In the modern world, one of the types of active recreation and travel is tourism, which provides people with the opportunity to use their free time, and the economy - profit. Tourism in Kyrgyzstanuntil today remained in the shadow of other sectors of the national economy. Its impact on the economy is negligible. The tourist services market has not yet strengthened, we can say that it is still in its infancy. And yet, analyzing the reports of the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic, one can come to the conclusion that in the near future tourism will become a profitable sector of the economy. For example, in 1995, receipts to the state treasury from foreign tourism - $ 4.7 million, and in 2000 - $ 10 million. In many countries where tourism plays the role of a stimulator of domestic and world trade, it gives up to half of the gross national product. In Kyrgyzstan, this figure is less than 1%. (Data of the Committee on Tourism, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic).
The development of the world tourism industry generates revenues of about $ 3 trillion annually, including about $ 3,000 billion from international tourism. In general, the volume of foreign exchange earnings from tourism for the period from 1950 to 1999 increased 145 times. The practice of the development of events and the forecasts of specialists of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) show that the tourism market is becoming more specific, the systems of its connections and communications - more adapted. The need for tourism development planning has increased. Judging by the above events, the level of socio-economic development of Kyrgyzstan depends to a large extent on the successful formation of a tourist and recreational complex.
Tourism has already received full recognition in official government decisions. The President of the Republic A. Akayev in his work “On the strategy of socio-economic development of the Kyrgyz Republic and urgent actions” considers tourism as one of the priority industries that bring foreign exchange income to the structure of the national economy of the republic.
At the same time, Academician T. Koichuev assigns an important role to the recreation and tourism industry, which is profitable and sensitive to market conditions, in the development of the national economy, gaining recognition in the world market. This industry is capable of developing various industries in the republic: jewelry, souvenir, etc.
Sovereign Kyrgyzstan - mountain republic... There are favorable natural-climatic, medical-recreational, aesthetic, cultural-historical and other opportunities that can attract international tourists and climbers for recreation and treatment. Tourists, recreators take into account the peculiarities of the mountain landscape, mountain climate, the duration of sunshine, the richness and diversity of flora and fauna, natural opportunities for mountain sports, hunting, fishing, mountaineering and related profiles (for example, climatotherapy in combination with kumis therapy).
The mountainous landscape of the republic is complex and extremely diverse. The smallest height of the territory above sea level is 539 m, and the highest is 7439 m. More than 93% of the territory is occupied by mountains and only 7% is accounted for by valleys and plains. A characteristic feature of the landscape is the alternation of high mountains and intermountain hollows, sultry deserts and dry mountain steppes, alpine and subalpine meadows on arctic glaciers. The landscape attracts tourists and recreationists almost all year round and creates opportunities for the prospective development of tourist and recreational complexes.
The exceptionally diverse climatic conditions associated with the mountainous terrain contributed to the formation of a large amount of mineral and thermal waters, therapeutic mud, different in physical chemical composition and the content of balneological trace elements. The average annual duration of sunshine varies between 2500-2800 hours (this figure in Moscow is about 1600 hours). The stable summer season starts in May. In the valleys the average summer temperature is 20-25 degrees, in the valleys the average height is 15-17 degrees.
The organization of the types and forms of tourist and recreational activities should depend on what set of natural resources the territory of mountainous Kyrgyzstan possesses.
Studies of contemporary regional characteristics tourist and recreational potential, forecast of the future development of the industries of recreational complexes, based on the materials of scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic. I propose to divide the republic into tourist and recreational areas.
Issyk-Kul resort-tourist region
The presence of a non-freezing lake creates such climate features that have no analogue in other regions of Kyrgyzstan, therefore the Issyk-Kul resort and tourist region is a generally recognized and actively visited resort area by residents of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia and other CIS countries. In addition to the above, it is distinguished by its extraordinary beauty. The Russian traveler P.P. Semenov-Tien Shansky, who visited the lake, compared it with Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and preferred Issyk-Kul. The snow-white peaks surrounding the lake rise up to 4500-5000 meters, protecting from the penetration of cold air from the north and hot air from the deserts of Central Asia. The water surface, open all year round, makes the climate somewhat milder and warmer, compared to the climate of other regions located at the same latitude. On the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, the average annual duration of sunshine reaches 2880 hours, in the resorts of the Crimea, located a little further north in latitude, it is equal to: in Sochi - 2253, in Yalta - 2250, Evpatoria - 2440 hours. Even in such southern cities of Transcaucasia as Yerevan and Tbilisi, it is 2627 and 2053 hours, respectively. In the summer months, sunshine lasts up to 300 hours, and the maximum value of the total radiation is 1.67-1.68, cal / cm2. min. For comparison, let us point out that the maximum values \u200b\u200bof total radiation in Sochi are 1.47, and at the famous resort of Davos (Switzerland) - 1.59 cal / cm2. min. The water in the lake is salty, the total salinity of the Issyk-Kul water, according to the latest data, is 6.02 / g / kg, - not lower than the salinity of sea water. Approximately the same mineralization in the eastern part of Lake Balkhash.
With a deepening, the salinity rises to 18 g / kg. In addition, Issyk-Kul is rich in curative mud, which are lagoon, coastal and underwater deposits. Abundance of greenery, ecologically clean mountain-sea air, beautiful beaches, kumys-medicinal sanatoriums, medicinal and recreational mud, horseback riding or walking along picturesque gorges, fishing, swimming and boating - all these combinations are extremely unique, excellent for development tourism in the area.
Chuy tourist-resort area
It has a great advantage over other regions of the republic located at the same absolute height. The district is located in the northwestern part of the republic, with an area of \u200b\u200b20, 19 thousand km2 (less than 10% of the republic's territory). The valley is crossed by river beds flowing down from the ridge of the Kyrgyz ridge. They are beautiful narrow gorges for a short break. Chuy tourist-resort area is divided into the following tourist sites: Alamedin, Ala-Archa, Burana, Issyk-Ata, Shamshy, Chon-Kemin, Ak-Suu. Bishkek is a cognitive and at the same time a distribution center of the entire system. Burana is a historical and cultural site. Shams is a specialized national hunting. Chon-Kemin is a sports and recreation center and equestrian tourism. The rest of the facilities are multifunctional and can be used for a wide range of activities for both short and long rest at any time of the year.
On the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too, which belongs to the Chuy tourist-resort area, there is an extremely sharp mosaic of territorial natural complexes without much difference in their borders. In the low and middle mountains, where the main recreational facilities are located, there are dissimilar mountain ecosystems, in the form of chains towering one above the other, covered with spruce forests, juniper and meadows. In these climatically favorable zones for the human body, the main resources of medicinal mineral springs, curative mud, warm springs, elements of biological origin (adrashman), medicinal herbs, etc. are located. Mass recreation and tourism are possible throughout the year. Here the climate is milder, the summer is cooler, the average temperature does not exceed + 18-20 degrees, the winter is warm, the most comfortable for rest. Within Bishkek, there are the main objects, such as: Ala-Archa National Natural Park; Alpine camp Ala-Archa; Chon-Tash ski and sports camp; sanatorium "Cosmonauts" with a thermal spring, Chunkurchak and others. On these objects it is possible to place tourist and recreational facilities for winter recreation: ski lodges, mountain skating rinks with cable cars and winter thermal swimming pools.
In addition to the listed ones, in the Chuy region there are attractive natural gorges Kara-Balta, Aspara, Ak-Suu, Dzhilamish, Ala-Archa, Alamudun, Issyk-Ata, Kegeti, Shamshy, Chon-Kemin. In the Chon-Kemin gorge, the Kemin national natural park has been organized and operates with the functions of sports and recreation, mountain, water and equestrian tourism.
The landscape-geological conditions of the Chui tourist-resort region determine the presence of medicinal mineral waters of various physical and chemical composition. These include the Ak-Suu mineral water deposit, which is located in the gorge of the same name, 80 km southwest of the village of Belovodskoye, Moscow region. Ak-Suu mineral water, like other mineral waters, belongs to low-mineralized carbonate, hydrocarbonate magnesium-calcium narzans, and in their chemical composition they are similar to the mineral water of the famous resort of Siberia Dara-Suna.
The Alamudun spring mineral water deposit is located 30 km from Bishkek in the gorge of the same name at an altitude of 1200-1600 meters above sea level. A thermal water well drilled at a depth of 507 meters brought mineral water with a temperature of 53 degrees to the surface of the earth.
On the basis of thermal waters, the Teply Kliuchi sanatorium currently operates for 100-125 beds, with the prospect of expanding it to 600 beds.
The Issyk-Ata deposit of mineral and thermal waters is located 77 km south-east of Bishkek, in a narrow gorge at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. There is also a health resort - resort "Arashan" with numerous hot springs and muddy mud. In addition, there is a spring clean source of drinking water with a specific smell for the treatment of chronic diseases of the digestive system. The main promising issue of the rational use of the Issyk-Ata mineral waters is the construction of new sanatoriums, therapeutic pools that meet the requirements of modern international standards.
