CAPITAL BISHKEK - POPULATION 5.4 MILLION - AREA 198,500 SQ KM -OFFICIAL LANGUAGES KYRGYZ, RUSSIAN
With a small population inhabiting a vast space that borders China to the east, Kyrgyzstan has long been considered one of Central Asia's most accessible countries for travellers. This has never been truer than now. Despite ongoing political tensions, tourist facilities are beginning to develop wholeheartedly across the country. Head to Kyrgyzstan before the masses do, to ride horseback across the plains, ski the glaciers of the Ala-Archa canyon, and hike the incredible trails around Karakol. Unless you've a strong stomach, though, you might want to avoid being guest of honour when the national dish Besh Barmak is served, since you'll likely be presented with bits of horse head and eyeballs, along with encouraging smiles. |
