8 Facts About Kyrgyzstan, a Poor Country Nicknamed Asian Switzerland

Kyrgyzstan is a paradise for adventurers. Nicknamed Asian Switzerland, the country located in Central Asia is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north and Uzbekistan to the west, as well as Tajikistan to the southwest and China to the east.

Even though it is a small country, it has hidden paradises such as lakes, mountains and festivals. The country has also long been known for its excellent hiking and cycling trails.

According to World Bank records, the Kyrgyz Republic is a lower middle-income country. The country has mineral wealth, forests, arable land, grasslands, and has significant potential for expansion of hydropower production, the agricultural sector, and the tourism industry.

Here are interesting facts about Kyrgyzstan, according to several sources:

1. Can enter with Visa on Arrival (VoA)

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most accessible countries in Central Asia. Since August 2011, the Government of Kyrgyzstan has imposed a Visa on Arrival for Indonesian citizens who wish to visit Kyrgyzstan. The visa is issued at Manas International Airport, Bishkek and is valid for all types of passports.

2. Great cycling route

Kyrgyzstan has the most famous and spectacular long-distance cycling tour route in the world, which is called the Way of the Pamirs. This road was originally a Soviet trade route between Russia and Central Asia.

The road descends from the Pamir mountains, and is about 4,300 meters high, just after the border with Tajikistan, before the small hamlet of Sary-Tash.

Descending the detours that wind around snowy peaks to the bottom of a lush valley is one of the best bicycle rides in the world.

3. Interesting market

Kyrgyzstan also has several bazaars with stalls filled with spices and alleys filled with blacksmiths and cloth makers. Jayma Bazaar in Osh is one of the largest in Central Asia.

Traders come from China, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan to trade in the market, which has existed for nearly 2,000 years.

4. Hostels and homestays

Thanks to its growing reputation as a hub for adventure tourism, Kyrgyzstan has a backpacker-friendly hostel community. The TES Hippyish Hotel in Osh is the ultimate hangout for cyclists and bikers coming off the Pamir highways. Here, campers set up their tents in the park for a very inexpensive overnight option.

5. Delicious food

Kyrgyz food is famous for its delicious meaty and delicious lagman fried noodles typical of Central Asia. You can also hunt for street food that is unique and contains carbohydrates such as samsa, which is a hot pastry filled with meat, cheese or potatoes.

6.  Lakes and mountains

The mountainous region of Kyrgyzstan is dotted with picturesque upland lakes. One of the most popular is Issyk-Kul, one of the largest lakes in the world, whose turquoise water reflects off the Tian Shan mountains that surround it.

For this reason Kyrgyzstan is also called the Switzerland of Asia. 

7. Hunting with eagles

Kyrgyzstan is one of the few places on Earth where hunting with birds of prey is still practiced.

Usually deer, foxes, lynx and other small animals are chosen as prey. A trained hawk is capable of killing even a young wolf.

The hunting season with falcons in Kyrgyzstan starts in October and ends in February. To keep this tradition from dying out, a competition between eagles is held every year, where tourists have the opportunity to witness the spectacular appearance of these beautiful birds.

8. Trekking on horseback

One of the best ways to experience Kyrgyzstan is by horseback. Nomadic Kyrgyz people still traverse the steppes and prairies of their country on horseback.

You can also enjoy a night or two camping in the wilds of Kyrgyzstan for a glass of warm mare’s milk for breakfast.

Source : CNBC