Among the balneological resources, Kamyshanovskoye and Lugovskoye, a low-mineralized hydrogen sulfide deposit of curative mud, which are used in health-improving institutions in Bishkek and in the Arashan resort of the Kant region, occupy an important place.
Talas tourist area
In comparison with other regions of the republic, it is underdeveloped in socio-economic terms. With the transition to market relations, he began a comprehensive study of environmental protection measures, improvement of the ecological situation, social infrastructure, recreational and other resources. Talas district is a separate part of Northern Kyrgyzstan, occupying 11.5 thousand square kilometers. (about 6%) of the area of \u200b\u200bthe republic with a population of 198.6 thousand people (about 5% of the total population).
The climate of the Talas Valley is characterized by a large continentality with hot dry summers and relative winter cold and availability of hot summer winds from the desert of neighboring republics, and winter cold weather from Siberia. This feature is predetermined by the northern location. In contrast to the Chui tourist-resort area.
In general, the favorable climatic regime of the Talas tourist and recreational region creates conditions for the development of tourism. The events timed to coincide with the 1000th anniversary of the epic "Manas" led to the further development of international tourism in this area. Guests from near and far abroad were convinced that there are wonderful places to stay here. Such as the gorges of the Talas, Uch-Koshoi, Besh-Tash, Korumdu and others, where it is possible in the near future to build hotels, sanatoriums, resorts, holiday homes, tourist campings, camps for local and foreign tourists. Further development The tourism economy of the Talas region will be determined precisely by the presence of complexes of natural and recreational resources, such as unique gorges, rivers, lakes, forests, mineral waters, therapeutic mud, natural caves, waterfalls, mountainous climate, etc. Here it is possible to organize visits to national yurts for holidaymakers with treating with a medicinal drink kumis, hunting wild animals and animals, fishing in small lakes located within transport accessibility. In the future, for the development of international tourism, it is necessary to form the material and technical base of tourist and recreational facilities, improve the infrastructure of the service sector, and after the completion of all these events, tourists can be received, which will become an additional source of replenishment of the treasury of our republic.
There are several challenges in realizing this potential.
* Training of highly qualified personnel, marketers for the organization and conduct of promotional events, guides, tour guides, travel agents, tour guide instructors, tourism managers with knowledge of foreign languages \u200b\u200bto serve foreign tourists. For the training of the above specialists, there is a good educational base and conditions in professional lyceums of Issyk-Kul, Chui, Jalal-Abad regions. Personnel trained in the universities of our republic, specializing in tourism, work in the upper levels of management and management, and personnel trained in the vocational education system work in the sectors of tourist services.
* An important task is the creation of a modern material and technical base and infrastructure of the service sector that would meet international standards. With the transition to a market economy, part of the existing tourist and recreational facilities in Kyrgyzstan (health resort institutions, tourist and sports facilities and other facilities) were privatized, and the rest, built in the 50-60s, has a weak material and technical base, does not meet the world standards of comfort for vacationers and visiting tourists, which affects the reduction of their number. If we analyze the digital data, then in 1990 the total number of visiting tourists in Kyrgyzstan was 464 thousand people, and in 2000 it dropped to 446 thousand people, of which about 41.1 thousand are foreign tourists.
In the future, in order to attract the attention of tourists, it is necessary to build new sanatorium and health resort and recreational facilities, modern hotels with all amenities and 4-5 star hotels to meet the needs of tourists and vacationers. This requires the creation of a modern material and technical base, the development of the service sector and its infrastructure, the organization of marketing and advertising services. Tourist and recreational facilities left over from the times of the socialist system, with a weak material and technical base, must at least be kept at the current level.
At the second stage, it is advisable to implement activities aimed at improving the recreation system and expanding its capabilities. At this stage, it is appropriate to build a cable car in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Orto-Sai village to the Chon-Tash sports base, viewpoints for viewing the city in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Chon-Aryk village, a funicular in Chunkurchak, arrangement of a short-term water recreation zone at the Ala-Archa reservoir and at the Chumysh dam , the creation of a developed network of campings, hotels, institutions of cultural, consumer and commercial services. Thus, after the establishment of organizational work in the field of tourism, it will be possible to attract vacationing tourists as an additional source of replenishment of the treasury of our republic, not only from nearby regions, but even from Central and Eastern Asia, whose population is interested in unique corners of nature, architectural and memorable, cultural and historical places and ethnographic museums - gumbez of Manas, Babur, Sulaiman (Sulaiman too), Uzgen architectural complex, Burana tower and other sights of Kyrgyzstan.
Omorbek Turmanbetov, Ph.D., CEN NAS KR
Dokturbek Mursakmatov, applicant for CES NAS KR
The nomadic past of the Kyrgyz is well traced in their folk customs and rituals. The yurt is still a deeply revered form of dwelling. Even today, all festive ceremonies are simply unthinkable without this ancient dwelling, even the flag of the republic is decorated with the image of "tunduk" - the central circle of the yurt, on which the poles that hold it are crossed. Yurts have always been considered both a symbol of the owner's social status and the main example of folk traditions. The construction and settlement of any yurt here was accompanied by a huge number of rituals and ceremonies.
The yurt is optimized as much as possible for the nomadic lifestyle - the wooden frame and felt covering can be easily disassembled into separate packs, which can be easily transported on camels or horses (and in mountainous areas - on yaks). And it is just as easy to assemble at a new camp ("aile") - lattice walls "kerege" line up in a circle, resting on the "uuk" poles. The tops of the poles are inserted into the holes in the center circle and secured with straps or ropes. The same collapsible "barefoot" door frame with a "kaalga" double-leaf door is installed. Then the whole structure is covered with a mat and felt mats, and the floor is covered with leather, woven mats, "altygat" (several layers of felt, covered with fabric on one side, spread under the bed) and carpets made of fur or felt. The walls are hung with carpets, embroidered hanging shelves "sekichek", handbags "kuzgu-kap", wicker woolen bags "ayak-kap", and chests are placed on the floor in which utensils and clothes are kept. To the left of the entrance to the yurt is the male half "er-jak", at the entrance to which they hang horse harness, weapons and hunting tools. On the right is the female half of the Epchi-Jacques, where the kitchen was located, as well as chests with clothes and food. In the center of the yurt there was an obligatory "kolomto" hearth, and the yurt was illuminated with the help of an ordinary "chyrak" lamp filled with fat. The design of the yurt was individual for each tribal group or family, and considerable attention was paid to the artistic component - the richness of the design of the yurt served as a sign of the owner's social status, as well as the vastness of his herds. The most honorable place in the yurt - "tor", was located directly opposite the entrance, near the hearth, where there is a "dzhuk" (a low bench on which chests are placed and covered with carpets). Usually the owner or elder of the clan was located here, and guests were received here.
Wealthy Kyrgyz usually had a whole set of large and small yurts - a small yurt "ashkana-uy" (kitchen and pantry), temporary yurts - "meiman-uyu" (living rooms), "erge" (wedding yurt), yurts for the second and third wife , yurts for married sons and so on. They differed from yurts of ordinary Kirghiz in quality, beauty and decoration.
With the gradual transition to a sedentary lifestyle, adobe houses appeared, which have survived in the provincial areas almost everywhere, and the traditions of their construction are still alive. The house was built on the same principle as the yurt, although in some areas there is a clear influence of Uzbek and Russian traditions. A door was usually placed on a shallow foundation, and walls were erected of bricks "kysh", clay "pakhsa" or "guvalyak", and covered with a flat or gable roof made of logs and clay coated with clay. The interior layout usually repeated the structure of the yurt, but due to the significantly larger area, the kitchen ("ashkona", usually right at the entrance), the living room, dining room and bedroom all rolled into one ("meimankana") and an indispensable open terrace ("ayvan") stood out. Characteristic feature The Kyrgyz house is full of chests and wall niches that replace both furniture and bedrooms for children. Niches are often covered with decorative "tush-kiyiz" panels, suzane or carpets.
Kyrgyz carpets are a topic for a separate conversation. This is both the main element of the interior, and one of the main aesthetic moments of the country, and evidence of its ancient history... Kyrgyz bedding felt carpets "syrmak" and "tekemet", as well as "koshma", "tushkis", "bashtiyks", "shyrdak", "tush-kiyiz" and "ala-kiyiz" differ markedly from the carpets of other Central Asian republics. They are made of sheep's wool and for the most part are not woven, but felted - the main thing is felt. They are then embroidered with colorful sewing using traditional folkloric and decorative elements, which usually takes several weeks. But such a carpet usually serves much more than 40 years. The same principle is used to make fabrics for traditional bags, sacks, shoulder bags, as well as for decorative items. Keel pile carpets and other pile products are of no less ancient origin, but are much less widespread due to their higher cost. Also, you can still find such ancient examples of traditional crafts as mats ("chiy", "chygdyn", "ashkan-chiy") and hinged doors ("eshik-chiy") made of lake reeds.
