-“No trip would be complete without experiencing Kyrgyz culture for yourself”

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Kyrgyz Republic which will fall on Aug. 31st(Friday), 2018, Kyrgyz Amb. Kylychbek SULTAN contributed its article to the NDNnews(www.ndnnews.co.kr) & Seoulcity magazine as follows including its country introduction & tourism edges. –Ed.

ABOUT KYRGYZSTAN

Maybe you have heard of the mountains, maybe you have heard of the Silk Road, or maybe you have never heard of Kyrgyzstan at all. No matter what your interests are, you are sure to fall in love with Kyrgyzstan. The mountain peaks are perfect for trekking and skiing, but do not miss the deep, clear lakes and vibrant cities. And no trip would be complete without experiencing Kyrgyz culture for yourself - fall in love with the natural and delicious food, be impressed by the truly epic poems, and live the rich history of the Silk Road for yourself.

There are few places in the world with the extreme topography of Kyrgyzstan, with over 80% of the country covered in mountains. Kyrgyzstan is split into two parts by the massive Tian Shan, the heavenly mountains mentioned in Chinese texts centuries ago. There are three peaks in Kyrgyzstan that reach over 7,000 meters: Peak Pobeda and Khan Tengri, in the tall, sharp mountains of the Tian Shan near the border with China, and Lenin Peak, with broader slopes in the Pamir Mountains in the south. These peaks have brought alpinists to Kyrgyzstan for decades, attracting those who aim to scale the rocky slopes to reach the top of the world. But there’s also so much to explore beyond the tallest peaks. Even the most casual picnicker will appreciate the fresh alpine meadows that can be found in hidden valleys, while fragrant juniper forests and rushing rivers make great scenery for treks and hikes.

SUMMER

Summer in Kyrgyzstan is perfect for adventures, both wild and relaxing. As the snow melts, the roads to the highest peaks open up, making climbing, rafting, hiking and gliding popular summer sports. Climbers will find no shortage of places in the Tian Shan and Pamir Mountains, from cliffs that are perfect for bouldering to towering mountains that are technical challenges. Hikers will love the many trekking routes and experienced guides, with new foot paths and horse routes opening every year through the mountains and across the glaciers. And the wild mountain rivers are perfect for whitewater rafting - check out any of the dozens of runs set up through the tumbling rivers. For the more relaxed, it is easy to find a secluded spot in the crisp pine forests and fresh mountain air, perfectly suited for a restful trip.

WINTER

If the mountains of Kyrgyzstan are beautiful in the summer, just wait for the winter. The peaks that were mostly green during the summer turn a brilliant white, covered in fresh snow that glitters in the sunlight. There is a peaceful quiet to the snow-covered peaks, especially once you leave the world behind and head out on backcountry trails.

Kyrgyzstan’s modern ski resorts combine the best of the spectacular mountains with internationally-designed resorts and amenities. There are traditional runs with chairlifts, and also trails that leave civilization altogether. But no matter what, you’ll find comfortable places to stay, excellent service, and views like none other.

ISSYK-KUL

No trip to Kyrgyzstan would be complete without a visit to Issyk-Kul Lake. Relax at the beach, enjoy a family vacation at one of the resorts, or head out into the nearby mountains on a trek - Issyk-Kul is a great place for anyone. It is no wonder that Issyk-Kul is one of the most popular vacation places among local people. You will be sure to find some areas that are full of life, with popular beaches, cafes and resorts, but there are also quiet places where you can just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Even though it’s surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too and the Kungey Ala-Too Mountains, the lake never freezes, and it’s so huge that there’s more than enough space for water sports, swimming, mud baths, and fishing.

The jewels of Kyrgyzstan are the deep blue lakes, some of the biggest and most beautiful alpine lakes in the world. Beyond Issyk-Kul Lake (known as the Pearl of Central Asia), are Son-Kul Lake, deep in the Tian Shan, Sary Chelek Lake, home to an important biosphere, and Kel-Suu Lake, with its steep rock walls.

