Kyrgyzstan is a nature jewel in the heart of Asia. The mountainous region is full and stunning landscapes which made it difficult for me to decide on my top 7 places to visit.
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Comment about my selection
As I write this post I know that several of the fellow travelers on my tour would disagree. After all it is a matter of taste.
Many will be surprised not to find the famous Sary Chelek Nature Reserve, Arslanbob and the valley of Altyn Arashan in this top 7. It is because I have spend most of my summer holidays as a kid in the mountains. And I found that those locations, although spectacular, were less unique.
#7 - Burana Tower
What is the Burana Tower...
The tower is all that remains of the ancient powerful city of Balasugan. The rest disappeared with the fall of the feudal state and some earthquake.
Why I loved it...
The mix of history and landscape, plus the touch of culture as we had the chance to listen to 2 young girls playing the Kyrgyz guitar.
Discover more photos, info and planning tips on my dedicated article about the Burana Tower
#6 - The Toktogul Reservoir
What is Toktogul...
Toktogul is the largest water reservoir in central Asia with a surface of 284 sq km and an average depth of 215 meters. It was created in 1976 with the construction of a dam.
Why I loved it...
The color of the water is of an intense blue and the surrounding mountains have intriguing shapes. I really wish I had had more time to explore the area.
Discover more photos, info and planning tips on my dedicated article about the Toktogul reservoir and the Naryn River
#5 -Karakol's animal market
What is the Karakol's animal market...
Every Sunday before 10AM, Kyrgyz from the whole region come down to Karakol for the animal market, to sell and buy animals, especially horses and sheep
Why I loved it...
This was quite a cultural experience... a deep dive into the life of the Kyrgyz people. We were amlost the only tourists so our exchange with the people were really genuine. I was fascinated.
Discover more photos, info and planning tips on my dedicated article about Karakol's animal market
#4 - Jeti Oguz
What is Jeti Oguz...
Jeti-Oguz is the name of a famous sandstone formation South east of the Issyk Kul lake and parrallel to the Karakol valley. The most famous section are the Seven Bulls in the picture above but I also loved the Dragon gorge on the other side of the road
Why I loved it...
Red rock formations... my favorite type of landscape... plus the pleasure of discovering the Dragon gorge continuing on the other side was a wonderful moment
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Jeti Oguz
#3 - Drive up to Kara Koo mountain pass
What is it...
It is actually not a specific location. As we were driving from Song Kul to Kazarman we discovered incredible landscapes, especially when we were in the valley and starting our ascent to the Kara Koo mountain pass
Why I loved it...
From every angle the landcapes looked like paintings. I promise you I have not used a filter. The sharp contrasts were like that as if different artists had sculpted and painted the moutains around us.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the drive between Song Kul and Kazarman
#2 - Skazka Fairy Tale Canyon
What is Skazka...
Skazka, also known as the fairy tale canyon, is a place close to the Issyk-Kul lake were the red sandstones have been eroded and shaped by the elements.
Why I loved it...
Not love crazy shaped rocks and the red colors... this was just meant to be for me 🙂
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Skazka Fairy Tale Canyon
#1 - Song Kul
What is Song-Kul...
Song Kul, also written Song Kol or Song-Köl, is a 270 km2 lake at the altitude of 3016 meters. It is located in the center of Kyrgyzstan and it like a pearl in the mountains
Why I loved it...
The peaceful feeling coming from the landscapes and the animals, the isolation, the night in yurt...
Discover more photos, info and planning tips on my dedicated article about the Song Kul lake
Want to see more of Kyrgyzstan's beauty?
Discover more planning information, things to do and places to see in my online Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide.
Which ones made it on your travel plan?
Wauw! Thanks for these amazing tips!
Sunday we’ll leave to Kyrgyzstan and the last person we spoke to wasn’t so fond of the country, but reading this I have no more worries.
Thanks!
Thanks for your comment Gwen.
Have a wonderful trip!
Your description makes these places even more beautiful.
We are visiting Kyrgyzstan this coming 29th and will be there for a week. Is it an appropriate time to visit Song Kul, the Toktogul Reservoir? I’ve heard during this time of the year almost everything is covered in snow.
Song Kul is at 3000m in altitude. So yes, it will most probably be covered in snow.
But the amount varies from year to year.
You should ask local travel agents. I just visited once 🙂
Have a great trip!
Hi,
I’m so impressed with the presentation of your trip in Kyrgyzstan, simple and easy going. I read all the pages. I have a question to ask. Between Altyn Arashan and Valley of Flower (near the Jety Oguz), which one is the best? I’m planning to stay at one of those location only.
One more question, i don’t have much time in Kyrgyzstan, would it worth it if i skip Osh but will visit Toktogul?
Thanks.
Regards,
Romzi
Thanks Romzi
My favorite was the Valley of Flowers. But I could not tell you why, just my feeling. Both are beautiful.
I have not been to Osh and the South, so I can’t tell you…
I wish you wonderful travels!