The Kyrgyz national dress has remained practically unchanged for 700 years. Both men's and women's underwear usually consists of a shirt and trousers. A men's shirt usually resembles a tunic, has a length just below the waist and long sleeves that cover the brushes. Men's harem pants "dzhargakshym" are sewn from wool, cotton, suede and even leather. Women's underwear shirt is long and is sewn like an ordinary dress and a long and wide shirt "beshmant" ("kamzur") is worn over it, which simultaneously serves as a dress, and long trousers. Belts have served and serve as an indicator of the social status of the owner - smart or embroidered, with silver patterned plates and buckles, handbags and purses show the wearer's wealth. Casual belts, like the belts of the poor, are usually a simple long leather belt, or a scarf wrapped around the belt, which is often quite striking. Outerwear for men consists of a felt robe without lining or quilted robes "kementai", which are named depending on the fabric from which they are sewn - "pashayy-ton", "kymkap-ton", "zarbarak-ton", etc. In winter, a fur coat or "tone" sheepskin coat is put on over the robe. Women wear a short or long sleeveless jacket, a kind of camisole with short sleeves, a robe, in winter time - ichik fur coat. Distinctive elements of the clothes of married women are the "beldemchi" swing skirt and the "elechek" turban, and the common element is skullcaps and fur hats (the headdresses of unmarried girls are usually decorated in a more fanciful and rich manner). Moreover, skullcaps, created in different regions, differ in shape, ornament and color scheme. Before marriage, Kyrgyz girls do not wear a headscarf, and after marriage they tie their heads with multi-colored scarves. Older women often cover their faces with a white silk veil. The national symbol of the country is the ak-kalpak hat made of thin white felt with black lapels bent upwards. Skull-caps and fur national caps, trimmed with fur and decorated with feathers - "tebetey" are also worn.
Men's footwear consists of leather boots, leather galoshes with heels and soft boots, women's - colored boots with heels, often decorated, as well as sandals and peculiar slippers without heels.
By the middle of the 20th century, traditional clothing began to give way to European costume; everywhere you can find people dressed in the latest fashion. However, the famous Kyrgyz robes, embroidery, metal and leather work, traditional headdresses and carpets are still much more popular than European innovations, especially in the provinces.
In a large Kyrgyz family, usually consisting of several generations of relatives living together, there is a strict hierarchy. Relationships in the home are built on the basis of unconditional submission to the head of the family and respect for elders. One of the traditional forms of the country's social structure is the custom of neighborly mutual assistance "ashara" ("hashar"). If a family is in dire need, then all relatives and neighbors come to her aid.
The marriageable age for a girl was previously considered 13-14 years old, nowadays quite European norms dominate here, although cases of early marriage are not uncommon. The relations of the relatives of the bride and groom, and later the husband and wife, among the Kyrgyz are distinguished by emphasized attention, and even with bad relations, one can always count on mutual assistance. Children also enjoy universal love, and the naming of a name is given special importance, since it is believed that the name will determine the future of the child and can influence his fate.
Islam plays an important role in the public and family life of the Kirghiz. Religion has determined and determines the everyday, family and worldview aspects of life, has a strong influence on political processes and art, on the entire way of life. After the adoption of Islam by the Kyrgyz, many pre-Islamic customs and rituals either underwent significant changes or were supplanted by the traditional rituals of Islam, but many merged with the new canons and organically intertwined with the modern life of the country. The obligatory deeds of the Kirghiz during their life include reading the memorial prayer ("zhanaza"), absolution ("doron"), fulfilling all five commandments of Islam ("parz"), fasting during the month of Ramadan, prayer five times a day at a certain time ("namaz"), the performance of "orozo-ayt" and "kurman-ait", as well as voluntary allocation of part of the money in favor of the poor or for godly deeds ("zakat"). A special role is played by ceremonies associated with the birth and education of children, marriage, wedding, cooking and others. Often they represent an interweaving of Islamic rituals with older forms associated with magical practice. Religious ministers enjoy special respect here and take part in almost all events in the country. At the same time, the Kyrgyz cannot be called fanatical Muslims - for all the versatility of local life, there is always a lot of secularism in it, and the tolerance of local residents is widely known outside the country. Narrators and singers ("akin" or "akyns") of folk ballads and legends are highly respected. The most respected of them are called "Manaschi" after the traditional folk epic.
One of the unshakable traditions of local life is hospitality. Kirghiz say "Konoktuu leave kut bar" - "Guest - grace at home." Since ancient times, everyone whose path passed through the Kyrgyz ail did not leave it without sharing the table and shelter with the owners. The shepherds of the high-mountain pastures are especially sensitive to this custom, however, in the cities, no one heard about the lack of respect for the guest. It is not accepted here to refuse an invitation to lunch or dinner. The owners meet the distinguished guests at the gate, greet them, take an interest in business and life, invite them to come into the house. It is not customary for the Kirghiz to ask questions on the fly or ask about the purpose of their arrival - first the conversation and the table, and then everything else. The easiest thing for a person not familiar with local customs is to follow the instructions of the owner. Humor and polite attitude towards all participants of the feast is highly appreciated. Women usually do not sit at the same table with men, but in urban settings this rule often does not apply. At the table, it is not customary to admire the beauty of women and pay close attention to them. But inquiring about the affairs of the family and the well-being of its members is quite appropriate. When heading for a visit, it is advisable to bring along small souvenirs or sweets for children. Any meal here begins and ends with a tea party. First, sweets, pastries, dried fruits and nuts, fruits and vegetables, salads are served on the table, then there are snacks, and only at the end - pilaf or other "heavy food". Be sure to have hot cakes on the table, which in no case should turn over. Dropping a piece of cake on the ground or even just putting it there, even wrapped in cloth or paper, is also considered a bad omen.
Tea and the tea ceremony occupy a significant place in Kyrgyz life and everyday life. Brewing this truly main drink of the country, like pouring it to guests, is the prerogative of men, primarily the owner of the house. Tea is brewed differently in different regions of the country. The recipes for its preparation are also noticeably different. Chaikhana is the same unshakable element of local traditions, like tea itself. Public life here is concentrated in mosques, in the bazaar and, naturally, in the teahouse. Here they just talk and negotiate, relax and share news, have breakfast and lunch, discuss the problems of life and world order. The setting of the teahouse is quite traditional - low tables are surrounded by the same low, and always covered with carpets and sofas. The rituals accompanying tea drinking are rather complicated and incomprehensible to the uninitiated, so it is easier to observe the locals and do as they do - you can be sure that they will also appreciate such a respectful attitude to their customs.
Despite strong Islamic traditions, most Kyrgyz drink alcohol freely, at least with guests. If you do not drink strong alcoholic drinks, mainly vodka, warn about this in advance, nobody will impose anything here. It is not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages during Ramadan, at least openly.
In communication, the Kyrgyz are usually quite simple and democratic. Many consider them naive, but this is greatly exaggerated - the locals are simply used to trusting people, this is a centuries-old tradition that a guest should not break either. It is customary to greet everyone by the hand, even strangers and policemen (except women). During the handshake, they are traditionally interested in health, the state of affairs at work and at home. It is customary to greet women and persons sitting in the distance by putting the right hand on the heart and bowing politely. Greetings several times a day, even with people you know well, are a common rule.
When entering a house or teahouse, you should take off your shoes. The style of clothing is quite democratic, but when visiting cult places, you should not wear overly open or short clothes. Despite everything, it is not recommended to wear shorts, especially in rural areas.
Monday is considered the happiest day for the Kyrgyz - all events started on this day are considered to be the most successful.
Not a single national holiday or celebration is complete without sports competitions, of which the tug-of-war "arkan-tartmay" and "arkan-tartyshuu", belt wrestling "kuresh", "at-chabysh" - long races (usually 20 -30 km) distance, "djorgo-salish" - horse races for 2-10 km, galloping shooting "dzhamby-atmay", equestrian wrestling "oodarysh", goat-picking "ulak-tartysh" or "kok-boru" (equestrian struggle for carcass of a goat), races "kyz-kuumai" ("catch up with the girl") and the "tyin-enmey" competition, during which the participants must at full gallop lift a small coin from a shallow hole in the ground. Many festivities begin and end with "aytysh" or "sarmerden" song contests.
