Where to go on holiday in 2019? Visit Kyrgyzstan!

Majestic Tian Shan mountains with snow-capped peaks, deep blue glacial lakes, plains and yurts like in Mongolia, and huge herds of yaks. All this creates the unique atmosphere of Kyrgyzstan – a country that National Geographic chose as a top destination for 2019. You haven't heard much about this mountainous country yet? No problem, that's what we are here for, to introduce it to you. Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia and most of its borders are shared with China and Kazakhstan. It is roughly two and a half times larger than the Czech Republic, yet the population density is only 26 inhabitants per km². And the Kyrgyz culture? It blends Russian and Chinese influences. Although this country lies over five and a half thousand kilometers away from our homeland, you can get to the capital, Bishkek, with just one layover using Turkish Airlines. Moreover, there is no visa requirement in the country, which makes planning your trip even easier. Just be careful if you plan to visit places near the borders – you usually need a permit for those, which you can obtain on the spot. You can be sure of one thing – you won't soon forget a trip to Kyrgyzstan. Although some places are already influenced by tourism, they are still relatively few. The further into the mountains you get, the more often you will experience days where you won't meet a soul, or you will encounter locals who will invite you into their home or yurt and offer you freshly baked bread, delicious tea, and perhaps even kumis – a sour drink made from fermented mare's milk. (I admit that the latter is not exactly at the top of the list of the greatest delicacies, but it is a local "delicacy" that is worth at least tasting... That is, if you don't want to offend your host.) So much for a brief introduction. Now you know a little bit about Kyrgyzstan and you are surely curious about what can be seen there. So we can set off together on an imaginary round trip through the western half of the country – from Bishkek around Lake Issyk-Kul, past the Chinese border to Lake Kel-Suu, and finally through Naryn back to the capital.

Ala Archa

This national park is only about an hour away from Bishkek, but that doesn't take anything away from its beauty. You will enjoy plenty of nature here too. It is true that quite a few tourists and locals come here due to its easy accessibility, but most of them use one main route, so as soon as you get to more remote places, the number of people will decrease. Besides, meeting locals here doesn't have to be a bad thing – you might even stumble upon an opulent Kyrgyz wedding.

Red canyons of Kok Moynok

If you are driving from Bishkek to Lake Issyk-Kul, consider a stop in the Chu River valley, where the beautiful Kok Moynok formations are located. If you want to enjoy the view of them from above, choose your path carefully. These "rock" formations are actually made of loose soil, and scrambling up while the ground beneath you is sliding down is no fun. But once you climb to the top, you will be rewarded – you will get a view of the undulating landscape in all shades of brown and orange, sometimes turning into red. Tip: If you decide to visit the formations in the Kok Moynok area, don't forget to take a sufficient supply of drinks with you! The water in the river is not drinkable, and you won't be able to refill your water in the otherwise arid landscape.

Heavenly Jeti-Oguz Valley

After an acclimatization stop at Lake Issyk-Kul, you are ready to head into the mountains. Kyrgyz nature is breathtaking, and due to the low population density, you can basically head in any direction and be sure that unforgettable views await you. Some places can be reached by a 4x4 vehicle, but only on foot will you discover lonely corners of untouched nature. We headed through the town of Karakol to the Jeti-Oguz valley. On the way, you can take a detour to Lake Ala-Kul, which lies at an altitude of about 3,560 meters.

Kel-Suu – a glacial pearl among the rocks

My personal tip is the mountain lake Kel-Suu. Before the trip, I happened to come across some photos and it was decided – we have to go see it! The whole way I was thinking: It must be Photoshop, it can't be that beautiful... But it is! Lined with rocks and with beautifully turquoise water. You get to the lake across a plain where you occasionally come across a yurt or a large herd of yaks. Then a short, steeper climb into the rocks awaits you and... you are there. But if you don't want to walk, you can pay for a guide and horses along the way to take you to the lake. Finally, via Naryn, we get back to Bishkek, where our journey ends. So much for our trip through the Kyrgyz wilderness. And if your feet are already itching in your wandering boots, definitely give this rightfully chosen top destination for 2019 a chance. I believe you won't regret it. :-)