10 REASONS TO VISIT KYRGYZSTAN

 

1. PICTURESQUE LAND OF HEAVENLY MOUNTAINS

Kyrgyzstan is a country of majestic mountain ranges, including the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai, which occupy 90 percent of its territory. This beautiful and pristine area boasts rugged terrain in the heart of Central Asia. The stunning views of this region, where 29 mountain peaks over 4,000 meters high and 45 peaks over 3,000 meters high are located, have earned it the fame of the 'Land of Heavenly Mountains.'

More than 200 tourist routes await hiking and horseback riding enthusiasts in Kyrgyzstan. For mountaineers, the country proudly offers some of the highest peaks in the world: the famous Pobeda Peak and Khan-Tengri Peak, rising more than 7,000 meters above the Earth's surface. A countless variety of natural forms is represented in over 50 nature parks and forest reserves. Here, visitors can easily organize hiking, biking, or horseback riding tours. Interestingly, for traveling on mountain slopes, most people in Kyrgyzstan still prefer riding horses, considering them the most efficient mode of transportation.

2. BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN LAKES

In the Kyrgyz part of the Tien Shan Mountains, there are more than 2000 high-altitude lakes. Since ancient times, many legends about the origin of these picturesque natural mirrors have been passed down to us. Lake Son-Kul, situated at an altitude of over 3,000 meters above sea level, attracts travelers from all over the world. Several yurt camps along its shoreline offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the traditions of nomadic Kyrgyz culture.

Resorts and guesthouses located around Lake Issyk-Kul, the second deepest lake in the world with a depth of 668 meters, offer guests the chance to enjoy a beach vacation in the heart of the vast Asian continent. Fed by hundreds of underground springs, the lake's name, meaning "hot lake," reflects its unique characteristic of never freezing due to its moderate salinity. The view of the mountain peaks framing Lake Issyk-Kul takes travelers' breath away. This mountain ring protects Issyk-Kul from cold air masses from the north and hot air currents from the south, providing a pleasant and comfortable microclimate that offers travelers every opportunity for rest and relaxation. The breeze blowing towards the lake from the mountains, low humidity, clean air, abundant solar heat, water saturated with useful minerals, hot springs, and therapeutic muds all contribute to improving the health and uplifting the mood of all lake visitors. And for sports enthusiasts, sailing trips are undoubtedly a highlight.

 

3. EXTREME SPORTS

Kyrgyzstan's rugged terrain has always attracted sports fans from all corners of the globe. Mountain ranges stretching across the country beckon climbers to conquer the world's most famous peaks or explore lesser-explored ones. Experienced mountaineers are enticed by the prospect of climbing Kyrgyzstan's four peaks, all towering over 7,000 meters high. Kyrgyzstan offers 13 ski resorts catering to skiers, many of which also provide accommodation services.

 

The mountain peaks give rise to rushing rivers that invite rafting and kayaking enthusiasts. The Chu River, slicing through the Boom Gorge, stands as the country's premier mountain rafting arena. Extreme sports enthusiasts can test their skills navigating the frothing whirlpools concealed behind jutting rocks, offering thrills even for the most seasoned rafters.

 

4. THE GREAT SILK ROAD

For two millennia, the Great Silk Road had been a key trade route linking the achievements of Eastern and Western civilizations. Caravans laden with people and goods crossed mountains, deserts, rivers, and continents, carrying and spreading the ideas, technologies, religions, and wealth of peoples and cultures along the way.

The main artery of the Great Silk Road passed through the lands of the Kyrgyz, whose hospitality and mountain springs offered respite from the deserts inhabited by neighboring peoples. The mountain valleys and lowlands of the Tien Shan were a haven for merchants, hired workers, clergy, and soldiers who set out to cover the 6,500 kilometers separating east and west. In the heyday of the Great Silk Road, three trade routes passed through Kyrgyzstan, prompting UNESCO to declare the Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor a World Heritage Site in 2014. Tash Rabat (a well-preserved caravanserai located in the Naryn region at an altitude of 3,200 meters) is a classic example of a 15th-century inn for Silk Road travelers. Tourists can reach these historic routes and World Heritage sites by horseback, off-road vehicles, bicycles, or motorcycles. Some of the above modes of transportation are offered at certain camps.