Earliest famous residents this territory - the warlike tribes of the Sakas (Scythian group), inhabiting the foothills of the Tien Shan from the VI century BC. BC to the 5th century AD e. The troops of Alexander the Great met here the fiercest resistance during his campaign in Sogdiana. The first state formations on the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan emerged in the II century BC. e. when southern regions countries became part of the state of Parkan. Since the 6th century A.D. e. the territory comes under the control of the Turkic tribes, and in the VIII-X centuries A.D. e. the ancestors of the modern Kirghiz move to the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul from somewhere in the upper reaches of the Yenisei (the question of the origin of the local ethnos is still one of the most controversial and complex in the ethnic history of Central Asia). In the XIII century, the empire of Genghis Khan stretched here, and after his death the lands along the Tien Shan ridges passed into the possession of his son Chagatai. In 1685, the Oirats of the Dzungar Khanate invaded the region of the Central Tien Shan, occupying the modern territory of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. After the fall of Dzungaria, the territory fell under the protectorate of China, and in the 18th century the feudal lords of Kokand began to claim their rights to these lands. By the end of the 18th century, the territory of the southern, and at the beginning of the 20th century and the northern part of Kyrgyzstan were part of the Kokand Khanate. In 1855-1863. the northern part of the country voluntarily joins the Russian Empire, and in 1876, after the defeat of the Kokand Khanate, southern Kyrgyzstan was also conquered. In 1924, the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region was founded as part of the RSFSR, and in 1936 - the Kyrgyz SSR. In 1991, in connection with the collapse of the USSR, the independence of Kyrgyzstan was proclaimed.
The geographic location and natural resources of Kyrgyzstan have determined its central position in the zone of developed Central Asian civilization. Since ancient times, the country has been a pass on the busy trade routes between the West and the East. Today, the development of tourism on the ancient Great Silk Road is not only a tribute rich history countries, but also the discovery of half-forgotten pages of the past of the entire human civilization. Many travelers find Kyrgyzstan the most attractive, accessible and friendly region of all the Central Asian republics, especially given the presence of beautiful natural monuments - Central Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai, the most beautiful mountains of Central Asia.
Bishkek
Bishkek (Pishpek, from 1926 to 1991 - Frunze) lies in the northern part of the country, in the Chuy valley at the foot of the Kyrgyz ridge. The city was founded in 1868-1878. on the site of the ancient Dzhul fort, built by the Kokand people and destroyed in 1862 by Russian troops, on the banks of the Ala-Archa and Alamedin rivers. Now it is the capital and largest industrial center of Kyrgyzstan, its political, cultural and educational "heart", as well as the only city in the world named after a wooden household tool ("Bishkek" can be translated as "churn" or "stick for kumis"). it modern city with wide streets and beautiful buildings, which compares favorably with many other cities in the region, since it was immediately built according to the European plan. It is also one of the greenest cities in the CIS, the largest city in Kyrgyzstan and one of the most multinational capitals of the continent (representatives of more than 80 ethnic groups and peoples live here).
There are no historical buildings in the city at all, because of its relatively young age. But people in this place settled back in the Bronze Age, so the Bishkek land is fraught with many historical mysteries. Almost on the territory of residential quarters, in the northeastern part of the city, there is a settlement "Forge Fortress" (VII-XIV centuries, now the area of \u200b\u200bthe fortress is rather unsightly), Pishpek settlement (VII-XII centuries) and the ruins of the Pishpek fortress.
On the broad Sovetskaya Street, lined with shady trees, there are the Kyrgyz State Opera and Ballet Theater named after A. Moldybaev, the Chernyshevsky Library and the State Art Museum. Also noteworthy are the "Old Square" and the Historical Museum located on it, the Abdulkasim Madrasah, the common grave in Oak Park, the Manas complex, Panfilov Park and its fountains, the Krupskaya Russian Drama Theater and the Kyrgyz State Drama Theater, the Historical Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts arts, State Memorial Museum named after Frunze, Kyrgyz State Historical Museum, National Museum Fine Arts named after Aitiev, A. Tokombayev Museum, Toktogul Literature and Art Museum, Zoological Museum, and Mineralogy Museum. The city's cultural attractions also include the City Drama Theater, the Satylganov State Philharmonic Society, the Academy of Arts and the Bishkek Drama Theater. Also noteworthy are the Oak and Central Parks - a vast green area, on the territory of which several museums are located, including an open-air sculptural exhibition, scattered among park alleys and lawns.
The outskirts of the capital, lying in the redistribution of the beautiful Chui Valley, are famous for their mountain rivers and extremely diverse natural-territorial complexes, whose high-altitude zoning can be seen here even with the naked eye. In the vicinity of the capital there are such natural objectsas the most beautiful Chunkurchak gorge in the upper reaches of the Alamedin River, the nearby Alamedin deposit of thermal waters, the Chon-Aryk State Botanical Reserve in the Besh-Kyungey tract, the picturesque natural gorges of Kara-Balta, Aspara, Jilamish and Kegeti with its famous waterfall. Historical monuments of the Chuy valley itself are also diverse - Krasnorechenskoe settlement (38 km north of the city, X-XII centuries) with the ruins of Zoroastrian structures, ruins ancient city Balasagun (Kuz-Ordu) - the historical and cultural zone "Burana" (50 km from the capital) with the famous "Burana Tower" (height 21 m, XI century), the settlement of Ak-Beshim (the ruins of the city of Suyab - the capital of the western Turkic kaganate and the state Karluk, XIII-XV centuries) with its medieval complex of Christian churches, burial mounds, the ruins of the ancient Chumysh fortress (IX-X centuries) and numerous rock paintings on the rocks of the same name around it. Also attractive are the ancient settlement Turt-Kul, Issyk-Ata petroglyphs depicting Buddha (VII-VIII centuries), natural and historical and cultural monuments of Issyk-Ata, Shamshy (Shamsy), Chon-Kemin and Ak-Suu, which are among the monuments of the universal values.
Nowhere else in the territory of Central Asia there is such a number of outlets of medicinal waters as in the Chui Valley. The Ak-Suu mineral water deposit is located in the gorge of the same name, 80 km south-west of the village of Belovodskoye. The chemical composition of local mineral water is similar to the mineral water of the famous Siberian resort Dara-Suna. Also an important place is occupied by the Shabyr hydrothermal well, Kamyshanovskoye and Lugovskoye low-mineralized hydrogen sulfide deposits of therapeutic mud, as well as 130 thermal springs of the resort town of Issyk-Ata (the first hydropathic establishments appeared here in the 2nd century AD). Among the juniper forests and alpine meadows of the Chuy valley, there are also attractive recreation areas, such as the Chon-Tash ski and sports base (about 25 km from the capital) and the river of the same name with steep and picturesque banks, the Kairak plateau, the upper and lower Tatyr hollows, the Koguchken-Sugat waterfall , thermal springs of Alamedin (8 km above the "Wolf Gate") and the sanatorium-preventorium "Teplyi Kluchi" located on them, glaciers of the Ken-Tor valley, the most beautiful tracts of Kara-Bulak, Tash-Bashat, Norus, Ooru-Sai, Bir-Bulak (Raspberry gorge) and Toguz-Bulak, the Kairak plateau, the Kara-Unkur caves and the Kel-Ter glacier, the rocks of the "Alamedin walls", the "Wolf gate" gorge, through which the Alamedin river breaks into the vastness of the Baytik valley and the Uluu-Too mountain (Botvey , 4009 m).
Ala-Archa
The Ala-Archa river valley is one of the main attractions of the Bishkek suburbs. Here, in a narrow valley of a generally mountainous river, there are so many amazingly beautiful landscapes, waterfalls and unusual rock forms, so rich flora and fauna that many consider this area a real symbol of the Kyrgyz ridge (Ala-Too). Almost the entire valley is included in the Ala-Archa National Park, which protects relict juniper forests of mountainous Asia, which are practically not found anywhere else, as well as the richest fauna of the Tien Shan mountain regions - ibex, elik (roe deer), ulars ( mountain turkey), partridge (stone partridge), squirrels, hares, wild boars, foxes, badgers, ermines, porcupines and martens, as well as a handsome snow leopard listed in the Red Book. Nearby is the village of Baitik, named in memory of the country's national hero who lived in the VXI century - Kanai uulu Baitik (Baitik-baatyr). At the slope of the snow-white mountain there is his grave - Baytik-Kumbez, which is a historical monument and a place of pilgrimage for Kyrgyz and guests of the country. Here, nearby, there are many alpine camps that serve as a starting point for numerous hiking and horse trails in the surrounding mountains, as well as several ski resorts that serve as the main recreation area for residents of the capital all year round. The mountain slopes of the Tien Shan create excellent conditions for skiing. Sports bases are quite numerous, but the level of service is low, and the recreation infrastructure is relatively poorly developed. Along the channel of the Kashka-Suu River, a tributary of the Ala-Archa River, in the tract of the same name, there are 4 ski resorts for winter skiing amateurs. Around Bishkek, as well as in the gorges of Aspara, Jilamish, Kara-Balta and Kegeti, ski resorts more modern and affordable.
