Kyrgyzstan: Travel in winter

If you are looking for a winter destination that is as stunningly beautiful as it is adventurous, then look no further than Kyrgyzstan.

The first reason why it is worth visiting Kyrgyzstan is nature. The nature in Kyrgyzstan is indescribable, especially in winter.

Winter is magical, beautiful snow-white landscape, everything is covered with white snow, the air is clean, snow crunches underfoot, frozen waterfalls and rivers and Lake Issyk-Kul, the pearl of Kyrgyzstan, a salty lake that does not freeze even in the coldest winters.

Absolutely anyone can come to Kyrgyzstan for winter holidays, whether they are fans of extreme sports or lovers of comfortable rest.

“Travel Land” travel agency in Bishkek decided to tell you about all the wonderful places and activities to visit in Kyrgyzstan.

For lovers of outdoor activities there is a large selection of ski resorts. The ski season in Kyrgyzstan starts in November and can last until April, depending on weather conditions. Both experienced skiers and beginners can come here to ski, a family vacation is also possible, where small children can go sledding or learn how to get up on skis.

Lake Issyk Kul and the area around it is a great place not only for lovers of hiking, but also for cultural activities. Do not miss the opportunity to see the most famous and beautiful sights of Kyrgyzstan and walk among the colorful red rocks of the Skazka canyons, and walking to the waterfalls in the Barskoon gorge, which are definitely frozen at this time of year, everyone who visits these places will enjoy the pure snowy mountain air and breathtaking nature around.

Of course, it is impossible to pass by and not visit the cultural city of Karakol and its sights, and the most daring and experienced travelers can plunge into Issyk-Kul Lake and swim or you have a great opportunity to visit hot springs.

Kyrgyzstan is rich in hot springs. Many of them are located high in the mountains, which are difficult to reach in winter, but some of them are accessible all year round. Imagine that everything around is snowy, cold, and you are swimming in hot water in the open air, your body is warming up, although it is cold outside, and you are enjoying the fresh, clean mountain air.

All this can be combined in travel tours like Kyrgyzstan Winter Experience and Winter Jeep Tour — “Sparkling Kyrgyzstan”.

If you have always been interested in the nomadic lifestyle in winter, you have always wanted to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of nomads, then a trip to Kyrgyzstan is exactly the place you were looking for.

Kyrgyzstan is a country of nomads. Despite the fact that we live in a modern world where people drive cars, live in houses or flats and work in offices, many traditions and culture of nomads are still preserved.

People maintain a nomadic lifestyle, move to mountain pastures in summer, and return to wintering places in autumn, raise cattle, although seasonally, but live in yurts or tents, ride horses and drink kymyz — the Kyrgyz national drink.

Travelers can get acquainted with the Kyrgyz national horse games. There is a wide selection of horse games, for example: kok boru (the struggle of riders for the carcass of a goat), kyz kuumai (chasing a girl), tyiyn enmei (getting coins from the ground), oodarysh (fighting riders), at-chabysh (long-distance horse racing) etc.

Spend a night in a yurt. Imagine what a challenge it is, to spend a night in the mountains on a snowy winter night, and in the morning to saddle a horse and take a horse ride through the snowy mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

If you are a lover of active and extreme recreation, then freeride tours are for you. During the tour, you will ride snowmobiles to the snow-covered slopes, and then ski for a few days on the untouched slopes of the Kyrgyz high mountains.

A FEW THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING KYRGYZSTAN IN WINTER

Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country that combines all 4 seasons. The climate in Kyrgyzstan is continental and has no access to the sea and oceans. It can be really cold in winter.

Take warm clothes with you and be sure to be informed about the weather and climate in Kyrgyzstan.

Regardless of the time of year, you can watch the manufacture of felt products, see Kyrgyz national musical instruments and hear national music, as well as try Kyrgyz national cuisine, try Kyrgyz national bread «boorsok» and even participate in its preparation.

Another ancient tradition of the Kyrgyz people is eagle hunting and yurt production. The eagle is not just a pet, but a real friend for the owners. Eagle hunting is very popular in Kyrgyzstan and this tradition is passed down from generation to generation.

Earlier the article was published here.

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