Mineral springs of Issyk-Kul are the main wealth of Kyrgyzstan. The beauty of Kyrgyzstan: the museum of petroglyphs, thermal springs and high mountain pastures "jailoo Kyrgyzstan mineral narzans of Kyrgyzstan

The Ak-Suu mineral water deposit is located in the gorge of the same name, 80 km away. southwest of the village of Belovodskoye. The local mineral water belongs to the low-mineralized carbonate, hydrocarbonate magnesium-calcium narzans, and in its chemical composition it is similar to the mineral water of the famous Siberian resort of Dara-Suna.

The Alamudun mineral water deposit is located 30 km away. from Bishkek in the gorge of the same name at an altitude of 1200-1600 m above sea level. A well drilled to a depth of 507 meters brought thermal mineral water with a temperature of +53 C to the surface of the earth. Currently, the sanatorium-preventorium "Teplye Klyuchi" operates here, which is also an active recreation center - numerous trekking routes through the surrounding mountains begin from here.

The Issyk-Ata mineral and thermal water deposit is located 77 km away. southeast of Bishkek, in a narrow gorge at an altitude of 1800 m. The Arashan resort operates here with numerous hot springs and muddy mud. In addition, there is a source of clean drinking water with a specific smell, which is also used to treat chronic diseases of the digestive system.

Among the balneological resources of the Chui Valley, an important place is occupied by the Kamyshanovskoye and Lugovskoye weakly mineralized hydrogen sulfide deposits of medicinal mud. Nowhere else in Central Asia are there such a number of medicinal water outlets in such a limited space, surrounded by such marvelous nature.

Almost within the boundaries of Bishkek there is a modern “Cosmonaut Sanatorium” with its own thermal spring.

Lake Issyk-Kul is incredibly beautiful. The Russian traveler P.P. Semenov-Tien-Shansky, who visited the lake, compared it with Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and gave preference to Issyk-Kul. Since ancient times, Issyk-Kul has been considered enchanted by the local population. Before Russian settlers arrived here at the end of the 19th century, almost no one swam or fished in it. The greater transparency of the rivers flowing into the lake and the bright sun change the color of Issyk-Kul water from soft blue to dark blue tones, depending on the place and time of day. There are about 20 picturesque bays and bays. The swimming season lasts 6 months. The water temperature in summer reaches +24 C, in winter - +4 C. Crystal clear water, mineral springs, combined with a mountainous and at the same time mild, almost sea climate, create unique conditions for a resort holiday with mud and thermal treatment.

Cholpon-Ata is a resort town on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Here it is worth visiting excursions on a boat on the lake, going to the mountains, making a daily trek through the most beautiful mountainous places to Almaty, there are also helicopter excursions with an overnight stay in the mountains. Very popular among tourists are the Altyn-Arashan hot springs, lying at an altitude of 3000 m in a beautiful open alpine valley, the huge and quiet Karkara summer pasture in the upper part of the valley, the fantastic red cliffs of the Jety-Oguz canyon and excellent trekking trails in Terskey Alatau (Terskey-Ala-Too), south of Karakol. The best time to visit Issyk-Kul is September, although trekking in the mountains is best done between July and August.

Karakol, lying at the eastern end of the lake, is the main city in the region and the best "base" for exploring the lake region, Terskey Alatau and the central Tien Shan.

The best time to travel to Kyrgyzstan and travel around the country is September. In the first autumn month, pleasant autumn warmth reigns throughout almost the entire country without precipitation or midday heat.

In the summer, the temperature in the Fergana Valley rises to +35 degrees, so if there are no contraindications, you can plan a trip in the summer. At this time, you can go to the high-mountain pastures of the jailoo, take hiking and horseback riding tours in the foothills, and plan ascents.

The main healing factors of health resorts in Kyrgyzstan are mountains with crystal clear air and increased solar activity.

Picturesque landscapes of mountain valleys, cliffs and waterfalls have always had a beneficial effect on the psychosomatic state of a person, so it is not surprising that the main sanatorium centers of the country are located in the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains. After all, this is where the famous Lake Issyk-Kul is located. In terms of water transparency, it is second only to Baikal, and in depth it ranks seventh in the world. Due to the high salt content, the lake does not freeze even in winter.

There are many legends around the lake, including the famous legend about the stones of Tamerlane and treasures in the flooded cities, the legend about the relics of St. Matthew the Apostle and numerous local legends. But first of all, tourists are attracted by local beaches, since Issyk-Kul is the main beach resort of the country.

The season here begins at the end of May and lasts until the first days of October, until the temperature in the lake drops below 22 degrees.

Health improvement areas

There are 15 types of mineral springs on Lake Issyk-Kul alone. In terms of their composition and water quality, they are not inferior to, and in some ways even superior to, the famous mineral waters of the North Caucasus.

One liter of the famous Chatyrkul water contains 2.5 grams more carbon dioxide than in Kislovodsk Narzan, and the table water of the Yassi spring in Kyrgyzstan combines the properties of the famous Borjomi, Arzni and Essentuki.

The areas closest to the lake are an exclusive sanatorium and resort zone in Kyrgyzstan. The local climate is mountain-sea, offering tourists many options for recreation. On the southern shore of the lake in the picturesque Terskey-Alatau gorge is the best balneological resort in the country - Dzhetyoguz.

Translated from Kyrgyz it means “Seven Bulls”. Indeed, in the gorge there are seven huge red rocks in a semicircle surrounding the resort. Here, at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level on the banks of a mountain river, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, severe liver diseases and non-tuberculous inflammation of the joints are treated.

The method of treating diseases is also unique - stepwise acclimatization combined with hydrotherapy. Patients are gradually raised to higher and higher altitudes, where the air becomes increasingly rarefied, thereby hardening the body and increasing resistance through short-term hypoxia.

Near the lake, in a deep, picturesque gorge of the Kyrgyz mountain range, there is the famous thermal resort of Jalal-Abad. Here, several dozen hot springs with water temperatures from 20 to 50 degrees come to the surface.

Thermal waters are widely used to treat brucellosis, diseases of the nervous system and some types of gastrointestinal diseases. Alkaline hot springs are used to treat and prevent rheumatism, skin diseases, as well as liver and kidney diseases.

If you want to combine wellness with a beach holiday, go to the other side of Issyk-Kul, to the beaches of Cholpon-Ata and Dolinka. They are reliably protected from the winds and offer guests a mild maritime climate with moderate humidity and plenty of sunny days. The most famous children's sanatoriums and resort areas in the republic are located here.

Just 200 meters from the shore of Issyk-Kul there is a local natural attraction - the salt lake Kara-Kol. Due to the high content of mineral salts, the density of the water is comparable to the famous Dead Sea in Israel.

People come here to the estuaries with healing silt mud and famous clays - black, green and blue. They are extremely useful for treating skin diseases, as well as restoring the musculoskeletal system after injury or surgery.

To visit health resort centers in Kyrgyzstan you will need an identity card. A visa is not required for citizens of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, and for Russians it is possible to enter the country using either a foreign passport or a Russian passport.

For children under 14 years of age, it is necessary to provide a birth certificate, and if the child is traveling without parents (for example, with a grandmother), then a power of attorney from them. To undergo treatment in sanatoriums in Kyrgyzstan, you will need to have a sanatorium card or an extract from your medical history.

All medical staff speak excellent Russian and English, so there will be no language barrier. For treatment of children, it is necessary to provide certificates of previous vaccinations and epidemiological conditions.

Most tourists fly to Kyrgyzstan by plane to the airports of Bishkek and Osh. These are the two largest cities in the country with developed transport infrastructure.

The most convenient way to get to a hotel, sanatorium, resort or other city in the country is by bus or minibus. There are good railway connections with the suburban areas of the two capitals and the cities of Jalal-Abad, Batken, Kara-Balta, Balykchy and Tokmak. A train ticket will cost half as much, but the travel time will be twice as long as by bus or minibus. The best way to get around the city and region is by taxi - they are very inexpensive.

