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Phi Bich Ngoc
With its rich history and untouched natural beauty, Kyrgyzstan is a true gem for those seeking new adventures. Along with breathtaking mountains and stunning lakes, this country offers many opportunities to connect with a warm and welcoming community.
Kyrgyzstan might be one of the least mentioned countries on the must-visit lists of many travel enthusiasts. Once part of the Soviet Union, it became an independent nation in 1991. Landlocked and bordered by Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and China, Kyrgyzstan is flanked by the majestic Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges to the west and south. More than 70% of its terrain is covered by rugged mountains, while the rest comprises steppes, lakes, and plains. The country is rich in resources and diverse landscapes. As the heart of the ancient Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan boasts over 2,000 years of history, connecting China with Europe and the Middle East.
About 80% of Kyrgyzstan’s population follows Islam, viewing it as more than a set of daily rituals but a cultural foundation. The people are incredibly hospitable, welcoming guests with rare friendliness, especially in rural areas. If you wander into Kyrgyz villages, you will be invited into homes to enjoy tea, traditional dishes, and local fruit from villagers’ gardens.
For adventurers who love nature, Kyrgyzstan should not be missed. Just a 10km drive from the city, you’ll find vast steppes and snow-capped mountains that stand tall and sharp like unpolished crystals, reflecting in clear blue lakes. Herds of horses and nomadic tents add vibrant colors to the landscape.
Although Kyrgyzstan is landlocked, nature has endowed it with nearly 2,000 lakes. Among them, Issyk Kul is the second-largest saline lake in the world (approximately 6,000 km²) and the seventh deepest (665m). It lies at an altitude of 1,608 meters above sea level, north of the Tian Shan Mountains, in the Issyk-Kul region, along the legendary Silk Road.
The second notable lake is Son-Kul, located in the northwest of the Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan. Nestled in Tian Shan Gorge at an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level, it stretches 28 km in length and 18 km in width. With an average depth of 8.6 meters and a maximum depth of nearly 14 meters, Son-Kul is formed by the melting glaciers of the same name flowing from the Naryn River. From late September to early June, Son-Kul’s waters freeze, with winter temperatures plummeting to -20°C.
The renowned Skazka Canyon lies on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. This unique natural wonder features fantastical shapes sculpted by the earth, water, wind, and sun. Locals call it the “Fairy Tale Canyon” due to shapes resembling mythical creatures like flying dragons, camels, hippos, and elephants. Others are reminded of architectural structures like castles, towers, and the Great Wall. The canyon’s vibrant colors, dominated by red earth, are particularly striking under the early morning sun and at sunset. Along the way, visitors will encounter vast fields of wildflowers, small prairie homes, and horses leisurely grazing on the wild grasslands.
Such is Kyrgyzstan. Majestic untouched nature and friendly people left me yearning to return to this enchanting place.