Talas
In the north-east of the country, in the Talas region, of great interest among tourists are colossal canyons cut through the walls of the Talas ridge by numerous local rivers, dozens of beautiful lakes and cascades of waterfalls. In the upper reaches of the Talas River, there are the famous Ken-Kol burial grounds (I millennium AD), as well as the Kumbez-Manas mausoleum (XIV century), the Manas Museum-Reserve and the mosque, which form the National Historical and Cultural Complex "Manas-Ordosu" ". In the upper reaches of the Aflatun gorge, there is a state reserve of the same name, which protects the endemic Semenov fir.
Issyk-Kul
On the territory of Kyrgyzstan, there are about two thousand high-mountain lakes, but the pearl of the country and the entire Tien Shan is Lake Issyk-Kul or Issyk-Kol (translated from Kyrgyz - "hot lake", from Old Turkic - "sacred lake") with an area of \u200b\u200b6236 sq. ... km at maximum depth in 702 m. The first mention of Issyk-Kul is found in the Chinese chronicles of the late 2nd century BC, where it is called Zhe-Hai ("warm sea"). The lake lies in the north-east of Kyrgyzstan, at an altitude of 1606.7 m above sea level, in a vast tectonic basin formed more than 50 million years ago. Directly adjacent to the lake is a narrow lakeside plain, dissected by the channels of many rivers (about 80). The hollow is surrounded by the Terskey-Ala-Too ("facing from the sun") and Kyungoy-Ala-Too ("facing the sun") ridges, rising to heights of 4500-5000 m. The ring of mountains, as it were, protects the lake basin from the penetration of cold air from the north and hot air from the deserts of Central Asia, because the climate here is quite mild, which makes Issyk-Kul one of the largest resorts in Central Asia. Water temperature in summer time reaches +24 C, in winter - +4 C (here he is, the source of the origin of his name). The swimming season lasts 6 months, and outdoor recreation is possible all year round.
The purest rivers flowing down from the mountains constantly replenish the lake basin, however, the water in Issyk-Kul itself is salty (5.8 ppm at the surface, up to 18 ppm in depth), which, together with the unique mineral composition of local rivers, gives the never freezing water of the lake a thick blue color ... Moreover, depending on the place and time of day, the color of the water can vary from pale blue to dark blue tones. And the transparency of the water in the open part of the reservoir reaches 12-16 m. The beauty of the lake is simply amazing, P.P.Semenov-Tyan-Shansky compared it with Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and preferred Issyk-Kul. The shoreline of the lake is quite indented - there are about 20 picturesque bays and bays. Crystal clear water, mineral springs, combined with a mountainous and at the same time mild, almost maritime climate, create unique conditions for a spa holiday with mud and thermal treatments.
Around the lake stretched a whole string of resort towns and villages, many of which during the Soviet era were of all-Union significance and popularity. The best resorts are Cholpon-Ata on the northern coast (once it was a resort of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan, now the Museum of Local Lore is interesting here), Karakol with its wooden Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, the wooden Dungan mosque and the Przhevalsky Museum is the best starting point for exploring the lake and adjacent mountain regions, the towns of Tyup, Ottuk, Balykchi (Rybachye) and others. Also good are the famous Altyn-Arashan gorge (located 30 km east of Karakol at an altitude of 3000 m) with its beautiful landscapes and hot springs, the nearby Issyk-Ata mineral water deposit (77 km southeast of Bishkek), the gold mines of Kumtor (south the coast of Issyk-Kul), the majestic Jolbors gorge, the cliffs of the Djety-Oguz canyon, the Boom gorge with its fantastic red rocks and a waterfall in the Barskoon gorge (the height of the waterfall is about 100 m).
On the territory of the Issykul region, there are about 1500 historical monuments, of which 320 are under state protection. The most significant of them are the Saka "Tsarsky kurgan" (VII century BC - II century AD) near the village of Kurmenty, the burial grounds of Kok-Bulak and Karashar (a total of about a thousand burials of the Usun tribes), covered with Tibetan in writing of a religious character, the Tamga-Tash stone (VI-I centuries BC), a cluster of petroglyphs (II millennium BC - VIII century AD) at Cholpon-Ata and further along the coast to Tamchy, as well as Cape Holy Nose at the northeastern end of the lake - the location of the legendary monastery of the Armenian Christian Church (IV-V centuries), which, according to legend, is the grave of the holy Apostle Matthew. And at the bottom of the lake there are ruins of about two dozen flooded ancient cities - Sary-Bulun, Koisary, Ulan (XII century) and so on, which died with the rise in the water level in Issyk-Kul. They contain many historical and cultural values \u200b\u200bof the Saka-Usun period (I millennium BC) and the early Middle Ages.
The best time to visit Issyk-Kul is September, although trekking in the mountains is best done between July and August.
Central Tien Shan
Central Tien Shan is the highest and most majestic part of the Tien Shan mountain system. It is a huge "knot" of mountain ranges with a total length of about 500 km from west to east and 300 km from north to south. This is the most picturesque region of the Tien Shan, which is a complex system of intertwining mountain ranges (Terskey-Ala-Too, Sary-Jaz, Kui-Liu, Tengri-Tag, Enilchek, Kakshaal-Too, Meridional ridge, etc.), crowned with majestic peaks northernmost of highest mountains planets - Lenin Peak (7134 m.), Pobeda Peak (7439 m.) and the fantastic Khan-Tengri pyramid (7010 m, probably the most beautiful and difficult peak of the Tien Shan). In the north, the Boro-Horo ridge connects the Tien Shan with the Dzungarian Alatau system. Almost the entire territory of this region is located above 1500 m above sea level, and the tops of the mountains are covered with centuries-old snow caps, giving rise to many dozen glaciers, rivers and streams. There are over 8000 ice fields and glaciers here, the most representative of which are the South (about 60 km long) and North (35 km) Inylchek (Enilchek, "Little Prince"), Dzhetyoguz-Karakol (22 km), Kaindy (26 km) , Semenova (21 km) and others, whose total area exceeds 8100 sq. km.
The relief of most of the Tien Shan ridges is alpine, strongly dissected by numerous valleys (the northern slopes are much more indented than the southern ones), with highly developed glacial forms. There are a lot of talus on the slopes, glaciers are found, on the glaciers - moraines, and at the foot - numerous fanning cones. The mountain river valleys have a large elevation difference and a clearly visible stepped profile with flat swampy terraces - "saz". Many large valleys are surrounded by high-mountainous plateaus - "syrts", whose height sometimes reaches 4700 m. On the plateaus and highlands of the middle-altitude part of the ridges, there are high-mountain pastures "jailoo", covered with forbs and alpine meadows. At altitudes from 1000 to 2000 meters, the foothills of the ridges are bordered by foothill adyrs. There are about 500 lakes here, the largest of which are Song-Kul (Son-Kul - "disappearing lake", 270 sq. Km) and Chatyr-Kel (Chatyr-Kul, 153 sq. Km).
The Central Tien Shan is a real Mecca of international mountaineering, therefore it is the surroundings of the seven-thousanders that are the most studied part of the Tien Shan. The most popular points of attraction for climbers and trekkers are the areas of the Tengri-Tag ridge and Khan-Tengri peak ("Lord of the sky", 7010 m), Tomur pass, Pobeda peak (7439 m) and the Inylchek glacier, the hollow unique lake Merzbacher in the eastern part of the mountain system, Semyonov-Tien Shanskiy peak (4875 m), Svobodnaya Korea peak (4740 m) and the famous Korona (4855 m) as part of the Kyrgyz ridge, Communism peak (7505 m) and Korzhenevskaya peak (7105 m, this is the Pamir, but few climbers will agree to pass by these great mountains), the ice walls of the Kakshaal-Too (Kokshaal-Tau) ridge, which includes three peaks with an altitude of more than 6000 m and about fifteen peaks with an altitude of more than 5000 m , Ak-Shyirak array and many other equally attractive regions.
Despite the harsh climate and mountainous landscape, the territory of the Tien Shan has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by the numerous stone statues, cave paintings and burial grounds scattered in abundance throughout this mountainous country. Historical and cultural monuments of the medieval period are widely represented - fortified settlements like Koshoi-Korgon, which arose on the basis of nomadic camps, khan's headquarters and on caravan routes from the Fergana Valley through the Tien Shan. One of the most famous and popular tourist sites in this region is the Tash-Rabat caravanserai (X-XII centuries), built in the remote but picturesque Kara-Koyun gorge. Also widely known are Saimaluu-Tash or Saimaly-Tash ("Patterned stones") - a whole gallery of rock paintings in the gorge of the same name (more than 107 thousand petroglyphs of the II-III millennia BC) near Kazarman, stone statues of Kyr-Jol (VI -VIII centuries) on the shores of Lake Song-Kul, petroglyphs of the Chumysh rocks (III-I millennia BC, Fergana ridge), numerous rock carvings of the Issyk-Kul, Naryn and Talas regions. The ancient caravan route through the Torugart pass (height 3752 m) also deserves attention. This long (total length of about 700 km) route from Central Asia to Chinese Kashgar (Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous District) passes through cold gorges and narrow passes of Terksey-Ala-Too, Moldo-Too, At-Bashy and Maidantag, through immensely beautiful landscapes and the most ancient caravan trails of the Great Silk Road.
