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|  | KYRGYZSTAN COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | Kyrgyzstan is bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China. The majestic Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains) range occupies the greater part of the area. Its highest peak is Pik Pobedy at 7439m (24,406ft). A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864; it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Nation-wide demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of President Askar AKAYEV, who had run the country since 1990. Subsequent presidential elections in July of 2005 were won overwhelmingly by former prime minister Kurmanbek BAKIYEV. Current concerns include: privatization of state-owned enterprises, expansion of democracy and political freedoms, interethnic relations, and combating terrorism. Kyrgyzstan is a poor, mountainous country with a predominantly agricultural economy. Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products, although only tobacco and cotton are exported in any quantity. Industrial exports include gold, mercury, uranium, and natural gas and electricity. Kyrgyzstan has been fairly progressive in carrying out market reforms, such as an improved regulatory system and land reform. Kyrgyzstan was the first CIS country to be accepted into the World Trade Organization. With fits and starts, inflation has been lowered to an estimated 7% in 2001, 2.1% in 2002, 4% in 2003, and 3.2% in 2004. Much of the government's stock in enterprises has been sold. Drops in production had been severe after the breakup of the Soviet Union in December 1991, but by mid-1995 production began to recover and exports began to increase. Kyrgyzstan has distinguished itself by adopting relatively liberal economic policies. The drop in output at the Kumtor gold mine sparked a 0.5% decline in GDP in 2002, but GDP growth bounced back to 6% in 2003 and 2004. The government has made steady strides in controlling its substantial fiscal deficit and aims to reduce the deficit to 3% of GDP in 2004. The government and the international financial institutions have been engaged in a comprehensive medium-term poverty reduction and economic growth strategy. Further restructuring of domestic industry and success in attracting foreign investment are keys to future growth. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map Server Travel-Island.com. |  |
| RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | The main attraction of Kyrgyzstan lies in the breathtaking landscape of mountains, glaciers and lakes; their isolation ensures that they have been almost forgotten by the crowds. The lakes and mountainous terrain provide excellent opportunities for trekking, skiing, climbing, sailing and swimming.
For more ambitious travellers it is possible to follow the route of the old Silk Road to Kashgar in China, crossing the border at the Torugart Pass, near Lake Chatyr-Kul. Trekking tours and adventure holidays in this region are offered by a growing number of companies.
Bishkek
The capital was founded in 1878 on the site of a clay fort built by the Khan of Kokand and destroyed by the Russians, and sits at the foot of the Tian Shan mountain range. A largely Soviet-built city, it has a similar spacious atmosphere to its Kazakh neighbour, Almaty. Ulitsa Sovietskaya, the broad tree-lined road between the railway station and the city centre, houses the Kyrgyz State Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Chernyshevsky Public Library and the State Art Museum. Other attractions include the History Museum in the Old Square (Stary Ploshad), the Lenin Museum, the Zoological Museum and the Kyrgyz Drama Theatre. The Government plans to redevelop the former General Frunze Museum on Frunze Street - which commemorated the Kyrgyz-born Russian general who subdued Central Asia for the Bolsheviks - into a celebration of the ethnic diversity that is found in Kyrgyzstan. A section on Jewish culture has already been opened.
Excursions
Less than an hour's drive from Bishkek the Ala-Archa Nature Reserve offers spectacular scenery for trekking and skiing. A further 50 minutes east from the city, the Burana Tower is a 25m-high (82ft) minaret which dates from the 11th century and is all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun.
Lake Issyk-Kul
Still further east lies the jewel in the crown of the republic. Lying 1600m (5249ft) above sea level, the saltwater Lake Issyk-Kul was closed to foreigners during the Soviet era. Both its Kyrgyz name and Chinese name (Ze-Hai) mean warm sea, as it never freezes over, despite the altitude. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and ringed with sandy beaches, the lake has a pristine and outstanding beauty. On the north shore, the town of Cholpan-Alta is a spa town which was a former retreat for the Communist Party elite. The resort of Issyk-kul is now open to anyone, although it is very busy during the summer season and visitors are advised to book in advance. In the Kungay Ala-Too Mountains behind it, four trekking routes start, leading eventually to Medeo, outside Almaty (Kazakhstan), four to six days away. For scuba-diving enthusiasts, there is spectacularly clear water and a 12th-century town that lies 2-3m (6-10ft) below the surface of the lake near Ulan, 18km (11 miles) from Balikchi.
At the southeast end of the lake is the town of Kara-Kol, with its attractive houses and tree-lined streets, and behind it are the Terskay Ala-Too Mountains, an unspoilt wilderness populated only by nomadic shepherds, and only then during the summer. There are few roads and little accommodation. 16km (10 miles) outside Kara-Kol is the health resort of Ak-Soo with hot mineral springs.
Note
Travellers are advised to avoid the areas to the south and west of Osh and the Ferghana Valley region at present due to occasional armed violence.
Osh
Kyrgyzstan's second city is in the south, on the Uzbek border. Although it is 2500 years old, few traces of its ancient history remain. Since the tenth century, pilgrims have come to visit the Suleiman Gora, a hill in the middle of the city where legend has it that the Prophet once prayed. Childless women come here in the hope that they may conceive (the hill is supposed to look like a pregnant woman lying on her back). Other attractions include the Museum of Local Studies and the bazaar.
Excursions
North of Osh is the town of Uzgen where there is a mausoleum that is supposed to have contained the body of the Kyrgyz hero Manas. East of Osh is the Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve, which includes the stunning Lake Sary-Chelek.
The Silk Road
This ancient trading route was used by silk merchants from the second century AD until its decline in the 14th century, and is open in parts to tourists, stretching from northern China, through bleak and foreboding desert and mountainous terrain to the ports on either the Caspian Sea or Mediterranean Sea. For further details of the route see the Silk Road in the China section.
The main attraction of the route in Kyrgyzstan is the amazing alpine scenery including the Kyrgyz Altau and Tian Shan mountain ranges and Issyk Kul Lake (the world's second-largest alpine lake). The difficult but exhilarating journey between Bishek and Kashgar (China) via the Torugart Pass is a popular trekking route.
Travel along the silk road can be quite difficult due to the terrain, harsh climate and lack of developed infrastructure. Visitors to the region are advised to travel with an organised tour company or travel agent. | | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
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