Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan, Asia

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan, Asia

Jalal-Abad is one of the provinces of Kyrgyz Republic or the Kyrgyzstan, the Central Asian country.  Jalal-Abad is located to the South West of Kyrgyzstan close to the border of Uzbekistan to the West, with the Babash Ata Mountains looming behind Jalal-Abad towards North East, where the Fergana and the Kugart river valleys originate.  Jalal-Abad is famous for the spas and the mineral water springs of Azreti-Ayup-Paygambar that contains medicinal properties, enables to cure various skin ailments.

 

Jalal-Abad area is around 34000 Sq. Km divided into eight districts and is around 600 Km from the capital city of Bishkek in the Chuy province, that is located to the North East on route no.A367.  The province of Naryn is to the West of Jalal-Abad and the city of Osh the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan and the province of Osh is to the South of Jalal-Abad with Talas Province to the North.  To the West is the Country of Uzbekistan.

 

 

History of Jalal-Abad:

 

Jalal-Abad province was formed in 1939 and was a part of Kyrgyzstan which was under the Soviet control till 1991.  Jalal-Abad was an important town along the old Silk Route and all those people traveling along this branch of the Silk Route visited various holy places and got treated with water from the mineral spas. The few historical remains evidencing the Silk Route are visible in the Chatkal valley and Saimalu-Tash.

 

 

Food and Culture in Jalal-Abad:

 

Jalal-Abad is an ethnic town and the food items that are consumed are mainly the normal Kyrgyz food of Beshbarmak and Kumi drink with other agricultural produce and dairy products.  Jalal-Abad is famous for the natural walnut forest known as Arslanbob and spas with waters with medicinal properties with ability to cure skin diseases.

 

Jalal-Abad has ethnic culture with various people from the neighboring countries such as Uzbeks, Russians, Turks, Tadjiks, Kazakhs living along with Kyrgyz people speaking Russian and local ethnic languages and following soviet culture. Agriculture and cattle rearing are the main occupation of the people of Jalal-Abad. People are also engaged in various mining operations for coal, metals and natural gas and oil to lesser extent.

 

 

Shopping and Things to do in Jalal-Abad:

Shopping is mainly done for the mineral water from spas having curative properties for human ailments.  Those who intended to get treated can visit the health treatment centre in Kurot in the mountains that is around 700 Mts. above the town and at the height of 1000 Mts. one enjoy the beautiful greenery of the town and collect various hand crafted items from the National Crafts Hall. One can visit the historical museum and fountains and Kokand fort built in 1800s and taste the walnut products from the markets and other dry nuts and fresh fruits and forest produces.

 

 

Tourist Attractions in and around Jalal-Abad:

 

Jalal-Abad has many places of tourist interests in the mountains and also many nature reserve forests at a distance of 35 Km.

 

  • Arslanbob: A natural walnut forest and other dry fruits that grow naturally.

 

  • National Park: Biosphere Nature Reserve, Besh-Arl Nature Reserve, Padyshata Nature Reserve etc. where the ecology is protected.

 

  • Natural Reserves: Such as Forest reserves, Botanical reserves, Game reserves etc.

 

  • Saimalu-Tash: The remnants of the old Silk Route can be observed.

 

  • Tegerek Waterfall: The river Kara-Unkur flowing from the high mountains taking a natural course.

 

 

Connectivity to Jalal-Abad:

 

Jalal-Abad is connected by road from the capital city of Bishkek to the North East by around 600 Km by the route A367 passing through the mountains terrain and also from the city of Osh to the South which is around 120 Km.  By train Jalal-Abad is connected from the city of Andijan in Uzbekistan in the West at a distance of 95 Km.  Jalal-Abad  has and airport handling local flights.

 

Hotel Accommodation in Jalal-Abad:

 

There are few quality hotels and many local hotels in and around Jalal-Abad.

 

  • Sputnik 3*
  • Roza Park Hotel (B&B Hotel)

Tourist Places to Visit in Balykchy, Kyrgyzstan, Asia

Tourist Places to Visit in Balykchy, Kyrgyzstan, Asia

Balykchy is one of the major towns of Kyrgyz Republic or Kyrgyzstan, located towards North of Kyrgyzstan in Issyk-Kul Province, on the western periphery of Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountainous lake in the world.  Balykchy is located on the main road towards east of Bishkek the Capital of Kyrgyzstan forming a part of the Silk Route that leads to China via the mountainous terrains to China in the East.