Kyrgyzstan is an Islamic country. 80% of the population are Muslims and only 20% are Orthodox Christians. However, other than the floating dates of major religious holidays, you don't have to worry about anything. Tourists should observe a dress code only when visiting mosques - covered shoulders, knees and head for women, it is recommended to refrain from transparent chiffon in religious places. Otherwise, Kyrgyzstan is a secular and modern country without stereotypes about norms of behavior between men and women.

In some sanatoriums and boarding houses, hot water is not supplied around the clock, but according to a schedule several times a day. If this is important, then it is better to clarify this point in advance.

How to get to Kyrgyzstan

Aeroflot airlines and the local airline Air Kyrgyzstan fly from Moscow to Kyrgyzstan four times a week. The flight takes about four hours. Flights from St. Petersburg are organized twice a week and the travel time takes just over five hours. If you wish, you can choose a direct flight to Bishkek or an option with a transfer in Novosibirsk to get directly to Osh. All flights from Ukraine and Belarus have a transfer in Moscow, Tashkent or Almaty.

History of the region

Kyrgyzstan is not the most famous destination among domestic tourists. And completely in vain! This is the pearl of the Asian countries closest to us, rich in natural attractions and traditional oriental flavor.

Few people know, but modern Kyrgyzstan has no equal in the variety of recreation options - ski resorts in the heavenly mountains of the Tien Shan and Pamirs, health resorts on the shores of the pristine Issyk-Kul Lake and on thermal springs, magnificent beaches and elite SPA hotels in Bishkek , numerous tourist routes through national parks and reserves.

Lovers of oriental flavor will appreciate the traditional life and way of life of Kyrgyzstan. This country generously and colorfully demonstrates Asia in all its glory: famous equestrian competitions, colorful yurts and colorful felt carpets, exquisite bracelets and the finest temple jewelry, delicious Osh pilaf and kumiss, colorful bazaars and fragrant spice markets, the mysterious riches of Genghis Khan and the treasures of ancient Asian empires

Today, the tourism infrastructure of Kyrgyzstan is ready to provide tourists with the necessary comfort and level of service so that acquaintance with the legendary culture and history leaves only pleasant impressions.

Tourists can begin their acquaintance with Kyrgyzstan immediately in the capital. Bishkek is not just the largest city in the country, where Kyrgyz, Asian, Russian and Persian cultures are intricately mixed, but also the oldest caravanserai at the intersection of several directions of the Great Silk Road.

Despite its location in a desert region at the foot of the Tien Shan, the city is surprisingly green and flourishing thanks to its numerous parks. Panfilov Park and Oak Park, Erkindik Avenue and Young Guard Boulevard, Kemal Ataturk Park - almost every district has shady gardens and alleys planted with silver poplars and oaks. Guests of Bishkek should definitely visit the ancient and most vibrant Osh bazaar, the Historical Museum and the Museum of National History, the ancient cemetery Khan's Graves and the Chon-Aryk Botanical Garden.

Tourists are better off admiring traditional Islamic architecture in the city of Osh, the southern capital of the country. Here it is worth seeing the madrassas of Alymbek Paravanchi and Mukhamedboy Byurk khal Muratbaev, a complex of medieval baths, Shahid Tepa and Sadykbai mosques, made in the traditional Fergana style.

Osh is the most ancient city in the country, more than three thousand years old. In addition, it is traditionally considered the gateway to the mountains. Osh is surrounded on three sides by mountain spurs, and in the central region rises Mount Sulaiman-Too, more than 100 m high. This is the historical and cultural center of Osh, most of which is included in the Great Silk Road Museum-Reserve.

The country's largest historical and archaeological open-air museum is also located here. From Osh it is most convenient to start climbing the Pamir and Tien Shan ridges, go on an excursion to the unique karst waterfall Abshir-say and the Chil-Mayram and Chil-Ustun caves.

For the beauty of the alpine meadows and snowy peaks of the Tien Shan and Pamirs, Kyrgyzstan was nicknamed “Asian Switzerland” and the country of “Heavenly Mountains”. A trip there will cost much less than to Europe, but you will definitely get no less impressions. By the way, tourists from Europe are found in Kyrgyzstan almost more often than Russians. We'll tell you why it's worth going there, what to see and try.

1. Bishkek

The capital of the country contains the remnants of the Soviet past, modern architecture and Asian flavor. Bars and coffee shops give way to traditional teahouses, shops with kumis and ayran, and among fashionable young people old men in national headdresses - caps embroidered with oriental patterns - stroll leisurely.

Bishkek is called a “green” city for its large number of parks and gardens. In the center of the capital there is a long and wide Erkindik Boulevard with old tall oak trees and a year-round outdoor art gallery where you can buy paintings by local artists. Nearby is Oak Park - the central and oldest park in the city. Some trees here are over a hundred years old. The park houses St. Nicholas Church, an architectural monument of the 19th century, and an open-air sculpture museum with statues made of concrete, wood and metal.

You can see the panorama of the city against the backdrop of the Tien Shan peaks from Mount Boz-Peldek, which is accessible by public transport. At its foot there is a curious landmark - the ancient Kyrgyz cemetery “Khan’s Graves”, where one of the rulers of the valley, Baytyk Khan, is buried. A stone mausoleum in the form of a domed tower was erected over his grave.

To immerse yourself in oriental life, go to the Osh bazaar. Here you can buy felt hats with patterns, bright carpets, stock up on cheap dried fruits and nuts, spices, take fresh flatbreads with a variety of patterns and try the popular national dish - kurut - from every counter. The Kyrgyz take these dry, salted, fermented milk balls with them for long periods of grazing in the mountains. A nutritious and long-lasting snack. Follow their example and take a kurut for your upcoming trips to the mountains, which cover almost 90% of the country.

2. Ala-Archa National Park

Ala-Archa National Park is located in the mountain gorge of the same name, just 40 kilometers from Bishkek. You can stay in the national park itself at the Ala-Archa hotel or in the houses of the mountaineering camp. The most popular route is the trail to the Ak-Sai waterfall, the glacier of the same name and the Ratsek hut, named after the Soviet climber Vladimir Ratsek, the organizer of expeditions and ascents in this region. You can walk the route lightly in one day - the round trip is 12.8 kilometers and, taking into account the ascent, will take 8-10 hours. A faster and easier option is to walk along the same path to the Ak-Sai waterfall - it is 8 kilometers and about 4-5 hours round trip. Along the way there are observation platforms from which breathtaking views open up.

If you decide to go to the end of the route, then you can stay overnight in the Racek hut - a two-story stone house, or in a tent next to it (you will be given a sleeping bag for a fee) so that the next day you can make a simple ascent to the Teacher's Peak at 4,500 meters high above sea level. To do this, you only need good hiking shoes, trekking poles and the desire to reach the top. Don't be scared when you meet a herd of agile mountain goats - they are harmless and more afraid than you. From the top of the mountain there is a view of the steppes on one side and the Tien Shan mountain range on the other. Along with the descent, the ascent will take 5-6 hours.

3. Lake Issyk-Kul

Issyk-Kul is the second largest salt lake in the world, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Ala-Too. The lake never freezes, so tourists come here all year round. In winter, many hot thermal springs are available for bathing.
A huge number of resort towns, villages and sanatoriums stretch along the coast. One of the most popular resorts is the city of Cholpon-Ata with sandy beaches, mineral springs, the opportunity to go diving, snorkeling, and trekking to nearby peaks.
For solitude, head to the south coast. The infrastructure here is less developed than in the north, but there are empty, quiet beaches and untouched nature.

City residents in national costumes

4. Karakol

The city is located 12 kilometers from the coast of Lake Issyk-Kul, at the foot of the Terskey-Ala-Too ridge. It attracts travelers not only with its picturesque mountain views, but also with historical sights. Russian traveler and naturalist, Asian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky, who died on the way to Karakol during his fifth expedition in Central Asia, was buried near Karakol in 1888. Next to the grave there is a Przhevalsky Museum, where you can learn about the life and travels of the geographer, and see exhibits he brought from his expeditions.

