Issyk-Kul Lake is the world’s second largest saline lake, after the Caspian Sea. In Kyrgyz, the lake’s name means “warm lake”, as it never freezes despite its high altitude (1600 m), offering a pleasant visual dissonance for swimmers with its surrounding snow-capped mountains. It is a popular vacation spot, even during the Soviet era, and was a stopover on the Silk Road. The lake was once in the domain of the Qing Dynasty, its beauty described in Chinese annals. Aside from a relaxing swimming spot, Issyk-Kul Lake is also a jump-off point for mountain hiking routes.
Also a Silk Road stopover is the Tash Rabat Cavaranserai, a 15th century stone roadside inn still standing in Naryn. Caravanserai, the name for the Silk Road roadside inns, was derived from the Persian compound word karvansaray (combining karvan “caravan” with saray “palace”–you can read more in our article on the Silk Road). Explore its many empty rooms and marvel at its history and location.
Another incredible alpine lake is Song-Kul Lake (also spelled Son-Kul), lying at double the altitude of Issyk-Kul Lake. During the summer, it is surrounded by lush pastures that are used as grazing ground for animals by the locals. Isolated and pristine, Song-Kul Lake is a perfect place to camp and go stargazing. The region is involved in sustainable ecotourism, and you can stay and dine with a family in a yurt (tent) camp. A jump-off point to the lake is the village of Kochkor, where you can visit a handicrafts shop to see how felt products are made. Felt is the chief material used in constructing yurts.
But your first stop will most probably be Bishkek, the capital, and its nearby sights. East of the capital is the 11th-century Burana Tower, located in what was once the ancient Sogdian city of Balasagun. (You can read more about the Sogdians in our article here.) Near it is an open-air archaeological and architectural museum.
South of the capital is Ala Archa National Park, a perfect place for various activities. You can go mountain hiking, skiing, or simply sit down and have a picnic surrounded by nature.
In Bishkek itself, visit Ala-Too Square, lined with monuments telling the story of the Kyrgyz people and their quest for independence. Stop at the colourful Osh Bazaar, one of the largest marketplaces in Bishkek, to try Kyrgyz cuisine and buy souvenirs for your trip. It is also near where you can take the marshrutkas (routed taxicab) that leave Bishkek to get to Ala Archa.
If you want a fully escorted tour to Kyrgyzstan, Odyssey Traveller organises a 27-day Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan tour especially designed for the mature-age travellers. This Central Asian tour is a small-group educational program visiting places off the mainstream travel itinerary, combining spectacular scenery and encounters with both ancient and modern history. The group size is limited to 16 participants and promises focused attention and camaraderie. Click through the link to see the itinerary and sign up!