Why This Hidden Gem Asian Country Is Starting To Attract Adventurous Travelers
When people look for a relaxing vacation, Caribbean islands like luxurious Barbados or outdoorsy Dominica are ideal options. For a gastronomical getaway, European cities like Lyon, France, or regions like Emilia Romagna simply can't be beat. Those who are looking for an adventurous jaunt, however, should keep one underrated central Asian country in mind.
Kyrgyzstan is a thrill seeker's paradise. Not only is it ideal for the great outdoors, from its striking snowcapped mountains to its vibrant blue lakes, but it also offers a unique cultural experience where visitors can connect with local communities and learn ways of life far off the beaten path from their own. For Western travelers, Kyrgyzstan is generally an affordable destination, like many of the nations in Central Asia. If you want to embark on the thrill of a lifetime to an underrated destination, it's time to start searching for flights to Bishkek, the country's capital, and planning a seriously epic getaway.
Go where few have been
Kyrgyzstan packs a punch for adrenaline junkies and adventurous souls. Hike a gorge along Tian Shan Mountains where you can see snowcapped peaks against bright blue lakes. If you'd rather preserve your energy, horseback riding through Chon-Kemin National Park is a memorable way to experience the great outdoors. For a look into local cultures and customs, spend at least one night in a yurt. This unique style of accommodation is a great way to feel at one with nature, with most having mattresses on the floor (though there are some luxury options with lifted beds).
One of the most unique cultural experiences in Kyrgyzstan is to hang out with a berkutchi, or an eagle hunter, and to witness this long-standing tradition. Eagles are trained to hunt small animals, from pigeons to foxes, and bring them back to be rewarded with a bit of meat. It's a competitive sport and has been part of local tradition and other parts of Central Asia for thousands of years. Aside from the natural and cultural reasons Kyrgyzstan is a thrill seeker's haven, part of the adventure is simply going where few have been. Kyrgyzstan ranks as the 110th country in the world for tourism.
Book a tour
Adventurous travelers should be keen on meeting other adventurous travelers. And with Kyrgyzstan being a tough destination to navigate on your own, one of the best ways to do so is by booking a tour of the entire country. Exodus Adventure Travels offers various tours through Kyrgyzstan. Why not tack your trip on with a few other countries, and let someone else do all the planning? Their Silk Road trip offers tours through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and their Five Country Tour offers Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, which is one of the hardest destinations to travel to in the world.
Even if not for booking a tour, try not to only stick with the capital to ensure you see as much of Kyrgyzstan as possible. The country is over 77,000 square miles, so requires some proper planning in order to see the best of it. The best way to get around is by taxi, but note that they're severely limited outside of major cities.