Another attraction of Karakol is the Dungan mosque. The Dungans are a people who migrated to Central Asia from China in the 1880s. The Chinese-style mosque, more like a Buddhist temple, was built more than a hundred years ago. To complete your cultural journey through Karakol, visit the wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral from the late 19th century, richly decorated with carvings.

Among lovers of active recreation, Karakol is known for its ski resort of the same name. The mild climate - in winter the temperature rarely drops below minus 5 degrees - and a large amount of snow make skiing on the slopes of the Tien Shan comfortable and popular among tourists. From a height of 3,040 meters above sea level, where the lift goes, views of Issyk-Kul and the nearest five-thousanders open up.

5. Canyon "Fairy Tale"

The Skazka Canyon is located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, 4 kilometers from the village of Tosor. Under the influence of the wind, the rocks formed stone labyrinths, walls and towers, and some took the shape of animals and mythical creatures. The bright orange, and at sunset the fiery red color of the rocks is reminiscent of the famous Grand Canyon in the USA.

6. Radon and hydrogen sulfide thermal springs in the Altyn-Arashan gorge

“Altyn Arashan” is translated from Kyrgyz as “Golden Source”. Radon and hydrogen sulfide thermal springs in the gorge are famous for their healing properties and are especially popular among foreign tourists.

It is better to go here for a few days. The easiest way to get to the Arashan resort in the upper reaches of the river of the same name is by purchasing a ready-made tour in Karakol. You can get to the resort yourself or by public transport to the village of Ak-Suu, and from there walk for 4 - 5 hours. The long journey will be rewarded with hot baths at an altitude of 2,600 meters, surrounded by mountain scenery. In addition to paid swimming pools, there is a small free bath with hot water almost in the river itself, as well as free natural baths right in the rocks.

Fans of active recreation can go from Arashan to the high-mountainous lake Ala-Kol or to small nearby lakes within a couple of hours’ walk. There are many beautiful waterfalls near the resort.

7. Petroglyph Museum

The open-air museum is a “garden of rocks” that were once chaotically brought by a glacier to the foot of the Tien Shan foothills. Many boulders contain ancient rock paintings of animals and hunting scenes dating back to the second millennium BC. Historians associate these paintings with religious rituals. In 2002, with the assistance of specialists from Germany, the petroglyphs were restored. In addition to rock carvings, the museum displays Turkic stone sculptures - balbals, and relics of ancient stone walls.

It is believed that it is better to go to the museum early in the morning or late in the evening, when the outlines of ancient drawings are clearly visible in the rays of the rising and setting sun.

8. Caravanserai Tash Rabat

The mystical and unique medieval monument Tash-Rabat is located at an altitude of 3,000 thousand meters above sea level in the Kara-Koyun gorge. The entire structure - even the roof - is made of stone and lime. Inside there is a labyrinth connecting 31 rooms. Moreover, most of them do not have a single window. Many passages and secret exits have been preserved under the fortress. According to one version, the building served as a Nestorian monastery, lost in a mountain gorge far from the Gentiles. Another version is that Tash Rabat served as an inn, a hotel for merchants and travelers along the roads of the Great Silk Road.
You can only get here by car, so it is better to purchase an organized tour. You won’t have to spend the night in a “medieval hotel” - several guest yurts have been built nearby especially for tourists.

9. Jety-Oguz Gorge

The main attraction of the gorge, located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, is the Rocks of the Seven Bulls. Large brick-colored rocks, lined up in a long chain, really resemble bulls lying on the ground. There is a sad story connected with them - the evil khan sacrificed seven bulls at the wake of his beloved, whom he himself killed so that she would not go to another. The blood she shed stained the bodies of the animals, and they turned into majestic rocks. In addition to this legend, the first thing travelers encounter in the gorge is the huge rock “Broken Heart” - also red.

From the gorge you can walk or take a horseback excursion to the Maiden's Hair waterfall. Another popular local attraction is the resort of the same name, famous for its thermal springs and healing mud. In Soviet times, cosmonauts underwent rehabilitation here after flights, but now the resort is open to everyone.

10. High mountain pastures “jailoo”

From Kyrgyz “jailoo” is translated as “mountain pasture”. Relatively recently, a new and now fashionable direction among wealthy tourists has developed in Kyrgyzstan - “jailoo tourism.” You are taken to a high-mountain pasture, where you spend the night in a real shepherd's yurt, wash in an icy mountain river, roast a sheep on the fire, which the owners will slaughter especially for you, drink kumiss - in general, live the traditional life of the Kyrgyz nomads. Not everyone will decide to undertake such an experiment, but whoever does must be prepared to pay a decent amount for it. The cost of such a tour often depends on the number of people in the group - the more people there are, the cheaper. The average price per person in a group of two or three participants for several days starts from about 35 thousand rubles (including transfer to jailoo). The most popular jailoos in Kyrgyzstan, where tourists are taken, are in the Semenovsky gorge, on Lake Son-kul, jailoo Sarala-Saz, Zhaman Echki, Kilemche.

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Mountain resorts are increasingly being used to treat a number of diseases. The main healing factors here are crystal clear air and increased solar radiation. The charm of mountain valleys, picturesque rocks, waterfalls, and the dark blue mountain sky has a beneficial effect on a person’s general condition. It is known that emotional influences, especially in nervous diseases, are often more favorable than other therapeutic factors.

Resort opportunities in Kyrgyzstan allow you to treat many diseases. Useful springs contain such an amount of minerals that their quality is equal to or even superior to the waters of the North Caucasus. One liter of Chatyrkul water contains 3-4 grams of carbon dioxide, and in Kislovodsk Narzan - only 2 grams. The water of the Yassi spring combines the qualities of “Essentuki”, “Arzni” and “Borjomi”.

There are many useful sources in Kyrgyzstan. There are 15 types of mineral waters known on Lake Issyk-Kul alone. There are radon springs, yielding half a million liters per day, and nitrogen-siliceous springs, yielding over four million liters per day.

Lake Issyk-Kul is a unique place with a mountain-sea climate. Many resort factors are combined here - thermal mineral springs, a long duration of sunshine (more than 2500 hours per year), etc. The annual arrival of solar radiation on a horizontal surface with a clear sky is about 143 kcal/cm 2.

Returning along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul from Przhevalsk, few people do not turn off at the twentieth kilometer. Here, in the picturesque Terskey-Alatau gorge, one of the best balneological resorts in Kyrgyzstan is located - Dzhetyoguz (translated from Kyrgyz as “Seven Bulls”). The huge red rocks surrounding the resort really do seem to resemble seven bulls. Dzhetyoguz is famous for its rare combination of high mountain climate, forest air and radioactive thermal springs with a water temperature of 38-44. Summers are cool (average July temperature is +17°), winters are mild. Here, at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level, on the banks of a stormy mountain river, patients with non-tuberculous inflammation of the joints, stomach and liver diseases are treated. Patients come here from various parts of the Soviet Union.

However, it is necessary to take into account the fact that with increasing altitude the air becomes increasingly rarefied, and this has a strong effect on the body, leading to hypoxia - oxygen starvation. Hypoxia causes palpitations, shortness of breath, headaches, and mental disorders.

Interesting experiments conducted by Soviet scientists have shown that hypoxia can be used to restore and strengthen health. This is done through stepwise acclimatization. Patients are raised first to a small height, then higher. At the Jetyoguz resort it is easy to combine treatment with radon baths and stepwise acclimatization.

