the living fairytale

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United States Government.

KYRGYZSTAN

A 7th century visitor to Kyrgzystan commented on its “tall peaks that reach to the very sky” and warned travellers against being “molested by dragons”. The dragons have long gone but the peaks remain - as does the sense that you are venturing into a land of mystique and adventure, of untold possibilities and remote, achingly beautiful wilderness.

It’s striking that this land, crossed by centuries of Silk Road travellers, wandered by generations of nomads and the battleground of Jenghis Khan and other warring tribes, remains so little touched by man’s hand. Kyrgyzstan’s cities may retain a Soviet face, legacy of its 20th century past, but its soul lies in its silent mountains, vast skies and open landscapes.

Despite its small size, Kyrgyzstan boasts a wide variety of terrain: velvet alpine pastures, jagged snow-capped peaks, sweeping steppe grasslands and dry desert syrt. Lucky visitors may see the rare Marco Polo sheep and even rarer snow leopards which patrol the icy summits. But one gift is bestowed freely on all visitors - the life-enhancing joy that comes from exploring Kyrgyzstan’s wild places.

ContentsNomadic Culture

Kyrgyz Hospitality

The Great Silk Road

The Kyrgyz Horse

The Epic of Manas

Celestial Mountains

Glacial Lakes

Flora and Fauna

Warm Bishkek

Inspiring Sports

Cultural and Eco-Tourism

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The mountains of Kyrgyzstan are the cradle of its people. The landscape has shaped and preserved their nomadic lifestyle and culture for centuries. Step behind the veil of hills that line the roads to discover a world of yurts, galloping horses, grazing livestock and colorful carpets – a world that conjures up the encampments of Genghis Khan here in the heart of Kyrgyzstan.

History and legend come together in the story of how the nomadic Kyrgyz tribes came to inhabit their mountainous stronghold. Red-haired and blue-eyed, they are believed to have migrated from the Yenisei River in Siberia between the 9th and 12th centuries. Central Asia’s steppes and mountains had been home to waves of nomadic empires for thousands of years, and the new arrivals found themselves fending off constant invasions by warring tribes.

When the fiercest of the invaders, Genghis Khan, swept through Kyrgyzstan in 1219, life changed forever. The Mongol Empire stretched across the region, destroying the Silk Road oases of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to the ground. The Kyrgyz owed their survival to their nomadic mountain lifestyle and their excellent horsemanship, which gave them supremacy over sedentary peoples.

“A man should move be-cause the sun, moon, stars, animals, fish – everything

moves and only the land and the dead stay where

they are,” say nomads.

NOMADIC CULTURE

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Early travelers to the region were struck by the impressive Kyrgyz camps with 50 or more yurts. These aiyls (villages) were led by a manap (chief) with the help of aksakals (advisors). The most senior man by birth not only had to be wise but also wealthy enough to fulfill his duties of hospitality, central to the culture of Kyrgyz people. If he became too autocratic, however, the village could move away to join another group.

Exquisite horsemanship was displayed at festivities during the day, but eloquence and poetry were highly prized at night. Around the fire in the evening, akyns (bards) would improvise verses and compete with each other in witty banter, astonishing visitors with their verbal dexterity.

The Kyrgyz settled into established villages in the mid-20th century during the Soviet period, but their identity is still firmly rooted in their nomadic heritage and its passion for horses and akyns. The country is proud to have been the first of the former Soviet states to declare independence in 1991 - a sign of their determination to forge their own destiny.

When humans first appeared, God gave them land and everything the world could offer, depending on their talents – fertile valleys, rocky mountains, pristine forests or waterless deserts. On the last day, God noticed a Kyrgyz man sleeping under a tree whereas oth-

ers were struggling to get better land for themselves. This lack of greed impressed God so much that He decided to give the best land to the Kyrgyz so that they would not toil laboriously to live.

Akyns perform an improvised recital of Kyrgyz oral history, myths and legends of the past. They are commonly accompanied by Komuz and Ooz-Komus players at large festivals.

Nomadic children learn how to ride donkeys before they ride horseback, because it is im-portant that everyone in the family is able to round up the livestock at the end of the day.

Balbals, commonly found in Kyrgyzstan, are ancient, carved stones dating back to the Turkic period.

The ooz-komuz is one of the oldest Kyrgyz national musical instruments, whose musical notes welcome any guest into a joyous yurt.

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KYRGYZ HOSPITALITY

The yurt, known as the bozuy, holds a tender place in Kyrgyz hearts. In summer, shepherds still set up yurts in the mountains when grazing their herds. In towns, Kyrgyz erect bozuys in gardens and courtyards for celebrations. The highly portable dwelling, which has remained essentially the same for thousands of years, can be assembled swiftly and dismantled in an hour.

