Land of Nomads: Unveiling the Enigmatic Beauty of Kyrgyzstan

Introduction 

You are referred to as a Nomad when you travel around the world or do not have any particular place to stay. In ancient times, this word was disrespectful, but nowadays, in the modern world, the Nomad is very famous in the travel market. If you are a nomad, then you are treated as a celebrity on many social media platforms. 

But being a Nomad in this digital world is more accessible than in the previous worlds because people have many sources of income, and even many full-time organizations also offer this kind of job in which you have to travel and provide some information to them. They will also drive you the payment and other perks, which is fascinating for travellers. But if you want to experience a nomadic life, you should be in the land of nomads, Kyrgyzstan. 

In this blog, we will cover a complete guide to travelling Kyrgyzstan and also provide full information for a budget traveller to travel Kyrgyzstan, as the best times to travel this nomadic land, what are must-visit places and the rest of the other essential things too. So read this blog to get the information and comment on your opinion. 

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a fully landlocked country in Central Asia, officially known as the Kyrgyz Republic. In 1991, this country gained independence from the Soviet Republic, or you can say that it became a new country. Kyrgyzstan is bordered by Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and also has the Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges in this country, making it very travel-friendly. It has a rich and diverse culture, history, and natural beauty—a destination for travelers. 

Now, you can imagine that this country is primarily mountainous, with about 90% of its territory covered by mountains. The highest peak is Victory Peak, which reaches 7,439 meters above sea level. In this country, everything is chilling hot in the summer and freezing cold in winter. The capital and largest city is Bishkek.

Historical Significance of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s history is long and varied, reaching back to ancient times. The Kyrgyz are thought to be descended from the Yenisei Kyrgyz, a Turkic tribe that dwelt in the Yenisei River basin in Siberia. The Russian Empire annexed Kyrgyzstan in the nineteenth century and became part of the Turkestan Governorate. Kyrgyzstan experienced several political and social changes during the twentieth century, including the Russian Revolution, the establishment of the Kyrgyz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, Stalinist repressions, World War II, the Khrushchev Thaw, the Brezhnev Stagnation, the Perestroika, and the Soviet Union’s demise. Kyrgyzstan also experienced two revolutions, in 2005 and 2010, which ousted two presidents and led to constitutional reforms. 

Local Cuisine Of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz cuisine reflects the country’s diverse and nomadic lifestyle while also being inspired by the cuisines of its neighbours, including China, Russia, Turkey, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The significant elements in Kyrgyz cuisine are meat, dairy, bread, and vegetables, which are prepared in various ways.

• Beshbarmak: Beshbarmak, Kyrgyzstan’s national dish, translates as “five fingers” and alludes to how it is eaten with the hands. It consists of boiled meat (usually horse or lamb) served over homemade noodles and garnished with minced onion and parsley.
• Shorpo: A substantial soup with meat (often lamb or beef), vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, and turnips), and spices (parsley, dill, cilantro, and red pepper). The soup is served hot and topped with green onions. 
• Chiuchiuk: Chiuchiuk, or qazy, is a sausage made from horse flesh and intestines. The sausage is made by washing horse intestines, stuffing them with horse rib meat, and then cooking them in water. 
• Plov: Plov, a rice dish that originated in Uzbekistan, is now popular in Kyrgyzstan. Plov is a rice dish made with meat (typically lamb or beef), carrots, onions, garlic, and spices (cumin, coriander, and turmeric).
• Manti: Manti, or dumplings stuffed with minced meat (typically lamb or beef), onion, and spices, are boiled in a unique pot called a mantyshnitsa. Manti is usually served with a sauce of sour cream, vinegar, and garlic, dusted with red pepper. 

How to Reach Kyrgyzstan

There are several ways to reach Kyrgyzstan, but the most popular way is by Air. Kyrgyzstan has several international airports, such as Manas International Airport in Bishkek, Osh International Airport in Osh, and Issyk-Kul International Airport in Tamchy. There are direct flights to Kyrgyzstan from many countries, such as Turkey, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, India, and Iran.

Another way to reach Kyrgyzstan is by land, as Kyrgyzstan has several border crossings with its neighbouring countries. The most famous border crossings are Torugart and Irkeshtam with China, Korday and Kegen with Kazakhstan, Dostuk and Uchkurgan with Uzbekistan, and Kyzyl-Art and Bor-Dobo with Tajikistan. But the main thing is that you must register with the local authorities within five days of your arrival unless you are staying in a hotel or a guesthouse that provides this service.

