Kyrgyzstan

Known as the Mountains of Heaven, the Tien Shan range has drawn countless explorers and travellers over the centuries. Extending for 2800km through Central Asia, over half the range passes along the Kyrgyz border with China. The Tien Shan is a superb location for trekking or mountaineering and has countless unclimbed peaks to be attempted.

One of the most beautiful lakes in Central Asia, it is the tenth largest in the world by volume and the second largest saline lake in the world after the Caspian Sea. Located at an altitude of 1600m, its surrounded by giant alpine peaks and its clear blue waters make it a great stopping off point for any journeys to or from the steppes/mountains. Around the lake are several traditional villages where eagle hunters can be found. The magnificent Berkut (golden eagles) are trained in the millennial Central Asian method of seeking out small game.

The second largest city in Kyrgyzstan, Osh is a crossroads with a mixed population of Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Russian, Tajiks and other ethnic groups. The Great Silk Road Bazaar is a central feature in the city and the largest in all of Central Asia. A major attraction in Sulayman Mountain, which overlooks the city and was once a site for Muslim pilgrimage. Nowadays Osh is a popular stopping off point with foreigners as the starting point of the Pamir Highway which extends all the way in to Tajikistan.

The capital city of Kyrgyzstan there is a lot to see and do here. These range from history in the State Historical Museum in Ala-Too Square, shopping in the busy Dordoy and Osh Bazaars and on the outskirts one can take day trips to the Ala-Too Mountain Range, as well as Ala-Archa National Park which is only a 30 minute drive away.

The second largest lake in the country, and the largest fresh water, the summer pastures or jailoo surrounding it are seasonally inhabited by semi-nomadic shepherds and horse herders. Traditional and tourist yurts make up villages, and there is plenty to see and do while hiking, horse trekking or even biking in parts. Between the snow-covered mountains and the water can be found an extraordinary stillness, the lake mirroring the ever-changing cloud formations.

Between the Issyk Kol and Ala Kol lakes, and on the doorstep of the Tien Shen mountains, Karakol is the prefect base for exploring these regions. In winter it is a major ski resort with ski lifts serving over 20km of runs. Nearby in the Arashun State National Park is set Altyn Arashan, the golden spa, with sulphurous hot springs. In summer, treks around the lake or into the mountains offer the most intimate way to discover the area. The Sunday Market to the north of the town has live animal sales, with sheep and goats often arriving packed into cars.