Far beyond the borders of Kyrgyzstan, the beaches of Cholpon-Ata and Dolinka are well-protected from the winds. Here is a well-known children's sanatorium in the republic, created during the Great Patriotic War. On the very shore of Lake Issyk-Kul rise the slender white buildings of the Blue Issyk-Kul sanatorium. Gentle sandy shores, plenty of sun, mild maritime climate and the beauty of the surrounding landscape attract vacationers and tourists from all over our vast Motherland. But when coming to these wonderful places, you must remember that sun treatment is not always beneficial for everyone. For cardiovascular diseases, active forms of tuberculosis and some other ailments, prolonged exposure to the sun is contraindicated. The sun of Issyk-Kul is generous, but one should not abuse its generosity. In these places, in the morning and evening hours, ultraviolet radiation exceeds all types of radiation.

In a deep picturesque gorge of the northern slope of the Kyrgyz ridge, 75 kilometers from the capital of the republic, at an altitude of 1775 meters above sea level, the cozy buildings of the Issyk-Ata resort are located. Thermal springs with water temperatures from +20 to +50°, mud and high mountain air give good results in the treatment of brucellosis, some types of stomach, nervous and other diseases.

The all-Union resort of Jalal-Abad occupies a prominent place among the balneological resorts of Central Asia. Its hot alkaline springs have valuable healing properties. Treatment of rheumatism, liver and nervous system diseases, and skin diseases gives remarkable results here. But the resort is especially famous for the treatment of kidney diseases. In this regard, doctors compare Jalal-Abad with the world-famous Cairo resort. From the outskirts of the vast park of the Jalal-Abad resort there is a wonderful view of the river valley. Kugart.

The resort resources of mountainous Kyrgyzstan are still far from being fully utilized. The construction of resorts is growing from year to year. In the coming years, holiday homes, sanatoriums and resorts in Kyrgyzstan will be able to accommodate more than 60 thousand vacationers. In the near future, Kyrgyzstan will become the country's third all-Union health resort.

The nomadic past of the Kyrgyz is clearly visible in their folk customs and rituals. The yurt is still a deeply revered form of housing. Even today, all festive ceremonies are simply unthinkable without this ancient dwelling; even the flag of the republic is decorated with the image of a “tunduk” - the central circle of the yurt, on which the poles holding it cross. Yurts have always been considered both a symbol of the social status of the owner and the main example of folk traditions. The construction and settlement of any yurt here was accompanied by a huge number of rituals and ceremonies.

The yurt is maximally optimized for a nomadic lifestyle - the wooden frame and felt covering can easily be disassembled into separate packs, which can be easily transported on camels or horses (and in mountainous areas - on yaks). And it is just as easy to assemble on a new encampment (“ail”) - the lattice walls of the “kerege” are lined up in a circle, resting on “uuk” poles. The upper parts of the poles are inserted into the holes of the central circle and secured with belts or ropes. The same collapsible door frame "barefoot" with a double door "kaalga" is installed. Then this entire structure is covered with a mat and felt mats, and the floor is covered with leather, woven mats, “altygat” (several layers of felt, covered on one side with fabric, spread under the bed) and carpets made of fur or felt. Carpets, embroidered hanging shelves “sekichek”, handbags “kuzgu-kap”, woven woolen bags “ayak-kap” are hung on the walls, and chests are placed on the floor in which utensils and clothes are stored. To the left of the entrance to the yurt is the men's half of the "er-zhak", at the entrance to which horse harnesses, weapons and hunting tools are hung. On the right is the female half of the "epchi-zhak", where the kitchen was located, as well as chests with clothes and food. In the center of the yurt there was an obligatory “kolomto” fireplace, and the yurt was lit with the help of an ordinary “chirak” lamp filled with fat. The design of the yurt is individual for each tribal group or family, and considerable attention was paid to the artistic component - the richness of the yurt’s design served as a sign of the owner’s social status as well as the vastness of his herds. The most honorable place in the yurt - the "tor", was located directly opposite the entrance, at the hearth, where there is a "juk" (a low bench on which chests are placed and covered with carpets). Usually the owner or the elder of the clan was located here, and guests were received here.

Rich Kyrgyz usually had a whole set of large and small yurts - a small yurt "Ashkan-uy" (kitchen and pantry), temporary yurts - "meiman-uy" (living rooms), "erge" (wedding yurt), yurts for the second and third wife , yurts for married sons and so on. They differed from the yurts of ordinary Kirghiz in their quality, beauty and decoration.

With the gradual transition to a sedentary lifestyle, adobe houses appeared, which have been preserved almost everywhere in provincial areas, and the traditions of their construction are still alive. The house was built on the same principle as a yurt, although in some areas there is a clear influence of Uzbek and Russian traditions. A door was placed on a usually shallow foundation and walls were erected from “kysh” brick, “pakhsa” or “guvalyak” clay, and covered with a flat or gable roof made of logs and straw coated with clay. The internal layout usually followed the structure of the yurt, but due to the noticeably larger area, the kitchen ("ashkona", usually right at the entrance), the living room, dining room and bedroom in one ("meimankana") and the indispensable open terrace ("ivan") stood out. A characteristic feature of the Kyrgyz house is the abundance of chests and wall niches, replacing both furniture and bedrooms for children. Often the niches are covered with decorative panels "tush-kiyiz", suzani or carpets.

Kyrgyz carpets are a topic for a separate discussion. This is both the main element of the interior, and one of the main aesthetic moments of the country, and evidence of its ancient history. Kyrgyz felt carpets "syrmak" and "tekemet", as well as "koshma", "tushkiis", "bashtiyks", "shyrdak", "tush-kiyiz" and "ala-kiyiz" are noticeably different from the carpets of other Central Asian republics. They are made from sheep's wool and for the most part are not woven, but felted - their main material is felt. They are then embroidered with colorful embroidery using traditional folklore and decorative elements, which usually takes several weeks. But such a carpet usually lasts for more than 40 years. The same principle is used to make fabrics for traditional bags, sacks, saddle bags, as well as for decorative items. Keel pile carpets and other pile products have no less ancient origins, but are much less common due to their higher cost. You can also still find such ancient examples of traditional crafts as mats ("chiy", "chygdyn", "ashkan-chiy") and hinged doors ("eshik-chiy") made of lake reed.

Kyrgyz national clothing has remained virtually unchanged for 700 years. Both men's and women's underwear usually consists of a shirt and trousers. A men's shirt usually resembles a tunic, has a length just below the waist and long sleeves that cover the hands. Men's trousers "jargakshim" are made of wool, cotton, suede and even leather. The women's undershirt is long and sewn like a regular dress, and over it is worn a long and wide "beshmant" ("kamzur") shirt, which also serves as a dress, and long trousers. Belts served and serve as an indicator of the social status of the owner - elegant or embroidered, with silver patterned plaques and buckles, handbags and wallets show the wealth of the wearer. Everyday belts, like the belts of the poor, are usually a simple long leather belt, or a scarf wrapped around the belt, which often has a rather colorful appearance. Men's outerwear consists of a felt robe without lining or quilted robes "kementai", which are called depending on the fabric from which they are made - "pashay-ton", "kymkap-ton", "zarbarak-ton", etc. In winter, a fur coat or a “tone” sheepskin sheepskin coat is worn over the robe. Women wear a short or long sleeveless vest, a kind of camisole with short sleeves, a robe, and in winter, an “ichik” fur coat. Distinctive elements of married women's clothing are the swing skirt "beldemchi" and the turban "elechek", and the common element is skullcaps and fur hats (the headdresses of unmarried girls are usually decorated more fancifully and richly). Moreover, skullcaps created in different regions differ in shape, ornament and color scheme. Kyrgyz girls do not wear a headscarf before marriage, but after marriage they tie multi-colored scarves around their heads. Older women often cover their faces with a white silk burqa. The national symbol of the country is the “ak-kalpak” hat made of thin white felt with black flaps turned up. They also wear skull caps and national fur hats, trimmed with fur and decorated with feathers - “tebetei”.

Men's shoes consist of leather boots, leather galoshes with heels and soft boots, women's - colored boots with heels, often ornamented, as well as sandals and peculiar slippers without heels.

