Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide

Trekking the Tian Shan: 5 Epic Day Hikes from Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

The first time I stood at the base of the Tian Shan mountains, I felt that same rush of adrenaline I get right before jumping...

Navigating Bishkek: Complete Transportation Guide to Kyrgyzstan's Capital

I found myself in Bishkek last summer almost by accident. After a tea expedition to southern China went sideways due to visa complications, I pivoted...

Bazaar Treasures: The Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Karakol's Markets

The first time I stepped into Karakol's bustling bazaar, my filmmaker's eye immediately began framing shots—the dappled light filtering through canvas awnings, weathered hands of...

Trekking Karakol's Alpine Wonderland: 7 Spectacular Hikes for All Levels

The first time I glimpsed Karakol's snow-capped peaks piercing through cotton-candy clouds, I knew I'd found a trekker's paradise unlike any other. Nestled in eastern...

Soviet Legacy to Silk Road: 10 Historical Treasures in Bishkek You Can't Miss

The first time I stepped foot in Bishkek, I was struck by how the city's pulse reminded me of emergency room rhythms – steady, resilient,...

Ala-Too Adventures: Day Trips from Bishkek to Kyrgyzstan's Stunning Peaks

The morning light dances across the jagged Ala-Too Range, painting the peaks in hues that would challenge even the most extensive artist's palette. This magnificent...

Conquering the Peaks: Ultimate Guide to Trekking Around Osh, Kyrgyzstan

When my manufacturing company sent me to Kazakhstan last summer for supplier meetings, I immediately saw an opportunity. With a strategic two-week extension and some...

Where to Stay in Karakol: From Traditional Homestays to Mountain Lodges

The first thing that struck me about Karakol wasn't the majestic Tian Shan mountains looming in the distance, nor the charming wooden Orthodox church that...