Kyrgyzstan, a land dominated by majestic mountains that cover 90% of its territory, offers an astonishing variety of destinations for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and unique experiences. In the Issyk-Kul region, visitors can marvel at the stunning red canyon cuts, explore forested gorges, visit the world’s second-largest high-altitude lake, and enjoy skiing resorts and hot springs. Here are the top eight places to visit in Kyrgyzstan in 2025:
The capital city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, is a bustling hub filled with museums, squares, and monuments. However, the most fascinating attractions lie just outside the city. In the Chui region, you can explore the ruins of ancient cities such as Suayb and Nevaket, which were significant stops along the Great Silk Road, as well as the Burana Tower, dating back to the 10th-11th centuries. The nearby mountain gorges of Kegeti, Chon-Kurchak, and the popular Ala-Archa National Park are favored by travelers who wish to immerse themselves in Kyrgyzstan’s stunning natural landscapes without venturing too far from the capital.
Nestled at the foot of the mountain range, the small town of Karakol serves as an ideal base for all kinds of eco-tourism. Just beyond the city limits, hiking trails lead to the breathtaking viewpoints of Jolgulot and the Ak-Suu dendropark, as well as the popular Ala-Kul Lake and the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan. Almost every valley, from the Jeti-Oguz gorge to the village of Boz-Uchuk, presents a potential starting point for trekking adventures. Additionally, Karakol boasts the best skiing resort in Kyrgyzstan. Regardless of the season, Karakol is also an excellent place to discover local cuisine. For instance, the local tourism organization, Destination Karakol, organizes gastronomic tours that delve into the culinary traditions of local Dungan, Kyrgyz, and Uyghur families. Less than two hours from Karakol lies Jyrgalan, a new ski resort perfect for hiking and skiing.
While the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul attracts the majority of tourists, the southern shore offers a more tranquil environment for relaxation. West of Karakol, over 200 kilometers of the lake’s coastline is dotted with small bays and stretches of secluded beach, perfect for unwinding after hiking in the towering Tian Shan mountains. On the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, you can find charming yurt camps and glamping sites like Almaluu and Elestet near the village of Ton, Ak Tengir close to the village of Tosor, and Feel Nomad beyond the Ak-Sai canyon. Tosor also serves as a convenient base for visiting the otherworldly “Fairy Tale” canyon.
In a country filled with high-altitude alpine lakes, Son-Kul stands out as one of the most beautiful places to spend a day resting in a yurt camp by the shore. Nestled between the Sonkel-Tuu and Moldotoo mountain ranges, this serene lake offers opportunities to observe migratory birds and local herders. However, the waters of the lake, sitting over 3,000 meters above sea level, remain chilly even in mid-summer. Son-Kul is one of the few high-altitude lakes in Kyrgyzstan accessible by car, but many tourists prefer to arrive on horseback from the Kyzart Pass in the Jumgal region. Travelers new to Kyrgyzstan may find it challenging to acclimatize to the altitude at Son-Kul—it’s advisable to spend a few days acclimatizing before visiting.
On the eastern edge of the Fergana Valley, just a few kilometers from the Uzbekistan border, lies Osh—a popular tourist destination in Kyrgyzstan. The city’s modern population is a vibrant mix of Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Turks, Koreans, and other ethnic groups. Over the centuries, these cultures have coexisted, resulting in a delightful fusion of culinary traditions. In Osh, visitors can savor some of the most notable dishes of Kyrgyz cuisine. The sacred mountain of Sulaiman-Too is also one of Kyrgyzstan’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Legend has it that Alexander the Great gathered walnuts in Arslanbob, which were then planted throughout the region. This local relic, the Arslanbob walnut forest, is the largest in the world, earning the area the title of “walnut paradise.” The best time to visit is in October, when you can join local families in the harvest of walnuts. Additionally, Arslanbob is renowned for its pleasant walks through the forest, day hikes to nearby waterfalls, or longer multi-day treks to adjacent lakes. The natural beauty and the rich biodiversity make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Located in the northwestern part of Kyrgyzstan, the city of Talas was the site of one of history’s most significant battles. In 751, the forces of the Abbasid Caliphate defeated the army of the Tang Dynasty at the Talas River, marking the beginning of the spread of Islam among the Turkic peoples of Central Asia. Tourists flock to Talas to visit the Manas Ordo memorial complex, built in the 14th century in honor of Manas, the national hero of the Kyrgyz epic. In the village of Sheker, located in the Talas region, you can find a small museum dedicated to the renowned writer Chinghiz Aitmatov, who had a profound influence on Kyrgyz literature.