By the middle of the 20th century, traditional clothing began to give way to European costume; everywhere you can find people dressed in the latest fashion. However, the famous Kyrgyz robes, embroidery, metal and leather work, traditional headdresses and carpets are still much more popular than European innovations, especially in the provinces.

In a large Kyrgyz family, usually consisting of several generations of relatives living together, there is a strict hierarchy. Relationships in the home are built on the basis of unconditional submission to the head of the family and respect for elders. One of the traditional forms of the country's social structure is the custom of neighborly mutual assistance "Ashara" ("Hashar"). If a family is in dire need, then all relatives and neighbors come to its aid.

The marriageable age for a girl was previously considered to be 13-14 years old; nowadays, quite European norms prevail here, although cases of early marriage are not uncommon. The relations between the relatives of the bride and groom, and subsequently husband and wife, among the Kyrgyz are distinguished by emphasized attention, and even in bad relations you can always count on mutual assistance. Children are also universally loved, and the naming of a name is given special importance, since it is believed that the name will determine the future of the child and can influence his fate.

Islam plays a large role in the social and family life of the Kyrgyz people. Religion has determined and determines everyday, family and ideological aspects of life, and has a strong influence on political processes and art, on the entire way of life. After the Kyrgyz adopted Islam, many pre-Islamic customs and rituals either underwent significant changes or were supplanted by the traditional rituals of Islam, but many merged with the new canons and organically wove into the modern life of the country. The obligatory acts of the Kyrgyz throughout life include reading the funeral prayer ("zhanaza"), absolution of sins ("dooron"), fulfilling all five commandments of Islam ("parz"), fasting during the month of Ramadan, praying five times a day at a certain time ("namaz"), performing "orozo-ait" and "kurman-ait", as well as voluntary deduction of part of the money in favor of the poor or for charitable causes ("zakat"). A special role is played by rituals associated with the birth and raising of children, marriage, weddings, cooking and others. They often represent an interweaving of Islamic rituals with more ancient forms associated with magical practice. Clerics enjoy special respect here and participate in almost all events in the country. At the same time, the Kyrgyz cannot be called fanatical Muslims - despite all the diversity of local life, there is always a lot of secularism in it, and the religious tolerance of the local residents is widely known outside the country. Storytellers and singers ("akins" or "akyns") of folk ballads and legends are highly respected. After the name of the traditional folk epic, the most respected of them are called “manaschi”.

One of the unshakable traditions of local life is hospitality. The Kyrgyz say “Konoktuu go away kut bar” - “The guest is the grace of the home.” Since ancient times, everyone whose path passed through a Kyrgyz village did not leave it without sharing food and shelter with the owners. Shepherds of high mountain pastures are especially sensitive to this custom, however, even in the cities, no one has heard of a lack of respect for the guest. It is not customary here to refuse an invitation to lunch or dinner. The owners meet respected guests at the gate, say hello, are interested in business and life, and invite them to come into the house. It is not customary for the Kyrgyz to immediately ask questions or ask about the purpose of the visit - first the conversation and the table, and then everything else. The simplest thing for a person unfamiliar with local customs is to follow the owner’s instructions. Humor and polite attitude towards all participants in the feast are highly valued. Women usually do not sit at the same table with men, but in urban environments this rule often does not apply. At the table it is not customary to admire the beauty of women and pay close attention to them. But it is quite appropriate to inquire about the affairs of the family and the well-being of its members. When going to visit, it is advisable to take with you small souvenirs or sweets for children. Any meal here begins and ends with tea. First, sweets, pastries, dried fruits and nuts, fruits and vegetables, salads are served on the table, then snacks come, and only at the end - pilaf or other “heavy food”. There must be hot cakes on the table, which under no circumstances should be turned over. Dropping a piece of cake on the ground or even just putting it there, even wrapped in cloth or paper, is also considered a bad omen.

Tea and the tea ceremony occupy a significant place in Kyrgyz life and everyday life. Brewing this truly main drink of the country, as well as pouring it to guests, is the prerogative of men, first of all, the owner of the house. Tea is brewed differently in different regions of the country. The recipes for its preparation also differ markedly. The teahouse is as unshakable an element of local traditions as tea itself. Public life here centers on mosques, the bazaar and, naturally, the teahouse. Here they simply communicate and negotiate, relax and share news, have breakfast and lunch, discuss the problems of life and the world order. The teahouse's decor is quite traditional - low tables are surrounded by equally low, and always carpeted, sofas. The rituals that accompany tea drinking are quite complex and incomprehensible to the uninitiated, so it’s easier to observe the locals and do as they do - you can be sure that they will also appreciate such a respectful attitude towards their customs.

Despite strong Islamic traditions, most Kyrgyz drink alcohol freely, at least with guests. If you do not drink strong alcoholic drinks, mainly vodka, warn about this in advance, no one will impose anything here. During Ramadan, it is not recommended to drink alcoholic beverages, at least not openly.

In communication, the Kyrgyz are usually quite simple and democratic. Many consider them naive, but this is greatly exaggerated - local residents are simply accustomed to trusting people, this is a centuries-old tradition that a guest should not violate. It is customary to shake hands with everyone, even strangers and police officers (except women). During a handshake, people are traditionally interested in health, the state of affairs at work and at home. It is customary to greet women and persons sitting at a distance by placing the right hand to the heart and politely bowing. Greetings several times a day, even with people you know well, is quite a common rule.

When entering a house or teahouse, you should take off your shoes. The clothing style is quite democratic, but when visiting places of worship, you should not wear overly revealing or short clothes. No matter what, it is not recommended to wear shorts, especially in rural areas.

Monday is considered the happiest day among the Kyrgyz - all activities started on this day are considered to be the most successful.

Not a single national holiday or celebration is complete without sports competitions, of which the most popular are the tug-of-war “arkan-tartmai” and “arkan-tartyshuu”, belt wrestling “kuresh”, “at-chabysh” - long horse races (usually 20 -30 km) distances, "Dzhorgo-Salysh" - 2-10 km races, jumping shooting "Dzhamby-Atmai", equestrian wrestling "oodarysh", goat wrestling "Ulak-Tartysh" or "Kok-Boru" (equestrian wrestling for goat carcass), the “kyz-kuumai” (“catch up with the girl”) races and the “tiyin-enmei” competition, during which participants must pick up a small coin from a shallow hole in the ground at full gallop. Many celebrations begin and end with song competitions “aytysh” or “sarmerden”.

The earliest known inhabitants of this territory are the warlike tribes of the Sakas (Scythian group), who inhabited the foothills of the Tien Shan from the 6th century BC. e to the 5th century AD e. The troops of Alexander the Great met here the most fierce resistance during his campaign in Sogdiana. The first state formations on the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan arose in the 2nd century BC. e., when the southern regions of the country became part of the state of Parkan. Since the 6th century AD. e. the territory comes under the control of Turkic tribes, and in the 8th-10th centuries AD. e. the ancestors of modern Kyrgyz people move to the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul from somewhere in the upper reaches of the Yenisei (the issue of the origin of the local ethnic group is still one of the most controversial and complex in the ethnic history of Central Asia). In the 13th century, the empire of Genghis Khan extended here, and after his death, the lands along the Tien Shan ranges passed into the possession of his son Chagatai. In 1685, the Oirats of the Dzungar Khanate invaded the region of the Central Tien Shan, occupying the modern territory of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. After the fall of Dzungaria, the territory fell under the protectorate of China, and in the 18th century the feudal lords of Kokand began to lay claim to these lands. By the end of the 18th century, the territory of the southern, and at the beginning of the 20th century, the northern part of Kyrgyzstan became part of the Kokand Khanate. In 1855-1863 the northern part of the country voluntarily joins the Russian Empire, and in 1876, after the defeat of the Kokand Khanate, southern Kyrgyzstan was conquered. In 1924, the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region was founded as part of the RSFSR, and in 1936 - the Kirghiz SSR. In 1991, due to the collapse of the USSR, the independence of Kyrgyzstan was proclaimed.