 

5. ANCESTRY AND SACRED PLACES

Kyrgyzstan is an excellent destination for ethnographic tourism. Ancient petroglyphs on mountain cave walls, dating back to the 8th century B.C., and ancient burial grounds located throughout the country near battlefields, trace the succession of cultures and peoples in the Kyrgyz lands. Some 5,000 historical and cultural heritage sites scattered throughout the country provide a glimpse into Kyrgyzstan's ancient past. Excavations in the shallow waters of Lake Issyk-Kul have uncovered architectural remains and well-preserved artifacts from an advanced civilization of considerable size.

 

In southern Kyrgyzstan, enthusiasts of ancient artifacts, mausoleums, and mosques are drawn to the city of Osh, situated in the culturally rich Fergana Valley. At the heart of the city on Mount Sulaiman-Too, named after the prophet Solomon, there are 101 sites with petroglyphs depicting people and animals, as well as 17 sites identified as ancient places of worship, providing evidence that this mountain played a role in the religious rituals of ancient peoples. Two 16th-century mosques located here confirm that Sulaiman-Too served believers both in the Islamic period of history and in the pre-Islamic era. The mountain, standing at the crossroads of roads forming one of the arteries of the Silk Road, is a UNESCO cultural heritage site. The museum, located in one of the mountain's caves, exhibits antiquities from different eras.

6. EPIC OF MANAS

The masterpiece known as the Manas Epic stands as the cornerstone of the cultural heritage and oral traditions of the nomadic Kyrgyz, with its verse lines appearing in written form only in modern times. Comprising more than 500,000 lines (twenty times longer than Homer's Iliad and Odyssey combined), the poem recounts the life and exploits of the legendary hero Manas, who fought for independence from China in 995 AD. The Manas epic is recognized on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

The story of Manas abounds with colorful descriptions of everyday life and portrays the traditions, customs, celebrations, and ceremonies observed and performed by the Kyrgyz at the close of the first millennium AD. The professional narrators of the poem, known as "manaschi" or narrators, possess remarkable talent, often entering a trance during the epic's performance, which can last several days and transport listeners into the world of heroic warriors, their armies, enemy hordes, political intrigues, and betrayals. Ultimately, good triumphs over evil. Manaschi serve as the spiritual heart of the Kyrgyz people, universally respected and honored.

 

7. NOMADIC CULTURE

Kyrgyzstan boasts a rich heritage and tradition of nomadic culture, which has become an integral part of the national identity of the Kyrgyz people. During the summer months, many families still drive their herds to graze on the mountain meadows called djailoo, thus preserving the old traditions and way of nomadic life. Everywhere in Kyrgyzstan, one can find echoes of the timeless ancestral traditions that continue to influence the lives of modern Kyrgyz.

Sports and competitions were characteristic of nomadic life among the Kyrgyz. Sports games have always been considered essential for a healthy lifestyle, nurturing an inner spiritual nature. Every man was expected to be athletic and capable of competing in strength, agility, and endurance, which were central to the Kyrgyz understanding of masculinity. In line with nomadic traditions, all competitions were held on horseback, with the rider and his horse forming a unified team. Popular Kyrgyz equestrian games are still held today, with a focus on the art of riding: "At Chabysh" (long-distance races at speeds of 20-30 km/h) and "Jorgo-Salysh" (short-distance races). Equally thrilling are the contests of riders known as "Oodarysh," as well as the group competition where two teams vie for possession of an animal carcass ("Ulak Tartysh" or "Kөk-bөrү").

