Rivers Travel

Kyrgyzstan boasts a number of spectacular mountain lakes. It is possible to travel through spectacular mountain scenery and experience the traditional life of the Kyrgyz while staying in yurts. There are also opportunities for spectacular horse treks and hikes throughout.

Lake Issyk Kul, which means “hot lake” in the Kyrgyz language, is situated in the northern Tian Shan mountains in eastern Kyrgyzstan. It is the tenth largest lake in the world by volume and the second largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. Although it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it never freezes; hence its name.

The lake’s southern shore is dominated by the ruggedly beautiful Teskey Ala-Too Range of the Tian Shan mountains. The Kyungey Ala-Too Range of the Tian Shan runs parallel to the north shore.

Lake Issyk Kul

A number of small towns surround the lake. These fell on hard times after the break-up of the USSR, but now hotel complexes are being refurbished and simple private bed-and-breakfast pensions (guest houses) are being established for a new generation of health and leisure visitors. For those who like a beach holiday, Lake Issyk Kul offers beaches surrounded with beautiful mountains.

Lake Issyk Kul is 182 kilometers long, and up to 60 kilometers, and covers an area of 6,236 square kilometers. This makes it the second largest mountain lake in the world behind Lake Titicaca in South America. Located at an altitude of 1,607 meters, it reaches 668 meters in depth. It is also the site of an ancient city from 2500 years ago, and archaeological excavations are still going on.

Over 100 rivers and streams flow into the lake; the largest are the Djyrgalan and Tyup. It is fed by springs, including many hot springs, and snow melt-off. The lake has no current outlet, but some scientists reckon that, deep underground, lake water filters into the Chu River.

Kyrgyzstan can offer adventure travel at its best. This is an unspoilt country where you can still enjoy simple pleasures in relative solitude. Make the most of it now. In the next few years, the tourism industry will develop, and there will be many more visitors to this beautiful country.

Biking Holidays in Kyrgyzstan

The landscape of Kyrgyzstan offers some excellent opportunities for cycling. A 13 day package tour taking in some of the best cycling is on offer, as well as shorter trips of between 2 and 4 days out of Naryn.

Hiking Holidays in Kyrgyzstan

Hiking holidays allow you to enjoy the mountains of Kyrgyzstan up close as you climb stunning passes, pass through pretty valleys and camp in the heart of some awe-inspiring landscapes.

Horse Treks in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz are renowned for their nomadic heritage and the horse plays a central role in the daily nomadic life that many still live out as they take their animals up to mountain pastures in the summer. What better way to explore this nomadic landscape than through a horse trek!

Siteseeing Tours in Kyrgyzstan

A tour around Kyrgyzstan gives the experience of a lifetime as you travel through diverse landscapes and interact with the local culture.

BMI – Bishkek route list

Best way to travel to Kyrgyzstan from UK or USA is on BMI

The Shofar Group is based in Naryn and offer great packages or bespoke tours for internal travel in Kyrgyzstan. This is the land of spectacular lakes and mountains. Their itineraries include staying in yurt camps, horse trekking, cultural tourism and visiting the specular lakes including Issyk-Kul.

Kyrgyzstan Travel for Lakes & Mountains

Sometimes referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Asia’ because of its mountainous landscape, Kyrgyzstan is perhaps the most liberal of all the Central Asian republics. In Kyrgyzstan, tourism is largely of the outdoor adventure variety and those planning hiking or horse-riding holidays in Kyrgyzstan will find a great choice of facilities.

The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek (population 670,000). The other big cities are Osh (250,000), Tokmak (73,000), Kara Balta (54,000), Jalal-Abad (71,000) and Karakol (63,000). You can travel to Bishkek on BMI UK direct from London or with connections through London from Canada and Europe, or Aeroflot via Moscow and Turkisk Airlines via Istanbul.

Check out the Rivers Travel – Kyrgyzstan website for more details of Kyrgyzstan Tour Packages, including the Kyrgyzstan Lakes, and day trips around Tash Rabat, Chatyr Kul, and Song Kul.

Kyrgyzstan can offer adventure travel at its best. This is an unspoilt country where you can still enjoy simple pleasures in relative solitude. Make the most of it now. In the next few years, the tourism industry will develop, and there will be many more visitors to this beautiful country.

Biking Holidays in Kyrgyzstan

Biking is a great way to take in the wonderful landscape of  Kyrgyzstan. The Shofar Group offers a 13 day package tour as well as shorter round trips of between 2 and 4 days out of Naryn.

Hiking Holidays in Kyrgyzstan

An opportunity to set up camp in the heart of spectacular scenery and take in the mountain scenery up close and personal.

Horse Treks in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz are renowned for their nomadic lifestyles and the horse still plays a pivotal role in everyday life. Many also take their horses up the mountain to the summertime pastures. So, here is an opportunity to share the heart of the culture.

Siteseeing Tours in Kyrgyzstan

Tours of 13 days and 10 days around Kyrgyzstan offers the experience of a lifetime. Join with local culture and see spectacular scenery.

BMI – Bishkek route list

The best way to travel to Kyrgyzstan from the UK or the USA is probably on BMI who are memebers of the Star Alliance.