 

Balykchy with and area around 40 Sq. Km and is surrounded by China to the East and towards the West of Balykchy is the capital city of Bishkek at distance of 200 Km on the route A365 and towards to it East is the Issyk-Kul Lake and the town of Karakol at distance of 220 Km on route A363. To the North of Balykchy is the city of Almaty in the country of Kazakhstan at a distance of 380 Km by road.  To the south of Balykchy are the town of Kochkor and Kara-Koo at a distance of 60 Km.

 

Balykchy is famous for the Marshalling Yard for the essential supplies to gold mines located around 250 Km from Balykchy, that employs over 3000 workers and gold is mainly exported to US.

 

 

History of Balykchy:

 

Balykchy is one of the major towns on the old Silk Route for the traders from Far East countries traveling to European countries to stop their caravan of animals and people with goods as the lake Issyk-Kul provides the necessary succor for the thirsty throats and replenish their water needs.

 

Balykchy in the late 19th and 20th century was under the soviet control with small agricultural farms, livestock and stud farms and it was basically a fishing village that had taken the name of the lake Issyk-Kul and later changed to Balykchy after the Independence in 1991 from the Soviets.

 

 

Food and Culture in Balykchy:

 

The people of Balykchy adore kumi and beshbarmak the national drink and dish of the Kyrgyzstan.  Since Balykchy is located on the lake Issyk-kul the consumption of various fish dishes is more popular.

 

Balykchy is a fishing village and the culture is ethnic with the large influence of Soviet culture of life style. People mainly make living by selling the fished caught from the Lake Issy-Kul and by rearing the various livestock and horses in their stud farms.  The tourism around Lake Issy-Kul also provides a lively hood for the residents of Balykchy.

 

 

Shopping and Things to do in Balykchy:

 

In Balykchy Shopping is mainly done for the fish products that are variety of fishes which are dried and smoked and sold in the markets and at important tourist congregating places.

 

Balykchy is mainly known for its Lake Issy-Kul, where one can go for diving in the crystal clear waters and do paragliding and angling. For the more adventurers one can visit the Karakol Ski resort at a distance of 200 Km and also do trekking and hiking on the mountain ranges along the old Silk Route which starts from Balykchy.

 

 

Tourist Attractions in and around Balykchy:

 

  • Lake Issy-Kul: The main tourist attraction in Balykchy is its Lake Issy-kul where all out door activities and water sports are conducted.

 

  • Karakol Ski Base: Located around 220 Km from Balykchy is the sky resort of the skiing enthusiasts.

 

 

 

Connectivity to Balykchy:

 

Balykchy is reached from the capital city of Krygyzstan, Bishkek via the road 365A by taxi or the local transport buses. The train journey to Balykchy takes one via the picturesque locations from Bishkek which is around 200 Km and the local buses at the station would reach the tourists to Issy-Kul town and by flight Manas Airport near Bishkek at a distance of 180 Km is the nearest to reach Balykchy.

 

Hotel Accommodation in Balykchy:

 

  • Hotel and Resort Calm Harbor 5*
  • Kapriz Hotel 5*
  • Tagatay Karakol 5*
  • Hotel Amir 4*
  • Green Yard Hotel 4*
  • Karven Issy-Kul 3*
  • Karven Four Seasons 3*
  • Hotel Complex Le Meridien 3*

Places to Visit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Asia

Places to Visit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Asia

Bishkek is the capital city of the CIS Country Kyrgyzstan or Kyrgyz Republic in Central Asia, which was under the Soviet rule till its independence in 1991.  Bishkek is located to the North of Kyrgyzstan in Chuy Province with Tian Shan Mountain ranges looming in the background.  Bishkek is around 800 Mts. above sea level located from Equator at around 43o North Latitude and 74o East Longitude.

 

Bishkek is around 125 Sq. Km and is the largest capital city in Kyrgyzstan and an independent administrative province having 4 Raion or the districts it is also the capital of Chuy Province, out of 8 province of Kyrgyzstan.  Bishkek’s main city centre is the Ala-Too Square. Dordoy Bazaar is the main commercial area in Bishkek

 

The climate in Bishkek is warm summers from June to September and cold winters from October to March with average maximum temperature ranging in summer from 30oC to a minimum of minus 10oC in winter. The main river of Bishkek is the Chui River.

