Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, and its landscape is dominated by mountains. Most of the country is high and rugged, so travel here tends to be about open ground, wide valleys and long views rather than city streets. It is also known as the Kyrgyz Republic.
What a visit is like
The country's nomadic culture shapes much of what a visitor sees. Traditional ways of life linked to herding and seasonal movement remain part of everyday experience in many areas, and that gives a trip here a distinct character compared with more built-up destinations in the region.
- Mountain scenery across much of the country, which suits travellers who enjoy outdoor landscapes
- A nomadic heritage that is visible in rural life and customs
- A quieter pace than most major destinations, with more time spent on the road and in open country
Planning your trip
Because the terrain is so varied and largely mountainous, getting around can take longer than the distances on a map suggest. Plan routes with that in mind, and allow flexibility for changes in weather and road conditions, especially in higher areas. Those who value wide open spaces and a landscape shaped by mountains and traditional herding life will find Kyrgyzstan well worth considering.
