Traveler & photographer with a passion for everything
Kyrgyzstan was never on my wish list.
But one fine day I stumbled upon an article on social media and started gathering information about this tiny Central Asian nation. And surprisingly I found that this place was full of hidden gems. Looking for a place of solitude – Issyk-Kul lake will surely impress you with its spellbound beauty.
A five-hour journey away from the capital Bishkek, this lake is situated in the northern Tian Shan mountains in eastern Kyrgyzstan.
Considered as the 10th largest lake in the world by volume, this beautiful lake is surround by snow-capped peaks.
One of the unique specialties of this lake is that it never gets freezes even when the entire country gets covered with deep snow in the winter.
Located at an altitude of 1,607 meters, this lake stretches to a length of 182 kilometers.
Widely known as “The Pearl of Central Asia”, the color of the lake changes from green to blue-ish turquoise, as per the positioning of the sun and the time of the day.
Over a period of time, this lake – probably the most attractive tourist spots of the country – has become quite popular among foreign and local tourists alike.
It also offers plenty of water sports for tourists – ranging from Jet Skiing to Banana Tube Boat Ride.
One can stay at beautiful villas, which can be booked only through local travel agencies in Bishkek.
I got my tickets through http://caesar.kg/.
The whole apartment is available for over USD 300 in June and July while the price could come down at the end of September.
Tourists are also allowed to cook their food inside their apartments. However, the tourist need to inform the agency in advance regarding this.
Alternately, you can have your food outside the resort.
A restaurant is also there inside the resort.
The best time to visit this place is between May to September.
If you want to run away from your busy life to a reclusive place then this is the place to be !
This Central Asian nation is full of mountain peaks. One can easily find mountain in any part of Kyrgyzstan once you leave the capital city Bishkek.
At the outset, you may feel that Bishkek is an insipid city with nothing much to offer. When I reached Bishkek, the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan, major renovation work was going on almost everywhere. I cursed myself for choosing this city over others. But as I explored more I found that Bishkek has a lot to offer its visitors.
Ala-Too Square
Tower with Chimes
Perched on the Tien Shan mountain range in the Chui Valley, Bishkek is home to some stunning monuments and statues. Perhaps this is the best part of this city. Wherever you go, you can spot a monument.
Monument to Those Who Died For Freedom
Aykol Manas (Magnanimous Manas). Ala-Too square.
A monument to the Fighters of the Revolution (Chui-Soviet avenue)
Kojomkul, Baatyr Kaba uluu (1888-1955). The monument was created at the Palace of Sports in 2004. Kojomkul was considered a legendary warrior of Kyrgyzstan.
Monument of Victory – Victory Square
One can also find many Soviet era buildings and apartment complexes. Also, this city has some huge beautiful parks.
Though they have a great transport system, I suggest you hire a taxi to explore this place as it is relatively cheaper. And don’t forget to visit Bishkek’s famous Osh Bazaar, where you can buy from dry fruits to salad.
Few tips: Read the history of Bishkek before visiting this city. It will make your trip more interesting. Food and booze is quite cheap. People are quite friendly and if you know Russian then it will be cherry on the cake. One thing the city authorities really need to work on is – the street lights. If you are planning to take a stroll in the night just be wary of pickpockets.
Well, not every city can be a London or Paris. Bishkek, like any other beautiful city, has its own charm and rhythm. Perhaps it is Bishkek’s great party culture and low cost of living that it is attracting thousands of travelers every year.
White House (presidential office building)
Bon Voyage 