Western Tien Shan
The mountain system of the Western Tien Shan lies on the very edge of the Tien Shan mountainous country, leaving its spurs to the hot sands of the deserts of Central Asia. The relief of these places is somewhat lower than in the central part of the mountain system, the leveling surfaces are more extensive, and the elevated plateaus are less numerous (Palatkhon, Angren, Ugam and Karzhantau - all in the west of the region). The highest points of the Western Tien Shan are Chatkal peak (4503 m) in the ridge of the same name, Manas peak (4482 m) in Talas Alatau and Baubash-Ata mountain (4427 m) in the western part of the Fergana ridge. Glaciation is insignificant, the snow line runs at heights of 3600-3800 m on the northern slopes and 3800-4000 m on the southern slopes. The rivers of the Western Tien Shan (Angren, Akbulak, Itokar, Karaunkur, Koksu, Maidantal, Maili-Suu, Naryn, Oygaing, Padysha-Ata, Pskem, Sandalash, Ugam, Chatkal and others) are rapids, have ice and snow nutrition, and flow along narrow gorges (in the upper reaches), in the middle course they usually have wide valleys, but in the lower they again form canyon forms. Better places for rafting and rafting than local rivers are simply difficult to find.
The vegetation of the Western Tien Shan, despite the low amount of precipitation falling here, is quite diverse - steppes and deciduous forests in the lower belt, shrub thickets and meadows on the average, as well as alpine meadows and high-mountain wastelands closer to the peaks. It is home to about 370 species of animals and about 1200 species of higher plants, and the complex relief leads to the formation of numerous
Leisure & Resorts in Kyrgyzstan
Ak-Suu mineral water deposit is located in the gorge of the same name, 80 km. southwest of the village of Belovodskoye. The local mineral water belongs to low-mineralized carbonate, hydrocarbonate magnesium-calcium narzans, and in its chemical composition it is similar to the mineral water of the famous Siberian resort Dara-Suna.
The Alamudun mineral water deposit is located 30 km. from Bishkek in the gorge of the same name at an altitude of 1200-1600 m above sea level. A well drilled to a depth of 507 meters brought to the surface of the earth thermal mineral water with a temperature of +53 C. Currently, the Teply Klyuchi sanatorium is functioning here, which is also an active recreation center - from here numerous trekking routes in the surrounding mountains begin.
The Issyk-Ata deposit of mineral and thermal waters is located 77 km away. to the southeast of Bishkek, in a narrow gorge at an altitude of 1800 m. The Arashan resort with numerous hot springs and muddy mud operates here. In addition, there is a source of clean drinking water with a specific smell, which is also used to treat chronic diseases of the digestive system.
Among the balneological resources of the Chui Valley, Kamyshanovskoye and Lugovskoye, low-mineralized hydrogen sulfide deposits of therapeutic mud, occupy an important place. Nowhere else in Central Asia, in such a limited space, there are so many outlets of medicinal waters, surrounded by such a marvelous nature.
Almost within the boundaries of Bishkek there is a modern "Cosmonauts Sanatorium" with its own thermal spring.
Issyk-Kul Lake is incredibly beautiful. The Russian traveler P.P. Semenov-Tien Shansky, who visited the lake, compared it with Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and preferred Issyk-Kul. Issyk-Kul has been considered enchanted by the local population since ancient times. Before the appearance of Russian settlers here at the end of the 19th century, practically no one swam or fished in it. The high transparency of the rivers flowing into the lake and the bright sun change the color of the Issyk-Kul water from pale blue to dark blue, depending on the place and time of day. There are about 20 picturesque bays and bays here. The swimming season lasts 6 months. The water temperature in summer reaches +24 C, in winter - +4 C. Crystal clear water, mineral springs, combined with a mountainous and at the same time mild, almost maritime climate, create unique conditions for a resort vacation with mud and thermal treatment.
Cholpon-Ata is a resort town on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. It is worth visiting excursions on a motor ship on the lake, going to the mountains, making a daily trek through the most beautiful mountainous places to Almaty, there are also helicopter excursions with an overnight stay in the mountains. Altyn-Arashan hot springs, located at an altitude of 3000 m in a beautiful open alpine valley, a huge and quiet summer pasture of Karkara in the upper part of the valley, fantastic red cliffs of the Jety-Oguz canyon and excellent trekking trails in Terskey-Alatau are very popular with tourists. (Terskey-Ala-Too), south of Karakol. The best time to visit Issyk-Kul is September, although trekking in the mountains is best done between July and August.
Karakol, located at the eastern end of the lake, is the main city in the region and the best "base" for exploring the lakeside, Terskey-Alatau and central Tien Shan. It is a relatively small city known for its apple orchards and Sunday market, one of the best in Central Asia. In Karakol, it is better to rent accommodation from local residents (at the bus station you will be offered a wide variety of options at a low price) than in an official hotel. This will allow you to "directly" get acquainted with the life of the city and the life of local residents, as well as remove many everyday issues, since the Issyk-Kul Lake area has been closed for foreigners for a long time, and many issues related to staying here are still regulated enough not clear.
Ski resorts in Kyrgyzstan
Due to the fact that about 93% of the territory of Kyrgyzstan is occupied by mountains, there are excellent conditions for skiing. Snow lies from November to March, and in the highlands - all year round. The weather in the area of \u200b\u200bmost mountain resorts is usually mild, with a lot of sunny days, so the ski season lasts from late October - December to early April, and skiing on ice fields is possible all year round.
A fairly large number of ski resorts are located around the capital of the country - a completely reconstructed base "Norus" (altitude 1950 m, 30 km from Bishkek), Orlovka (100 km from Bishkek), Kashka-Suu (altitude 2000 m, 35 km from the capital) , tourist centers Oruu-Sai (2100 m, 35 km from Bishkek), Aspara, Jilamish, Kara-Balta, Kegeti and the Chon-Tash tourist center. Quite good mountain centers can be found around Lake Issyk-Kul. The most famous among them is the Karakol ski base (2300 m, 7 km from the city of the same name). Sports bases are quite numerous, but the level of service is low. So far, the recreation infrastructure is poorly developed, but there is a gradual modernization.
Norus
Recently, a complete reconstruction was carried out on the Norus base, modern equipment was purchased, and a high-class hotel was built. On the territory: a restaurant with European and national cuisine, a disco and a cafe-bar, a billiard room.
The tracks are processed by snow groomers, there are tracks of any complexity category: from children to professional. Snow slides for sledding are arranged especially for children. There are two cable cars for climbing difficult trails and one lift to trails for beginners. There is an excellent helipad at an altitude of 3050 m, from which you can go down to the cable car and the slopes.
Orlovka
The Orlovka ski base is located 100 km from Bishkek. 9 slopes of varying difficulty with elevation differences from 30 to 560 m. There are two cable cars and two towing ones. There is a bathhouse, billiards, equipment rental, instructors. The area is illuminated by lanterns at night.
Karakol
Ski base "Karakol" (2300 m) is located in the gorge, 7 km from the city of Karakol. The season is from late October to late April. At the base there are 7 ski lifts, ski and snowboard rental, instructors and guides in the winter forest. You can ride snowmobiles. The base is regularly used by the sports school for training.
Kashka-Suu
The Kashka-Suu ski center is located in a wide tract on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz ridge. Bishkek is 35 km away. Height above sea level - 2000 m. 6 tracks with a height difference from 260 to 380 m, chairlift and towing cable cars. On the territory: skating rink, billiard room, sauna, bar and cafe. There is equipment rental, instructor services are provided. The trails are processed by snow groomers, but there are quite a lot of small stones on the slopes, which can create difficulties when skiing not on fresh snow.
Oruu-Sai
The tourist center "Oruu-Sai" (2100 m) is located in the tract of the same name, 35 km from Bishkek. Trails of different difficulty levels are served by three cable cars. There is equipment rental, instructors work, skiing competitions are held for different age groups. A comfortable hotel with a sauna, bar, restaurant, table tennis was built in the tourist center.
Beaches in Kyrgyzstan
There are about 20 picturesque bays and bays on Issyk-Kul Lake. The swimming season lasts 6 months. The water temperature in summer reaches +24 C, in winter - +4 C.
National holidays
January 1 - Zhay-zhyl (New Year).