Must visit places in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country with natural beauty and diverse culture; here are some of the most popular and stunning ones:

• Bishkek: The capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan, offering a mix of Soviet-era architecture, modern buildings, and green parks. If you are in this city, you must go to the nearby mountains and valleys for some of the best hiking and skiing in Kyrgyzstan.
• Karakol: Karakol is a charming and diverse city that boasts a rich cultural heritage. Dungan Mosque, a wooden structure built without nails, the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a wooden church that survived several earthquakes, and the Przhevalsky Museum are the most attractive places in this city. You can also enjoy the delicious cuisine of Karakol, influenced by the Dungan, Uighur, and Russian communities.

 

• Issyk-Kul Lake: Issyk-Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest alpine lake and Kyrgyzstan’s most prominent tourist destination, is a breathtaking sight. The lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and sandy beaches, offers a range of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and bird viewing. You can also visit the various yurt camps, hot springs, petroglyphs along the beach, and surrounding sites like Jeti-Oguz, Fairy Tale Canyon, and Barskoon Gorge.

• Son Kul Lake: This is a summer pasture for the nomadic herders who live in yurts and graze their animals. You can experience the nomadic lifestyle by staying in a yurt, riding a horse, and tasting the local delicacies, such as kumis and fermented mare’s milk. 
• Tash Rabat: A historical site and a masterpiece of architecture, Tash Rabat is a stone caravanserai that dates back to the 15th century. It was once a resting place for travellers and merchants along the Silk Road and later a prison and a monastery.

Best time to travel Kyrgyzstan

The best time to travel to Kyrgyzstan depends on your preferences, budget, and itinerary, but generally. Here, we will provide the details for luxury travellers and also for budget travellers. 

• The summer months of July and August are the most popular and ideal for outdoor activities and cultural festivals—however, the busiest months have higher prices and more crowds.
• If you want to avoid the heat and the crowds, you can opt for the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October, when the weather is mild and sunny, and the landscape is colourful and scenic. So, for budget travellers, these months are ideal.
• But here’s the main issue: some high-altitude areas and hiking trails may be inaccessible or closed due to snow or mud. 
• If you want a winter adventure, you can visit Kyrgyzstan from November to February, when the country is covered in snow and offers excellent skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. If you are a budget traveller, you can also visit this time.
• However, these months are also the coldest and the darkest, and many tourist facilities and services may be closed or limited. So, be aware of all the problems.  

What Makes Kyrgyzstan Unique?

Kyrgyzstan is a one of the unique country for many reasons, but here are some of the most distinctive ones:

• Kyrgyzstan is home to the longest poem in history, the Epic of Manas, which consists of over half a million verses and tells the story of the legendary hero Manas and his descendants.
• Kyrgyzstan is the only country in the world with a yurt on its flag, symbolizing the nomadic heritage and identity of the Kyrgyz people.
• Kyrgyzstan hosts the World Nomad Games, a biennial event showcasing the nomadic sports and arts of Central Asia and beyond. 
• Kyrgyzstan is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with over 4,000 species of plants and 500 species of animals. The country has a variety of ecosystems, from deserts and steppes to forests and glaciers. 
• Some rare and endangered species found in Kyrgyzstan include the snow leopard, the Marco Polo sheep, and the Tian Shan bear.

Some Common FAQ’s 

1. Is Kyrgyzstan safe for tourists to visit?

   -: Yes, Kyrgyzstan is generally safe for tourists. The country is known for its warm hospitality and low crime rates.

2. What is the best time of year to visit Kyrgyzstan?

   -: The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is during the summer months, from June to September. During this time, the weather is generally mild and perfect for outdoor activities such as trekking, horseback riding, and exploring beautiful landscapes.

3. What is the visa procedure to travel to Kyrgyzstan?

   -: Citizens of many countries can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for a period, usually 30 to 90 days. However, visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements for your country before travelling.

4. What are some must-visit destinations in Kyrgyzstan?

   -: Kyrgyzstan offers a wealth of breathtaking natural beauty and cultural attractions. Some must-visit destinations include Issyk-Kul Lake, Ala Archa National Park, Son-Kul Lake, Karakol, etc. 

5. What should I know about transportation within Kyrgyzstan?

   -: Getting around Kyrgyzstan is relatively easy, with various transportation options. Shared taxis, called “marshrutkas,” are a common and affordable way to travel between cities and towns. You can also use buses, trolleybuses, and taxis in urban areas like Bishkek.