Kyrgyzstan: In a hikers’ paradise

Alpine wonders in the Land of Celestial Mountains
2023-04-08
/
/ New Delhi
mountain_range
Kyrgyzstan: In a hikers’ paradise

A diversity of over 2,000 lakes and 40,000 rivers abound the much unexplored nation

With pristine valleys, crystal clear mountain lakes and powerful alpine rivers, the Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan is a melting pot of social, geopolitical, ethnic diversity and ecotourism experiences.
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Kyrgyzstan may not be the first country on the list of an Indian traveler, but the Land of Celestial Mountains is certainly a treasure trove of undiscovered gems waiting to be unveiled. With pristine valleys, crystal clear mountain lakes and powerful alpine rivers, some of the most exotic, rare flora and fauna embrace the hiker’s paradise of the Kyrgyz valleys. A diversity of over 2,000 lakes and 40,000 rivers abound the relatively small nation, making it a perfect destination for adventurous water activities like kayaking and whitewater rafting.

With a unique cultural fusion of Russia, Persia, and Turkey, Kyrgyzstan is a melting pot of social, geopolitical, ethnic diversity and ecotourism experiences. Explore the cultural nuances of another world altogether with the Kyrgyz people, who have always been more inclined towards the charms of a nomadic lifestyle so it is no wonder that Issyk-Kul Lake is renowned for hosting the annual World Nomad Games. Some of the unmissable attractions in Kyrgyzstan include:

Ancient lake Issy-Kul 

Issyk Kul

Issyk-Kul was once a sojourn along the ancient Silk Route

Surrounding the snow-capped Tian-Shan mountains shines the magnificent 25 million years old Issyk-Kul Lake. The second-largest alpine lake in the world is also one of the few ancient lakes remaining in the world today. Issyk-Kul was once a sojourn along the ancient Silk Route that now bears remnants of history within its capricious, sparkling turquoise waters and golden sandy shores. Among its marshes, the stunning lake is home to more than 100 different species of birds and eagle-hunting is still a tradition here. The rugged mountains are brimming with a variety of hiking trails that let visitors explore its unique local flora and fauna. When hiking to the lake, gushing rivers and hot springs make for fantastic rest stops.

Finding ‘fairy-tale’ in Skazka Canyon 

Skazka canyon

Skakza canyon owns its name from the fairytale-like shapes sculpted into

Translating to ‘Fairy Tale Canyon’ in Russian, the red-rock wilderness owns its name from the fairytale-like shapes sculpted into the red sandstone from centuries of ice, wind and water erosion. Skazka canyon is one of the most captivating places that is located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Strolling through the flaming red labyrinths, laced with green alpine meadows and the snow-capped peaks feels no less than a dream. Hikers can be  fascinated with naturally occurring sculptures that resemble dragons, snakes, castles and even sleeping giants, or as far as their imagination can take them! The rock summits offer panoramic views of the Lake Issyk-Kul.

Citylights of Bishkek

Bishkek

Bishkek is a gateway to the glacier and wildlife brimming Ala Archa National Park

Nestling by the Chu River valley near the Kyrgyz Mountains is the nation’s lively and lovely capital of Bishkek. It serves as a gateway to the glacier and wildlife brimming Ala Archa National Park in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains. The surprisingly modern cosmopolitan city has a dazzling artistic background, from monumental State Museum of Fine Arts to the ballet theatre as well as the Dordoy Bazaar in the heart of the city. Soviet street art adorns the capital’s mosaic facade of the Kyrgyz National University. Just half an hour car ride from the capital is also the magnificent Ala Archa National Park with its snow-adorned peaks and alpine pristineness.

Alpine allure of Ala Kul Lake

Ala Kul Lake

Trekking through the milky-blue Ala Kul Lake is a must to-do

Trekking to Kyrgyzstan’s pristine Ala Kul Lake, through the beautiful coniferous forests and above the gushing rivers dotted with wildflowers of varying colours, is a once-in-a-lifetime sort of must-do activity. The milky-blue Ala-Kul is tucked away in the Tien Shan mountain ranges at an altitude of about 3530 m. To reach this lake, travellers must ascend to 3900 m to cross the Ala-Kul Pass before descending slightly to the lake.

For avid hikers, there is no dearth of unexplored natural wonders in Kyrgyzstan, waiting to be explored.

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