Kirgizië
Kyrgyzstan is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The landscapes vary from walnut forests and glacial lakes to vast fruit orchards, with the majestic mountains always in sight!
The land of the 40 tribes
Introduction & Practical Information
90% of Kyrgyzstan lies above 1,000 meters, so it’s no surprise that most tourists come for the mountains. But Kyrgyzstan has much more to offer. How about the Issyk Kul Lake with its golden sandy beaches? Or the bustling city of Bishkek? Did you know about the ancient rock carvings? And don’t forget the natural hot springs!
Kyrgyzstan is changing rapidly. I grew up during the Soviet era when everything was centrally controlled. Independence in 1991 brought us hope, but the first years were tough, really tough. I remember the two years of eating only potatoes—simply because there was nothing else to eat. With the opening of the borders, much has changed. I now make a living by organizing trips, largely thanks to Ryce Travel.
Maksat Aitkulov
Manager Ryce Travel Kyrgyzstan
- Russian and Kyrgyz
- GMT+6
- Kyrgyz SOM
- Safe destination
- Visa not necessary < 60 days
- Valid for at least 6 months
- Adviced: DTP and Hepatitus A
- Wifi is slow, local SIM is faster
- Type C and F, 220V-50Hz
- Turkish, Russian and Uyghur cuisine
- Bringing € or $ is handy
Get ready with our local expertise
- Why visit Kyrgyzstan
- How to get to Kyrgyzstan
- Our top 10 places to visit
- Discover through photos & videos
- The culture & the food
- Skiing in Kyrgyzstan : 10 years of experience
- Discover Kyrgyzstan by mountain biking
- The best trails to hike in Kyrgyzstan
On site, becomes an expert on Kyrgyzstan
History in a nutshell
The country where dreams come true
After centuries of oppression, the Kyrgyz people finally gained control of their country in 1991, forming what is officially known as the Kyrgyz Republic. Kyrgyzstan is home to approximately 6 million people, with its population largely residing in rural rather than urban centres. Aside from Bishkek, there are no major cities, showing that nomadic culture and agriculture still holds an important place in Kyrgyz society. However, as the country’s economy grows, this is rapidly changing.
Population
Subheading
Originally, the Kyrgyz are a nomadic people who left the Altai region in southern Siberia, escaping oppression. Kyrgyz are ethnically Turkic, with a strong affinity to Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Uyghurs, Turkmen, Azerbaijanis and Turks. Years of domination by other cultures have made the Kyrgyz people who they are today. During the time of Jengis Khan, the population composition particularly changed, and there are even rumours that ethnic Kyrgyz once had blue eyes and blond hair. Nowadays, Kyrgyz are a largely Muslim population with strong Russian influence. During the Soviet era, many Russians immigrated to Kyrgyzstan and today a majority of the country speaks Russian alongside Kyrgyz.
Geography & Climate
Subheading
Kyrgyzstan is located deep within Central Asia, surrounded by its “big brother” Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China in the east. Sandwiched between the Tien Shan and Ala Tau mountain ranges, it’s no wonder that Kyrgyzstan is often referred to as “the Switzerland of Central Asia”. More than 90% of its country above 1000 metres. The highest mountains are in the far east and southern regions, the latter of which can only be accessed via the Too Ashuu mountain pass or by plane. In the east, an astonishing 7439 metres above sea level, Jengish Chokusu stands as the highest peak in the country. Most rivers flow into the gigantic Lake Issyk Kul.
Tourism
Subheading
In 2008, tourism took a big leap, lifting the visa requirement for many Western countries. Most tourists still come from surrounding countries, mostly from Kazakhstan, though its share is declining. Kyrgyzstan has everything to become a future tourism hotspot: amazing nature, vast mountain ranges, a gigantic lake with golden beaches, an ancient nomadic culture, delicious cuisine, wild rivers, petroglyphs, snow-capped peaks, huge glaciers and fertile valleys. Moreover, these stunning valleys are inhabited by an incredibly hospitable people. It is not uncommon to find yourself invited to have a cup of tea with some local fare. The people lived relaxed lives with great emphasis on the present, not being too worried about tomorrow. Kyrgyz are sometimes referred to as the Jamacians of Central Asia. Always up for a dance and always willing to chat.