Outdoor Adventure. By foot, on horseback, or bicycle; Kyrgyzstan is the best country in the region to get out into the mountains and back in touch with nature. Ak-Suu From Jyrgalan to Karakol and on to the Southern Shore, this mountainous region to the east of Issyk-Köl is prime territory for mountain adventure.

What is unique about Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is one of 45 landlocked countries, but does have the consolation of Issyk-Kul, the worlds second largest high-altitude lake (behind Titicaca in South America). It is 113 miles long, 37 miles wide and reaches a depth of 668 metres (2,192 feet). The lake was a popular holiday resort during the Soviet era.

What is the culture of Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyz culture features influences from Russia, Persia, and Turkey, but yet remains something entirely unique. Nature influences are prominent, from the designs to the music, and many traditions reflect the fact that nomads lived closely with nature.

What is Kyrgyzstan known for producing?

The main food crops grown are wheat, barley, maize, potatoes, vegetables and fruits. Sugar beet, cotton and tobacco are important cash crops. Occupying about 40 per cent of the country, pastures are one of Kyrgyzstans major resources and are crucial for livestock production.

Is Kyrgyzstan beautiful?

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most beautiful countries in Central Asia. Our list of top ten places to see in Kyrgyzstan includes gorgeous wild mountain pastures inhabited by modern semi-nomads living in summer yurts, as well as large alpine lakes dotting a landscape characterized by charming villages.

What do people wear in Kyrgyzstan?

Women often wore a beldemchi, a skirt with a slit in the front, over a basic dressing gown or dress. For ceremonial occasions, dresses with ruffles on the sleeves and skirt are the most common, worn with embroidered vests and conical hats with feathers in the top (called shokulo).

How did Islam come to Kyrgyzstan?

The introduction of Islam Islam was introduced to the Kyrgyz tribes between the eighth and twelfth centuries. More recent exposure to Islam occurred in the seventeenth century, when the Jungars drove the Kyrgyz of the Tian Shan region into the Fergana Valley, whose population was totally Islamic.

Are Kyrgyzstan Muslims?

The vast majority of people in Kyrgyzstan are Muslims; as of 1997, 86.3% of the countrys population were followers of Islam. Most of the Russian population of Kyrgyzstan is Russian Orthodox. The Uzbeks, who make up 14.9 percent of the population, are generally Sunni Muslims.

What is the national food of Kyrgyzstan?

Beschbarmak Beschbarmak is the national dish of Kyrgyzstan, although it is also popular in neighbouring countries. It consists of horse meat (mutton or beef) cooked in a broth for several hours and served over homemade noodles with parsley.