More Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan
Discover other destinations, treks, and cultural activities.
Kyrgyzstan is a country praised for its natural beauty and intimate relationship with mountains, which make up 65 percent of the country's diverse landscape. It's a country with so many options for outdoor adventures that it's often impossible to imagine how you could fit it all into a single trip. Each destination in Kyrgyzstan is unique — with a specific style of hospitality, food, and adventure that you can't find anywhere else.
When you've ventured through Jyrgalan's extensive mountain peaks, valleys, rivers, and lakes, then it's time to engage in the Kyrgyz experience elsewhere. The following resources offer clear and reliable information on how to best explore locations across Kyrgyzstan. Each of the linked organizations operates just like Destination Jyrgalan Valley — as a non-profit Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) serving tourists with the information they need, just as it supports the livelihoods and community where it operates. Each will address your interests no matter where they lie. Whether you're a foodie traveler looking for immersive cultural food experiences, or a trekker seeking the country's most beautiful treks, or a light or hard-core adventurer keen to raft, hike, bike, or horse-trek across Central Asia's most accessible country — no matter what, they have you covered.
Please also check out the Download section below to access PDF brochures about Kyrgyzstan, its cultural and culinary traditions, and more.
Located just an hour from Jyrgalan village, Karakol is the regional hub for independent travelers and a gateway to Lake Issyk-kul. Karakol has a large selection of guesthouses, restaurants, and tourist necessities (grocery stores, ATMs, cellphone companies, etc.). It's also the best spot in the country to immerse in the food culture. You'll also love the city's popular food tours, free walking tour, sunset cruises, fascinating museums, and the opportunity to plan and arrange any number of treks and outdoor adventures nearby. If you want a dose of culture and cuisine between your treks and outdoor adventures, Karakol invites you to stay awhile so you can enjoy all this modern Kyrgyz city has to offer.
A fascinating destination for ethnocultural activities, the South Shore of Lake Issyk-Kul offers everything from Kyrgyz folk music shows to eagle hunting demonstrations. Or perhaps you're interested in nature — book a weekend at a yurt camp on the lake to enjoy quiet evenings filled with camp fires and a skyscape of stars. If you're interested in light adventure, the canyons nearby offer gorgeous treks or horseback riding with sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. You can download brochures of different tours on offer from Destination South Shore here.
Visit this Silk Road city that offers independent travelers tasty and interesting activities that showcase the region's diverse history. Located in the Ferghana Valley, Osh is considered the southern gateway to Kyrgyzstan — the architecture and monuments in the city-center depict centuries of history, culture, and cuisine. Visit Osh to learn the secret ingredients in plov (a beloved Kyrgyz dish), or take a long wander through Central Asia's largest bazaar. And to truly enjoy the city, you must hike to the top of Suleiman-Too Sacred Mountain, where you can see into the Pamir Mountains nearby.
If you're keen to access adventure and traditional Kyrgyz culture in one place, then look no further than Naryn, a fascinating town located high in the Tian Shan mountain range. A surprising amount of history, culture, and beauty lie beneath this city's quiet, residential exterior. Homestays are popular and are the perfect way to truly understand Kyrgyz hospitality. During your visit, learn how to prepare beshbarmak (a beloved traditional Kyrgyz specialty). Naryn is also a gateway to remote adventure, with stunning alpine lakes nearby and access to Tash Rabat, the ruins of a 15th century roadside inn for Silk Road travelers.
Brochure Downloads
We've collected a series of brochures about Kyrgyzstan and its traditions, cuisine, and nature that you can download as a PDF. We hope this information further expands your understanding of Kyrgyzstan and helps you plan your adventures across our beautiful country.