 

8. KYRGYZ HOSPITALITY

The nomadic tribes of Kyrgyzstan were renowned for their hospitality, kindness, and openness — qualities that remain unchanged today. Kyrgyz people have always welcomed guests and treated them with great respect. There were three types of guests: first, the mildetuu konok, or "obligatory guests," who attended weddings or funerals; the responsibility of accommodating such guests was shared among related families or even the entire village. Secondly, the taanysh konok — "familiar guests" — included distant relatives or friends, who were treated with more familiarity based on the degree of kinship and relationship between the host and the guest. The third type of guest was known as kudaidyn konogu — "guests from God" — representing travelers who sought shelter. Kyrgyz families were obligated to provide food and shelter to anyone crossing the threshold of their house after sunset and requesting to stay overnight. If a family was too poor, relatives would come to their aid. It was crucial to uphold the good reputation of the tribe and avoid any "evil gossip" about its hospitality.

Guests have the option to stay in the homes of Kyrgyz families or in yurt camps, offering a firsthand experience of nomadic life. The yurt symbolizes the connection between the Kyrgyz people and their land. Adorned with traditional rugs (shyrdaks) and embroidered handicrafts, the yurt provides a surprisingly warm and comfortable shelter on cold nights in the high mountain meadows.

 

9. NATIONAL CUISINE

The nomadic way of life has left an indelible imprint on the culinary heritage of the Kyrgyz. Ownership of livestock was the primary indicator of material well-being among nomadic Kyrgyz, and accordingly, meat has always been and remains the favorite ingredient in Kyrgyz cuisine. Beef and lamb, raised on the mountainous jailoo, continue to take center stage on the dinner tables of Kyrgyz families and their guests. Vegetables and grains, which require land cultivation, were not traditionally part of the Kyrgyz diet.

 

A staple dish often found on menus is the inimitable beshbarmak ("five fingers"). This unique dish involves shredding lamb into small pieces with a sharp knife, mixing it with wheat flour noodles, and topping it with a spicy onion sauce called chyk. When served beshbarmak, it is recommended to forego cutlery and use only your fingers, allowing you to fully concentrate on the taste sensations and also to try the nomadic drink - kymyz - sour mare's milk. Traditional menus also offer a wide selection of cold appetizers, usually including sausages and meat delicacies.

 

10. VISA-FREE REGIME

Kyrgyzstan offers a visa-free regime for citizens of more than 40 countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Vietnam, Cuba, Malaysia (up to 30 days), Mongolia (up to 90 days), Turkey (up to 30 days), Ukraine (up to 90 days), Uzbekistan (up to 60 days), and Japan

In order to develop tourism and attract investments, Kyrgyzstan announced a visa-free regime for 60 days for citizens of Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, and Vatican City in 2012. Additionally, as of 2019, a visa-free regime was introduced for citizens of Montenegro, the Principality of Andorra, the Argentine Republic, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Republic of San Marino, the Republic of Chile, and the Sultanate of Oman.

Since September 1, 2017, the Electronic Visa of the Kyrgyz Republic (E-Visa) system has been in operation, allowing citizens of all foreign countries to obtain entry-exit tourist or business visas for Kyrgyzstan for up to 90 days (www.evisa.e-gov.kg). With these initiatives, Kyrgyzstan warmly welcomes guests from numerous countries to explore our history, culture, and hospitality!

 

Link to materials: https://cloud.mail.ru/public/64VS/oUg8sRWV6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation

In 2018, the Government of the Sverdlovsk region, supported by the General Consulate, organized a series of events dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the birth of the Kyrgyz and Soviet writer Ch.T. Aitmatov. These events included exhibitions, conferences, film screenings of the writer's works, and readings of his literature. With assistance from the Consulate General and the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic, editions of books by Ch.T. Aitmatov were donated to libraries in Ekaterinburg. Additionally, in 2018, one of the streets in Ekaterinburg was named in honor of Ch.T. Aitmatov.

The main event honoring the writer's anniversary was the transfer in September 2018 as a gift of a sculptural composition to the Kyrgyz Republic by the Government of the Sverdlovsk region. The composition, themed around images from Ch.T. Aitmatov's work "Farewell, Gulsary!", was created by sculptors A.S. Kozhegulov and J.R. Zhubankosov and installed in the city of Cholpon-Ata (Issyk-Kul region).