The geographical location and natural resources of Kyrgyzstan determined its central position in the zone of developed Central Asian civilization. Since ancient times, the country has been a pass on busy trade routes between the West and the East. Today, the development of tourism on the ancient Great Silk Road is not only a tribute to the rich history of the country, but also the discovery of half-forgotten pages of the past of the entire human civilization. Many travelers find Kyrgyzstan the most attractive, accessible and friendly region of all the Central Asian republics, especially given the presence of beautiful natural monuments - the Central Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai, the most beautiful mountains of Central Asia.

Bishkek

Bishkek (Pishpek, from 1926 to 1991 - Frunze) lies in the northern part of the country, in the Chu Valley at the foot of the Kyrgyz ridge. The city was founded in 1868-1878. on the site of the ancient fort Jul, built by the Kokand people and destroyed in 1862 by Russian troops, on the banks of the Ala-Archa and Alamedin rivers. Now it is the capital and largest industrial center of Kyrgyzstan, its political, cultural and educational “heart”, as well as the only city in the world named after a wooden household tool (“Bishkek” can be translated as “butter churn” or “kumiss stick”). This is a modern city with wide streets and beautiful buildings, which compares favorably with many other cities in the region, since it was immediately built according to a European plan. It is also one of the greenest cities in the CIS, the largest city in Kyrgyzstan and one of the most multinational capitals of the continent (representatives of more than 80 ethnic groups and peoples live here).

There are no historical buildings in the city at all, due to its relatively young age. But people settled in this place back in the Bronze Age, so the Bishkek land is fraught with many historical mysteries. Almost on the territory of residential areas, in the north-eastern part of the city, there is the fortified settlement "Forge Fortress" (VII-XIV centuries, now the fortress area is quite unsightly), the "Pishpek settlement" (VII-XII centuries) and the ruins of the Pishpek fortress.

On the wide Sovetskaya Street lined with shady trees, the Kyrgyz State Opera and Ballet Theater named after A. Moldybaev, the Chernyshevsky Library and the State Art Museum are located. Also worthy of attention are the "Old Square" and the Historical Museum located on it, the Abdulkasym madrasah, the mass grave in Oak Park, the Manas complex, Panfilov Park and its fountains, the Krupskaya Russian Drama Theater and the Kyrgyz State Drama Theater, the Historical Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts Arts, State Memorial Museum named after Frunze, Kyrgyz State Historical Museum, National Museum of Fine Arts named after Aitiev, Museum of A. Tokombaev, Museum of Literature and Art of Toktogul, Zoological Museum, and Museum of Mineralogy. The city's cultural attractions also include the City Drama Theater, the Satylganov State Philharmonic, the Academy of Arts and the Bishkek Drama Theater. Also worthy of attention are the Oak and Central parks - a vast green area on the territory of which there are several museums, including an open-air sculptural exhibition scattered among the park alleys and lawns.

The outskirts of the capital, lying within the beautiful Chui Valley, are famous for their mountain rivers and extremely diverse natural-territorial complexes, whose altitudinal zonation is visible here even with the naked eye. In the vicinity of the capital there are such natural sites as the beautiful Chunkurchak gorge in the upper reaches of the Alamedin River, the nearby Alamedin thermal water deposit, the Chon-Aryk State Botanical Reserve in the Besh-Kungey tract, the picturesque natural gorges of Kara-Balta, Aspara, Djilamish and Kegeti with its famous waterfall The historical monuments of the Chui Valley itself are also diverse - the Krasnorechenskoye settlement (38 km north of the city, X-XII centuries) with the ruins of Zoroastrian buildings, the ruins of the ancient city of Balasagun (Kuz-Ordu) - the historical and cultural zone "Burana" (50 km from the capital) with the famous “Buran Tower” (height 21 m, 11th century), the ancient settlement of Ak-Beshim (ruins of the city of Suyab - the capital of the Western Turkic Khaganate and the state of the Karluks, XIII-XV centuries) with its medieval complex of Christian churches, burial mounds, ruins of an ancient Chumysh fortress (IX-X centuries) and numerous rock paintings on the rocks of the same name around it. Also attractive are the Turt-Kul settlement, the Issyk-Ata petroglyphs with the image of Buddha (VII-VIII centuries), the natural and historical-cultural monuments of Issyk-Ata, Shamshy (Shamsy), Chon-Kemin and Ak-Suu, which are among the monuments of universal meanings.

Nowhere else in Central Asia are there so many outlets of medicinal waters as in the Chui Valley. The Ak-Suiskoye mineral water deposit is located in the gorge of the same name, 80 km southwest of the village of Belovodskoye. The local mineral water is similar in its chemical composition to the mineral water of the famous Siberian resort of Dara-Suna. Also important are the Shabyr hydrothermal well, Kamyshanovskoye and Lugovskoye low-mineralized hydrogen sulfide deposits of medicinal mud, as well as 130 thermal springs of the resort town of Issyk-Ata (the first hydropathic clinics appeared here in the 2nd century AD). Among the juniper forests and alpine meadows of the Chui Valley there are also attractive recreation areas, such as the Chon-Tash ski and sports base (about 25 km from the capital) and the river of the same name with steep and picturesque banks, the Kairak plateau, the upper and lower Tatyr basins, the Koguchken-Sugat waterfall , thermal springs of Alamedin (8 km above the "Wolf Gate") and the sanatorium-preventorium "Warm Keys" located on them, glaciers of the Ken-Tor valley, the most beautiful tracts of Kara-Bulak, Tash-Bashat, Norus, Ooru-Sai, Bir-Bulak (Crimson Gorge) and Toguz-Bulak, the Kairak plateau, the Kara-Unkur caves and the Kol-Ter glacier, the rocks of the “Alamedin Walls”, the Wolf Gate gorge, through which the Alamedin River breaks through into the expanses of the Baytik Valley and Mount Uluu-Too (Botvey , 4009 m).

Ala-Archa

The valley of the Ala-Archa River is one of the main attractions in the vicinity of Bishkek. Here, in a narrow valley of a generally ordinary mountain river, there is concentrated so many stunningly beautiful landscapes, waterfalls and unusual rock forms, so rich in flora and fauna that many consider this area a real symbol of the Kyrgyz ridge (Ala-Too). Almost the entire valley is included in the Ala-Archa National Park, which protects the relict juniper forests of mountainous Asia, found almost nowhere else, as well as the richest fauna of the mountainous regions of the Tien Shan - ibex, elik (roe deer), snowcocks ( mountain turkey), chukars (stone partridge), squirrels, hares, wild boars, foxes, badgers, stoats, porcupines and martens, as well as the handsome snow leopard, listed in the Red Book. Nearby is the village of Baytik, named in memory of the national hero of the country who lived in the 51st century - Kanai uulu Baytik (Baitik-baatyr). On the slope of a snow-white mountain is his grave - Baitik-Kumbez, which is a historical monument and a place of pilgrimage for Kyrgyz people and guests of the country. Here, nearby, there are many alpine camps, serving as a starting point for numerous hiking and horseback riding routes in the surrounding mountains, as well as several ski resorts, which serve as the main recreation area for residents of the capital all year round. The mountain slopes of the Tien Shan create excellent conditions for skiing. Sports centers are quite numerous, but the level of service is low, and the recreation infrastructure is relatively poorly developed. Along the bed of the Kashka-Suu River, a tributary of the Ala-Archa River, in the tract of the same name, there are 4 ski resorts for winter skiing enthusiasts. Around Bishkek, as well as in the gorges of Aspara, Jilamish, Kara-Balta and Kegeti, ski resorts are more modern and accessible.