The framework of the bozuy is made of poplar poles, fixed with rawhide straps and lined by a chiy, a mat of woven reeds, then covered with layers of felt. Inside, space is allocated according to tradition: the left-hand side for a man’s horse and hunting gear and the right-hand side for a woman’s domestic utensils. At the back of the yurt lie folded blankets and mattresses: the higher the pile, the wealthier the family.

Hospitality is an integral part of Kyrgyz culture and nomadic tradition. The Kyrgyz have a saying, “a guest is sent from God,” and visitors are often overwhelmed by their generosity. Food is lavished upon guests; tea is served with homemade jams and cream, toasts are raised with cups of kymyz (fermented mare’s milk); laghman provides a heartwarming mutton stew; and the dish of honor is the elaborately prepared besh-barmak (‘five fingers’).

On top of a yurt (nomad’s tent), there is a “door to the sky” called a tunduk, which

symbolizes the sun. Curved wooden beams, uuks,

support the tunduk and create the yurt’s cupola, like

the cupola of the sky.

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The vibrantly colored handicrafts, which today entice visitors to purchase as souvenirs, have been tailor-made for nomadic life for thousands of years and use available natural resources, mainly wool, felt and leather. Richly embroidered woven straps tied to the yurt frame add strength and beauty, while the brightly colored shyrdaks lining the floors and walls provide warmth and decoration.

Made of thick felt, traditional shyrdaks have been hand-made in Central Asia for more than 2,000 years, and their stylized motifs hold symbolic meanings. They are still found in every home, as are ala-kiyiz (carpets of pressed felt) and tush-kiyiz (panels lovingly embroidered for a daughter on her marriage). Today, artisans now breathe fresh life into traditional crafts with exciting new designs.

Another great Central Asian tradition alive in Kyrgyzstan today is the bazaar: piles of melons sit alongside neatly stacked ak-kalpaks; shepherds expertly assess sheep rumps for fat content; and stallions in homemade halters snort and stamp. Whether in Osh’s great trading center or Karakol’s livestock market, they throb to a centuries-old rhythm of trade, transporting visitors back to a bygone era.

The traditional man’s hat in Kyrgyzstan is a white felt hat called an ak-kalpak. The white felt keeps one warm in winter and reflects the sun, keeping the head cooler in summer.

Its brim protects the eyes from the light and the face from rain and snow. Its shape represents Tian-Shan Mountain peaks, and according to legends the ak-kalpak protects a Kyrgyz warrior.

Men proudly wearing their kalpaks (traditional hat) throughout cities and villages. Tokoch bread is the center of Kyrgyz hospitality, and a key symbol for welcoming a guest into a nomad’s yurt.

When a guest enters a yurt, he is always welcomed with a smile, and it is common to see Kyrgyz people dressed in their national clothing during festivals and holidays.idays.

Handmade shyrdaks (carpets) are made from local felt and decorate a Kyrgyz home.

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THE GREAT SILK ROAD

If there were no caravans from China, who would deliver

textiles and silk fabrics to us?If there were no traders on their

travels, who would be able to see their pearly threads?

By Yusuf Balasagun

The Great Silk Road glows in the imagination as the world’s richest exchange of trade and culture. Caravans of camels, men and horses bore lazurite, silver and spices for thou-sands of miles across the great continent of Eurasia. But the interaction of ideas and religions was perhaps its great-est glory, enlightening civilizations from Beijing to Rome. Then as now, Kyrgyzstan stood at the crossroads – China’s gateway to the West.

The Silk Road, was a great moving bazaar with a complex labyrinth of trails over some of the world’s most perilous deserts and mountains. Caravans a hundred strong sur-vived the treacherous Taklamakan Desert in present-day China and the onslaughts of bandits and slave raiders, only to risk the steep climb through the icy Torugart and Irkesh-tam Passes into Kyrgyzstan.

Here, the Tash Rabat caravanserai bears solitary witness to these extraordinary feats of blood, sweat and bravery. The current structure dates to the 15th century although the site is said to have been occupied since the 10th century. The valley now welcomes a new wave of visitors but still echoes the footsteps of Silk Road traders.

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Once long ago, there lived a wise king who had a clever and beautiful daughter. An old man told him, “Just after her 16th birthday, she will be bitten by a poisonous black

spider and die.” To protect her, the king built the Burana Tower that stood so high that it touched the sky. On her 16th birthday, however, he gave her some grapes, which she

gratefully accepted. Then, as the old man foretold, she immediately fell dead.

The Uzgen Mausoleum, found on the Kara-Darya River, actually consists of three mausoleums which were dedicated to Karakhanid governors.

The Tash-Rabat Caravanserai, dating from the 15th century, was constructed on the Silk Road from Central Asia to China as a resting place for merchants, travelers and other wanderers.