 

 

History of Bishkek:

 

Bishkek was part of the Silk Route in the olden days as stop over for the traders from Eastern countries visiting European countries that came into existence in 1825 with building of mud fort by Uzbek Khan of Kokhand.  The Kyrgyz-Khokand fortress was extended by the Russians in 1862 and the name was changed into Pishpek and renamed as Frunze in 1926.  With the Independence of Kyrgyzstan in 1991 the city was named back to its original name of Bishkek.

 

Food and Culture in Bishkek:

 

The food consumed in Bishkek is mainly the wheat products and the livestock and dairy products that are grown and reared and produced in the country side of Bishkek.  The Kumi is the famous drink made from mares milk is consumed widely by the people of Bishkek. The national dish of Kyrgyz is the Beshbarmak a dish prepared from the farm animals reared.

 

Bishkek being a part of the Soviet bloc countries before 1991, have the influence of the soviet culture with well laid out roads and avenues and apartment blocs having typical Russian architecture.  Since Bishkek is an ethnic city with the influence of various cultures people follow various religious beliefs.  Bishkek being a city has the influence of typical city culture and which is most enjoyed by the young tourists.

 

 

Shopping and Things to do in Bishkek:

 

Shopping is mainly done in Bishkek for the local relics such as Kalpaks, a type of hat made out of soft leather worn by the locals.  The local traditional carpets known as Shyrdaks are bargained for better prices in Osh Bazaar and there is an open market near the city of Bishkek having variety of goods including the Chinese goods.

 

In Bishkek one can go biking to local tourist places and also take mini and trolleybuses to visit the city square Ala-Too Square and the nearby State Historical Museum and the Panfilov Park for recreational outings and shopping at Dordoy Bazaar and Osh Bazaar.

 

 

Tourist Attractions in and around Bishkek:

 

  • Tian Shan Mountain Ranges: Which is just around 35 Km from Bishkek is the best area for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking and rafting in the rivers organized by the trekking club.

 

  • Ala-Archa Canyon: A National Park with beautiful valleys, glaciers, Corona and Uchitel peak and also the mid-century Stone houses which are mainly for campers and peak climbers and trekkers and hikers.

 

  • Burana Tower: Is located in one of the nearby towns of Bishkek, where one can climb the tower and view the beautiful country side.

 

 

Connectivity to Bishkek:

 

Bishkek being a capital city is well connected to nearby cities of neighboring countries by Highway roads with services of buses and taxies from Almaty, Shymkent and Tashkent and also one can reach Bishkek via Torugar Pass from Chinese side, which takes around 4 to 5 hrs.  By Train Bishkek is connected to the Trans-Siberian railway network from Moscow that passes via Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and the journey of three days.  By flight the Manas Airport which is around 30 Km from Bishkek is reached by local flights form CIS countries and also few International flights form London and Moscow.

 

 

Hotel Accommodation in Bishkek:

 

  • Hyatt Regency 5*
  • Park Hotel 5*
  • Hotel Deluxe 5
  • Hotel Holiday 4*
  • Hotel Amir 4*
  • Tes Guest House 4*
  • Golden Dragon Hotel 3*
  • The Silk Road Lodge 3*

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Kyrgyzstan, Asia

Top Tourist Places to Visit in Kyrgyzstan, Asia

The country of Kyrgyzstan is one of the centrally located countries in the Asian Continent and was once a part of the Soviet bloc countries before its independence in late 1991. Kyrgyzstan is now officially known as Kyrgyz Republic.   Kyrgyzstan is located approximately around 40o North Latitude and around 80o East Longitude with mountainous terrain surrounded by China to the East and South East, Kazakhstan to the North, Uzbekistan to the West and Tajikistan to the South West.

 

Kyrgyzstan is approximately around 200,000 Sq. Km in area divided in to 8 provinces and each province is further divided into number of districts that are governed by the designated government authorities and locally elected officials.  The City of Bishkek, which is also a province is the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is located to the North of Kyrgyzstan, and the city of Osh, which is the second largest city is also a province, is located to the South of Kyrgyzstan.  The other 6 provinces of Kyrgyzstan are Batken, Chuy, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, Talas, Issyk-Kul.

