Kyrgyzstan

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There are spectacular lakes and rugged mountains. Villagers farm and raise animals, primarily horses, sheep and goats, and you will see some yaks and camels. Most importantly, the people are very kind, generous, and welcoming. As former nomadic herders, the people of Kyrgyzstan love visitors and is impossible to enter a Kyrgyz home without drinking a pot of tea or even eating half of a sheep at the most. Kyrgyz folk think of themselves as the poets and artists of Central Asia. Nothing illustrates this spirit more than the Epic of Manas, the longest narrative poem in the world. Manas was a hero who, according to legend, unified tribal leaders long ago in the mountains and valleys now known as Kyrgyzstan.

The country of Manas comprises more than 80 ethnic groups from all over Asia and Eastern Europe. The country has a very rich mix of traditions and customs, with a population predominately ethnic Kyrgyz but with large populations of Russians in the North and Uzbeks in the South. Kyrgyz people are known for their felt and ceramic crafts and for their Silk Road-related history. Soviet culture fostered opera and ballet groups, theaters, and museums. Ancient tribal affiliations still govern social norms in many parts of the south where you find more of a mix of western and traditional Uzbek and Kyrgyz cultures. Kyrgyz is the national language, but Russian is used extensively.

Kyrgyz tourist amenities are growing, but outside of Bishkek and Osh, don’t expect much English, spoken or on menus. Kyrgyzstan is easy to get around, via the marshutkas or long distance taxis, though it might not be too comfortable. ATM’s are in the larger towns and cities, try to get smaller notes if you can.


Highlights from Kyrgyzstan
  • In every oblast there are vistas worth checking out. Popular trekking areas include Ala-Archa, Song Kol, Sary Chelek, the Alays, and Arslanbob. The main season is June-August, due to chilly temperatures, though all year hiking is possible for the well suited.

  • Jailoo is the Kyrgyz word for the summer pasture land where farmers take their animals for the summer months. Many Kyrgyz families spend the summer there as well, or go for weekend trips. “Going to Jailoo” means you will see breathtaking scenery and drink kumuz.

  • Ski slopes in Talas and Karakol, swimming in Issyk Kul, hiking and climbing everywhere, and horse trekking are all major ways to enjoy the outdoors in Kyrgyzstan.

  • A bazaar is not just a bazaar in Kyrgyzstan. It’s an entire world. Also check out the animal bazaars in At-Bashy or Karakol and the car bazaar in Bishkek.
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