Kyrgyzstan is an atypical yet magnificent travel destination. Covered more than 90 percent by high mountains, this splendid Kyrgyz territory is home to a semi-nomadic people, proud of their traditions which they have not lost. Kyrgyzstan therefore offers numerous unusual activities to do during your vacation, here are a few below :

Explore Lake Issyk Kul

Do you love records, mountains and lakes ? In Kyrgyzstan, you'll be spoiled for choice ! The land of the Celestial Mountains (Tian Shan) is home to the world's second largest alpine lake and one of the deepest. Lake Issyk Kul, as you'll see, covers a large part of Kyrgyz territory in the east. It's a breathtaking lake, with its 700 meters of depth, transparent waters and snow-capped mountains surrounding it on both sides. These mountains rise to 7,000 m altitude and are the only clue that this is indeed a lake, not a sea.

Explore Lake Issyk Kul on foot, on horseback, by car or by bike to enjoy its beaches, bustling in the north and wild in the south, and discover its many valleys with diverse landscapes.

Sleep in a yurt with nomads  

The Kyrgyz people have always been nomads, before the Soviet Union brought the first cities and concrete constructions to the country. Though Kyrgyzstan has since modernized and aligned with the rest of the world, the Kyrgyz people have proudly preserved their nomadic culture. Moreover, a large part of the population remains at least semi-nomadic, traveling with their livestock to summer pastures during the warm months.

There, they sleep with their families under yurts, the traditional Kyrgyz dwelling. Built without nails using natural elements (felt, leather and wood), the yurt insulates equally well in summer and winter and has accompanied the Kyrgyz people generation after generation. During your stay in Kyrgyzstan, you can experience nomadic life by sleeping under a yurt at Son Kul, Tach Rabat, south of Lake Issyk Kul or in the Soussamyr valley.

Make a felt carpet

As you'll have gathered, the Kyrgyz are a craftsman and traditional people who have always lived in simplicity and unity with nature. The basic art of the Kyrgyz is that of felt, a material used for the production of yurts and clothing as well as decorative objects. This know-how, passed down generation after generation and more specifically from mother to daughter, still lives today in Kyrgyz villages. Moreover, the country has given new life to felt by turning it into cutting-edge fashion objects sold around the world.

You can visit a felt factory during your vacation in Kyrgyzstan to see how Kyrgyz women make carpets. And why not try it yourself.

Climb beyond 7,000 meters

Kyrgyzstan is one of the world's most mountainous countries, making it a true paradise for trekkers and mountaineers ! The country is crossed by two major mountain ranges, the Tian Shan in the north and the Pamir in the south, and has three giants beyond 7,000 m altitude : Pobeda, Khan Tengri and Lenin Peak. In fact, this last peak is considered the most accessible 7,000 m in the world, so it's an ideal choice to embark on the adventure.

If you're not ready to attempt the ascent of Lenin Peak, don't worry : you'll find your perfect match in Kyrgyzstan, suited to your level. You could for example head to the summit of Uchitel Peak, a mountain at 4,530 m south of the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, tackle the immense Inylchek glacier or simply take a short trek in one of the country's many valleys.

Listen to the world's longest epic

While the Odyssey is the world's most famous epic, it doesn't hold all the records. It is the Kyrgyz epic of Manas that is considered the world's longest, so don't miss the opportunity to study it during your trip to Kyrgyzstan.

You'll quickly notice : Manas plays a foundational role in Kyrgyz identity. Streets, monuments and even mountains are named after him, and a statue here and there won't let you forget this Kyrgyz hero. The epic has been passed down generation to generation orally by nomads around a yurt. It is recited in a trance by the Manastchis, and it's quite impressive. Take advantage of a traditional music concert to witness a demonstration by a manastchi.

Traverse the country on horseback

A nomadic country par excellence, Kyrgyzstan is also a land of horsemen. In fact, you'll be amazed by the agility of young children on horseback, capable of performing stunts while you struggle just to mount your animal...

In short, you'll have gathered, Kyrgyzstan's culture and nature make it an ideal destination for horse lovers as well as beginners. The best way to visit the country is on horseback, to see remote corners, enjoy untamed nature and step into the shoes of Kyrgyz nomads. You can take horseback treks throughout all regions of the country, for as long as you wish. An unforgettable experience to live at least once in a lifetime !

Assemble a yurt

Sleeping in a yurt is an experience that will fill your eyes with stars (and literally, as it's an opportunity to enjoy a starry sky and observe the Milky Way), but you can do even better : try assembling a yurt yourself. In the small village of Kyzyl-Tuu south of Lake Issyk Kul, all the families make yurts and can show you how to build their portable home.

Watch a Kok-Boru match

This game spread throughout Central Asia is the favorite of nomadic peoples. The Kok-Boru, also known as Buzkashi, is a men's game on horseback where riders, in teams, must catch a dead sheep carcass and throw it into a goal. It's very impressive to watch, but it's better to keep a good distance from the playing field to avoid the clashes !