Tag: Suusamyr Valley

Dave Stamboulis travels through the wildly verdant Jyrgalan Valley and over the Sary Mogul River to discover a Kyrgyzstan that is quite different than one might expect.

This detox isn’t a spa. Kumis, a slightly alcoholic drink made of mare’s milk, is a peculiar facet of the hills and herds of nomad culture in Kyrgyzstan that will cure what ails you.

Heliskiing in the Himalayas or hitting some of the finest powder in Japan, these destinations will inspire skiers to strap on their GoPro and hit the slopes.

A sign in the Ak-Baital Pass reminds you that you are 4,655 meters above sea level. The untouched landscapes of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are a driver’s dream.

For the traveler that likes a little sweat and effort in their leisure time, going to see what the locals are passionate about provides a great cultural experience and a look into what makes the place tick.

Hidden in the yawning expanse of Central Asia that makes up the Stans are some treasures that should be on every intrepid traveler’s map. These seemingly uncharted lands are full of truly mind-blowing ancient and natural wonders.

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