SILK ROAD

For the generations of traders that crossed the Silk Road from east to west and back again, the mountains of Kyrgyzstan were a significant landmark. The terrain could be harsh, but it was not an impossible journey to make. Even in the highest mountains, there was a warm bed to spend the night in. And in the deep valleys, there were rich cities that were cultural centers famous far and wide. Kyrgyzstan was once at the center of the world - literally. The great scholar Mahmud al-Kashgari placed the city of Balasagun at the center of his famous 11th-century map, but today all that remains of this great city is Burana Tower, near Bishkek.

Imagine leading a caravan laden with goods across Asia. You have horses and camels with you, carrying loads of silk, spices, fine porcelain, gold, silver, and precious stones. After the long crossing across the Taklamakan Desert, and before the harsh terrain of the upcoming Tian Shan Mountains, you need a safe place to sleep and let your animals rest. The ideal place is something just like Tash Rabat, a stone caravanserai nestled into the hillside of a broad valley. Tash Rabat has a number of small rooms with domed ceilings, perfect for a good night’s sleep. Wandering through the empty halls today, it is easy to picture how the place must have looked in the 15th century, when it was full of merchants trading goods and sharing news. Tash Rabat is unique in this respect, since it is so well-preserved. There are few other places so complete and sparsely beautiful on the Silk Road.

EPIC OF MANAS

Nothing quite captures the spirit of Kyrgyzstan like The Epic of Manas. This epic poem brings history back to life and leaves you with unforgettable memories.

Kyrgyzstan has a long literary tradition, even though for centuries, nothing was written down. There were plenty of stories that were passed down as oral traditions from generation to generation, with some storytellers memorizing up to a half a million lines. The most famous poem in Kyrgyzstan is The Epic of Manas, which tells the story of a remarkable warrior named Manas. Over thousands of lines of poem, he fights off invaders to save the Kyrgyz homeland and unite the many warring Kyrgyz tribes. His actions became one of the world’s most impressive epic poems, longer than The Iliad and The Odyssey combined. But The Epic of Manas is more than just a poem or even just a work of art: Manas has been central to Kyrgyz identity ever since it was first created. Before there were written histories of Asia, before there were nation states and even schools, The Epic of Manas was the way to tell people about their past and their nation. Manas himself was brave and strong, and he fought to protect the Kyrgyz people and their homeland, so he served as a role model for generations of Kyrgyz people. When Kyrgyzstan became independent in 1991, The Epic of Manas became central to the young republic, as a way of telling about the past of the new country and about the character of the Kyrgyz people. The Epic of Manas is truly a unique poem - unlike many other works, there are still people that to this day memorize and recite the thousands of lines that make up this epic poem.

WORLD NOMAD GAMES

In September 2016, all anyone could talk about was the World Nomad Games. More than just a sporting event, more than just a cultural festival, the World Nomad Games brought participants from 62 countries to the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, where they competed in athletic events, performed at concerts, and made memories for a lifetime. After the First World Nomad Games in September 2014, the event grew in 2016 to become a week of unforgettable events and spontaneous meetings that set the world on fire (or maybe that was just the flaming horsemen). The unique atmosphere at the Games can’t be replicated anywhere else - it’s a mix of ancient traditions meeting global influences, intense competition rooted in deep respect, and a flair for showmanship ever present among the cross-cultural sharing. It is everything to love about Kyrgyzstan, shared with the world.

CUISINE

Full of rich flavors and natural ingredients, Kyrgyz food is a treat for any traveler. Originally designed to keep nomads and shepherds well-fed through their strenuous work, Kyrgyz food is hearty and filling. So when you sit down to eat after a long hike or a busy day, you will be delighted to have a spread of Kyrgyz dishes waiting for you.

Most Kyrgyz dishes are rather simple, featuring a lot of dough and meat. These were the ingredients that were most easy to work with while living a nomadic lifestyle. Herders were constantly on the move with their animals, and families would move around from season to season to find the best pastures (which meant that planting gardens was not easy). And while there were plenty of spices moving through the mountains of Kyrgyzstan along the Silk Road, very few made it into traditional Kyrgyz dishes. Instead, the natural flavors of the ingredients themselves were allowed to shine, and the high quality of the ingredients themselves more than made up for the lack of spices.

Materials provided by

Department of strategic development of tourism Department of tourism

under the Ministry of culture, information and tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic

tel. +996 312 900443 fax. +996 312 621861

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