20 Unique Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan in 2025

Ever heard of the "Switzerland of Central Asia"? That is Kyrgyzstan for you! With 70% of its landscape covered in mind-blowing mountains, you will be amazed.

When people visit this place, they cannot believe how incredibly beautiful and untouched it is by urbanisation. If you are someone who loves peace and has a desire for adventure, say hello to your perfect match with our Kyrgyzstan tour packages from Dubai and see the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan.

For assistance related to booking and planning your trip, contact the leading travel agency, Next Holidays, which will help you with everything and make sure that you have an effortless tour of Kyrgyzstan.  

20 Unmissable Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan

Do you know? Another one of the best places to see in Kyrgyzstan is Karakol City. It has some seriously cool history vibes going on. The killer culture and food scene gave birth to some deep-dyed mouthwatering food that quickly became routine for the locals.

Location: East Kyrgyzstan

How to Get to Karakol City: Take a train or a marshrutka to Balykchy. From there, get a shared taxi or bus to Karakol. You can also take a flight from Bishkek to Karakol directly.

Popular Places to Visit in Karakol City: The Dungan Mosque, the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral, and the Karakol Ski Base 

2.Find Your Fellow Shopping Lovers at Bishkek

And my friends! There are a lot of things to do in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan! It excites every tourist's wanderlust out there. It is packed with old-world charm and personality. loaded with cultural masks, allowing us history nuts and culture vultures to go through downtown, pleasure-filled.

Best time to visit: June to August

Speaking of awesome places, the Too Ashuu Mountain Pass connects Bishkek and Osh with one exciting scenic ride. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kyrgyzstan in winter. It passes through epic vistas at crazy heights, with valleys stretching out on each side. Bring yourself for some serious sightseeing.

Best time to visit: November to March

Things to do: Hiking, trekking, road trip

How to Get to Too Ashuu Mountain Pass: Take the M41 highway from Bishkek to reach Too Ashuu Mountain Pass.

Where to Stay in Too Ashuu Mountain Pass: Too Ashuu Resort is the best option. You can also stay in Bishkek. 

Making the tour even more interesting, visit Central Asia’s mega Toktogul Reservoir in the Kyrgyzstan area. An exciting Bishkek thing to do in Dubai. Home of some seriously big hydroelectric power stations. Its red hills make an unreal contrast to the turquoise waters—promise, you should visit this place!

How to Get to Toktogul: Take a marshrutka or a shared taxi from Osh or Bishkek to Toktogul. 

If you started with a small part of exploring Kyrgyzstan tourist places, make sure to check out the Sary Jaz Valley. Experience the unique things to do in Kyrgyzstan. It is kind of a hidden gem tucked away inside the country's biggest national park, Khan-Tengri.

Location: East Kyrgyzstan

Things to do: Hiking, trekking, river rafting

How to Get to Sary Jaz Valley: Either take a 4x4 car to reach Sary Jax Valley or join an organized trekking tour. 

Popular Places to Visit in Sary Jaz Valley: Khan Tengri Peak, Enilchek, Sary Jaz Canyon, and Hot Springs

6.Mountain Trek at Sary Chelek Lake

Last but by no means least is Sary Chelek Lake and National Reserve. Situated in the middle of the Western Tien Shan mountains beneath the Chatkal mountain range, you will find one of the most popular Kyrgyzstan tourist places lush with dense forest and wild fruit, as well as walnut trees. There are also seven different alpine lakes here, where Sary Chelek makes its mark as the big one.

Location: West Kyrgyzstan

How to Get to Sary Chelek Lake: Take a public transport or a car to the Arkyt Village. This is the entry to Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve. From here, get a ride to Sary Chelek Lake and explore the best place to visit in Kyrgyzstan.

Where to Stay in Sary Chelek Lake: Guest House English Spoken 

Explore History and Culture 

Osh also appears to be full-to-the-peak with historical monuments, so much so that we might also call it a living museum! This is one of the Kyrgyzstan sightseeing places. The city has become this incredible mix of cultures and traditions because Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are neighbors. Definitely worth checking out!

Where to Stay in Osh: Rayan Hotel, Jannat Resort Osh, Level Hotel, and Hotel Orto Asia

Let us not forget about Tash Rabat, back when the Silk Route was all the rage. This place became a holiday stop for humans (and their animals) as well as one of the top things to do in Kyrgyzstan, doing business along that ancient trade route. If you are a history enthusiast or not, it is definitely worth checking out!

Best time to visit: June to September

How to Get to Tash Rabat: Travel to Naryn or At-Bashy by marshrutka and take a taxi to Tash Rabat. 

For complete knowledge about Kyrgyzstan, you must read: Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan. 

Explore one of the amazing attractions in Kyrgyzstan. Pamir-Alay, located in southwest Kyrgyzstan, would not disappoint either, especially for all nature lovers out there, with its cool green range of mountains crisscrossed with classic rustic villages across its landscape. Pretty awesome, huh?