Burana Tower is an 11th century minaret and the only remaining structure from the ancient city of Balasagun, founded by the Kara-Khanid Khanate.

Babur’s House is an ancient Zoroastrian Temple on the top of Suleyman-Too (Solomon’s Mountain), which is in the heart of Osh.

From here, important trails ran west through Osh to Samar-kand and beyond, while minor routes swung north to mod-ern-day Kazakhstan and Russia. A string of oasis towns sprang up in their wake – Bukhara, Khiva, Merv – whose domes and minarets shimmered with gold and turquoise. Trading routes and treaties waxed and waned through the centuries until eventually the region fell under the Russians in the mid-1800s.

Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s oldest city, was a crossroads trading cen-ter of the Great Silk Road. A charmed and cultured place, rich in fruit and nut forests, it flourished during this period transcontinental trade. Although Genghis Khan in the 13th century razed its palaces and academies, the pulse of 3,000 years of trade can still be felt in its vibrant bazaars.

Tangible evidence of Central Asia’s medieval glory stands at Uzgen. Known as Yu in Silk Road times, Uzgen reached its pinnacle as Mavarannahr, capital of the Kara-Khanid Dynasty, which brought Islam to the Kyrgyz in the 10th century. Here, three mausoleums and a minaret, all exqui-sitely carved in terracotta, are the lone relics of this sophis-ticated period of history.

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Horses are “the wings of the Kyrgyz,” according to an an-cient proverb. For 2,500 years this valuable beast has been at the heart of nomadic life as a friend, laborer and even a source of food. Horses gave Kyrgyz nomads supremacy over settled cultures, bestowing freedom, providing la-bor, and supplying meat, leather and milk for the national drink, kymyz.

Ideally built for its mountainous habitat, the sturdy Kyr-gyz horse has “eyes as big as bowls” and muscles that “ripple like the waves of a great mountain river.” Today, the horse still maintains a mystique. No celebration is complete without equestrian races and games, such as ulak-tartysh (kok-boru).

To watch these games, with their pounding hooves, glee-ful shouts and exhilarating battles, is to step back in time. The biggest and most exciting equestrian festival is the four-day At-Chabysh Horse Festival, held at Lenin Peak base camp in summer each year, when thousands of Kyr-gyz gather to reclaim their ancient heritage. Visitors can watch numerous horse games, but they need to mount a horse to experience the true nature of Kyrgyzstan.

The ancients said, “A brilliant man,

suited in armor, lives in a woman’s heart.

A saddled, fiery horse lives in a man’s heart”

THE KYRGYZ HORSE

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Toru Aigyr was a magnificent, fiery, brown horse who, with his master, set off to fight what was expected to be a very long battle. After a long passage of time, Toru Aigyr and his master had still not returned, but people never gave up hope that they would one day

appear. At long last, Toru Aigyr was seen racing towards his master’s house, where he hung his head, neighed and raced away. With that deed, the people knew their beloved hero had died but were grateful that his faith-ful horse had come back to give them the sad news.

At Chabysh is a long-distance horse race. Horses must be at least 3 years old, and riders must be at least the age of 13.

Ulak-tartysh or (also known as kok-boru) is played between two mounted teams that compete over a goat carcass.

Kyz kuumai is a traditional game in which a young man has to catch up with a girl and kiss her while galloping.

Oodarysh is when two men wrestle on horseback, trying to throw one another off of his horse.

Kyrgyz horses are bred to be tranquil and relaxed with all riders in all weather conditions. It is a great opportunity to learn how to ride horseback, and it is easy to rent a horse for a few hours or for a few days to explore Kyrgyzstan’s mountain treks. Seeing Kyrgyzstan on horseback will give visitors a unique glimpse into the culture and people of Kyrgyzstan. When hiring a guide one can trust that he is an experienced horseman and has probably been riding since childhood.

The most popular places to rent horses is around Son-Kul Lake, Arslanbob and Karakol, but it is easy to rent horses in nearly all villages.

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His name is Manas, an extraordinary lion.

Among all men there has been no hero like him. He’ll slash through a crowd with

his spear. Those who fight with him will be killed.

THE EPIC OF MANAS

The Epic of Manas is Kyrgyzstan’s most important cul-tural treasure and one of the world’s greatest oral poems. With half a million lines of verse, it is 20 times longer than Homer’s Odyssey and The Iliad combined. To the Kyrgyz, who regard it as symbol of their culture and sacred his-tory, it represents the heart of their spiritual identity.

Dating back 1,000 years, it has been passed down through manaschi, story-tellers called to their profession through a dream. The collection of myths, folklore and legends about the warrior-hero Manas and his successors, reflects Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic past, beset by enemies and constant battles. Its theme of the struggle for freedom still resonates powerfully with the Kyrgyz people today.

