One of the most beautiful places I have visited is the country of Kyrgyzstan. It lies in a mountainous area with stunning landscapes and nature untouched by humanity’s footprint. Kyrgyzstan is one of the former Soviet republics, which declared its independence in 1991 and joined the CIS. The country is unique with its pristine nature and numerous biosphere reserves. Besides, the Kyrgyz culture represents the nomadic lifestyle and rich history of the people. Along with an authentic cultural experience, Kyrgyzstan offers a great backpacking adventure for those who pay a visit.
When I first saw the beauty of the country’s nature, I was genuinely impressed. The picturesque scenery made me feel like I found myself in a storybook or a fairy tale. The open space seems to have no limits and stretches as far as the eye can see. Many countries are known for their beautiful nature, but the experience in Kyrgyzstan is unlike any other. As Stamboulis (2018) stated, the country is not highly populated, and no strict regulations prevent locals and tourists from exploring the countryside in its beauty, which, nevertheless, is not harmful to the wildlife. In such conditions, nature is blooming, the air always smells fresh, and clear water runs in rivers and streams.
Kyrgyzstan is often referred to as the “Swiss Alps of Central Asia” because of its location. The country lies between the Tien-Shan and the Pamir-Alay mountain ranges and encompasses a variety of ecosystems, among which mountain glaciers and arid canyons, alpine pastures and valleys, lakes and rivers (Jenish, 2017). The continental climate adds up to the unique experience one can get in the country, as various activities are available in different seasons, from swimming and horse riding to snowboarding and skiing. Kyrgyzstan cannot be boring, because wildlife is abundant and worth sightseeing in the country.
Visiting Kyrgyzstan is like being alive a hundred years ago, living in a country that is pure and innocent. As I arrived in Kyrgyzstan, the atmosphere of people’s life there astonished me. Even though the country has become more progressive, some locals still practice a semi-nomadic lifestyle, allowing the tourists to learn about the Kyrgyz culture and traditions. Apart from hiking in the mountains, another remarkable experience was tasting beshbarmak, a dish made of meat and noodles. It is meant to be eaten with hands, without cutlery, to focus on the flavors. However, it is difficult to name just one notable thing about Kyrgyzstan, since many experiences come to my mind. During my trip, I saw ancient petroglyphs of an old civilization and the historical routes of the Great Silk Road, tasted blini (traditional pancakes), touched the waters of Lake Issyk-Kul, and got a chance to see the works of local artisans. The hospitality of the Kyrgyz people, direct descendants of Genghis Khan, to westerners made my experience unforgettable.
To sum up, Kyrgyzstan is a country of friendly people and beautiful views, attractive for tourists who want to expand their horizons and come into contact with nature. The Kyrgyz culture has developed over the centuries, but the influence of nomadic life can be tracked up to today. This feature makes the country a fascinating destination for people who like to learn something new about other nations. The country is highly underrated as a tourist landmark, but visiting it is a remarkable experience.
References
- Jenish, N. (2017). Tourism Sector in Kyrgyzstan: Trends and Challenges. (Vol. 42).
- Stamboulis, D. (2018). Central Asia’s Switzerland: Paradise in Kyrgyzstan. Web.