 

 

History of Kyrgyzstan:

 

Kyrgyzstan was part of the territory of USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) which became independent along with other 14 countries in 1991 after the break of the Russian Confederate and is now known as Kyrgyz Republic.

 

Kyrgyzstan is basically an ethnic country with various clans united that are spread across various regions of Central Asia.  The very flag of the Kyrgyzstan is symbolic of this union of clans representing 40 sun rays or the clans to fight the Uyghurs who are the dominant rulers of Central Asia.

 

Kyrgyzstan was located along the Silk Route was an important break point for the traders traveling from the Far East Countries to the European countries along the Silk Route with the Lake of Issyk-Kul, providing much succor to the tired travelers.

 

 

Food and Culture in Kyrgyzstan:

 

Kyrgyzstan being a mountainous region the food crops that are grown is generally wheat and vegetables, fruits and the rearing of livestock are actively undertaken.  The foods that are consumed are mainly the wheat and wheat products, potatoes, sugar beets and meat of the reared animals and dairy products. Some of the food items of Kyrgyzstan are Beshbarmak, Shashlik, shorpa, Plov or Paloo etc.

 

Kyrgyzstan has the add mixture of various cultures, due to its ethnic populations of Turkic, Russian, Dungans and various tibes from various regions across the Central Asia.  Kyrgyzstan follows the nomadic culture with Islam being the majority religion followed by Christianity and Buddhism.

 

The languages of Kyrgyz, Uzbek and Russian are widely spoken as local languages and also along with English as the second most spoken languages in Kyrgyzstan.

 

 

Shopping and Things to do in Kyrgyzstan:

Kyrgyzstan’s currency unit is som that is divided into 100 tiyin with denominations of notes ranging from som 1,5,10,20,50,100,200,500 and 1000 som that is exchanged for the post 2001 US dollars.  The ATMs in Kyrgyzstan dispenses both US dollar and the local currency som as some of the higher priced goods are purchased with US dollars and some hospitality industries charge in euros.

 

Kyrgyzstan is a good bet for the shoppers as it was once a famous stop point of the traders along the Silk Route; one can shop for ethnic products in their markets for the various woolen products and various dairy products and can relish the food stuffs of the livestock that are reared in the country side.

 

Once in Kyrgyzstan one get the help of local tourist guides and get choose from list of activities to do in Kyrgyzstan such as having a trek or riding a horse along the Alay Valley in the Pamir Alay range like the nomadic and spending the starry nights in yurt – a nomadic tent made of animal skin sipping mare milk in the Central Tian Shan country side. One can also visit the second largest mountain lake Issyk-Kul and also watch the local game of Kok boru.

 

 

Tourist Attractions in Kyrgyzstan:

 

Kyrgyzstan is a mountains country with craggy mountains that are rising nearly to 7000 mts. and deep valleys with crystal clear waters flowing in rivers and shored in lakes.  Some of the tourist attractions in Kyrgyzstan are:

 

  1. ake Issyk – Kul: One of the placid lakes and is the second highest Mountain lake lay along the Silk Route. Where tourists indulge in windsailing, paragliding and diving.

Altyn Arashan: Known for its scenic beauty and the lake Ala-Kul are located here and are famous with the trekkers.

 

 

  1. Alay Valley: Horse riders and trekkers paradise.
  2. Tian Shan Mountains: It contains range of snow covered mountains with peaks towering over 7000 meters bordering the country of China in the East where skiing and trekking is conducted. Ala Archa National Park is located here.

 

  1. Tash Rabat: Very old 600 year old stone structure is located near to Naryn province.

 

 

Connectivity to Kyrgyzstan:

 

Kyrgyzstan can be reached by road from the other Common Wealth Independent States and from Almaty in Kazakhstan. Kyrgyzstan is reached by train from Moscow which is around 3700 Km and the journey takes around 3 days.  Kyrgyzstan can be reached by plane from various cities by flight from London, Istanbul, and Moscow etc. with airport located at Manas in Kyrgyzstan capital city of Bishek.

 

Hotel Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan:

 

There are various budgeted hotels in Kyrgyzstan for the tourists which are mainly in the city of Bishkek.

 

  • Hyatt Regency 5*
  • Hotel Holiday 5*
  • Tes Guesthouse 4*
  • Hotel Deluxe 4*
  • Hotel Amir 4*

 

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