Destination 》Asia 》Central Asia 》Kyrgyzstan
Year Visited: 2019 – August
Kyrgyzstan was the second country during my three months backpacking trip across the Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet Republic, is a country with incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions. Kyrgyzstan is often known as the Switzerland of Central Asia, as entire country is dominated by the Tian Shan mountain range, with many tall peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes. Kyrgyzstan has been at the crossroads of several great civilizations as a part of the Silk Road and other commercial and cultural routes.
Kyrgyzstan has the most liberal VISA requirement among Central Asia countries. Citizen of the most countries can enter either Visa-free or apply for a eVisa. Like all former Soviet Republics, Marshrutka (minivan) is the cheapest way to get around the city or in between cities. Because of its rugged landscape you will meet more backpackers, people who love out-door adventure and less tourists with rolling suitcases, packed in luxury buses, like the one you will see in Uzbekistan.
After spending 3 weeks in Kazakhstan, I took a direct Marshrutka from Almaty to Bishkek. A direct marshrutka is very convenient because the driver will also clear immigration at the border and wait for you at the other side, you don’t need to change the vehicle.
Below are some places I explored during my three plus weeks in Kyrgyzstan. Click on any cities to view my travel photos and stories.
After traveling through Kyrgyzstan for three plus weeks, I, along with a German couple, rented a 4×4 from Osh and started our journey on the Pamir Highway. We started early morning from Sary-Tash towards Kyzyl-Art Pass, one of the highest (4,280 m) border crossings in the world, and entered into Tajikistan, the most amazing country in the world!
Window on the World 