Talas

In the north-east of the country, in the Talas region, colossal canyons cut into the walls of the Talas range by numerous local rivers, dozens of beautiful lakes and cascades of waterfalls are of great interest to tourists. In the upper reaches of the Talas River there are the famous Ken-Kol burial grounds (1st millennium AD), as well as the Kumbez-Manas mausoleum (14th century), the Manas Museum-Reserve and the mosque, which form the Manas-Ordosu National Historical and Cultural Complex ". In the upper reaches of the Aflatun gorge there is a state reserve of the same name, protecting the endemic Semenov fir.

Issyk-Kul

There are about two thousand high-mountain lakes on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, but the pearl of the country and the entire Tien Shan is considered to be Lake Issyk-Kul or Issyk-Kel (translated from Kyrgyz - “hot lake”, from ancient Turkic - “sacred lake”) with an area of 6236 sq. . km with a maximum depth of 702 m. The first mention of Issyk-Kul is found in Chinese chronicles of the late 2nd century BC, where it is called Zhe-Hai (“warm sea”). The lake lies in the northeast of Kyrgyzstan, at an altitude of 1606.7 m above sea level, in a vast tectonic basin formed more than 50 million years ago. Directly adjacent to the lake is a narrow lakeside plain, dissected by the channels of many rivers (about 80). The basin is surrounded in a ring by the Terskey-Ala-Too (“facing the sun”) and Kyungoy-Ala-Too (“facing the sun”) ridges, rising to heights of 4500-5000 m. The ring of mountains seems to protect the lake basin from the penetration of cold air from the north and hot air from the deserts of Central Asia, because the climate here is quite mild, which turns Issyk-Kul into one of the largest resorts in Central Asia. The water temperature in summer reaches +24 C, in winter - +4 C (this is the source of origin of his name). The swimming season lasts 6 months, and outdoor recreation is possible all year round.

The cleanest rivers flowing from the mountains constantly replenish the lake basin, but the water in Issyk-Kul itself is salty (5.8 ppm at the surface, up to 18 in the depths), which, coupled with the unique mineral composition of local rivers, gives the lake’s never-freezing water a thick blue color . At the same time, depending on the place and time of day, the color of the water can change from soft blue to dark blue tones. And the transparency of the water in the open part of the reservoir reaches 12-16 m. The beauty of the lake is simply amazing; P.P. Semenov-Tien-Shansky compared it with Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and gave preference to Issyk-Kul. The coastline of the lake is quite indented - there are about 20 picturesque bays and bays. Crystal clear water, mineral springs, combined with a mountainous and at the same time mild, almost marine climate, create unique conditions for a resort holiday with mud and thermal treatment.

A whole string of resort towns and villages stretches around the lake, many of which had all-Union importance and popularity during the Soviet era. The best resorts are Cholpon-Ata on the northern shore (it was once a resort of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan, now the Museum of Local Lore is interesting here), Karakol with its wooden Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, a wooden Dungan mosque and the Przhevalsky Museum is the best starting point for exploring the lakeside and surrounding areas mountainous areas, the towns of Tyup, Ottuk, Balykchi (Rybachye) and others. Also good are the famous Altyn-Arashan gorge (located 30 km east of Karakol at an altitude of 3000 m) with its beautiful landscapes and hot springs, the nearby Issyk-Ata mineral water deposit (77 km southeast of Bishkek), the Kumtor gold mines (southern the coast of Issyk-Kul), the majestic Jolbors gorge, the cliffs of the Jety-Oguz canyon, the Boom gorge with its fantastic red rocks and the waterfall in the Barskaun gorge (the height of the waterfall is about 100 m).

On the territory of the Issykul region there are about 1,500 historical monuments, of which 320 are under state protection. The most significant of them include the Saka “Royal Mound” (VII century BC - II century AD) near the village of Kurmenty, the Kok-Bulak and Karashar burial grounds (in total about a thousand burials of the Usun tribes), covered with Tibetan religious inscriptions on the Tamga-Tash stone (VI-I centuries BC), a cluster of petroglyphs (II millennium BC - 8th century AD) near Cholpon-Ata and further along the coast to Tamchy, as well as Cape Holy Nose on the northeastern tip of the lake - the location of the legendary monastery of the Armenian Christian Church (IV-V centuries) in which, according to legend, the tomb of St. Apostle Matthew is located. And at the bottom of the lake there are the ruins of about two dozen flooded ancient cities - Sary-Bulun, Koisary, Ulan (XII century) and so on, which died with rising water levels in Issyk-Kul. Many historical and cultural values of the Saka-Usun period (1st millennium BC) and the early Middle Ages were discovered in them.

The best time to visit Issyk-Kul is September, although trekking in the mountains is best done between July and August.

Central Tien Shan

The Central Tien Shan is the highest and most majestic part of the Tien Shan mountain system. This is a huge “knot” of mountain ranges with a total length of about 500 km from west to east and 300 km from north to south. This is the most picturesque region of the Tien Shan, which is a complex system of intertwined mountain ranges (Terskey-Ala-Too, Sary-Jaz, Kui-Liu, Tengri-Tag, Enilchek, Kakshaal-Too, Meridional Ridge, etc.), crowned with majestic peaks the northernmost of the highest mountains on the planet - Lenin Peak (7134 m), Pobeda Peak (7439 m) and the fantastic Khan Tengri Pyramid (7010 m, probably the most beautiful and difficult peak of the Tien Shan to climb). In the north, the Boro-Khoro ridge connects the Tien Shan with the Dzungarian Alatau system. Almost the entire territory of this region is located above 1500 m above sea level, and the mountain peaks are covered with centuries-old snow caps, giving rise to many dozens of glaciers, rivers and streams. There are over 8,000 ice fields and glaciers here, the most representative of which are the Southern (length about 60 km) and Northern (35 km) Inylchek (Enilchek, “The Little Prince”), Jetyoguz-Karakol (22 km), Kaindy (26 km) , Semenova (21 km) and others, whose total area exceeds 8100 sq. km.

The relief of most of the Tien Shan ridges is high-mountainous, strongly dissected by numerous valleys (the northern slopes are much more rugged than the southern ones), with highly developed glacial forms. There are many screes on the slopes, there are glaciers, on glaciers there are moraines, and at the foot there are numerous alluvial fans. Mountain river valleys have a large difference in height and a clearly visible stepped profile with flat swampy terraces - “sazs”. Many large valleys are surrounded by high-mountain plateaus - "syrts", whose height sometimes reaches 4700 m. On the plateaus and highlands of the mid-altitude part of the ridges there are high-mountain pastures "jailoo", covered with forbs and alpine meadows. At altitudes from 1000 to 2000 meters, the foothills of the ridges are bordered by foothill adyrs. There are about 500 lakes here, the largest of which are Song-Kol (Son-Kul - “disappearing lake”, 270 sq. km) and Chatyr-Kol (Chatyr-Kul, 153 sq. km).

The Central Tien Shan is a real Mecca of international mountaineering, therefore it is the vicinity of the seven-thousanders that is the most studied part of the Tien Shan. The most popular points of attraction for climbers and trekkers are the areas of the Tengri-Tag ridge and Khan Tengri peak ("Lord of the Sky", 7010 m), Tomur Pass, Pobeda Peak (7439 m) and the Inylchek glacier, the basin of the unique Merzbacher Lake in the eastern part of the mountain system, Semenov-Tien-Shansky peak (4875 m), Free Korea peak (4740 m) and the famous Crown (4855 m) as part of the Kyrgyz ridge, Communism peak (7505 m) and Korzhenevskaya peak (7105 m, this is already the Pamirs, but few climbers would agree to pass by these great mountains), the ice walls of the Kakshaal-Too (Kokshaal-Tau) ridge, which includes three peaks with a height of more than 6000 m and about a dozen peaks with a height of more than 5000 m, the Ak-Shyyrak massif and many other, no less attractive regions.

