14 Awesome Things To Do In Kyrgyzstan

Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a country that really packs a punch. Think breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique nomadic traditions. 

If you’re an adventurous traveller seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination, Kyrgyzstan should be high on your list. It’s no wonder that it’s one of our favourite countries in the entire world!

From epic mountain ranges to eye-popping lakes and experiencing the nomadic way of life, there are plenty of can’t-miss adventures here. We’re pretty confident you’ll never find yourself wondering what to do in Kyrgyzstan. 

What are you waiting for? Read on for our list of 14 awesome things to do in Kyrgyzstan. 

Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan: Nature 

Kyrgyzstan is beautiful, so enjoying the great outdoors should be a high priority on your list of things to do in Kyrgyzstan.

What to do in Kyrgyzstan in nature? Well, for starters, there are mountains to hike, valleys to explore, lakes to discover and so much camping to take advantage of!

Go For a Hike

I’m going to come right out and say it, if you visit Kyrgyzstan without going hiking, boy are you missing out! 

We’ve been fortunate to hike all over the world and Kyrgyzstan undoubtedly ranks amongst the best. Heading off into the hills is easily one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan. 

This alpine paradise offers some of the planet’s most stunning trekking opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice, there are trails for every skill level. 

Ala Archa National Park on the outskirts of Bishkek is a great starting point for day hikes (and some good multi dayers too), while the multi-day treks in the Alay region will be sure to get your heart pumping. 

The best part? You don’t have to travel far. You can easily visit Ala-Archa on a day tour from Bishkek or for an easy overnight, try Kol Tor Lake.

If you really want a challenge, the epic Ak Suu Traverse is widely considered to be one of the hardest and most beautiful hikes in the country. Out of 40+ multiday hikes, it’s the hardest trek Dotti’s ever done.

Read – The Ak Suu Traverse: The Essential Guide

Looking to push yourself even further? Then why not plan a summit of Peak Lenin, widely regarded as one of the world’s most accessible 7,000m+ peaks? It’s on our list!

Hop on a Horse For Some Horse Trekking

Another “must-do” Kyrgyzstan activity is to go horse trekking. Horses are such an integral part of Kyrgyz culture and are still commonly used as a mode of transport throughout much of the country. 

Kyrgyzstan is known as the “Land of the Celestial Mountains,” so exploring its vast landscapes on horseback is a pretty cool way to take in both the scenery and culture. Suffice it to say, it’s one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan. 

There are plenty of popular routes so travellers are spoilt for choice. During our visit, we chose Song Kol Lake as the backdrop for our horse trekking adventure and it didn’t disappoint. Our local guide led us through meadows, alpine passes and nomadic settlements to reach the lake where we spent nights sleeping in different yurts. It was a really neat experience! 

Read our complete guide to Song Kul Lake

Important: if you’re new to horse trekking (as we were) don’t pick an option that’s more than 3 days. Trust us, your butt will be ever so grateful! 

Visit an Alpine Lake 

Now we’ve seen some pretty spectacular alpine lakes during our travels but I must say, Kyrgyzstan has some absolute stunners! 

The country is home to over 2,000 lakes. Yes, over 2,000! And that includes Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. Which, believe it or not, you can visit in a day from Bishkek if you’re in a hurry.

Yes, I realize that I’m repeating myself here but I must when I say that no trip to Kyrgyzstan is complete without a visit to its stunning lakes. Feasting your eyes on one of these beauties is a top thing to do in Kyrgyzstan. 

Soak in Some Hot Springs

As Kyrgyzstan is predominantly a mountainous country, it has quite a few hot springs. Some are remote, some are easy to access, some are out in the open and others are in weird Soviet-style bathhouses, but they’ll all feel wonderful to bathe in!

The most famous are at Altyn Arashan, conveniently located along the popular hike to Ala Kul Lake. At Altyn Arashan you can choose from the private bathing rooms (which you enter for a fee), or the free open-air pools near the river. 

So, if you’re asking yourself what to do in Kyrgyzstan after exploring all those mountains, we have this answer for you: soak in some hot springs!

