31 Photos That Will Put Kyrgyzstan On Your Bucket List

Ahh, Kyrgyzstan. That small, landlocked country in Central Asia that people seem to have no idea how to pronounce (hint: Keer-Giz-Stan). For those in the know, Kyrgyzstan is a nation covered in mountains, filled with amazing culture, epic adventures, friendly people and tasty food (well, most of the time).

For the rest, Kyrgyzstan is a forgotten destination, shrouded in post-Soviet mystery and geological intrigue – China to the east, Kazakhstan to the north, Tajikistan to the south and Uzbekistan to the west. But in recent times Kyrgyzstan has seen a boom in tourism, thanks to some amazing events like the World Nomad Games and the recognition of the country being a trekker’s paradise.

We visited Kyrgyzstan 3 times in 2015 and once more this year, and it’s safe to say that it is honestly one of our favourite countries. We highly, highly recommend adding Kyrgyzstan to your travel goals!

But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s 31 photos that will put Kyrgyzstan on your bucket list!

Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Reflective Lake Feature Jyrgalan Trek Kyrgyzstan
Glassy lakes and big skies just waiting to be photographed! Location: Jyrgalan Valley
Donkey Mountains Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
You’ll try to take a photo of a mountain and a donkey will get in your way. This isn’t a bad thing. Location: Sary Tash
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Eagle Hunter
Come hang out with a Talgar and his beautiful bird of prey, Tumara. Location: Bokonbayevo
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Burana-Tower
Kyrgyzstan is filled with Silk Road history and ancient burial sites, like the amazing Burana Tower. Location: Burana Tower, Tokmok
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Altyn-Arashan-Mountains
Just a standard mountain river. Location: Altyn Arashan
Karakol Markets Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
You’ll be blown away by the amount of delicious items available at the local markets. Location: Karakol
Kok Boru Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
You might get a chance to watch a game of kok boru, a heart-pumping sport, similar to polo, where horsemen use a dead goat as the ball. Location: Chuy Valley
Bishkek Statue Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
The capital city Bishkek is pretty damn beautiful. Location: Bishkek
Jeti Oguz Seven Bulls Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
There’s some pretty damn cool rock formations. Location: The Seven Bulls, Jeti-Oguz
Arslanbob Snow Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
The first snowfall of the year is always a special occasion, especially when it’s in the world’s largest walnut grove! Location: Arslanbob
Bishkek Alleyway Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
You can get lost for days in the streets of Bishkek. Location: Bishkek
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan River Jyrgalan Trek
There’s no shortage of open space. Location: Jyrgalan Valley
Winding Roads Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
Come tackle the start of the Pamir Highway, one of the world’s greatest road trips. Location: Kyrgyz/Tajik Border
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Altyn-Arashan-Mountain-Reflection
Feel like hiking? You’ve found the right place. Location: Altyn Arashan
Second Lake Jyrgalan Trek
If you get sick of one lake, just go find another one. Location: Jyrgalan Valley
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Donkey-Boys
You’ll find out how many boys can fit on a donkey. Location: Kochkor
Bridge Tiorgei Ak-Suu River Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
Have a crack at crossing this bridge. Go on, we dare you. Location: Jyrgalan Valley
Traffic Jams Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
The traffic jams are not what you would expect… Location: Everywhere
Valley Hiking In Jyrgalan Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
Climb the mountains in the east to see the country from a different perspective. Location: Jyrgalan Valley
Sary Moghul Kids Football Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
Come have a game of football with the kids. Warning – they are awesome at football. Location: Sary Moghul
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Jazza Hiking Jyrgalan Trek
If you’re seeking solitude, you’ll find it in droves here in Kyrgyzstan! Location: Jyrgalan Valley
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan River Jyrgalan Trek
Try to count how many stunning rivers you can find! Location: Boz Uchuk
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Campsite Jyrgalan Trek
You’ll get all sorts of company when you’re out camping. Location: Jyrgalan Valley
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Er Enish
It doesn’t get much tougher and manlier than Er Enish – better known in English as horseback wrestling. Location: World Nomad Games, Cholpon Ata
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Yurt World Nomad Games
If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a yurt, then it’s time to come to Kyrgyzstan. Location: Jailoo, Kochkor
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Camels World Nomad Games
Come hang out with a camel. Just because. Location: Jailoo, Kochkor
Young Archer People Of World Nomad Games Kyrgyzstan
Get fascinated with the local dress! Location: Kochkor
Aktala Truck Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
You’ll find massive backdrops with abandoned Soviet buses providing a pretty cool contrast. Location: Aktala
Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Border Photos Of Kyrgyzstan
This is the border marker between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. This is one of the highest international border crossings in the world. Location: Kyrgyz/Tajik Border
Photos Of Kyrgyzstan Local Man
The people are just awesome! Location: Jailoo, Kochkor   

 

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