Kyrgyzstan is not dependent on its tourists, but it does have lovely tourist destinations. It is a surprise as to why this country is not among the top tourist destinations in the world, as it houses beautiful natural sceneries and man-made structures within the country. The good news is that tourists don’t need a visa to visit this Asian country.
The country has a land area of less than 200,000 square kilometers (49 million acres) occupied by over six million people. It is considered to be among the least densely populated countries in the world. It also has a lot of mountains, some of which are glacial. The nation is often referred to as the Switzerland of Central Asia because of the Tian Shan region, the mountainous area that covers 80% of Kyrgyzstan. Within this mountain range is also one of the most stunning lakes in the world, which is also one of the few large lakes at a higher elevation. The lake is called the Issyk-Kul, considered the world’s second-largest high-altitude lake.
As far as man-made tourist spots are concerned, Kyrgyzstan reveres Manas, the legendary hero immortalized in the lengthy poem, Epic of Manas. There are so many statues of Manas around the country, and many places and institutions are named after him. The hero reportedly shaped the country by uniting the 40 clans in ancient Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz translates to “We are 40” and the country’s flag has 40 rays representing the 40 clans.
The country has set aside many natural resources as protected areas, 13 of which are national parks. Here are five unexplored national parks in Kyrgyzstan:
1. Chon-Kemin National Park
There are so many natural layers within this park. There is a beautiful gorge, an amazing valley with lush meadows peppered with the most colorful wildflowers, and the refreshing Chon-Kemin River flowing through it. The river runs 116 kilometers with a basin area of 1,890 square kilometers. But when viewed from the Ozernyi Pass, the river looks slim but complements perfectly with its green background.
The imposing gorge is also stunning. The slopes are blanketed with fir woods. The bottom is occupied by the Chon-Kemin Valley. On the opposite side, the park’s tall mountains are just as picturesque as the valley with its glacier-capped peaks.
The entire park is as pristine as it was decades ago. Authorities deemed it necessary for Kyrgyzstan to protect the area, so it will not fall victim to any development being eyed in the country. The park caters to both adventurers and artists.
2. Karakol National Park
Wilderness at its best—this park is filled with natural structures like the imposing gorge and stunningly clear waters passing through it. There are large parts of the river that are mostly shallow though. The gallery of forests lined up is pure green, as the landscape transforms into high mountains. It is a wonderful place to hike and has different terrains like a paved road for some easy hiking, which could then turn into some snowy pathways as the elevation goes higher. There are also patches of rugged terrain. There is also an area where mares often graze. Plus, there is a base camp where adventurers can set up camp.
3. Kyrgyz Ata National Park
There is a great contrast between rugged mountains and green low-level hills at this park, which is a perfect venue for hiking. The highest peak stands at 3,297 meters while the lowest one stands at 2,149 meters, which is still quite high. Reaching the top means looking over the refreshing vista of the green lowlands. Going up the mountain also means breathing in the fresh air brought on by the lush vegetation, including juniper forests while following the nomadic trails. Tourists walk listening to music originating from the thriving birdlife within the park. Visitors can check out the soaring eagles in the sky and the furry marmots on the ground. Trekking the park’s mountains is also a great way to understand the local culture, as tourists will most likely meet Kyrgyz farmers milking cows and mares.
Here’s a trivia: Kyrgyzstanis love their mare’s milk. They also enjoy the mildly alcoholic drink kumis, which is fermented mare’s milk.
4. Saimaluu Tash National Park
Located in Jalal-Abad Province, the park has the usual criteria for a great national park: green landscapes, refreshing streams, and abundant flora or fauna—or both. While the Saimaluu Tash ticks those boxes, it is most significant for its rock art. Around 11,000 petroglyphs can be found around this park, which was one of the main reasons why it has been proposed to be entered into the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. The rock arts show many animals and feature sacrificial offerings from ancient Kyrgyz.
Most of the petroglyphs are within the Ferghana Valley, which stretches over three countries: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. They date back as far as 2000 to 3000 BC. Among the most common designs in the petroglyphs are animals believed to have inhabited the area in medieval times: ibexes, horses, lions, and wolves. There were also a lot of drawings showing ancient people hunting deer, especially those sporting large antlers, with the use of arrows, bows, and spears. There's evidence of sacred rituals like drawings of people performing ritual dances.
The park also hosts a small lake, which Kyrgyzstanis believe was the place where shamans perform significant rites.
5. Sarkent National Park
This is one of the least visited national parks in the country as it is situated on a road less traveled—the silk road in Batken Province. But this is one national park worth visiting, especially for tourists who want a taste of the Kyrgyz lifestyle. Tourists can hike throughout the park. Within the park is a camp where visitors can have a real taste of culture—literally! The camp provides some kumis, locally known as kymyz, which is like yogurt.
There are five lakes within the park, which houses stretches of juniper forests. Tourists may be lucky enough to witness brown bears, lynxes, and snow leopards.