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6 reasons to visit Kyrgyzstan in winter
Kyrgyzstan is a stunning destination to visit all year round. Here are some reasons why you should visit Kyrgyzstan this winter.
Nowadays more and more people know Kyrgyzstan and especially during the summer. It is a country that has breathtaking mountains, age-old herding traditions and a hospitality that is rarely seen elsewhere.
In summer there are horses all over Kyrgyzstan, and nomads spend that time in yurts to continue herding. Life in the Kyrgyz countryside is a beautiful thing to witness during the summer.
What not many people know is that it is equally impressive to visit Kyrgyzstan in winter.
If you want to experience an adventure out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to visit this Central Asian country during the coldest months of the year. There are many surprises in store for you.
1. Perfect skiing destination
In summer, Kyrgyzstan is a fantastic destination for hikers. The country is full of high peaks, thousands of alpine lakes, beautiful flower-covered valleys and countless trails.In winter, this mountainous environment becomes the perfect destination for skiing enthusiasts in all its forms.
In Kyrgyzstan, adrenaline-filled days await you on more than 93 kilometers of marked trails, as well as thousands of ski touring trails.
2. The best time to warm up in the hot springs
Kyrgyzstan is a prime location for alpine glacial lakes, but if you prefer warmer water, you’ll be happy to know that this Central Asian country also boasts tons of natural hot springs. Some of them are very popular for their beneficial health effects.
They were widely used throughout the Soviet Union for their healing properties and are still very popular in Kyrgyzstan today.
Although they can be enjoyed year-round, they are especially pleasant in winter. There’s nothing like relaxing soaking in hot water while surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
My favorite hot springs in Kyrgyzstan are the Altyn-Arashan hot springs, located in the valley of the same name.
They are the perfect way to relax after a long day of ski touring or snowshoeing.
How to get to Altyn Arashan hot springs in winter:
It is possible to reach the Altyn Arashan valley and its famous hot springs by skiing or snowshoeing from Teploklyuchenka (this village is also more commonly called Ak-Suu).
If you wish to start this winter hike from Ak-Suu, you will have to reach this small village first by public transport or with your own car from Karakol.
The starting point of the trail to the hot springs is south of Ak-Suu. It follows a road that is used in summer to reach the springs when it is not completely covered with snow as in winter.
The first part of the trail will take you along the beautiful Arashan River. You will ski or snowshoe alongside a rushing river that never completely freezes over.
A few kilometers further on you will begin to see the beautiful snow-capped peaks of the mountains overlooking the valley.
At this point, the trail becomes steeper and steeper and passes through patches of pine forest before finally reaching a more open area where the hot springs are located.
On the way to the hot springs, you may come across mountain goats and horses. With snowshoes or cross-country skiing it takes about 4 hours.
3. Enjoy a unique equestrian experience
Kyrgyzstan is the land of horses. For millennia, horses have played an important role in the lives of Central Asian peoples.
Herders used them to follow their livestock, move their yurts and travel from one valley to another. These majestic animals are such an important part of Kyrgyz culture that no trip to the country would be complete without a horseback adventure. Although this is more common in summer, Kyrgyzstan also offers the possibility of horseback riding adventures in winter.
4. Admire icy waterfalls
In winter, Kyrgyzstan also offers many exciting opportunities for mountaineers. It is difficult to access certain summits, but you can always try a good ice climb on the many icy waterfalls or glaciers throughout the country.
The southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake is full of waterfalls. One of the most popular is Barskoon.
Actually, Barskoon is not just one waterfall, but three. The first one is easily accessible and can be reached after a 20-minute walk along a small trail in the forest.
The other two are a little higher up and can be reached on foot or on horseback.
5. The landscapes are breathtaking in winter.
If you think Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes are breathtaking in summer, wait until you see them transform into a winter paradise. Kyrgyzstan becomes incredibly beautiful at that time of the year.
The landscapes become incredibly majestic, the country’s valleys fill with snow and become perfect for cross-country skiing, and you can also enjoy a horseback riding adventure in a completely unique environment!
6. Amazing photos of hunters with eagles in winter
Central Asia is the birthplace of the ancient tradition of eagle hunting.
Nomads roaming the Central Asian steppes began taming these raptors thousands of years ago and this tradition continues to be passed down from generation to generation.
Although this remarkable tradition of Kyrgyz nomadic culture is slowly dying out, there are still a few hunters in the Issyk-Kul region who do their best to maintain the tradition and pass on their skills to young disciples. They are part of the Salburun Federation.
This federation often organizes eagle hunting festivals and demonstrations in autumn and winter. Having seen different eagle hunting demonstrations, I think winter is the best time to attend one of them.
- Adventure, Alpine skiing, Climbing, Cultural activities, Ethno-tourism, Expeditions, Experiences, Extreme skiing, Flora and fauna, Gastronomy, Guesthouses, Historic sites, Horses, Huts, Kyrgyzstan, Lakes, Landscapes, Mountaineering, Nomadic culture, Off-Road, Season, Ski touring, Special dates, Springs, Trekking, Waterfalls, Weather, Winter activities
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