January 7 - Orthodox Christmas.
December-January - Kurman-Ait.
March 8 - International Women's Day.
March 21 - Navrus or Nooruz (Kyrgyz New Year).
May 1 - International Labor Day.
May 5 - Constitution Day.
May 9 - Victory Day.
August 31 - Independence Day or Erkin-Kunu.
October-November - Orozo Ait (Eid Al-Fitr, end of Ramadan).
Festivals and holidays in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is not very rich in festive events. Spring Festival Navrus (Nooruz Bayram, Islamic New Year) is one of the most beloved holidays in the country. Navrus is an adaptation of the pre-Islamic festival of the vernal equinox or celebrations of the renewal of nature, celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox (March 21), and is usually accompanied by traditional music and dance competitions, traditional games, street performances and colorful fairs (the festival lasts 2 days).
The Orozo Ait holiday (Eid Al-Fitr, the holiday of the end of Ramadan) is celebrated for 3 days at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. On these days, it is customary to visit, give gifts and donate to the poor. About 70 days after the end of Ramadan, Kurman Ait (Eid al-Adha or Eid Ul-Aza) is celebrated, during which they visit the graves of their ancestors, make sacrifices and hold festive feasts for all relatives and the poor.
For the beauty of alpine meadows and snowy peaks of the Tien Shan and Pamirs, Kyrgyzstan was nicknamed "Asian Switzerland" and the country of "Heavenly Mountains". A trip there will cost significantly less than to Europe, but you will get just as much experience. By the way, tourists from Europe in Kyrgyzstan meet almost more often than Russians. We will tell you why you should go there, what to see and try.
1. Bishkek
The capital of the country contains the remnants of the Soviet past, modern architecture and Asian flavor. Bars and coffee houses are replaced by traditional teahouses, stalls with kumis and ayran, and among fashionable young people old people in national headdresses - caps embroidered with oriental patterns slowly walk.
For the large number of parks and gardens, Bishkek is called a "green" city. In the center of the capital there is a long and wide Erkindik Boulevard with old tall oak trees and a year-round street art gallery where you can buy paintings by local artists. Nearby is Oak Park - the central and oldest park in the city. Some of the trees here are over a hundred years old. In the park there is St. Nicholas Church - an architectural monument of the 19th century, and an open-air sculpture museum with statues made of concrete, wood and metal.
You can see the panorama of the city against the background of the Tien Shan peaks from the Boz-Peldek mountain, which is accessible by public transport. At its foot is an interesting sight - the ancient Kyrgyz cemetery "Khan's graves", where one of the rulers of the valley, Baytyk-khan, is buried. A stone mausoleum in the form of a domed tower was erected over his grave.
To immerse yourself in oriental life, head to the Osh bazaar. Here you can buy felt hats with patterns, bright carpets, stock up on cheap dried fruits and nuts, spices, take fresh flat cakes with a variety of patterns and taste the popular national dish - kurut from every counter. The Kyrgyz take these dry salted fermented milk balls with them for long grazing in the mountains. A nutritious and long-lasting snack. Follow their example and take a kurut for your upcoming travels in the mountains, which cover almost 90% of the country.
2. Ala-Archa National Park
Ala-Archa National Park is located in the mountain gorge of the same name, just 40 kilometers from Bishkek. You can settle in the national park itself in the hotel "Ala-Archa" or in the houses of the alpine camp. The most popular route is the trail to the Ak-Sai waterfall, the glacier of the same name and Ratsek's hut, named after the Soviet climber Vladimir Ratsek, the organizer of expeditions and ascents in this region. You can go off the route lightly in one day - the way back and forth is 12.8 kilometers and taking into account the ascent it will take 8-10 hours. A faster and easier option is to walk along the same trail to the Ak-Sai waterfall - it is 8 kilometers and about 4-5 hours round trip. On the way, there are observation platforms with dizzying views.
If you decide to go to the end of the route, you can stay overnight in Ratsek's hut, a two-story stone house, or in a tent next to it (you will be given a sleeping bag for a fee), so that the next day you can make a simple ascent to Uchitel Peak, 4,500 meters high. above sea level. All you need is good hiking shoes, trekking poles and the desire to reach the top. Do not be alarmed when you meet a herd of dexterous mountain goats - they are harmless and more afraid than you. From the top of the mountain there is a view of the steppes on one side and the Tien Shan mountain range on the other. Together with the descent, the ascent will take 5-6 hours.
3. Lake Issyk-Kul
Issyk-Kul - the second largest salt Lake in the world, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Ala-Too. The lake never freezes, so tourists come here all year round. In winter, many hot thermal springs are available for swimming.
A huge number of resort towns, villages and sanatoriums are stretched along the coast. One of the most popular resorts is the city of Cholpon-Ata with sandy beaches, mineral springs, the opportunity to go diving, snorkeling, trekking to nearby peaks.
Head to the south coast for seclusion. The infrastructure is less developed here than in the northern one, but empty quiet beaches and untouched nature.
Residents of the city in national costumes
4. Karakol
The city is located 12 kilometers from the coast of Lake Issyk-Kul, at the foot of the Terskey-Ala-Too ridge. It attracts travelers not only with picturesque mountain views, but also with historical sights. Near Karakol in 1888, Russian traveler and naturalist, explorer of Asia Nikolai Przhevalsky, who died on the way to Karakol during his fifth expedition to Central Asia, was buried. Near the grave there is a Przewalski Museum, where you can learn about the life and travels of the geographer, see the exhibits brought by him from expeditions.
Another attraction of Karakol is the Dungan mosque. The Dungans are a people who migrated to Central Asia from China in the 1880s. The Chinese-style mosque, more like a Buddhist temple, was built over a hundred years ago. At the end of your cultural trip to Karakol, visit the wooden Cathedral of the Holy Trinity of the late 19th century, richly decorated with carvings.
Among lovers of outdoor activities, Karakol is known for the eponymous ski resort... The mild climate - in winter the temperature rarely drops below minus 5 degrees - and a large amount of snow makes skiing on the slopes of the Tien Shan comfortable and popular among tourists. From a height of 3,040 meters above sea level, where the lift goes, views of Issyk-Kul and the nearest five-thousand meters open.
5. Canyon "Fairy Tale"
The Skazka Canyon is located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, 4 kilometers from the village of Tosor. Under the influence of the wind, the rocks formed stone labyrinths, walls and towers, and some took the form of animals and mythical creatures. Bright orange, and at sunset the fiery red color of the rocks resembles the famous Grand Canyon in the United States.
6. Radon and hydrogen sulfide thermal springs in the Altyn-Arashan gorge
“Altyn Arashan” is translated from Kyrgyz as “Golden Spring”. Radon and hydrogen sulfide thermal springs in the gorge are famous for their medicinal properties and are especially popular among foreign tourists.
It is better to go here for a few days. The easiest way to get to the Arashan resort in the upper reaches of the river of the same name is to buy a ready-made tour in Karakol. You can get to the resort on your own either by public transport to the Ak-Suu village, and from there walk for 4 - 5 hours. The long journey will be rewarded with hot baths at an altitude of 2,600 meters, surrounded by mountainous landscapes. In addition to paid pools, almost in the river itself there is a small free bath with hot water, as well as free natural baths right in the rocks.
Fans of active recreation can go from Arashan to the alpine lake Ala-Kol or to small nearby lakes at a distance of a couple of hours' walk. There are many beautiful waterfalls near the resort.
7. Museum of petroglyphs
The open-air museum is a "rock garden", once chaotically brought by a glacier to the foot of the Tien Shan foothills. Many boulders have preserved ancient rock paintings of animals and hunting scenes dating back to the second millennium BC. Historians associate these drawings with religious rites. In 2002, with the assistance of specialists from Germany, the petroglyphs were restored. In addition to rock carvings, the museum presents Turkic stone sculptures - balbals, and relics of ancient stone walls.
It is believed that it is better to go to the museum early in the morning or late in the evening, when the outlines of ancient drawings are clearly visible in the rays of the rising and setting sun.
8. Caravanserai Tash Rabat
The mystical and unique monument of the Middle Ages Tash-Rabat is located at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level in the Kara-Koyun gorge. The entire structure - even the roof - is built of stone and lime. Inside there is a labyrinth connecting 31 rooms. Moreover, most of them are without a single window. Many passages and secret exits have been preserved under the fortress. According to one version, the building served as a Nestorian monastery, lost in a mountain gorge far from the Gentiles. Another version - Tash Rabat served as an inn, a hotel for merchants and travelers along the roads of the Great Silk Road.
You can only get here by car, so it is better to purchase an organized tour. You won't have to spend the night in a "medieval hotel" - several guest yurts have been built nearby specially for tourists.