The three-part epic begins with Manas, a leader of enor-mous bravery and power who unites the Kyrgyz people against foreign enemies, ushering in an era of justice, fra-ternity and unity. After he is mortally wounded in battle, the second part follows the adventures of his wife, the wise Kanykei, and son Semetei, while the third part tells of his courageous grandson, Seitek.

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In the Talas Valley, at the foot of Manastyn Chokusu Hill, stands an ancient mauso-leum, the Manas Gumbez, the reputed resting place of the legendary hero of the Epic of Manas. According to legend, this mausoleum was erected by Manas’s faithful wife,

Kanykei. To protect his body and his treasure buried with him, she ordered that a misleading inscription be carved stating that she had been buried there.

Manas is a Kyrgyz national hero and the Manas Epic is a treasure to the Kyrgyz people. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the longest epic poem in the world.

A manaschy preforms the Manas Epic with rhythmic intonations and a song-like performance, which can last for several days or even weeks.

Theodor Herzen was a very popular engraver of illustrations of the Epic of Manas, and it is possible to see his works representing the nomadic history of Kyrgyzstan in Ala-Too Square in central Bishkek.

Ghumbez Manas, situated near the Talas River in Kyrgyzstan’s Talas region, is a 14th century mausoleum dedicated the famous hero.

In the 1920s, Sayakbai Karalaev a manaschi, recited the most complete version of the Epic of Manas, and it was committed to paper for the first time. He was the only known person able to relate the full epic by heart in the oral tradition. Today, Sayakbai Karalaev is commemorat-ed on the 500-som note and is a cultural hero of the Kyr-gyz people. Today, an English version of the Manas Epic can be found around the world.

The Ala-Too mountain range in the west of Kyrgyzstan, is believed to be his homeland. The Manas Ordo Complex, a museum 40 kilometers east of the city of Talas, was built for the 1,000th anniversary celebration of Manas in 1995, which draws thousands of visitors each year. Since 1995, the complex is the site of horse games and festivals every summer honoring Manas.

The Epic of Manas reflects the aspiration of the Kyrgyz people to unite in peaceful restoration of the Kyrgyz na-tion. The epic has helped Kyrgyzstan develop its national identity after the fall of the Soviet Union.

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CELESTIAL MOUNTAINS

Here you can feel like a bird soaring to the

peaks. Cool white clouds surrounding you will

enhance the mystical and unforgettable feeling of

touching the heavens.

From their majestic ice citadels to their sweeping verdant valleys, mountains are the very soul of Kyrgyzstan. Fearless mountaineers pit their skills against peaks of over 7,000 meters while, far below, day-trippers stroll in flower-strewn alpine valleys. Crystal clear lakes reflect the ever-changing sky, and families set up summer yurt camps with their herds on jailoos, high mountain pastures.

The arms of two great mountain ranges embrace more than 90 percent of the country: the Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains) stretch for 2,500 km from east to west, while the magnificent melee of snowbound peaks, which make up the Tajik Pamir, spills its dramatic, arid slopes into southern Kyrgyzstan. More than 30 percent of the country is blanketed in permanent snow and ice.

Kyrgyzstan’s mountains are a playground for climbers. Peak-baggers head for the three giants higher than 7,000 meters. Straddling the Kazakh border in the east, Khan Tengri (Prince of Spirits) rises to 7,010 meters, its summit a perfect pyramid of marble and fluted ridges that burns in the sunset with the colors of hot coal, earning the nickname Kan-Too (Blood Mountain).

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Long ago, two rich and powerful khans lived in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. One day, the greedy and evil khan stole the beautiful wife of his rival khan. Later, he decided

to kill her and send her body back to her husband. So he organized a farewell toi (party) and killed seven red bulls to celebrate the feast. But when the evil khan stabbed the woman, her hot blood covered the surrounding rocks, drowned his

entire tribe, and swept the seven bulls away. The seven blood-red rocks that stand in the valley are still known as Jety-Oguz, which in Kyrgyz means, “Valley of the

Seven Bulls.”

At 7,439 meters, Peak Pobeda, or Victory Peak, is the highest mountain in the Tian Shan Mountain range in eastern Kyrgyzstan.

Lenin Peak, which is 7,134 meters, is the highest mountain in the Trans-Alay Range of Central Asia and the second highest peak in the Pamir Mountains in the south and west of Kyrgyzstan.

Khan Tengri Peak, shared among Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and China, is the most northern peak in the world that is higher than 7,000 meters.

Korona Peak, 4,860 meters, is one of the most popular peaks in the Kyrygz Ala-Too moun-tain range, which is located atop the Ak-Sai glacier in the Ala-Archa Gorge near Bishkek.