On April 19, 2019 in Bishkek, a solemn ceremony of opening of the stele with the image of the outstanding Soviet and Kyrgyz writer Ch.T. Aitmatov took place. The stele - cast on the territory of the Sverdlovsk region and by decision of the Government of the Sverdlovsk region was donated to the Kyrgyz Republic.

On March 25, 2021, the official opening of the "Corner of Kyrgyz literature" took place at the "Library Center Ekaterinburg," with the participation of representatives from the Government of the Sverdlovsk region, the Administration of Ekaterinburg, the Consulate General of the Kyrgyz Republic in Ekaterinburg, the Union of Writers of Russia and the Sverdlovsk region, the Union of Journalists, mass media, public, and national diaspora organizations.

The Library Center received books in Kyrgyz and Russian languages, including works by Ch. Aitmatov and other famous Kyrgyz writers, editions of the epic "Manas," and literature on the folk art of the Kyrgyz people. These materials were received from the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy, as well as the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Alykul Osmonov National Library, and the Gapar Aitiev National Museum of Art.

The "Corner of Kyrgyz Literature" is designed to contribute to the further development of Kyrgyz-Russian interregional public cultural and humanitarian ties. Its aim is to create conditions for familiarizing residents of Ekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk region with Kyrgyz fiction, culture, and folk art. Additionally, it serves as an information and cultural resource center for Kyrgyz compatriots living in Ekaterinburg.

On December 5, 2021, an updated bronze monument to Hero of the Soviet Union, Major General I.V.Panfilov, donated by the Sverdlovsk region, was installed in Bishkek. The renewed monument was installed during the working visit to Bishkek of the Minister of International and External Economic Relations of the Sverdlovsk Region V. Kozlov and during the Fourth Meeting of the Joint Commission for Coordination of Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Humanitarian Cooperation between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Sverdlovsk Region.

Cooperation in the field of publishing is evident. In 2020, the Sverdlovsk Bazhov Foundation implemented the project "Bazhov for Kyrgyzstan," within which the book "Malachite Box" was published in Russian and Kyrgyz languages. This edition was provided to library and school institutions in the Kyrgyz Republic. Additionally, a selection of poems by the renowned Urals poet and prose writer Alexander Kerdan was published in the magazine Literary Kyrgyzstan.

 

In the field of science and higher education, the Ural Federal University, Ural State University of Economics, Ural State Mining University, Ural State Medical University, and Ural State Pedagogical University cooperate with educational institutions in the Kyrgyz Republic under signed agreements.

 

In September 2020, the Sverdlovsk Region donated school textbooks on physics and chemistry for high school students in Osh city and Osh oblast of the Kyrgyz Republic for the new academic year. About 11 thousand new books worth more than 4.5 million rubles, printed by the "Prosveshchenie" publishing house, were distributed to schools in the region. This number fully covers the need of Osh oblast for manuals on these subjects.

In September-October 2021, seven students from the Ural State Pedagogical University underwent training in the program "Technology of organization and implementation of project activities in the conditions of modern geographical education" at Osh State University.

On June 7-8, 2022, the Second Forum of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Kyrgyzstan and Russia was held, organized within the framework of the Ninth Kyrgyz-Russian Interregional Conference.

The Kyrgyz delegation at the Second Forum was headed by Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic Rasul Abazbek uulu and Chairman of the Association of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Kyrgyzstan, Professor Abdilda Musaev.

The Forum was attended by representatives of more than 90 universities of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation, and more than 40 bilateral inter-university cooperation agreements were signed.

Currently, more than 110 students from the Kyrgyz Republic are studying at universities in the Sverdlovsk region.

 

On April 3, 2023, with the support of the Consulate General of the Kyrgyz Republic in Ekaterinburg, the capital of the Urals hosted a performance by the creative team of the Kyrgyz National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after A. Maldybaev, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Ch.T. Aitmatov.

The program of the performance included a showcase of excerpts from performances based on the works of Kyrgyz, Russian, and foreign classics, performed by recognized masters and young talents of Kyrgyz ballet art.