Location: Southwest Kyrgyzstan

Best time to visit: June to August

How to Get to Pamir-Alay: Take a flight to Osh International Airport and take a taxi to Alay Valley.

Where to Stay in Pamir-Alay: Stay at a hotel in Osh or stay at a traditional yurt camp. You can also stay a guesthouse in Sary-Mogul and Kozho-Kelen villages. 

Popular Places to Visit in Pamir-Alay: Alay Valley, Jiptik Pass, Lenin Peak Base Camp, Jiptik Pass, and Sary Mogul Pass

Adventure Activities in Kyrgyzstan

Located in the middle of Kok-Kiya, you will find this gem, Kel-Suu Lake. Getting there to one of the top places to visit in Kyrgyzstan is a bit of a toughie, but man, once you reach the spot, you will see it was worth every drop of sweat! This place crowns the list of favorite places to visit in Kyrgyzstan because Kok-Kiya is one of the country’s highest valleys!

 

Location: Southeast Kyrgyzstan

Things to do: Horseback riding, camping, and boating

Where to Stay in Kel Suu: Kel-Suu Yurt Camp and Kel-Suu Kyrgyzstan Yurt Camp

Picture this: Jeti Oguz Valley with amazing sandstone rock formations connecting tourists left, right, and center! This is one of the amazing things to see in Kyrgyzstan. in December. The area and structure got their names from the sandstone rock face that formerly looked like seven bulls. Great part? It is just a day trip from Karakol. 

Best time to visit: June to August

Popular Places to Visit in Jeti Oguz: Seven Bulls Rocks, Maiden's Tears Waterfall, Jeti-Oguz Health Resort, Broken Heart Rock, and Jeti-Oguz Gorge

12.Enjoy the Lasting Thrill at Tulpar Kul

The city of Osh has some really cool spots, like Tulpar Kul. Pack a picnic and check out these beautiful alpine lakes that surround yurt camps (hipster travel tents). This can be your one of the exciting adventure activities in Kyrgyzstan to make the most of your trip. You’ll see them while driving from Osh to Peak Lenin—they are that first epic spot marked on your map.

Best time to visit: June to August

Where to Stay in Tulpar Kul: Tulpar Kol Yurt Camp, CBT Yurt Camp (Sary Mogol), Pamir Nomad Guesthouse (Sary Mogol), and Sunny Side Guest House (Lenin Peak Guest House)

Put Burana Tower high on your list of must-visit tourist attractions in Kyrgyzstan. Standing tall at 25 meters, this tower used to belong to ancient Balasagun, which people cleverly figured was the "center of the world" back then.

Best time to visit: June to August

Things to do: Hiking, trekking, a tour of the region

How to Get to Burana Tower: Take a marshrutka from the East Bus Station, Bishkek to Tokmok. Get a taxi from the bus station to Buranan Tower.

Popular Places to Visit in Burana Tower: Museum, Balbals, and Small Gift Shop

14. Mountain Biking Near the Ala Kul Lake

It is true that it is one of the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan.  While you are there, don't miss Ala Kul Lake. Guess what? This turquoise beauty is located between the Tian Shan Mountains. Talk about unexpected, huh? We are talking roughly 3,300 meters up there, so she is often rocking a snow blanket.

Best time to visit: July to September

How to Get to Ala Kul Lake: Take a bus, taxi, or a train to Karakol and trek for 4-5 days to reach the Ala Kul Lake. You can also hire a taxi to Karakol Leskhoz (Karakol National Park) and start hiking from there. 

Where to Stay in Ala Kul Lake: Stay at a yurt camp or a guesthouse in Altyn Arashan. You can also camp near the Ala Kul Lake. 

If you are not impressed enough to pack your bags already, take note of Ala Archa National Park too, one of the most beautiful attractions in Kyrgyzstan. It is not just any park; we are talking about glaciers, caves, and rivers—what should we call it? Plus, plenty of tourists visit here to experience the hiking paradise.

Location: Southwest Kyrgyzstan

How to Get to Ala Archa National Park: Take a taxi or a marshrutka from Bishkek to Ala Archa National Park. It is just 40 km south of Bishkek. 

Lenin Peak, or Pik Lenina, should be on your hit list of kyrgyzstan tourist attractions if heights thrill you. Sitting near Osh City and at an over-mind-blowing 7134 meters tall - amazing, right? If mountain climbing pumps your adrenaline rush, this place has residents like you covered with a base camp ready for adventure enthusiasts. 

Best time to visit: July to September

How to Get to Lenin Peak: Take a flight or train to Osh. From there, get a taxi or take a bus to the Base Camp at Achik-Tash. Start hiking from here to the Lenin Peak.

One of the amazing attractions in Kyrgyzstan, the Issyk Kul region, is where you find this super cool lake—it is only the second-biggest mountain lake on the planet! Reserved over a mile high in northeastern Kyrgyzstan, this bad boy never freezes. That’s why it is called Issyk Kul, meaning "warm lake."