Despite the harsh climate and mountainous landscape, the territory of the Tien Shan has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by numerous stone sculptures, rock paintings and burial grounds scattered in abundance throughout the territory of this mountainous country. Historical and cultural monuments of the medieval period are widely represented - fortified settlements like Koshoy-Korgon, which arose on the basis of nomadic camps, khan headquarters and on caravan routes from the Fergana Valley through the Tien Shan. One of the most famous and popular tourist sites in this region is the Tash-Rabat caravanserai (X-XII centuries), built in the inaccessible but picturesque Kara-Koyun gorge. Also widely known are Saimaluu-Tash or Saimaly-Tash (“Patterned Stones”) - a whole gallery of rock paintings in the gorge of the same name (more than 107 thousand petroglyphs of the 2nd-3rd millennia BC) not far from Kazarman, stone sculptures of Kyr-Dzhol (VI -VIII centuries) on the shores of Lake Song-Kol, petroglyphs of the Chumysh rocks (III-I thousand years BC, Fergana Range), numerous rock carvings of the Issyk-Kul, Naryn and Talas regions. The ancient caravan route through the Torugart pass (height 3752 m) is also worthy of attention. This long (total length about 700 km) route from Central Asia to Chinese Kashgar (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region) passes through cold gorges and narrow passes of Terksey-Ala-Too, Moldo-Too, At-Bashi and Maydantag, through spectacularly beautiful landscapes and the most ancient caravan routes of the Great Silk Road.

Western Tien Shan

The Western Tien Shan mountain system lies on the very edge of the Tien Shan mountainous country, reaching out with its spurs to the hot sands of the deserts of Central Asia. The relief of these places is somewhat lower than in the central part of the mountain system, the leveling surfaces are more extensive, and the elevated plateaus are less numerous (Palatkhon, Angrenskoye, Ugamskoye and Karzhantau - all in the west of the region). The highest points of the Western Tien Shan are Chatkal Peak (4503 m) in the ridge of the same name, Manas Peak (4482 m) in the Talas Alatau and Mount Baubash-Ata (4427 m) in the western part of the Fergana Range. Glaciation is insignificant, the snow line runs at altitudes of 3600-3800 m on the northern slopes and 3800-4000 m on the southern ones. The rivers of the Western Tien Shan (Angren, Akbulak, Itokar, Karaunkur, Koksu, Maidantal, Maili-Suu, Naryn, Oygaing, Padysha-Ata, Pskem, Sandalash, Ugam, Chatkal and others) have rapids, are fed by glaciers and snow, and flow along narrow gorges (in the upper reaches), in the middle reaches they usually have wide valleys, but in the lower reaches they again form canyon shapes. It is simply difficult to find better places for rafting and rafting than local rivers.

The vegetation of the Western Tien Shan, despite the low amount of precipitation that falls here, is quite diverse - steppes and deciduous forests in the lower belt, shrubs and meadows in the middle, as well as alpine meadows and high-mountain heaths closer to the peaks. About 370 species of animals and approximately 1,200 species of higher plants live here, and the complex topography leads to the formation of numerous

Kyrgyzstan Vacations & Resorts

Almost within the boundaries of Bishkek there is a modern “Cosmonaut Sanatorium” with its own thermal spring.

Karakol, lying at the eastern end of the lake, is the main city in the region and the best "base" for exploring the lake region, Terskey Alatau and the central Tien Shan. This is a relatively small city, famous for its apple orchards and Sunday market - one of the best in Central Asia. In Karakol, it is better to rent accommodation from local residents (at the bus station you will be offered a wide variety of options at a low price) than at an official hotel. This will allow you to “directly” get acquainted with the life of the city and the life of local residents, and will also resolve many everyday issues, since the area of Lake Issyk-Kul has been closed to foreigners for a long time, and many issues related to staying here are still quite regulated not clear.

Ski resorts in Kyrgyzstan

Due to the fact that about 93% of the territory of Kyrgyzstan is occupied by mountains, there are excellent conditions for skiing. Snow lies from November to March, and in the highlands - all year round. The weather in the area of most mountain resorts is usually mild, with a lot of sunny days, so the ski season lasts from late October - December to early April, and skiing on the ice fields is possible all year round.

A fairly large number of ski resorts are located around the capital of the country - the completely reconstructed base "Norus" (altitude 1950 m, 30 km from Bishkek), "Orlovka" (100 km from Bishkek), Kashka-Suu (altitude 2000 m, 35 km from the capital) , tourist centers Oruu-Sai (2100 m, 35 km from Bishkek), Aspara, Djilamish, Kara-Balta, Kegeti and the Chon-Tash tourist center. Good mountain centers can be found around Lake Issyk-Kul. The most famous among them is the Karakol ski resort (2300 m, 7 km from the city of the same name). Sports centers are quite numerous, but the level of service is low. So far, the recreation infrastructure is rather poorly developed, but gradual modernization is taking place.

Norus

Recently, a complete reconstruction was carried out at the Norus base, modern equipment was purchased, and a high-class hotel was built. On site: a restaurant with European and national cuisine, a disco and cafe-bar, a billiard room.

The trails are groomed by snow groomers; there are trails of any difficulty category: from children's to professional. There are snow slides for sledding especially for children. There are two cable cars for climbing difficult slopes and one lift to the slopes for beginners. At an altitude of 3050 m there is an excellent helipad, from which you can go down to the cable car and slopes.

Orlovka

The Orlovka ski resort is located 100 km from Bishkek. 9 tracks of varying difficulty with elevation changes from 30 to 560 m. There are two suspended cable cars and two towing ones. There is a bathhouse, billiards, equipment rental, and instructors. At night, the area is illuminated with lanterns.

Karakol

The Karakol ski resort (2300 m) is located in a gorge, 7 km from Karakol. Season is from late October to late April. At the base there are 7 ski lifts, ski and snowboard rental, services of instructors and guides through the winter forest. You can ride snowmobiles. The base is regularly used by the sports school for training.

Kashka-Suu

The Kashka-Suu ski center is located in a wide tract on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz ridge. Bishkek is 35 km away. Height above sea level - 2000 m. 6 routes with a height difference from 260 to 380 m, chairlift and towing cable cars. On site: ice skating rink, billiard room, sauna, bar and cafe. There is equipment rental and instructor services are provided. The trails are groomed with snowcats, but there are quite a lot of small stones on the slopes, which can create difficulties when skiing on not fresh snow.

Oruu-Sai

The Oruu-Sai tourist center (2100 m) is located in the tract of the same name, 35 km from Bishkek. Trails of varying difficulty levels are served by three cable cars. There is equipment rental, instructors work, and downhill skiing competitions are held for different age groups. The tourist center has a comfortable hotel with a sauna, bar, restaurant, and table tennis.

Beaches in Kyrgyzstan

There are about 20 picturesque bays and bays on Lake Issyk-Kul. The swimming season lasts 6 months. The water temperature in summer reaches +24 C, in winter - +4 C.

National holidays

January 1 - Zhay-zhyl (New Year).
January 7 is Orthodox Christmas.
December-January - Kurman-Ait.
March 8 is International Women's Day.
March 21 - Navrus or Nooruz (Kyrgyz New Year).
May 1 is International Labor Day.
May 5 is Constitution Day.
May 9 - Victory Day.
August 31 - Independence Day or Erkin-Kunu.
October-November - Orozo Ait (Eid Al-Fitr, end of Ramadan).

Festivals and holidays in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is not too rich in festive events. The spring festival of Navrus (Nooruz Bayram, Islamic New Year) is one of the country's most beloved holidays. Nowrus is an adaptation of the pre-Islamic festival of the vernal equinox or celebrations of the renewal of nature, celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox (March 21), and is usually accompanied by traditional music and dance competitions, traditional games, street performances and colorful fairs (the holiday takes place over 2 days).

Orozo Ait (Eid Al-Fitr, the holiday of the end of Ramadan) is celebrated for 3 days at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. These days it is customary to visit people, give gifts and donate to the poor. About 70 days after the end of Ramadan, Kurman Ait (Eid al-Adha or Eid Ul-Aza) is celebrated, during which the graves of ancestors are visited, sacrifices are made and festive feasts are held for all relatives and the poor.