Top 5 Attractions to See and Do in Kyrgyzstan If You’re Visiting for a Week with your RV
If there’s anything that we know about Kyrgyzstan, it’s that it has a surreal atmosphere that feels right taken out of a story about the Olympus. With breathtaking landscapes and historical places galore, Kyrgyzstan is one of those countries that you want to visit at least once in your lifetime. And considering there are so many amazing things to see, you might want to take more than a weekend to visit it – our suggestion would be an entire week.
If you have seven days to spare, Kyrgyzstan has quite a lot to give you. You have nature and landscapes – but you also have history and civilization. You just need to determine exactly what you want to do each day. That being said, here are some of the places in Kyrgyzstan that always attract quite a lot of tourists.
- The Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve
If you are looking to get a dose of nature in your life, then you might want to consider the Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve. The entire country is a landscape wonderland – but very few attractions can hold a candle to this reserve. It has quite a lot of history, and it is the perfect place to visit if you simply want to reconnect with yourself.
If you are interested in eco-tourism, this is the place that you may want to go to. Featuring 23.9 sq. km. that were not touched by the rest of the world, it is the perfect spot for you to learn more about nature in its purest form. You have 7 spectacular alpine lakes, hundreds of species of wild animals, and many other natural beauties to see there. It is the perfect place to go to if you are overlanding in Kyrgyzstan.
- Köl-Suu
Remote even when it comes to the standards of Kyrgyzstan, Köl-Suu is a lake that stretches over more than 10 km and is surrounded by high peaks of sheer mountains. The best way to enjoy this place is if you rent a boat and start paddling through the mountains. The sheer beauty of the place is truly breathtaking – and it spreads all the way into the Chinese border.
Bear in mind that this lake is set at a 3500 altitude. As a result, weather may change here very fast – so, make sure that you pack smart. Bring warm clothes with you, pack extra, and make sure to bring enough provisions. You probably won’t come across any food shops anywhere close.
- Ala-Too Square
If you do not want to go in the middle of nowhere for a day, then you may want to visit Ala-Too Square, as it is truly wondrous. Found in Bishkek, the capital city, this is an important historical site. It’s also the place where the famous 2005 protest took place – the one that took Askar Akayev out of his first role as the first president of Kyrgyzstan.
Aside from its history, the square is also quite beautiful to visit. It is surrounded by parks, and it has a few statues adorning it. A lot of events and celebrations also take place here, so if you visit at the right moment, you might be able to see how lively this square actually is.
- Lake Issyk Kul
Lake Issyk Kul is certainly one of the most popular attractions in Kyrgyzstan. Not only is it the largest lake in the country, but it is also the second-largest lake in the world. Stretching majestically through the Tien Shan “Celestial” mountains, this lake is so spread out that you feel like you are looking at an ocean. The only difference between them is that instead of the ocean line, you see snow-capped backdrops situated at a far distance.
Plus, not only is the lake itself gorgeous to look at, but it is also packed with numerous beautifully looking gorges. These gorges are quite popular among the trekkers and those who wish to learn more about nature.
- The Manas Complex
If you are looking to learn more about the history of Kyrgyzstan, you might want to visit the Manas Complex. Manas is actually Kyrgyzstan’s legendary hero, and he is known by everyone as the person who unified Kyrgyzstan’s 40 tribes against one common enemy. The city of Talas has a museum that is entirely dedicated to Manas, and you may find a mausoleum there as well. It is definitely a must-see if you ever spend a few days in the country.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Kyrgyzstan has quite a lot to offer. And since many of the attractions are quite remote, you might want to ensure that you spend at least seven days there to see everything. It is totally worth it, and your adventures will be memorable.
