Kyrgyzstan

One of the main reasons for the timing of my trip to Kyrgyzstan was to have the chance to check out the country’s National Horse Games Festival, which takes place in August.

Karakol is unlike any other part of Kyrgyzstan. Its scenery, its diversity of people, its attractions, and even its cuisine are all unique and have a wonderfully authentic feel. And after my kitschy Issyk Kul lake experience, unique and authentic were two traits I was craving.

Having heard so much about Issyk Kul lake since my arrival in Kyrgyzstan, I was excited to check it out. It is, after all, one of the top resort destinations for not only Kyrgyz nationals, but also for people living in other Soviet nations.

High in the Tien Shan mountain range sits the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek. The city is young, and as such, has limited historic sites. I recently visited on a trip through Kyrgyzstan, and had a chance to explore the city for myself.

Any good traveler knows that the more challenging destinations are almost always the most rewarding, and this is very much the case with Song-Kul Lake, the second-largest lake in Kyrgyzstan