Location: East Kyrgyzstan

Best time to visit: June to September

Things to do: Swimming, paddle boating, horseback riding

How to Get to Issyk Kul Lake: Take a private car, taxi, or bus from Bishkek to the Issyk Kul Lake. 

Don't miss Kol’tor Lake; it is on the must-see list! Why? Because this Alpine lake has some killer views that will take your breath away. If you are looking for an affordable way to see the best sights in Kyrgyzstan, then look no further than the Kol’tor Lake Tour.

Best time to visit: July, August, and December to March

For those lovebirds out there, we suggest heading over to Jyrgalan. The view from any angle honestly looks like a fairytale.  A perfect Kyrgyzstan sightseeing for setting up those romantic vibes and adding to your love story!

Best time to visit: June to August

Things to do: Horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking

Popular Places to Visit in Jyrgalan: Turnaluu Kol Lake, Eki Chat Gorge, Kok-Bel Waterfall, Ailampa Lake, Jyrgalan Valley, Tulpar Tash, Kok-Bel Waterfall, and Jailoo

20. Chill with Your Partner at the Barskoon Waterfall

Ever checked out Barskoon Waterfall, one of the top places to see in Kyrgyzstan? It is seriously beautiful. You have got water falling down like 30 meters, and it stretches almost a football field wide—yes, about 100 meters! The water is so pure, you can even drink it straight!

Location: East Kyrgyzstan

Best time to visit: June to August

Popular Places to Visit in Barskoon Waterfall: Barskoon Plateau, Barskoon Gorge, Soviet Monuments, and Skazka Canyon 

Best Time to Visit Kyrgyzstan

Before finding out the top places to visit in Kyrgyzstan, it is important to check the best time to visit. After all, the weather is going to play a major role in your experience in the country. Well, there is no specific best month to visit Kyrgyzstan; instead, several months are ideal for visiting. Here’s a better understanding of each season, from peak to low, to help you plan your travel.  

Peak Season (June to August) 

Most people visit Kyrgyzstan in the summer months, from June to August. At this time, the weather is pleasant and warm, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Since the skies are also clear, you can go sightseeing and hiking in the country’s mountains. 

Remember, the peak season means that the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan will be crowded, and you will be required to stand in long queues. Hence, buy your tickets beforehand and book your accommodation early too.  

Shoulder Season (April to May, September to November)

The spring season (April to May) and the autumn season (September to November) are shoulder seasons in Kyrgyzstan. The weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer, as compared to the peak season crowds. This means you can get a better deal on hotels and Kyrgyzstan tourist attractions as well. Don’t forget to carry an umbrella or a raincoat.  

Low Season (December to March)

The temperature drops significantly during the winter months in Kyrgyzstan, making it quite cold for Kyrgyzstan places to visit. If you wish to visit the country in the low season, you can enjoy snow sports like skiing near Bishkek and Karakol. Also, you can get heavy discounts and deals on your stay due to fewer crowds. This may not be the case only around the festive season (Christmas and the New Year).  

Best Kyrgyzstan Tour Package From Next Holidays

With our Bishkek tour packages, you can explore Bishkek and kick off your journey to the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Mountains. You can also get amazing deals and offers with Kyrgyzstan UAE National Day Packages to make your trip more special. Famous for its historical spots, museums, and gorgeous mountains, there are loads of attractions in Bishkek to see—don't miss out! 

Explore the Natural Beauty of Central Asia

Get all geared up, explore breathtaking views, and discover the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan. So pack your bags and jump on a journey filled with unforgettable memories in this beautiful Central Asian country. 

FAQs

Kyrgyzstan is popular for its alpine lakes and mountains, along with its history and culture. The dramatic scenery has also led to the name “Switzerland of Central Asia”.

You cannot miss out on Ala Archa National Park, Burana Tower, Tash Rabat, Issyk-Kul Lake, Jeti-Oguz Canyon (Seven Bulls Rocks), and Bishkek on your visit to Kyrgyzstan.  

The Son-Kul Lake is known to be the most beautiful part of Kyrgyzstan. Other gorgeous places include Issyk-Kul Lake, Ala-Archa National Park, and Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka Canyon).  

Yes, Kyrgyzstan is an amazing place for tourists, especially if you are looking for a cultural experience and an adventure of a lifetime.

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is from June to August during the summer season, when the weather is warm and pleasant. This is the ideal time for outdoor activities.  

Pack your clothes according to the season you are visiting. For winters, pack warm clothes properly—temperatures can fall quite low. For summer, pack breathable and light clothes. Carry a swimsuit, a raincoat, and a light jacket, just in case. 

Around 7 to 10 days is enough to experience Kyrgyzstan. However, if you want to get an immersive experience, we recommend spending two weeks here.