What to do in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is a country for active travelers. Each region offers a variety of activities, from hiking and horseback riding to diving in alpine lakes and exploring caves. Given the country’s relatively small size, you can experience a range of adventures across different areas during your vacation.

The ski season in Kyrgyzstan kicks off in November and lasts until early to mid-April. Most ski resorts are located near Bishkek, the capital, and affordable transfers (around $10–15 one way) are available for visitors. Tourists often have mixed feelings about skiing in Kyrgyzstan: the stunning mountain landscapes and affordable services are definite highlights, but infrastructure issues such as outdated equipment and limited snowmaking capabilities can be a drawback. The slopes aren’t always well-prepared, which may affect the skiing experience.

The main ski resort is Karakol, located 400 kilometers from Bishkek near Lake Issyk-Kul. The resort features a vertical drop of 740 meters, with slopes ranging from short runs of 300 meters to longer ones up to 4,500 meters. Several smaller ski bases like Oruu-Sai, Norus, Toguz-Bulak, and Kyzyl-Beles are within 40 kilometers of Bishkek. For freeride enthusiasts, snowmobile-assisted tours to remote slopes are available.

Kyrgyzstan offers a wealth of trekking routes. You can opt for shorter hikes that last a few hours or full-day treks, or even embark on multi-day journeys. The best time for trekking is from May to October, though high-altitude areas are best explored in late summer, as snow may still cover the passes in June. Kyrgyzstan’s trekking trails are known for their untouched natural beauty and solitude—you could hike for days without encountering another traveler.

The most rewarding treks typically last a week or more. You can follow ancient routes along the Silk Road in southern Kyrgyzstan or trek through the nomadic pathways of the Central Tien Shan. Popular trekking destinations include areas around Lake Issyk-Kul, Sary-Chelek Lake, Song-Kul Lake, the Ala-Archa and Altyn-Arashan gorges, Kyrgyz-Ata Reserve, and Skazka Canyon.

The mountains of the Tien Shan dominate northern Kyrgyzstan, while the Pamir ranges—such as the Alai, Zaalai, and Turkestan ranges—extend across the south. The country is home to three iconic peaks over 7,000 meters: Victory Peak, the highest in Kyrgyzstan, Khan Tengri, and Lenin Peak. Lenin Peak is considered the easiest 7,000-meter summit to climb, often serving as a training ground for novice mountaineers.

Just 40 kilometers from Bishkek is the Ala-Archa Alpine Camp, which hosts an annual mountaineering festival. Climbers can begin ascents here to summits in the Kyrgyz Range, which, while not as high, still present significant challenges. Another popular mountaineering destination is the Karakol Alpine Camp, located in the Karakol Gorge. From there, you can attempt peaks such as Karakol, Przhevalsky, Jigit, and Zhukov.

Horses have long been companions of Kyrgyz nomads and are a symbol of the country. You’ll frequently encounter herds of horses grazing on the mountain plains and in the gorges. Locals believe that horseback riding is the best way to truly experience Kyrgyzstan. The country’s horses are well-suited for mountain journeys, able to access remote areas that other forms of transportation cannot reach, while sparing you the physical strain of long hikes.

The most popular horseback tours are around Issyk-Kul Lake, Song-Kul Lake, and in the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains. These routes often pass through nomadic camps, allowing travelers to experience traditional Kyrgyz life, enjoy authentic cuisine, and listen to local music played on folk instruments.

Diving in Kyrgyzstan is relatively new, with high-altitude diving in mountain lakes being the most popular option. However, due to the significant pressure differences, it is recommended only for healthy individuals with prior diving experience. Lake Issyk-Kul is the primary location for diving. While its underwater world may not be particularly rich, certain coastal areas reveal ancient ruins, shards of pottery, and other artifacts.

With its many mountain rivers, Kyrgyzstan is a prime destination for rafting. The most popular rivers for this adventure are the Chu, Chon-Kemin, Kekemeren, and Naryn. The first two are located in the Chuy region and are ideal for beginners, thanks to their relatively mild rapids. Kekemeren and Naryn are more challenging and require experienced teams working in harmony. One of the most popular sections among seasoned rafters is the Naryn Canyon, while the Kekemeren River is considered the most scenic, flowing through the Tien Shan mountains. Along the way, rafters can admire snow-capped peaks and mountain gorges. The Sary Jaz River features some of the toughest Class VI rapids.

The rafting season runs from April to October, with the most intense period being early summer when the rivers are at their fullest.

Kyrgyzstan has been known as a health retreat since Soviet times. One of its greatest assets is its abundance of thermal springs, particularly around Issyk-Kul Lake. Popular locations for hot springs include the villages of Bosteri, Chok-Tal, Cholpon-Ata, Tamchi, and Bar-Bulak. Other parts of the country also have thermal springs, with Altyn-Arashan being another well-known healing destination. In the village of Ak-Suu, there is a sanatorium offering health treatments, and radon baths can be enjoyed in the Juu-Ku Gorge. Jalal-Abad is home to a spa where treatments involve local mineral waters and therapeutic mud.

Kyrgyzstan also offers a unique health treatment called «kumys therapy,» which involves the regular consumption of mare’s milk. Kumys therapy centers are located in picturesque mountain areas, where guests can also enjoy healing baths, horseback rides, and other activities.

Hunting in Kyrgyzstan is usually done on horseback, with game reserves found in nearly all regions of the country. The most sought-after game animals are the Marco Polo sheep and the Siberian ibex. The hunting season for the Marco Polo sheep runs from August 30 to October 30, while the season for the ibex is from September 15 to December 10. Fall is also the time for hunting wolves, foxes, and the local variety of partridge, known as ular.

Kyrgyzstan is often referred to as «the land of clear water.» The country’s mountain rivers are teeming with fish, although due to the difficulty of accessing these areas and transporting the catch, fishing is often a secondary activity for tourists. The most prized fish is the Amu Darya trout, which can weigh up to 5 kilograms. Other species include Sevan trout, marinka, osman, and rainbow trout. Lake Issyk-Kul is home to species such as carp, whitefish, bream, and omul, along with other freshwater fish.