Kyrgyzstan is a country with rich history and culture, and offers a wide range of tourist attractions that are sure to delight its visitors. From breathtaking natural landscapes to historic monuments and cultural heritage sites, Kyrgyzstan has something to offer for everyone. We bring you some of the top tourist attractions in Kyrgyzstan that you won't want to miss.

This stunning lake, main attraction in Kyrgyzstan, is the second-largest mountain lake in the world and is a must-see attraction. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and together they create a rich playground for all kinds of outdoor activities - swimming, hiking, off-road tours for both cars and motorbikes, wildlife watching, and even simple romantic dinners at the sunsets. While the north lakeshore is popular for its resorts, the south shore provides a more peaceful experience.

Photo by Anvar Han

All mountain lovers, either hikers or climbers, will enjoy the dozens of trails at Ala Archa. The park is located just outside of Bishkek, so it is place-to-go even if you have only a day or two for exploring local nature. Local citizens love to spend the weekends at the local picnic sites, many small groups climb the numerous peaks. We recommend you to plan 1-3 days visits to Ala Archa and hike to Ratsek Hut, peak Komsomolets, Uchitel or many others. The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including the endangered snow leopard.

Song-Kul would win the contest for the beautiful nomadic scenery. The wide high-altitude plato, deep blue waters of the lake, surrounded by the chain of hills, sprinkled with the yurt camps. The lake is a great location by itself, but you may add it to your itinerary of tours around Issyk Kul lake and Naryn regions. You will get to the lake through one of four mountain passes. Fans of stargazing will definitely love the night sky over Song-Kul, which is one of the most beautiful not only in Kyrgyzstan. Majority of the local yurt camps serve the tourist, and others are the adobe for the shepherd families, which is another great opportunity to witness traditional nomadic lifestyle.

Photo by Eldar

This stunning reserve, located in the western part of Kyrgyzstan (Jalal Abad region), is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Majority of guides will take you for a short trip, but there are more trails to take here. Sary-Chelek offers opportunities for those who plan a quick stop-by, but also for hikers willing to take a week long hiking trips. At the location you will find 5 lakes, which are visible from ‘panorama’ spot over the entire valley. Sary-Chelek offers you a wide range of outdoor activities, as hiking, bird-watching, nature photography.

Photo by Ilyas Isakov

Lake Kel Suu is a hidden gem in the heart of the Tian Shan mountains. This stunning alpine lake is located in the remote location of Naryn region, and is famously known for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering peaks and rugged terrain. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. In between the lake and local yurt camps, you will find numerous opportunities for hiking, horse riding, camping. Kel Suu is a popular destination for off-road tours, both in summer and winter, as the drive to the lake is an adventure of its own. As the destination is located at the border zone, you will need the border permit to visit the area.

These and many other destinations in Kyrgyzstan are there to delight the visitors of any kind. Make sure you plan your trip according to your favorite locations and keep a plan flexible for the unexpected gems which you will meet along the way.