10 Interesting Facts About Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is a secret place in the very heart of Central Asia, which is able to provide wonderful natural scenery, rich nomadic culture, and traditions that have not been spoiled by time. It may not be on the radar of all the travelers, but it should be. When you want to go to a place that is really unusual, then going to Kyrgyzstan should be your first step towards an unusual experience as you apply a Kyrgyzstan Visa.
Kyrgyzstan is a country of wonders, and it is a place that is full of rugged mountains and ancient petroglyphs, yurts, and eagle hunters. If you are a nature lover, history enthusiast, or culture explorer, these ten interesting facts will provide you with a peek into what is so special about this country.
Here are the 10 Interesting Facts About Kyrgyzstan
1. Over 90% of Kyrgyzstan is Mountainous
Kyrgyzstan is renowned as the “Switzerland of Central Asia” because of its spectacular mountainous terrain. Tien Shan range occupies the largest part of the country and presents stunning sceneries ideal to hike and ski as well as ride a horse. These mountains do not only characterise the geography of the country but also its culture, as the nomadic culture is based on the life in the mountains.
2. The Kyrgyz People Have a Strong Nomadic Heritage
Kyrgyz culture remains very nomadic. A good number of locals still inhabit yurts, which are round, portable tents, particularly during summer when they are transferred to high pastures together with their cattle. These age-old houses and ways of life have been passed down over several centuries, providing a living connection to the past.
3. Issyk-Kul is One of the World’s Largest Alpine Lakes
Lake Issyk-Kul is a huge lake of high altitude located in northeastern Kyrgyzstan and never freezes because of its salty composition. It is the second-largest alpine lake in the world, and a favorite point of destination by the locals and visitors seeking to swim, relax, or view the surrounding snowcapped mountains.
4. The National Epic “Manas” is Longer Than the “Iliad” and “Odyssey” Combined
The Epic of Manas is a focal point of the Kyrgyz literature and oral tradition. This epic poem, which has almost half a million lines, is among the longest in the world. Transmitted through generations of oral narrators called manaschi, it is the epic story of a hero called Manas and the generations of his descendants who fight to defend their homeland.
5. You Can Witness Traditional Falconry with Golden Eagles
In Kyrgyzstan, people still engage in traditional eagle hunting, an age-old form of falconry in which trained golden eagles are used to hunt small game. It is a skill that is inherited and usually performed in cultural festivals and it is a special and exciting experience of the nomadic life.
6. Soviet Influence is Still Visible in Architecture and Monuments
Despite the fact that Kyrgyzstan became independent in 1991, there are still some traces of its Soviet past all over the country. The cities such as Bishkek are characterized by the Soviet buildings, broad avenues, and monuments which narrate the history of the country during the Soviet rule. It is an interesting combination of the new and the old.
7. The Country Hosts an Annual World Nomad Games
Kyrgyzstan hosts the World Nomad Games, a celebration of traditional nomadic traditions and sports. Consider horseback wrestling, eagle hunting and archery. It is a cultural festival in which sportsmen and women of the world come to play sports that have their origin in ancient cultures. It is the Olympics of nomads- a kind of event to bring centuries old traditions into the modern limelight.
8. You Can Sleep in a Yurt in the Middle of Nowhere
A stay in yurt is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Kyrgyzstan, which is usually located in picturesque valleys or plateau mountains. These are round tents which are warm and comfortable and they are well decorated in hand felt carpets. It is a requirement to anyone who wants to find sincerity and closeness to nature.
9. It Has a Rich History along the Silk Road
Kyrgyzstan is one of the important points of the ancient Silk Road, and the traces of this ancient history can be seen nowadays. Such cities as Osh and Tash Rabat were great trading centers. Tourists are able to visit ancient caravanserais, watchtowers and markets where merchants and travellers used to trade.
10. Locals are known for Their Hospitality
The Kyrgyz culture is based on hospitality. The visitors are always greeted with a warm smile, tea and homemade food. Most people are treated like family members whether you are in a small village or a local home. It is a touching experience that most travelers do not forget after they are gone.
Conclusion
Kyrgyzstan is really a place where old traditions and untouched nature are combined. With breathtaking mountains and pristine lakes, colorful nomadic festivals and friendly faces, each place in this country is a story in itself. When you are hiking the valleys, staying in a yurt under the starry sky, or even watching the ancient art of falconry, Kyrgyzstan is a destination that you have never experienced before.
To Indian travellers who are keen on discovering this under-rated destination in Central Asia, obtaining your Kyrgyzstan Visa from India is an easy process that leads to an experience of a lifetime. There is so much to explore in terms of culture, history and natural beauty in Kyrgyzstan, which makes it the ideal place to explore and have a lifetime experience and adventure that one would never forget.