Vast and bulky Jengish Chokosu, known by its Soviet name as Peak Pobeda, is Kyrgyzstan’s highest mountain at 7,439 meters. In the Pamir, Kuh-i-Garmo (Peak Lenin) soars to 7,134 meters. It is famous among mountaineers as the easiest ‘seven-thousander’ in the world. Off-limits in Soviet times, nearby ranges boast scores of unclimbed peaks, many of which do not require technical skill or significant climbing experience.

Always alluring, the mountains encompass a huge variety of beautiful landscapes. Alpine valleys of verdant green plummet from glistening glaciers to noisy rivers that leap over massive boulders. Silent valleys are home to yaks, birds of prey and rare Marco Polo sheep. Forests of ancient walnut, fragrant juniper and elegant Tian Shan fir cloak the slopes.

You will come away with a heart full of stunning panoramas, but perhaps even more. Maybe it is the clean air or the long hours of summer sunlight, or the Silk Road relics and ancient petroglyphs you stumble upon. Or even the bewitching beliefs in life-enhancing rivers, but you will take away a feeling of wellbeing as though revived by the magic and mystique of the mountains.

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GLACIAL LAKES

Snow-covered mountains and massive glaciers spawn the countless bodies of water that set Kyrgyzstan apart from its arid neighbors in Central Asia. In the summer sun, the melting snow and ice carve new valleys and rivers throughout the country, providing water for drinking, farming and hydroelectric power for the entire country.

There are many spectacular lakes in Kyrgyzstan, each offering their own experiences – Sary-Chelek, Issyk-Kul, Chatyr-Kul and Song-Kul. The lovely Song-Kul provides summer refuge for shepherds and their herds, and pilgrims flock to holy springs in search of cures for troubles and ailments.Some of these have been created by tectonic plates driving mountains far into the sky. Others are glacial lakes while some are karstic, born from limestone eroded over thousands of years. Each has its own legend of origin and mystique.

Lake Issyk-Kul, which means ‘Warm Lake’ is the jewel of Kyrgyzstan and the pride of its people. At an altitude of 1,608 meters, it is the second largest mountain lake in

“Water is the greatest trea-sure a man can have.”

An Eastern saying says: “Where there is water,

there is life. Where there is no water, the world ends.”

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Once upon a time, there was a city by Lake Issyk-Kul dominated by the impregnable fortress of a powerful khan. He tried to woo a poor nomad’s beautiful daughter, but she

refused the khan’s gifts, so he decided to take her by force. Rather than submit, she threw herself off the cliff and fell to her death. Suddenly the unassailable walls of the city shook, the earth split, and water gushed out of a crevice washing the for-

tress and city away. It is said that, sometimes, on a very still night, one can hear the beautiful singing of the young woman from Issyk-Kul.

Chatyr-Kul is an alpine lake with an altitude of 3,530 meters, located between the At-Bashi and Torugart-Too mountain ridge in the Naryn region.

Ala-Kul Lake is on the popular trekking routes between Karakol Gorge and Altyn-Arashan, at an altitude 3,532 meters.

Song-Kol Lake, at an altitude of 3,016-meters, is an alpine lake situated in the Naryn Province where one can experience the nomadic life of Kyrgyz shepherds.

At an altitude of 1,878 meters, Sary-Chelek Lake is known for its clean and pure water that comes from the Chatkal and At-Oynok mountains in the Jalal-Abad region.

the world, a seaside playground for visitors, and a haven for hundreds of birds and animals. Although engulfed by alpine peaks, the saline composition of this inland sea ensures that it never freezes. According to legend, its source springs from the hot center of the earth filling a bowl that is 182 kilometers long, up to 62 kilometers wide and has an official depth of 702 meters, The lake’s serene surface can change in an instant to form mountainous waves, whipped up by winds from the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Each August the ice-locked Merzbacher Lake on the Northern Inylchek Glacier bursts through its ice wall, sending a dramatic plume of water into the air. The run-off from this and 6,500 other glaciers feeds the trickling streams, which meander through lush mountain pastures before converging noisily in mighty rivers such as the 720-km long Naryn and the Chui River in the north. Their furious white waters attract rafters and kayakers from around the world. But if the mountains feature a constant rush of water, the parched lowlands burn hot and dry. In the south, fields of sunflowers turn their faces to the sun.

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Flowers and trees are gifts of the

Gods in which the irreplaceable trea-sures of the animal kingdom dwell and

thrive.

FLORA and FAUNA

Kyrgyzstan’s landscape, blessed and bedeviled by dra-matic ranges of altitudes and weather conditions, sup-ports an astoundingly rich variety of plant and animal life. Above 3,500 meters, dwell wild rams, hares, snow leop-ards, mountain goats, lynxes, grey marmots, and silver- and narrow-skulled field vole.

