Postcard from Bishkek

Kyrgyzstan has many attractions apart from the mountains: lakes, (such as Issyk Kul, Son Kul and Sary Chelek); and wildlife, there are cities (such as Bishkek, Osh and Karakol); ancient sites (such as the Burana Tower, the Uzgen complex and the Tash Rabat caravanserai); petroglyphs (at Saimaluu Tash and Chalpon Ata); mausoleums (such as the Manas mausoleum at Talas, and at Safed Bulan) and much, much more …

It is possible to undertake a variety of activities, such as:

• Sightseeing – for example, city tours in Bishkek or many of the other cities;
• Recreation – rest and relaxation, for example at one of the resorts on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul;
• • Take a boat trip on Lake Issyk Kul;
• Trekking and walking – in the midst of virgin, natural, surroundings … for example: From Seven Bulls to Golden Springs;
• Horse riding – for an hour … or for several days – in Ala Archa, Barskoon, Shamsy, Issyk Kul, Son Kul, Tash Rabat … or just about anywhere in the country;
• Cycling – although not all the roads are exactly “cycle friendly” there are plenty of opportunities for demanding mounting biking throughout the country;
• Motor Tours – around Kyrgyzstan which offer the possibility to combine many different experiences and get the most out of the many varied and diverse aspects of this country;
• Silk Road Tours – experience the majestic mountains that separate the ancient cities of Uzbekistan and the mysterious Orient as represented by China … and get an impression of the country through which ancient traders traveled.
• Cultural Tours – 
• • stay in shepherd’s yurt to experience the nomadic lifestyle – both the hardships and the pleasures; 
  • attend a demonstration of traditional Kyrgyz crafts such as the manufacture of felt carpets such as Shyrdaks or Ala Kiyiz;
  • attend a demonstration of traditional eagle hunting;
  • attend a concert of traditional Kyrgyz music – or, for that matter, one of the other nationalities resident in Kyrgyzstan … or Jazz, or classical or contemporary music … or pay a visit to the theater, (in Russian or Kyrgyz) … or a performance at the Opera and Ballet Theater … or the Circus,  (although, to be honest – except where special arrangements are possible, a lot may depend on schedules at the venues concerned … );
  • combine a trip with a visit to one of the many cultural festivals; 
  • take a special thematic tour and sample the variety of, for example, cuisines represented in the country;
  • take a helicopter trip into the mountains – for example to the the Enilchek glacier;
  • visit the place where St. Matthew is said to be buried; 
  • see the places contained in the novels of Chinghiz Aitmatov;
• Nature tours – with a wide variety of wildlife, birds and flowers, it is possible to organize trips catered to suit almost any interest: flowers; apples; bird watching; butterflies; insects; … there are a wide variety of national parks – and even a zoo.
• Mountaineering –the Tien Shan provide a paradise for mountaineers of almost any calibre and experience – although we at Celestial Mountains do not undertake Mountaineering expeditions;
• Hunting – the available game is varied and widespread – although we at Celestial Mountains do not undertake Hunting trips; 
• Fishing – the waters of the fast flowing rivers and mountains streams offer numerous opportunities for fishermen of differing experience;
• Skiing and heliskiing – especially in the winter months – where basic facilities can be outweighed by the opportunity to explore virgin snows;
• White water rafting, for example on the waters of the Chui or Kekemeren Rivers;
• Caving – for example, in the spectacular caves of Chil Ustin – although we at Celestial Mountains do not undertake Caving trips; 
• There are facilities (especially in Bishkek and around Issyk Kul) ideal for conducting conferences, seminars, etc.
• Attend a course – for example a language course;
• Take a course of Medical Treatment – for example at one of the sanatoria around Lake Issyk Kul;
• Volunteer – and help a charity or voluntary organization;