Why Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan is a not-so-well-known country in Central Asia, in a group of countries born after the collapse of sovietic union at the beginning of the ’90s. Like most of the countries finishing with *stan (*stan means the country of the * population, so for example, the country of Kirghisi people), Kyrgyzstan has strong roots in the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, and an often violent history with the Soviet Communism Era.
So if you are interested in Communism, nomadic tribes and very open spaces, it might be an uncommon destination for your trip.
Bishkek – the capital city
If communist architecture is your thing, this is the capital city for you. Besides a massive central square, it has a massive parliament building in communism-style and also one of the few Lenin statues left in Central Asia.
Bishkek Parliament House
Don’t forget to visit also the central market… my visit was the beginning of my path for becoming vegetarian!
Issyk-Kul Lake
One of the biggest lake in the world, it is truly a natural wonder. Along the shores there are several lake resorts, and the sandy beaches, the warm transparent water, makes you forget that you are at 1600 meters of altitude!
Around the country
Best part of the trip is actually travelling around the country, where you can find amazing communist-era bus stop with very weird statues. The reason behind this sculptures is to make the bus stop “recognizable” among the endless roads connecting the USSRS. It is like, get off at the pigeon stop! Or something like that
I forgot to mention the amazing encounters with local people, and their intense expression, a gold mine for portraits!
Fairytale canyon “Skazka”
Millions of years of water, ice and wind have created the colorful sculptures that shape this canyon, located near the Issyk-Kul lake.
This image is created stitching together two separate photos shot with a drone.
Fairytale Canyon
Kyrgyzstan
Tash Rabat Caravanserai
Along a valley connecting China and the republic of Kyrgyzstan, at an altitude of 3.200 meters, this medieval stone structure is thought to be an ancient caravanserai from the golden age of the Silk Road. Dated from around the XV century, traders and travelers were stopping here for food and shelter along the (very) long journey between China, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Tash Rabat Caravanserai
Son-Kul Lake
Son-Kul Lake is an alpine lake of Kyrgyzstan, at an altitude of over 3.000 meters. During the summer, nomads are crossing with their cattle the shores of the lake, living in the yurtas, traditional tents of the nomadic people of central Asia.