Marco Polo sheep, with their horns comically coiled out-ward, tread the high mountains along with the world’s largest ibex, whose sickle-like horns curl up 60 inches. The Tian Shan brown bear and grey wolf patrol the valleys near Bishkek and Karakol. But visitors are most likely to see marmots, bundles of fur with shrill shrieks. The giant Menzbier marmot lives only in the Tian Shan mountain range. Most spectacular of all is the endangered snow leopard. Graceful and swift, its muscular build and long tail used for balance ensures its survival among snow-bound peaks.

Kyrgyzstan is also renowned for its botanical diversity, with some 400 species exclusive to this country. Through-out Kyrgyzstan the most common flora are Greig, Kaufmann and Kolpakowsky tulips, edelweiss, Tian-Shan

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Once upon a time there was a rich man whose daughter, Aigul, had a face like the moon. She fell in love with a fearless warrior, Kozu Ulan. Fighting off invaders, he was killed and his heart was

brought back to the village. Overcome with grief, Aigul climbed to the top of a hill, then threw herself onto a rock far below. Where her blood spilled, beautiful flowers soon appeared. Inside

the lily-like aigul flower, there are big drops of dew, which Kyrgyz say are Aigul`s tears. The rock where she fell is called Aigul-Tash, while the rock opposite is called Ulan Kozu.

The Kyrgyz government protects the population of the endangered snow leopard, but they are nearly impossible to spot because they blend so well into their natural mountain habitat.

Marko Polo sheep dwell high in the mountains, even above 3,000 meters, and can been seen in the most remote regions.

From July to September, Edelweiss bloom above 2,000 meters throughout Kyrgyzstan.

The rare Aigul flower is found only in the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan.

and Semyonov fir, and juniper. Several of Kyrgyzstan’s species of flora are protected and can be difficult to find without a guide. The rare aigul flower grows in the Alai Range in the Batken region of south Kyrgyzstan. The south also boasts globally important forests, including rare types of walnut and pistachio that are testament to the untouched wildness of this extraordinary land.

Kyrgyzstan has protected its flora and fauna by creating nature reserves and national parks. There are 83 protected national parks with a total area of 761,300 hectares, rough-ly four percent of the total land area of the country. The Is-syk-Kul Biosphere Reserve, surrounding Lake Issyk-Kul, hosts a large variety of ecosystems, ranging from desert to alpine tundra. Originally founded in 1948 to preserve water resources, it also protects winter migratory water-fowl populations. It was designated a Ramsar Wetland in the 1970s, and hosts up to 70,000 birds annually. Seven of Issyk-Kul 28 fish species are found nowhere else in the world. Other important national parks are Ala-Archa near Bishkek and Karakol National Park outside of Kara-kol in Issyk-Kul region.

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A backdrop of snowy peaks follows you

wherever you go in Bishkek since the

city is surrounded by the Tian-Shan and

Pamir-Alai mountain ranges.

WARM BISHKEK

Spending two or three days in Bishkek, the small but cozy capital of Kyrgyzstan, can give visitors a full perspective of city life in this mountainous country. Originally a Silk Road trading post, then a 19th century Russian garrison, its name refers to the wooden utensil, or bishkek, used to make the national drink, kymyz, which is fermented mare’s milk.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the snow-clad Kyrgyz Ala-Too Mountains, Bishkek is a city of wide boulevards, tree-lined avenues and imposing statues. Home to around one million people, its majestic, marble-fronted public buildings are interspersed with Soviet apartment blocks and Slavic-style houses amidst gardens of blossoming apricot and apple trees. The summer thaws of the nearby mountain peaks bring Bishkek’s parks and gardens to life despite an arid summer climate.

Kyrgyzstan’s major museums, including the State Historical Museum (one of Central Asia’s largest), art galleries, theatres and department stores are found here as well as the giant Osh bazaar. The Philharmonic Theater and the Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theater offer the cultural entertainment of an international city.

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Once upon a time, a hero named Bishkek, who was neither rich nor noble, died and his children built his gumbez (mausoleum) on the banks of the Alamedin River. One day, a

passing merchant’s cart broke down in front of the gumbez and, since he could not cross the river, he sold his goods there. The next time he passed the gumbez, he made a sacrifice and again managed to sell all his wares. Other merchants began to do the same, and soon this

place became known as Bishkek.

The changing of the guards, who symbolically protect the largest flag of Kyrgyzstan, is a ritual that takes place every two hours at the Ala-Too Square in the heart of Bishkek.

A monument of three granite columns, conjoined by a tunduk, symbolizes a yurt that pro-tects an eternal flame to commemorate victory in the Second World War in Victory Park.

The White House in Bishkek is now the official office of the President and House of Parliament in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Chinghiz Aitmatov was a famous Kyrgyz writer whose books are loved in many countries around the world, the most famous of which are Jamila and The White Ship.

