent two exciting and adventurous weeks in this land - a country that can't be compared to anything that I've seen ever before or since.

So, are you ready for a virtual journey through this unknown country? I'll certainly give my very best to make your journey pleasant, exciting and a bit scary, too. If you are not adventurious with food, then please make sure to check out my food tips. Can't wait to see some faces after you've 'tried' a bit of the local food...hehee. Anyway, let me get started now :)

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Some facts about Kyrgyzstanc

Nature

Location : Central Asia
Neighbours: Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and China
Independent since: August 31, 1991
Population: Approx. five million
Biggest ethnic groups: Kyrgyz (20%), Russian (18%) and Uzbeks (13%)
Official languages: Kyrgyz and Russian
Main religions: Sunni Muslim and Russian Orthodox

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I bet you didn't know that...

* Kyrgyzstan is home to more than 80 different nationalities and ethnic communities (due to being on the Great Silk Road - a trade route that streched from Europe to China)
* Kyrgyzstan sits at a very high elevation - over 90% of Kyrgyzstan's area is above 1500 m
* Kyrgyzstan is host to around 500 species of animals and 335 species of birds
* Kyrgyzstan is home to nearly 2000 lakes

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What I liked the most about Kyrgyzstan:

Happy Kyrgyz girl

* Nature: it was unbelievably beautiful, untouched and while traveling around, I constantly had the feeling that I was in the furtherst point possible from any human civilization
* Kyrgyz kids: I couldn't stop photographing them since they all looked so innoscent, happy and super cute. Check out the special folder "Kyrgyz kids" to see some examples
* Experiencing the Kyrgyz customs and culture: : from learning how the yurta is built and maintained to eating - yes, very gross - sheep eyes and drinking kumys
* Interacting with locals: they were some of the most sincere and kind people I've ever met.

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Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful and untouched nature, great hiking, welcoming people
Cons:Little infrastructure, doesn't fit for people who are not adventurous
In a nutshell:A wonderful place to visit far, far away...

Last visit to Kyrgyzstan: Jun 2004
Intro Updated Feb 26, 2005
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Reviews (13)

Don't be shy - visit some locals! Local Customs (5)

When you travel through the mountainous areas of Kyrgyzstan, you often feel like you've never been so far away from any... more travel advice

Traditional costumes Local Customs (5)

Girls dressed up in traditional costumes in Jalal-abad. They dressed up for a special occastion - a local party, but you... more travel advice

Flying in Kyrgyzstan Transportation (2)

I used Altyn Air to fly to Jalal-Abad and Osh, but domestic flights are also offered by Kyrgyzstan Airlines. Since the... more travel advice

Flying in Kyrgyzstan Transportation (2)

When traveling around in Kyrgyzstan, keep in mind that roads are awful and thus, traveling between different cities can... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Shopping center in Bishkek

Hotels (5)
See All Sleeping in the Kyrgyz national dwelling...

Travelogues (1)

Written Nov 19, 2004

8 photos

The very cutest Kyrgyz kids

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Comments (32)

budapest8 Jun 6, 2010 at 2:54 PM Report Abuse

Some great tips, stories and pictures. I spent 6 weeks here when I was living in Russia. Mostly in Issikul Lake and Kara Kol. Incredible country with very friendly people. Shame didn't really chat in Krakow. Thx for sharing. :-)
Robmj Dec 5, 2009 at 8:04 PM Report Abuse

Nice page and tips, thinking of adding Kyrgyz to my want to visit list, thanks
kokoryko Nov 19, 2009 at 2:16 PM Report Abuse

I love to visit locals, Travelchili, and hope to meet some next winter. Business trip but hope to have time for myself; I slept in yourts and homestays in Central Asia, these are much better than hotels; you made here a touching page.
850prc Apr 18, 2009 at 5:54 AM Report Abuse

We recently had a young woman from Kyrgyzstan start working at our local hospital. (My wife works there) I wanted to learn a little more about her homeland. Interesting page. Loved the homestay comments.
Transland Feb 12, 2009 at 8:45 PM Report Abuse

Our roads is our reality. I'll totally agree that they are far away of being good. But considerably depends on what vehicle you use. http://www.transland.com.kg
sachara Jun 24, 2008 at 9:43 AM Report Abuse

Thank you for this interesting page of Kyrgystan with useful tips! I will arrive there in about 3 weeks.
cachaseiro Apr 16, 2008 at 2:42 AM Report Abuse

that is really nice photos you have from kyrgystan. and nice to see that there are some good homestay options.
willy_wonka Mar 13, 2008 at 10:36 PM Report Abuse

thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us all. it looks like a beautiful country to visit. although those small old handpainted planes sound just a little bit scary to me! greetings from australia x
hunterV Jan 21, 2008 at 11:23 AM Report Abuse

Hi, Travelchili (I don't know your real name) Great to read your pages! I wish you to visit the 100th country soon! (in three year!) Dreams come true!
Escadora7 Nov 6, 2007 at 9:05 AM Report Abuse

Hi Travelchilli! What an interesting Kyryzstan page! What made you decide to go there for vacation? It looks beautiful! All the best, Ash & Eve