Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan (What the Switzerland of Central Asia can offer)

After my three weeks in Kyrgyzstan (combined) in 2022 & 2024, I have a better understanding of what the country can offer. Whether you are a casual tourist, an aspiring mountaineer, or somewhere in between like me there are plenty of things to do in Kyrgyzstan. In this post, let me share with you the things you can do in the underrated country of Kyrgyzstan!

Things to do in Kyrgyzstan

1) Sightseeing - See the capital city of Bishkek and nearby destinations

Of course, the very first thing you should do is arrive at the capital and the biggest city of Bishkek. Whether you do it on foot or with a car, it's totally up to you.

See the family-friendly Ala-Too Square and one of the many parks in Bishkek (my favorite is Erkindik Park). Afterwards, visit the National History Museum, the Blue Mosque, the Panfilov Square and shop like a local in Osh Bazaar.

Once you're done exploring Bishkek, it's time to go out to see the magic happen. Visit the ancient Burana Tower in the Chuy Valley to see the minaret and the balbals. Or if you prefer canyons and rock formations, you have the Konorchek Canyon nearby, or the Fairytale Skazka Canyon along the Issyk Kul Lake, and the Jeti Oguz near Karakol.

Apart from these, there are several more destinations worth visiting such as the Kel-Suu, the Issyk Kul Lake itself, the Song Kul Lake, the Altyn Arashan Lake and its springs and so many more. However, some of them are not accessible in certain seasons so plan accordingly.

2) Go on a Kyrgyz Food Tour

Upon reading from Backpack Adventures that Kyrgyz Cuisine was not a love at first bite for some people, I was a bit skeptical to be adventurous and try their dishes. This is because I am a picky eater and I was afraid that I'd embarrass myself in case I didn't like the food. So during my first visit, I only ate whatever I was familiar with like burgers, pizza, and everything except Kyrgyz food though I managed to try the Ashlan Fu and an apple compote in Karakol.

However, during my second visit, I got the courage to try a variety of Kyrgyz food, and the rest is history. Dish after dish, sweet after sweets, you name it, as long as the vegetable is manageable, I'm in! I still have a love-hate relationship with the Kurut though 😉

3) Pamper Yourself

I came from a culture where spas are nothing but luxury. It wasn't a common practice in the Philippines among the young professionals. In Dubai, I became more familiar with them but they are expensive.

My trips to Kyrgyzstan opened my eyes to a world of public bathhouses and pampering yourself. I started with gel manicures then eventually tried a Banya Experience in a public bathhouse for saunas and steam rooms.

And while I thought that was it, my recent trip to Kyrgyzstan (and Kazakhstan) was upgraded to another level. I just had a full experience of the banya culture! I almost experienced everything - having good food inside the establishment, a session of peeling, a plunge into a cold pool (conquered this at last!), and a hammam together with a friend!

After all these experiences, I will surely miss them, especially having access to affordable ones!

4) Go to the Mountains - Hike at your own pace

It's no accident that Kyrgyzstan is famous as a hiking destination. Whether you want to hike for leisure or serious alpine mountaineering, there are several options for you. Kol Tor Lake hike and the Ala Archa hike to Ratsek Hut are beginner-friendly hikes that I recommend and they are nothing short of fulfillment and a sense of adventure. So go bring nice boots and enjoy a hike or two!

And if you're looking for a little challenge, you might want to check the Four-Thousander Peak of Komsomolets Peak and aim for the summit!

5) Shop Sports Apparel and Gears (Hiking/Mountaineering/Skiing/Snowboarding)

Outdoors and Sports are a casual thing in Kyrgyzstan and apparel & gear are widely available. During summer, hiking and mountaineering gears are in demand, and during winter, the skiing and snowboarding gears are in instead.

You might not consider this point important but it is for me. I come from a city where sports (and apparel & gear) are limited to certain fields due to the geography and weather, I take pleasure in stocking up on what I lack in cities with the ample supply of my needs.

While the famous Western brands are not available (The North Face, La Sportiva, etc.), Salomon is available in Gergert Sport. Then there are local and other foreign brands available such as the Red Fox which is widely used by mountaineers. Other foreign brands are The Northland (where I purchased my Aluminum Trekking Pole in Sportmaster), OutVenture, Dolomites (an Italian brand for boots), and many more.

BONUS EXPERIENCE: The Nomadic Culture at Jailoos

Last but not least, how can we forget the jailoo experience and the famous Yurts of Kyrgyzstan? Finally, I was able to experience this in none other than the famous Song Kul Lake!

Having a taste of the traditional Kyrgyz culture in a jailoo (Kyrgyz summer pastures), especially on Son Kul Lake, is yet another privilege. Sleeping on a yurt, having Kyrgyz cuisine, watching a playful game of Kok-boru where men ride their horses and fight for the makeshift ball to land a score, ah, the Kyrgyz culture and heritage is indeed so much more than meets the eye.

Apart from that, what sorcery is this? How can one place be THIS BREATHTAKING?!

I'm writing a separate post about this experience, but you bet, Son Kul Lake is just a paradise! Don't miss this out!