Kyrgyzstan, the road less travelled

Last month, me and my beshie went to Kyrgyzstan, the unknown land of the Silk Roads in Central Asia.   Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country bordering Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and China.  It is one of the countries along the silk roads.  It is also home to UNESCO Heritage Burana tower and Issyk Kul lake, the second largest salt water lake in the world.  Here are my top 10 things to do in Kyrgyzstan.

10.  Visit Bazaars. 

Bazaars are widespread all over Kyrgyzstan especially in the capital city of Bishkek.    Every bazaar has its own different products from food to, electronics to souveniers.  Everything can be bought in bazaars.

Osh Bazaar in BIshkek

9. Eat at Chicken Star Restaurant

Looking for the best Korean restaurant in Bishkek?  Chicken Star is the place to be.  It is located in Erkindik 36 between Toktugula and Kievskaya, Bishkerk.

8.Eat at Arzu Restaurant

Posh and reasonable restaurant that offers traditional and Kyrgyz food at very cheap prize.  Ambiance is very nice with three areas to choose from.  Staff are English speaking.   Menu has English translation.

7. Fairytale canyon

Skazka or Fairytale canyons from the name itself are castle-shaped canyons formed from erosions.  

6. Eagle hunting and horse back riding

One of the most amazing experiences we had in Kyrgyzstan.  UP close and personal with the eagle and riding a horse just completed our nature immersion.  

5. Experience yurt camping

Yurt is a portable tent.  Yurt means home.  It is one way of immersing in the culture of Kyrgyzstan.

4.  Ala Archa National Park

Ala Archa National park is 40 km away from Bishkek.  This is the nearest nature park from the city.  This is sooo beautiful.   We found a squirrel and a humming bird during the hike.

3. Send post card to self

Visit the post office in Biskek and send a postcard to yourself.

 2. Visit the UNESCO world heritage, Burana tower

Burana tower is located 80 km east of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan in the Tokmok region in the Chuy province.  Burana tower opens at 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Burana tower is a large minaret in the city of Balasagun.  The height of the tower is 82 feet.  Few feet away from the tower are the balbals or ancient tombstones.

Burana tower

1. Play with the waves of Issyk-Kul Lake

This second laregest salt water lake in the world is so huge that it looks like an ocean.  Waves are so big like the sea.  It is the seventh deepest lake in the world.  Issyk Kul means warm lake but it was cold when we touched the water :)