Culturally diverse, modern and forward-looking, Bishkek is full of bustling life and energy. On warm summer evenings, there is nothing more delightful than relaxing in shady Panfilov Park amid cheerful groups and families or dining in Bishkek’s many outdoor cafes. As darkness falls, music pulsates from lively bars, restaurants serve up tasty dishes, from laghman to pizza, and the delicious aroma of shashlik wafts from the many street stalls. Bishkek also offers a range of ethnic cuisine from Italian, Turkish, Chinese, Korean and, of course, Russian and Kyrgyz restaurants that have sprung up around the ever-growing city.

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INSPIRING SPORTS …it gets into your blood, under your skin. There is

something about this coun-try that excites visitors and makes them want to extend

their stay or return again and again.

Ian Claytor

Kyrgyzstan is a playground for sportsmen and women – biking, skiing, running, sailing, kayaking, trekking, rock climbing, and many other sports, whether extreme or merely inspiring. Visitors feel they are the first humans to blaze new trails or explore the untouched landscapes of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan is a paradise for those looking to push themselves against nature and test their skills in con-quering high altitude sports.

Trekking

Kyrgyzstan is a trekking destination for anyone who loves exploring mountains and ice-capped peaks. Treks can last a day or a week or more, across Kyrgyzstan’s diverse to-pography – lush grassy fields, rugged rocky paths, and ice-packed glaciers. Among the most popular trekking destina-tions is Ala-Kul Lake near Karakol in the east.

Horseback Riding

Kyrgyz people believe the best way to see Kyrgyzstan is on horseback. The tradition of horseback riding emanates from the nomadic history of Kyrgyzstan, whose horses are bread to handle harsh conditions, heavy bags, high moun-tain passes and the unpredictability of Kyrgyzstan’s cli-mate. Lake Song-Kul is a popular destination for horseback lovers with its nomadic yurt camps and pristine scenery of snow-capped mountains.

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Cycling

Kyrgyzstan is a cycling paradise that offers breathtaking scenery, mountain passes, lakeside beaches, and people who welcome you into their homes. Love for cycling is growing locally, and Kyrgyzstan is fast becoming a key destination for cyclists who want to challenge their limits.

Skiing

Kyrgyzstan offers nearly unlimited opportunities for resort and off-piste skiing. The best destination for resort and backcountry skiing is near Karakol, on Lake Issyk-Kul’s far eastern side shore.

Kayaking and RaftingKayaking and rafting offer extreme sports enthusiasts a whole new experience of whitewater rapids through end-less river valleys. Water sports can take place in lowland rivers or churning rapids in the remote and picturesque wa-ters of Kyrgyzstan. The Chui, Chong Kemin, and Kokome-ren Rivers offer the best rapids for levels 2-4, and the Naryn and Suusamyr Valley Rivers for levels 3-4.

Riding a Kyrgyz horse into the mountains takes a person back to nomadic times – but with a few modern comforts.

Visitors can rent or bring their bicycles to tour around the country and discover the untouched landscape of Kyrgyzstan.

Rafting on the Chui River is a rush of adrenaline worth experiencing in Kyrgyzstan.

Spend winter holidays skiing on the freshly groomed slopes of Kyrgyzstan’s many ski bases – or on backcountry slopes for those more adventurous.

Whether on horseback, cycling, rafting, or skiing, visitors will experience a raw, inspiring adventure in Kyrgyzstan’s remote mountains and valleys, untouched by civilization. Kyrgyzstan is more than 90

percent mountains but 100 percent adventure!

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CULTURAL and ECO-TOURISM

Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing

but footprints, and this will protect Kyrgyzstan’s natural environment for

generations to come.

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most pristine places on earth. It has maintained its nomadic traditions, rich heritage, and cultural continuity that date back thousands of years. Its ecological wealth and diversity has fed its way of life supporting seasonal migration and preserving its cultural identity.

Located on the Great Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan has always been a crossroads of trade and cultural exchange among China, Iran, India and Arab states. It has become home for more than 80 nationalities and ethnic communities, including Kyrgyz, Russians, Ukrainians, Uzbeks, Ger-mans, Tatars, Kazakhs, Uigurs and Tajiks. As a multicul-tural state, Kyrgyzstan has a rich variety of languages, literature, folklore, arts, crafts, customs and communities that lend color and variety to Kyrgyz culture. The Kyrgyz Republic firmly upholds the equality of all communities; the official languages are Kyrgyz and Russian.

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Kyrgyz nomads have always lived a sustainable balance between using and protecting their nature. Nomadic culture revolves around nature and living with naturally made products. The yurt is the Kyrgyz national dwelling, made from felt typically from the shepherd’s own sheep. Horseback is the most common transport for shepherds since jeeps cannot navigate the steep terrain.

Many tour companies state, “We kindly ask that all of our guests be conscious of their impact on nature and always make an effort to protect the environment.”