Read: Ala Kul Lake Essential Guide

Partake in some Wild Camping

Being, you know, home to nomadic traditions, wild camping is the name of the game in Kyrgyzstan. 

What does this mean? So long as you’re self-sufficient, you can camp anywhere in Kyrgyzstan. And to boot, the scenery is absolutely mind-boggling, so there is no shortage of epic places to pitch a tent. So just find a nice spot, set up your tent and you have a wonderful home for the night.

It’s the ultimate Kyrgyzstan activity to feel like a true nomad. 

Please just remember: always follow leave no trace principles and leave the space cleaner than you found it. 

Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan: Nomadic Culture 

Nomadic culture is deeply rooted in Kyrgyzstan, shaping the country in numerous ways from its history to its traditions and even its cuisine. 

This is clearly evident upon stepping foot in the country where its rich nomadic culture and traditions are well preserved. These include such traditions as eagle hunting, horseback riding, and oral storytelling.

If like us, Kyrgyzstan is your first visit to a nomadic country, you are bound to be intrigued and fascinated. Getting involved in the nomadic way of life is one of the most fascinating and enriching things to do in Kyrgyzstan. 

Try Your Luck at Eagle Hunting 

Eagle hunting has a long history in Kyrgyzstan. It is believed to have originated among nomadic peoples as a means of hunting for food and fur. The practice dates back to ancient times and has been passed down through generations, becoming an integral aspect of Kyrgyz cultural heritage.

Nowadays, tourists can sign up for an eagle-hunting tour as a means of experiencing this unique cultural tradition.

Issyk-Kul Lake is a particularly popular destination for this Kyrgyzstan activity, where there are tons of tours you can sign up for. Otherwise, you can organise a fantastic 3-day tour in advance, where you get to experience the best of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic culture.

Drink Kumis 

One of the best parts of travel is the ability to try weird and unfamiliar foods that you would never dream of eating back home. 

Kyrgyzstan has several examples of these exotic treats but kumis definitely takes the cake! 

Made from fermented horse milk, kumis matures into a probiotic, alcoholic beverage that’s popular throughout the country and has been an important part of the nomadic diet for centuries. 

Nowadays, kumis is still widely consumed by locals, with more and more tourists sampling it too. It’s fast becoming a popular thing to do in Kyrgyzstan.

Curious to see how it tastes? There’s only one way to find out!  

Stay In a Yurt, The Ultimate Kyrgyzstan Activity 

A yurt is a traditional, portable dwelling that consists of a circular wooden frame covered with layers of felt or other textiles. 

The yurt ranks among the most iconic symbols of Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic heritage and is one of the most important components that has allowed the nomadic lifestyle to flourish. 

And the best part about the yurt culture in Kyrgyzstan? You can have your very own yurt experience. 

Yurt camps, both authentic and those set up specifically for tourists, are peppered throughout the country and are easy to find. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the customs and traditions of the Kyrgyz people, and even try your hand at making traditional dishes.

During our travels in Kyrgyzstan, we spent many nights in a yurt. Out of all the things to do in Kyrgyzstan, our yurt stays with local families were amongst our favourites. 

Pro tip: Some of the best yurt camps in Kyrgyzstan are Yurt Camp Sonun at Issyk-Kul, Yurt Camp Azamat at Song Kul Lake and Pamir Nomad Yurt Camp at Tulpar Lake. While these are some of the best you can book online, there are countless others, many of which you can just rock up at and get a space!

Try the Local Dress 

During one of your yurt stays or homestays, you may get the opportunity to try the local traditional dress. Wool, felt, leather, animal hide and coarse cloth constitute the primary materials of Kyrgyz clothing, and decorations are based on tribal traditions and also drawn from nature.

The most iconic of all Kyrgyz traditional dress is the kalpak, a tall hat made of white felt. 

We got the chance to partake in this Kyrgyzstan activity during our visit to Song Kol and I must admit, it was a lot of fun! 

Attend a Festival

Kyrgyz people are rightfully proud of their culture and there are tons of different festivals throughout the year celebrating their heritage. You can expect dancing, traditional dress, food and lots more!

