10 Things To Do In Kyrgyzstan That’ll Show You A Lot About The Culture

Kyrgyzstan amazes everyone with its breathtaking landscape, rich traditions, culture, and people. Along with the gorgeous cities and natural wonders, the country is also visited by tourists in order to enjoy some of the most fun and entertaining things to do in Kyrgyzstan that boost up the spirit of an adventurer. Let’s take a glance at the popular and unique things to do in Kyrgyzstan for a memorable vacay with your dear ones.

10 Best Things To Do In Kyrgyzstan

Take a sneak peek into the top things to do in Kyrgyzstan. Make sure you try most of these fun activities for a memorable vacation here.

1. Riding On The Bank Of Issyk Kul Lake
2. Staying In A Yurt
3. Watch A Game Of Buzkashi
4. Bird Watching At Son Kul Lake
5. Enjoy Kyrgyz Folk Music
6. Kayaking In Issyk Kul Lake
7. Bathe In Natural Hot Spring
8. A Visit To Tash Rabat
9. Camping And Trekking
10. Shopping At Osh

1. Riding On The Bank Of Issyk Kul Lake

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Horse Riding is a nomadic traditional activity and one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan that no one should out on. Enjoying an exciting horse-riding trip on the banks of Issyk Kul Lake is surreal and super fun.

The beauty of this sprawling Alpine lake and its surrounding scenic charm is best experienced while exploring the place on a horseback. This will also give an in-depth idea about the typical Kyrgyz lifestyle pattern of the nomadic tribes of the region and will add extra zeal to your vacation.

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2. Staying In A Yurt

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Staying in hotels and resorts are usual. The best way to experience the real vibe of the place is by staying with the local people. Kyrgyzstan is adorned with nomadic tribes and many nomadic families living in the Alpine meadows of Kyrgyzstan offer stay facilities to tourists. You can spend a few days in their yurt, participate in their daily activities and learn nomadic skills.

This will give a vast idea about the typical Kyrgyz lifestyle. Living in the traditional yurt and experiencing their fascinating culture and traditions is surely one of the offbeat yet must-try things to do in Kyrgyzstan.

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3. Watch A Game Of Buzkashi

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Buzkashi is a common winter and spring sport of Central Asia and many nomadic tribes of Kyrgyzstan play this sport for recreation and entertainment. In Buzkashi, horse-mounted players try to place a goat or calf body in a goal.

This game is also known as Dead Goat Polo in Kyrgyzstan and considered as one of the popular World Nomad Games. Bishkek organises many Buzkashi tournaments in Hippodrome, so if you happen to be there during one of the matches, watching the sport will be one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan.

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4. Bird Watching At Son Kul Lake

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Kyrgyzstan boasts of diverse landscapes. From mighty Tien Shan mountains to deserts on the bank of Issyk Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan has everything. These variety of landscapes are the natural habitat of a variety of birds and splendid bird watching tours are one among the most exciting things to do in Kyrgyzstan, particularly for nature lovers and ornithologists.

You may be lucky to spot Himalayan Snowcock, White-browed Tit-Warbler, Ibisbill, Mongolian Finch, Asian Short-toed Lark Brown Dipper and many more endangered to nearly extinct species.

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5. Enjoy Kyrgyz Folk Music

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Folk music and dance of Kyrgyzstan reveal the country’s rich heritage. Known for both vocal and instrumental types; Kyrgyz folk music presents a seamless blend of Kyrgyz folk tales and sounds of the mountains, woven together.

Accompanied by traditional instruments like Komuz and Kil Kyak, Kyrgyz folk music is a treat to the soul and listening to these melodies is surely one of the best activities in Kyrgyzstan.

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6. Kayaking In Issyk Kul Lake

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If you love leisure holidays and at the same time wish to enjoy some thrilling activities in Kyrgyzstan, plan a kayaking trip in Przhevalsk Bay of the Issyk kul Lake. Riding the kayak, rowing through the calm water of the lake and enjoying the surrounding scenic beauty is surreal and invigorates the mind and soul.

Some kayaks can accommodate up to 8 people and the agencies offering such kayaking tours take care of all necessary safety measures like a life jacket, waterproof jacket, and a professional guide.

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7. Bathe In Natural Hot Spring

Nestled in a picturesque george of the mighty Tien Shan mountains, Altyn Arashan Hot Spring is one of the best places to see and bathing there is one of the most refreshing things to do in Kyrgyzstan.

Along with offering relaxation and invigoration; the heated water of the hot spring is known to have therapeutic values that can cure cardiovascular, endocrine, neurological and musculoskeletal ailments.

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8. A Visit To Tash Rabat

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If you are looking offbeat things to do in Kyrgyzstan, plan a visit to Tash Rabat. It is a well-preserved 15th century stone caravanserai in At Bashy region of, Naryn Province in Kyrgyzstan. Located at an altitude of 3200 meter, one needs to hike up the rugged mountains to experience the beauty of the place and to enjoy the jaw-dropping view of the surrounding valley.

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9. Camping And Trekking

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Kyrgyzstan is famous for trekking and camping and this is the best thing to do in Kyrgyzstan if you have an adventure-loving soul. Karakol. Issyk Kul Lake, Jyrgalan and Ala Archa National Park are some of the popular camping and trekking destinations in Kyrgyzstan.

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10. Shopping At Osh

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Osh is the cultural capital of Kyrgyzstan and boasts of buzzing markets. The list of must-do things in Kyrgyzstan cannot be completed without a hearty retail therapy at the Osh markets. One can buy embroidered shyrdak, the traditional Kyrgyz felt rug seen in yurts, kalpak or Kyrgyz felt hats beautifully stitched, leather good, pieces of jewellery and chess sets with traditional Kyrgyz figurines.

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Are you excited enough to take part in the above-listed things to do in Kyrgyzstan? Then pack your bags and head out to this stunning destination and try out most of these amazing and offbeat activities. Each activity will make your Kyrgyzstan trip memorable, as you’ll get a chance to explore the cultural aspects of the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Kyrgyzstan

Sukanya Sen

A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.