Kyrgyzstan

 

Kyrgyzstan is one of the last few unpolluted grounds on our planet that along with beautiful alpine nature has preserved nomadic traditions, rich heritage and cultural continuity that dates back to many thousand years of history and antiquity.

It was born on the 31st of August, in 1991 as a sovereign modern democratic state and lies in a region that glitters with historic figures of Alexander the Great, Tamerlane, Moghul Baber the Lion, Marco Polo, Umar Khayam. Situated in the North-East of Central Asia it has a total area of 198.5 thousand sq. km.(twice biger than Hungary or 3 times bigger then Sri-Lanka), supporting a population of 5 mln. Kyrgyzstan borders Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tadjikistan and China.

The largest part of Kyrgyzstan is occupied by Tien-Shan and Pamiro-Alai mountain kingdoms, the highest and some of the most beautiful mountain peaks in the world. The highest being Pobeda peak (“Victory”)-7439 m., Lenin peak 7134 m. and Khan-Tengri, (“Emperor of the skies”) 6995 m. part of Tien-Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. This makes it a wonderful place to go trekking, hiking and climbing.

Over 90% of Kyrgyzstan surface area is above 1500 m, of unspoiled nature and primordial beauty of towering mountains, which give Kyrgyzstan more than 28 thousand rivulets, sparkling streams and lucid brooks. There are 1923 large and small lakes in the Republic but largest and best known is Issyk-Kul lake.
Placed along the Great Silk Road on the historic crossroads of trade and cultural exchanges between China, Iran, India and the Arabian Sea, Kyrgyzstan has become home for more than 80 nationalities and ethnic communities. Kyrgyz, Russians, Ukranian, Uzbek, Germans, Tatars, Kazakh, Uigur and Tadjik among others. As a multi-natinal state Kyrgyzstan has a rich variety of languages, literature, folklore, arts, crafts, customs and communities that lend colour and variety to Kyrgyz culture. The Kyrgyz Republic firmly upholds the equality of all communities; the official languages are Russian and Kyrgyz, yet Russian forms a common language of all groups.

In Kyrgyzstan there are 4000 species of high vegetation, 500 species of animals, 335 species of birds, 25 species of reptiles, 49 species of fish and 3 species of frogs which makes it a real paradise for biological tours.

Climate
The climate in Kyrgyzstan is continental with very cold winters and particularly hot summers. It is a mountainous region with all year round snows in the high lands. The one can expect sub-zero temperatures while in the mountains at any time. Once you are out of the mountains the temperature becomes much warmer. The best times to visit are May to October.

State flag

1. Red background of Kyrgyzstan flag symbolises valour and boldness. Tribal banner of the great Kyrgyz epic hero Manas and flag of Kyrgyz Kaganate were also red.

2. Golden sun with 40 sunrays personify calmness and wealth, while 40 sunrays symbolise 40 ancient Kyrgyz tribes.

3. Tyundyuk- (the top of the yurta) is the symbol of the paternal house.

Adopted on 3rd of March, 1992.

National emblem

State emblem presents the circle with wide rim. In the centre on the blue background there is the Lake Issyk-Kul- the pearl of Central Asia. The waters of the lake symbolise natural beauty, the source of life and energy. Behind the lake there are seven peaks symbolising seven regions of Kyrgyzstan and there are also the rising sun and white eagle - symbol of liberality and vigilance, height of thoughts of Kyrgyzstan citizens, inhabiting the country of celestial mountains. On the rim there are wheatears - symbol of diligence and peace and twigs of cotton plants with opened cotton balls.

Adopted on 14th of January, 1994.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF KYRGZSTAN:
Kyrgyzstan holds several charms for the outsider. The one attraction about which the Kyrgyzstanis are most proud is the natural beauty of this country. The country has a lot of mountains, rivers, and forests. Along with Tajikistan, it has the highest mountains in the world outside the Himalayas. Predictably, trekking and mountaineering are common activities in this country. The biggest attraction for a visitor who comes here, is to visit a place that is until now unspoiled by commercial tourism. Travel here is rewarding to everyone

CITIES:
Bishkek and Osh, out of which Bishkek is the larger, and has almost a million population, with all entertainment and facilities that a city can have except an underground metro. There are also smaller towns namely Naryn, Karakol and Jalalabad. Issyk-Kul lake is another extremely popular attraction, beign the second largest mountain lake in the world after Titicaca. For the adventure lover, there are all sorts of places all over the map of this country, ranging from Talal in the west, to Suusamyr and Toktogul in the centre, and the even more difficult to reach places like Kazarman and Irkeshtam. Other attractions of travel to Kyrgyzstan are the nice countryside, clean urban areas, and extremely friendly people. We offer assistance of all types to visitors.

SEASONS:
In summer, spring and autumn, Kyrgyzstan is one of the greenest countries in the world. It is sometimes said that the capital Bishkek is the greenest capital in Asia. This is true of all of Kyrgyzstan and of many parts of central Asia. Visitors feel that cities here have not degenerated into the concrete jungles that are seen in other countries. Bishkek and other cities are enjoyable places to visit in the summer. The weather is fine, and it is a good time to travel to Kyrgyzstan cities and their surroundings.
In winter, the towns and the countryside takes on a totally fairy-tale like appearance. It is a special time to visit. There are several places to visit where tourists can go for skiing, snowboarding, and a variety of winter sports. The cities are also wonderful places to be in during winter, and it is a joy to breathe in the cool winter air and to see the central Asia sky at night, which is full of stars. There are double new year and christmas celebrations (western and orthodox) that go on for more than a month.

ARCHITECTURE:
The architecture and Urban Design is influenced strongly by ancient central Asian tradition, and is quite different from any other region in the world. The public spaces of Bishkek are very clean, and grand enough without being overpowering. It is a great example of small-scale architecture. It does not have any bad influences of soviet architecture, as some critics claim. Many people travel here to look at the beautiful buildings and townscapes. We have several tours for people who want to explore the cities.

ENTERTAINMENT:
There are also about a dozen clubs and discos in Bishkek, and a smaller number in Osh. The number of such establishments is sufficient to offer variety, but not so many that you feel suffocated by the atmosphere. For gamblers, there are some Casinos too. Most entertainment spots are open till late at night, or till morning. There are dozens of bars and restaurants for the thirsty and the hungry. After some hectic travel, these are ideal to relax. There are also regular performances by an opera, a philharmonic orchestra, and ballets. There is a circus and a zoo for children and for the really young at heart. There is also a choice of amusement parks in Bishkek and in Osh. You can also visit a bowling alley.