Attending a cultural festival is a lot of fun. I just so happened to stumble on one while I made my way to Kel Suu. Not only were there dancing and games, but I got to witness some Manachis in action. These are people who recite the epic of Manas, which is foundational to the Kyrgyz identity. 

There’s an online calendar of festivals, so you can check out if a festival is happening during your visit.

If you want something more modern, then see if your visit coincides with KolFest, Central Asia’s first international music and arts festival, held on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. Dotti attended in 2022 and really enjoyed it. 

Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan: Culture 

Soviet Architecture

Alright, let’s talk about Soviet architecture in Kyrgyzstan! The country has some of the finest examples of soviet architecture you’ll ever see, particularly in Bishkek and Osh, the country’s two biggest cities. Think large, ornate, imposing buildings that fully embrace the brutalist style.

Even though the Soviet Union is no more, its architectural legacy lives on in Kyrgyzstan. Some buildings have seen better days, but others are still standing tall, serving as reminders of a bygone era. It’s like taking a stroll through history every time you walk down the street.

Taking a Soviet architecture walking tour through Bishkek is a great thing to do in Kyrgyzstan. Check out this website for a good self-guided tour. Or, if organised tours are more your thing, this excellent Soviet architecture walking tour.

Dig in to Some Kyrgyz Food

We’ll be honest, Kyrgyz food can’t be compared to Thai, Mexican, or Japanese food, but digging into some traditional dishes is still a cultural experience and one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan. 

Kyrgyzstan’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its nomadic heritage and features hearty, meat-based dishes and dairy products (vegans out there – you’ve been warned). Oh and while we’re talking about meat, horse meat? Yep, that’s really common in Kyrgyzstan. 

One must-try dish is beshbarmak, a hearty noodle dish made with lamb or horse meat and served with a savoury broth. While we’re talking noodles, there’s lagman, which involves thick noodles served in a variety of ways. 

Another popular dish is plov, a rice pilaf dish with meat and vegetables, often served at special occasions and celebrations (if you’ve been to Uzbekistan you’ll be familiar with this). 

And Dotti’s personal favourite? Ashlan-Fu! This cold, spicy and sour noodle soup is only found in the city of Karakol and is, in Dotti’s opinion, one of the best dishes on the planet. 

For a sweet treat, you can’t miss one of the many delicious ice cream stands that are pretty much found everywhere across the country. Central Asians know their ice cream, and at less than $1 a pop, are a great bargain!

Want to try all of these and more? Why not go on a food tour?

Not content just eating these dishes? Well then, why not try a cooking class? Taking a cooking class is hands down, one of our favourite things to do in Kyrgyzstan, or any country, for that matter. You can learn to make plov in Osh or lagman in Bishkek. Yummy!

Travel the Ancient Silk Road 

Kyrgyzstan was a crucial part of the ancient Silk Road and remnants of this historical trade route can still be explored. 

While Kyrgyzstan doesn’t have many Silk Road sites remaining, visiting Tash Rabat caravanserai and the Burana Tower are both worthwhile Kyrgyzstan activities. Tash Rabat is best organised from Naryn, while the Burana Tower is easily visited on a day tour from Bishkek.

Read more about visiting Tash Rabat caravanserai

Hangout in Bishkek 

Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, is a surprisingly lively place to spend a couple of days. While it lags a bit behind European capitals in terms of development and facilities, it’s not far behind and is a rather interesting and pleasant city. 

Stroll through the city’s central square, Ala-Too Square, and admire the impressive statue of Manas, a legendary hero in Kyrgyz folklore. 

Looking for a place to stay in Bishkek? Koisha is our favourite hostel, while the Orion Hotel is great for those seeking more luxury.

You can also visit the State History Museum to learn more about the country’s past and see artifacts from the Silk Road. You can easily visit all of Bishkek’s sights independently, however, if organised activities are your thing, check out this excellent Bishkek city tour.

For a taste of local life, head to Osh Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s largest and oldest markets. You can find everything from fresh produce to traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours. 

And for something really cool and unique, there’s a Bishkek Street Art Walking Tour that features contemporary street art and old Soviet murals. It’s really awesome!

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