Kyrgyzstan is one of the six independent Turkic countries in Central Asia. The state is characterized by a great tourist potential and demonstrates high rates of development.

Bishkek is the capital of the country. The city is located at the foot of the Kyrgyz Range in the northern part of Kyrgyzstan. The city was founded on the site of ancient Fort Julie. There are no historic buildings in the capital because of its relatively young age. But people settled in this place even during the Bronze Age.

Bishkek is now a political, cultural, industrial and economic center. It is a modern city with broad streets and wonderful buildings, and is one of the greenest cities in the region. Bishkek is also one of the most polyethnic capitals of the continent, the city is inhabited by more than 80 nationalities and ethnic groups.

In the northeastern part of the city, there is the Blacksmith fortress and the ruins of the fortress Pishpek. Such sights as the Kyrgyz State Opera and Ballet Theatre, the library and the State Art Museum are located in Soviet Street, which has not been renamed since that gone epoch.

Some other interesting places include the old square with the Historical Museum, the mass grave in Oak Park, Abdulkasim madrassah, Panfilov park with fountains, the Russian Drama Theate and Kyrgyz State Drama Theatre.

No less numerous is the list of museums, including the Historical Museum, the State Memorial Museum, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Kyrgyz State Historical Museum, the Museum of Literature and Art, the Zoological Museum, and the Museum of Mineralogy.

Oak Park and Central Park are vast green areas. There are several museums and impressive sculptures in their territory. The neighborhood of the capital is located in the picturesque Chui valley, which attracts tourists to its mountain rivers and a variety of environmental systems.

In the vicinity of Bishkek, there are such natural attractions as Alamedin deposit of thermal waters, the beautiful Chunkurchak gorge in the upper part of the Alamedin River, the picturesque natural Kara-Balta and Aspara gorges with their famous waterfalls. Another noteworthy attraction here is called Issyk-Ata petroglyphs depicting Buddha and created in the 7th century. In this valley, one will find a lot of recreation areas and resorts.

One of the main attractions near Bishkek is the valley of the Ala-Archa mountain river. There are a lot of beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and unusual rock forms, and a fine collection of local flora and fauna. Almost the whole valley is included into the Ala-Archa National Park, which protects the relict juniper forests of mountainous Asia. Here is also a large number of alpinist camps, where many hiking and horseback trails start. There are also a few ski resorts here. The mountain slopes of the Tien Shan mountains are perfect for skiing. There are many sports facilities, but their level of service and infrastructure is poorly developed so far.

Issyk-Kul is the most famous alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan. Issyk-Kul is located on the north-east of the country. The lake is located high in the mountains, its area is huge, and its maximum depth reaches the incredible 702 meters. The lake water has a deep blue color, it never freezes and is salty. Issyk-Kul is surrounded by mountains, so the climate is rather mild. Issyk-Kul is one of the most popular resorts in Central Asia, an important resort vacation with mud and thermal treatment.

If you are planning a journey to Central Asia, please, use the services of Kyrgyzstan travel agencies or tour operators for Kyrgyzstan to learn more about possible itineraries, hotel reservation, air flights and more.