10 Amazing Winter Activities in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan becomes a winter activities fairy tale with its stunning atmosphere, tours, ethno-tea, horses, Mountains, and Yurt. This country is situated in the middle of Central Asia and has such unique features as mountains with snow, frozen lakes and beautiful villages that can easily attract the attention of every tourist who loves winter. Whether you fancy adventurous activities such as skiing and snowboarding, or cultural and friendly reception of people in Kyrgyzstan will meet every single desire. The preserved historically and culturally significant places and the traditions of winter make Kyrgyzstan an excellent place for those who want to enjoy the winter in its full.
It is important that you have a Kyrgyzstan Visa before planning a journey to this winter paradise. As it has been previously mentioned, obtaining Kyrgyzstan Visa for Indians is quite easy and thus, there should not be any hindrances to enjoying the best of winter in the country. From horse riding in the Ala Archa National Park to observing the enchanting and picturesque scenery of the Song Kul Lake in winter time, numerous unforgettable memories can be made in Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, with a proper visa you can fully enjoy an adventurous winter holiday in Kyrgyzstan, which is rich in culture and beautiful sceneries.
Here are the 10 Amazing Winter Activities in Kyrgyzstan
1. Skiing and snowboarding at Karakol Ski Resort.
Karakol Ski Resort can be considered one of the most popular places to practice winter sports in Kyrgyzstan. This Resort offers professionally groomed terrains for all the classes such as the Novice, Intermediate, and Expert classes. The sightseeing opportunities, especially the Terskey Alatau mountains give the place a boost in terms of skiing. In addition to skiing, tourists can go snowboarding, ride snowmobiles and even have husky backcountry skiing in virgin powder snow. The skiing season occupies most of the winter months, starting from December up to March, thus providing enough time for the best winter experiences.
2. Ice Skating on Song-Kul Lake
What is interesting, during the winter the Song-Kul Lake looks like an ice arena surrounded by mountains covered with snow. Sliding on the thin, fragile ice on the lake is a very thrilling experience giving an exciting touch with a tinge of beauty. There are local tours that will take you around while on skates and you can cover the natural ice filed and at the same time enjoy the scenery. Pay attention to the temperature, it may be much lower than in the coastal areas.
3. Snowmobile Safaris in the Tien Shan Mountains
If you are an enthusiast of adventure, then don a snow suit and go for a snow mobile safari in Tien Shan Mountains. This activity involves the opportunity to enjoy the virgin winter environment, sliding over the snowfield and across the valley. Four types of snowmobile tours are offered from brief rides to the full day, granting the possibility to see the real Kyrgyzstan in winter.
4. Winter Horse Trekking in the Ala Archa National Park
Trekking on horses in winter is one of the most interesting ways of experiencing the Kyrgyz landscapes. It is necessary to mention that horse riding during the winter period is favored in Ala Archa National Park where horse riding tracks are going through the snowy forests and mountain slopes. Being on horseback while admiring the scenery of mountainous terrains capped by snow is a thrilling excursion for tourist who enjoys the beauty of nature and is in search for a thrilling experience.
5. Hot Springs in Altyn Arashan
After such thrilling day in the snowy environment, it is so pleasant to take a rest and spend the evening in hot water pools of the Altyn Arashan. The theraputic water is also warm and mineralized making it inviting to go for a soak as the temperatures remain cold most of the year. These hot springs are located in a rather secluded area which makes this place very suitable for relaxation in the midst of stunning landscapes of Kyrgyzstan.
6. Ice Fishing on Issyk-Kul Lake
Issyk-Kul is the second largest alpine lake that does not freeze over completely in winter due to its salinity. This is a common activity done in the lakes here for low temperature fishing by either the locals or travelers. In case the company of professional fishermen is available, one can drill a hole into the ice, capture the fish typical for the region, and even cook it on the spot near the water. For people who are interested in experiencing an authentic winter activity of Kyrgyzstan, the opportunity is great.
7. Dog Sledding Adventures
Sledding with dogs is rather popular and entertaining way to travel through the winter wonderland in Kyrgyzstan. This activity is becoming rather popular, Karakol and Jyrgalan are the most popular areas for taking such tours. Sledding across the snow fields being drawn by some enthusiastic huskies is a thrilling experience which could turn your winter vacation in Kyrgyzstan into a very pleasant one.
8. Discovering the Unfrozen Waterfalls in the Barskoon Gorge
Barskoon Gorge is also very beautiful during the winter; it contains frozen waterfalls making it look like a fairyland. The area attracts tourists willing to take a hike and take pictures of Kyrgyzstan during the winter. The country’s untouched beauty can clearly be seen and felt when hiking through the snowy trails to get to these daring frozen waterfalls.
9. Winter Yurt Stays with Nomadic Families
To get the real flash of the tirettling, try spending a night in the Kyrgyz yurt. In winter, nomadic families provide the opportunity for visitors to experience yurt stay, local meals, and homely environment. These are actual nomadic tent-like accommodations, however, they are equipped with log burning stoves and thick felt blankets.
10. Winter Festivals and Local Traditions
The following are festivals that are held in Kyrgyzstan during the winter season, where the beauty of the country is fully presented. Other cultural festivities include Nomad Games in addition to the local New Year’s celebration, which includes such activities as dancing, singing, and other sports. These festivals provide an excellent opportunity to familiarize with the peculiarities of the Kyrgyz culture, to see the demonstrations of capturing birds of prey with the help of Golden Eagles, horse riding with a bow and arrows, dancing and singing.
Conclusion:
Kyrgyzstan is one of those gems of the winter vacations, which combines excellent opportunities for an active and diverse vacation and a unique cultural experience. Whether you are pounding down the virgin slopes of Karakol Ski Resort or gazing at the state’s magnificent Tien Shan mountains in the distance, every single moment of your time is blessed in this extraordinary country. Besides, Kyrgyzstan is rich in sights and various interesting communities will make your winter even more enjoyable due to the perception of the totally unique way of nomadic people. It is perhaps the most beautiful country in terms of the variety of beautiful landscapes and the atmosphere of the winter celebration.
Before you start the winter escapade to Kyrgyzstan, you will need to secure a Kyrgyzstan visa. Thankfully, the method of procuring Kyrgyzstan Visa for Indians is simple, making it possible that they visit this snowy heaven with a lot of ease. There are various options for tourist attractions based on the preferences: if you want to try winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding or if you want to enjoy the beauty of winter and have a quiet holiday in the mountains. Therefore, put on your winter gear, apply for a visa, and come to discover the enchantment of Kyrgyzstan in winter!
