24 BEST Places to Visit in Kyrgyzstan (2023 Expert Guide)

Kyrgyzstan is jam-packed with places to visit and things to do. The landlocked Central Asian nation is home to some of the world’s most spectacular trekking, both on foot and on a horse.

However, the majority of these trails are not accessible until the summer months due to the country’s high altitude.

When planning on what places to visit in Kyrgyzstan it’s important to know that there are many places where you can base yourself to take in a large number of different destinations in the surrounding area. 

Travelling around the eastern and western portions is reasonably easy but can be time-consuming in some cases. But generally, you can utilise marshrutka to get around.

However, getting from the east to the west or vice versa can be particularly challenging and complex so make sure you plan ahead accordingly. It’s usually a good idea to budget an entire day for travel. 

READ MORE: Check out our Kyrgyzstan travel guide to help you plan all of the details for your travels.

The Best Places to Visit in Kyrgyzstan

We love Kyrgyzstan! So narrowing down our favourite places to visit was difficult.

But if you’re planning your first trip to Kyrgyzstan, be sure to add these to your list of places to visit!

1) Bishkek 

For many, this is their entry point into Kyrgyzstan, via Manas Airport or overland from Kazakhstan. Time spent in Bishkek is usually short, with many hot-footing it out to the country’s more spectacular destinations.  

Kyrgyzstan’s only city may not be the reason people visit, however, there is enough to keep you busy for a couple of days. Check out Panfilov and Dubovy Parks for a relaxing afternoon stroll.

The city’s heart is Ala-Too Square, which is particularly pretty at night. Heading west from the square is the city’s busiest area with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to check out. 

For a slightly stranger experience take a wander around the deserted circus to the north of Ala-Too. If you want to try out your bargaining skills then head over to Osh Bazaar. 

One thing to take advantage of here is the food. Bishkek is blessed with a plethora of food options not found elsewhere in Kyrgyzstan.

Trust me you will plenty of shashlik, manti, plov and lagman during your time in Kyrgyzstan (and Central Asia in general) so grasp the opportunity to get some variety.

For some culinary variety, this is absolutely one of the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan.

2) Ala…