9. Jety-Oguz gorge
The main attraction of the gorge, located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, is the Rocks of Seven Bulls. Large brick-colored rocks, lined up in a long chain, really resemble bulls lying on the ground. A sad story is connected with them - the evil khan sacrificed seven bulls at the commemoration of his beloved, whom he himself killed so that she would not go to another. The blood she shed stained the bodies of the animals, and they turned into majestic rocks. In addition to this legend, the first in the gorge, travelers are greeted by the huge rock "Broken Heart" - also red.
From the gorge you can take a walk or take a horse excursion to the waterfall "Maiden Hair". Another popular local attraction is the resort of the same name, known for its thermal springs and therapeutic mud. In Soviet times, cosmonauts underwent rehabilitation here after flights, and now the resort is open to everyone.
10. Alpine pastures "jailoo"
From Kyrgyz "jailoo" is translated as "mountain pasture". Relatively recently, a new and now fashionable destination among wealthy tourists has developed in Kyrgyzstan - "jailoo tourism". You are taken to alpine pasturewhere you spend the night in a real shepherd's yurt, wash in an icy mountain river, roast a ram over the fire, which the owners will slaughter especially for you, drink kumis - in general, you live the traditional life of Kyrgyz nomads. Not everyone decides on such an experiment, but whoever decides should be ready to pay a decent amount for it. The cost of such a tour often depends on the number of people in the group - the more there are, the cheaper. The average price per person in a group of two or three participants for several days starts from about 35 thousand rubles (including the transfer to the jailoo). The most popular jailoo in Kyrgyzstan, where tourists are taken, are in the Semyonov Gorge, on the Son-Kul Lake, the Sarala-Saz jailoo, Zhaman Echki, and Kilemche.
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They will provide every traveler with the opportunity to go on great walks, improve their health, enjoy the stunning scenery and swim in warm waters.
Features of thermal springs in Kyrgyzstan
The main health resort of Kyrgyzstan is considered to be where you can find healing mud (its deposit is located in the water area and the coastal part of the lake), mineral and thermal (water temperature varies from +30 to +50 degrees) springs, clinics and boarding houses. They treat the heart, digestive organs, musculoskeletal and nervous systems, skin and ailments of the female genital area. Depending on the diagnosis, patients are prescribed thalassotherapy, physiotherapy exercises, Charcot douches, mineral baths ... Most of the health resorts are located in Bosteri, Chok-Tal (has a thermal well), Cholpon-Ata, Tamchy (there are mineral springs with warm water near the village, and there are clinics and sanatoriums in Tamchy itself).
Those who have decided to undergo health improvement on Issyk-Kul can also swim in the warm water of the lake, go diving and mountaineering, take themselves on foot and horseback riding.
As for the sanatoriums, “Jergalan” deserves attention in the Issyk-Kul region: thermal + 40-43-degree water (it has neither taste nor smell) and black silt mud, which has a bactericidal effect, are the main therapeutic factors.
Altyn-Arashan
Altyn-Arashan hot springs are high-mountainous and are located at 2600 meters above sea level. Their waters have a temperature of +50 degrees and contain radon. Everyone who takes a methradone bath will normalize blood pressure and improve heart function. In addition, bathing in the springs will have a sedative and analgesic effect, will help accelerate the processes of resorption and healing in muscles, skin, bone tissue and nerve fibers.
Romantic couples will be interested in what is here thermal source, which was ennobled and laid out with a stone in the shape of a heart. It should be noted that those who wish can also plunge into the cold mountain river, thereby taking a contrasting natural shower.
Despite the fact that the springs are only 35 km away from it, it is not so easy to get here - the journey can take about 3 hours in an all-wheel drive car (travelers will have steep ascents along mountain serpentines along a narrow canyon along the bank of the Arashan River).
And in the vicinity of the resort, in nature reserve, you will be able to meet wild boars, ermines, foxes, badgers, lynxes, turtledoves, vultures, snow leopards, pheasants and other birds and animals.
Juuku
The thermal water in Juuku is enriched with radon and has a temperature of +34 degrees. Radon baths are located in the open air, so while swimming in them, you can not only spend time with health benefits, but also enjoy the views of the surrounding landscapes.
Chon-Oruktu
The water of the Chon-Oruktu hot springs is “warmed up” to 45 degrees (it has no “specific” components; it has a sodium-calcium-chloride composition and is suitable for drinking and bathing) and is used in the treatment of gastritis and cholecystitis, and is also prescribed for those who have problems with skin and organs of the female genital area, and suffering from disorders in the nervous system, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract.
At the service of vacationers there are swimming pools, houses where you can stay for a couple of days, rooms in which massage procedures are performed for everyone, cafes (where visitors are treated to dishes of Kyrgyz cuisine).
Tash-Suu
For the convenience of vacationers, this spring has swimming pools (one of them is filled with ordinary cool water - it is intended for contrast swimming), filled with 43-48-degree water; dining room, gazebos, changing rooms; massage room.
Healing water Tash-Suu is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases, in particular, it is suitable for people with disorders of the musculoskeletal system (osteochondrosis, arthritis, myositis). With regard to contraindications, then in local waters should not bathe "heart", hypertensive and hypotensive.
It is worth noting that for a 1-hour swim in the bath, guests will pay $ 4-5 (advice: after a 20-minute swim, you should take a 10-minute rest break, after which you can plunge into the healing waters for 20 minutes).
Jalal-Abad
Jalal-Abad is famous for its alkaline hot springs, weakly and highly mineralized waters (temperature + 38-39 degrees; they are hydrocarbonate-sulphate and calcium-sodium waters) which are able to treat nerves, liver, kidneys, rheumatism, skin, ailments in the field of urology and gynecology ... You can get treatment in a local sanatorium, which is ready to receive about 150 people in winter, and 450 people in summer. In addition to balneotherapy and mud therapy, here they heal with acupuncture, climatic and electric light therapy, massage, physiotherapy exercises and nutrition.
Ak-Suu mineral water deposit is located in the gorge of the same name, 80 km. southwest of the village of Belovodskoye. The local mineral water belongs to low-mineralized carbonate, hydrocarbonate magnesium-calcium narzans, and in its chemical composition it is similar to the mineral water of the famous Siberian resort Dara-Suna.
The Alamudun mineral water deposit is located 30 km. from Bishkek in the gorge of the same name at an altitude of 1200-1600 m above sea level. A well drilled to a depth of 507 meters brought to the surface of the earth thermal mineral water with a temperature of +53 C. Currently, the Teply Klyuchi sanatorium is functioning here, which is also an active recreation center - from here numerous trekking routes in the surrounding mountains begin.
The Issyk-Ata deposit of mineral and thermal waters is located 77 km away. to the southeast of Bishkek, in a narrow gorge at an altitude of 1800 m. The Arashan resort with numerous hot springs and muddy mud operates here. In addition, there is a source of clean drinking water with a specific smell, which is also used to treat chronic diseases of the digestive system.
Among the balneological resources of the Chui Valley, Kamyshanovskoye and Lugovskoye, low-mineralized hydrogen sulfide deposits of therapeutic mud, occupy an important place. Nowhere else in Central Asia, in such a limited space, there are so many outlets of medicinal waters, surrounded by such a marvelous nature.
Almost within the boundaries of Bishkek there is a modern "Cosmonauts Sanatorium" with its own thermal spring.
Issyk-Kul Lake is incredibly beautiful. The Russian traveler P.P. Semenov-Tien Shansky, who visited the lake, compared it with Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and preferred Issyk-Kul. Issyk-Kul has been considered enchanted by the local population since ancient times. Before the appearance of Russian settlers here at the end of the 19th century, practically no one swam or fished in it. The high transparency of the rivers flowing into the lake and the bright sun change the color of the Issyk-Kul water from pale blue to dark blue, depending on the place and time of day. There are about 20 picturesque bays and bays here. The swimming season lasts 6 months. The water temperature in summer reaches +24 C, in winter - +4 C. Crystal clear water, mineral springs, combined with a mountainous and at the same time mild, almost maritime climate, create unique conditions for a resort vacation with mud and thermal treatment.
Cholpon-Ata is a resort town on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. It is worth visiting excursions on a motor ship on the lake, going to the mountains, making a daily trek through the most beautiful mountainous places to Almaty, there are also helicopter excursions with an overnight stay in the mountains. Altyn-Arashan hot springs, located at an altitude of 3000 m in a beautiful open alpine valley, a huge and quiet summer pasture of Karkara in the upper part of the valley, fantastic red cliffs of the Jety-Oguz canyon and excellent trekking trails in Terskey-Alatau are very popular with tourists. (Terskey-Ala-Too), south of Karakol. The best time to visit Issyk-Kul is September, although trekking in the mountains is best done between July and August.
Lying at the eastern end of the lake, it is the main city in the region and the best "base" for exploring the lakeside, Terskey-Alatau and the central Tien Shan.