On December 12, 2023, a photo-book exhibition titled "Chyngyz Aitmatov and his Contemporaries" and a creative evening dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the world-famous Kyrgyz writer Ch.T. Aitmatov were held in the capital of the Urals at a high organizational level. The events were organized by the Consulate General of the Kyrgyz Republic in Ekaterinburg with the support of the Government of the Sverdlovsk Oblast.

Kyrgyz-Chelyabinsk relations in the sphere of culture and education are actively supported. In 2018, Chelyabinsk hosted a large-scale event titled "Days of Kyrgyz Culture in the South Urals," dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the founding of the Chelyabinsk Regional Public Association "Mekendeshter" (Compatriots) and the 90th anniversary of the world-famous writer Ch.T. Aitmatov.

Until 2019, more than 70 students - citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic - studied in higher educational institutions in Chelyabinsk. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of students from Kyrgyzstan has decreased and is currently no more than 40. The majority of these students, citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic, are studying full-time on a budgetary basis. To facilitate the admission and enrollment of applicants from the Kyrgyz Republic to universities, field commissions to Kyrgyzstan and remote computerized testing using proctoring are utilized.

 

In 2017, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Bishkek Humanities University named after K. Karasaev and the Southern Humanities University. K. Karasaev Bishkek Humanities University and South Ural State University.

 

On April 28-29, 2023, the International Labor Forum took place in Chelyabinsk city, organized by the Chelyabinsk city public organization "Kyrgyz national-cultural autonomy "Mekendeshter" with the support of the Government of the Chelyabinsk region and the Consulate General of the Kyrgyz Republic in Ekaterinburg. The deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, Ch.A.Aidarbekov, Deputy Governor of the Chelyabinsk region I.P.Kutsevlyak, and Consul General of Kyrgyzstan in Ekaterinburg R.M.Biybosunov took part in the Forum and delivered speeches.

The event included the opening of the public garden named after Ch. Aitmatov in one of the reputable districts of Chelyabinsk.

On October 25-27, 2014, a Kyrgyz delegation visited the Tyumen Oblast within the framework of the "Year of Toktogul Satylganov" announced by the international organization of Turkic culture and art TURKSOY, as well as the "Days of Kyrgyz culture in the Tyumen Oblast" and the international project "Kyrgyzmadaniyat.kg". The following events were held: an international conference "Toktogul: Great Kyrgyz Poet - Nightingale of the East", a festival of Kyrgyz culture "Sayra komuz" ("Zveni komuz"), and a festive concert "Ala Too Tanshyit" ("Melodies of the Mountains"), an exhibition of Kyrgyz cuisine and arts and crafts, and a photo exhibition. At the end of the events, the participants inscribed their wishes in the Commemorative Book of the project, "Kyrgyzmadaniyat.kg", calling for peace, unity, harmony, and intercultural dialogue.

 

In July 2017, creative teams and performers of the State Autonomous Cultural Institution "Palace of National Cultures "Stroitel" took part in the II International Festival "Zheti-өguzdө Aimak yshkybozdoru - 2017" ("Talents of Zheti-өguz") in Issyk-Kul region of the Kyrgyz Republic.

 

On October 9-12, 2019, within the framework of the visit of the government delegation of the Kyrgyz Republic to Tyumen, Days of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Tyumen region, timed to the 10th anniversary of the Tyumen regional public organization "Birimdik" of the Kyrgyz diaspora, a gala concert was held with the participation of creative teams.

 

On December 6, 2022, a solemn event was held to mark the 15th anniversary of the creation of the Perm regional public organization "Union of the Kyrgyz", which was attended by staff of the Consulate General of the Kyrgyz Republic in Ekaterinburg, representatives of the Administration of the Governor of Perm Krai and the administration of the city of Perm, and heads of national-cultural and public organizations in Perm.

 

In 2023, the region held a number of events dedicated to the Constitution Day of the Kyrgyz Republic, the 95th anniversary of Ch. Aitmatov, the national company "Zhashyl Muras", Ak-Kalpak, other holidays, and anniversaries, including as part of cultural events organized in honor of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the city of Ekaterinburg.