Spending a night in a yurt is the best way to experience life as a nomad, with a table full of fresh food and many courses.

In a Kyrgyz Yurt you will see the relationship that Kyrgyz people have with nature all the products within a yurt are handmade and represent the nature of Kyrgyzstan.

Protecting the environment and preserving the stability of nature are keys to maintaining Kyrgyzstan’s reputation as a haven for ecotourism.

The Open Air Museum of petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata demonstrates the culture and religions of ancient times.

During nomadic times, forty beautiful Kyrgyz girls climbed a mountain pass to collect flowers, but the pass was high and difficult to traverse. Once through the pass, snow clouds formed and a snowstorm began to brew on the ridge. The girls huddled together to keep from freezing, but they fell asleep. While sleeping, the snow covered them, and they never returned. Since these

times, nomads have climbed this pass and turned to the east to pray for these girls.

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Visa Requirements:

Visa Free Regime: Citizens of the following countries do not need visas to enter Kyrgyzstan for less than a 60-day visit: Australia, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cuba, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arabian Emirates, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vatican and Vietnam.

The Simplified Visa Regime: Citizens of other countries may obtain a one-month visa from the Embassies of the Kyrgyz Republic abroad or obtain a visa at Manas International Airport in Bishkek upon arrival. Visa can be provided only in case if there is an invitation/visa support provided by a company of the country of destination. Alternatively, tour companies can assist with obtaining a visa. Visa costs vary from country to country. Please check visa requirements before traveling to the Kyrgyz Republic.

Airlines: Major international airlines flying to Bishkek are: Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Pegasus, AtlasGlobal, FlyDubai, China Southern Airlines, Air Astana, Uzbek Airlines, Tajik Air. It is possible to fly to Almaty, Kazakhstan, then take a bus to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Time: GMT + 6 hours

Language: State language: Kyrgyz; Official language; Russian.

Money: The national currency is the Kyrgyz SomCurrency Exchange: Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange offices

throughout the country. The US dollar and the Euro are the easiest currencies to exchange.

Credit and Debit Cards: There are many ATM machines in Bishkek, and they are becoming prevalent in most regional capitals and tourism sites around Kyrgyzstan. Visa credit and debit cards are the most widely accepted by ATMs. Master Card is often accepted by ATMs and at occasional points of sale, while American Express and others are seldom accepted. Credit cards are accepted in some major hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, and major travel and tickets agencies, but are still not widely accepted at points of sale.

Climate: Kyrgyzstan’s climate is very diverse from the northern Tian-Shan Mountains, which is typically extremely dry. In winter, northern Kyrgyzstan can reach sub-zero temperatures. The Fergana Valley, in southern Kyrgyzstan, is a subtropical climate with relatively high temperatures, even in winter.

Hotels: Bishkek offers different types of hotels from international five-star hotels to quant guest houses and home-stays. In cities such as Osh or Karakol, visitors can find accommodation in three-star hotels and cozy B&B’s and home-stays.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin continental plugs are standard.

Useful Contacts: 101 Fire service102 Police103 Ambulance104 Gas emergency service109 Telephone information service693 109 Airport Manas484 004 East Bus Station344 696 West Bus Station926 854 Railway station Bishkek 1300 209 Railway station Bishkek 2693 109 Manas International Airport

Travel Information

Acknowledgement Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco)Swiss Association for International Cooperation HelvetasRowan Stewart and Susie Weldon, the Odyssey GuideUSAID Business Growth Initiative Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators Trekking Union of KyrgyzstanAlex JohnsonAliya KydyrmaevaAndey Kartashov , photographer

Dmitriy Lujanskiy, photographerLada Hasanova, photographerMarat Danilov, photographerOksana Zagorulko, photographerSergey Dudashvili, photographer Tatiana Pareha, photographerVictor Polynsky, photographer Vlad Ushakov, photographer

Thanks go to all those who made this brochure possible:

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2016

Tash-Rabat Caravanserai

Uzgen Mausoleum

Ala-Kul lake

Mausoleum

Tash-Rabat Caravanserai (15th C) was constructed on the ancient trade route from

Central Asia to China and was a resting place for merchants, ambassadors, travelers and

other wanderers. It is the largest Central Asian stone-built construction of that time.

Ala-Kul lake is on the popular trekking routes between Karakol Gorge and Altyn-Arashan

the at an altitude of 3532m lake is 2.3 km long and 700m wide, which makes it the largest of

the 729 lakes in the Issyk-Kul Basin.

Manas Ordo Complex

The Ala-Too mountain range in the Talas region, in the west of Kyrgyzstan is believed to

be Manas’s homeland and is the site of his mausoleum. The Manas Ordo Complex 40 km

east of Talas is a holy place and a museum, which was built for the 1,000th anniversary

celebration in 1995 which draws thousands of visitors each year.