Beauty of Kyrgyzstan: petroglyphs museum, thermal springs and high mountain pastures “dzhailoo. Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan mineral narzans of Kyrgyzstan

They will give every traveler the opportunity to go on magnificent walks, improve their health, enjoy stunning landscapes and swim in warm waters.

Features of thermal springs in Kyrgyzstan

The main health resort of Kyrgyzstan is considered to be where you can find healing mud (its deposit is located in the water area and the coastal part of the lake), mineral and thermal (water temperature varies from +30 to +50 degrees) sources, clinics and boarding houses. They treat the heart, digestive organs, musculoskeletal and nervous systems, skin and ailments of the female genital area. Depending on the diagnosis, patients are prescribed thalassotherapy, exercise therapy, Charcot shower, mineral baths ... Most health resorts are located in Bosteri, Chok-Tal (has a thermal well), Cholpon-Ata, Tamchy mineral springs with warm water, and there are clinics and sanatoriums in Tamchy itself).

Those who decide to undergo a health improvement at Issyk-Kul will also be able to swim in the warm water of the lake, go diving and mountain climbing, take themselves on foot and horse rides.

As for sanatoriums, in the Issyk-Kul region, “Dzhergalan” deserves attention: thermal +40-43-degree water (it has neither taste nor smell) and black silt mud, which has a bactericidal effect, are the main healing factors.

Altyn-Arashan

The hot springs of Altyn-Arashan are alpine and are located at 2600 meters above sea level. Their waters have a temperature of +50 degrees and contain radon. Everyone who takes a bath will normalize blood pressure and improve cardiac activity. In addition, bathing in the springs will have a sedative and analgesic effect, will help accelerate the processes of resorption and healing in muscles, skin, bone tissue and nerve fibers.

Romantic couples will be interested in the fact that there is a thermal spring here, which was ennobled and laid out with a stone in the form of a heart. It is worth noting that those who wish can also plunge into the cold mountain river, thereby taking a contrasting natural shower.

Despite the fact that the springs are only 35 km away, getting here is not so easy - the journey can take about 3 hours in a four-wheel drive car (travelers will have to climb steep mountain serpentines along a narrow canyon along the banks of the Arashan River).

And in the vicinity of the resort, in nature reserve, you will be able to meet wild boars, ermines, foxes, badgers, lynxes, doves, vultures, snow leopards, pheasants and other birds and animals.

Juuku

Thermal water in Juuku is enriched with radon and has a temperature of +34 degrees. Radon baths are placed under open sky, therefore, swimming in them, you can not only spend time with health benefits, but also enjoy the view of the surrounding landscapes.

Chon-Oruktu

The water of the Chon-Oruktu hot springs is “warmed up” to 45 degrees (there are no “specific” components in it; it has a sodium-calcium-chloride composition and is suitable for drinking and bathing) and is used in the treatment of gastritis and cholecystitis, and is also prescribed for those who have problems with skin and organs of the female genital area, and suffering from disorders in the work nervous system, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract.

At the service of vacationers there are swimming pools, houses where you can stay for a couple of days, rooms in which massage procedures are carried out for everyone, a cafe (where visitors are treated to dishes of Kyrgyz cuisine).

Tash-Suu

For the convenience of vacationers, pools are equipped at this source (one of them is filled with ordinary cool water - it is intended for contrast swimming), filled with 43-48-degree water; dining room, gazebos, locker rooms; massage room.

Healing water Tash-Suu is prescribed for the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases, in particular, it is suitable for people with disorders of the musculoskeletal system (osteochondrosis, arthritis, myositis). As for contraindications, “cores”, hypertensive patients and hypotensive patients should not swim in local waters.

It is worth noting that for a 1-hour swim in the bath, guests will pay $ 4-5 (tip: after a 20-minute swim, you should take a 10-minute rest break, after which you can again plunge into the healing waters for 20 minutes).

Jalal-Abad

Jalal-Abad is famous for its alkaline hot springs, weakly and strongly mineralized waters (temperature + 38-39 degrees; they are hydrocarbonate-sulfate and calcium-sodium waters) which are able to treat nerves, liver, kidneys, rheumatism, skin, ailments in the field of urology and gynecology . You can get treatment at a local sanatorium, which is ready to receive about 150 people in winter, and 450 people in summer. In addition to balneo- and mud therapy, here they heal through acupuncture, climate and electric light therapy, massage, physiotherapy exercises and nutrition.

The best time to travel to Kyrgyzstan and travel around the country is September. In the first autumn month, pleasant autumn warmth without precipitation and midday heat reigns almost throughout the country.

IN summer time the temperature in the Fergana Valley rises to +35 degrees, so if there are no contraindications, then you can plan a trip for the summer. At this time, you can go to the high mountain pastures of the jailoo, take hiking and horse riding tours in the foothills, and plan climbing.

Main healing factors health resorts of Kyrgyzstan are mountains with crystal clear air and increased solar activity.

Picturesque landscapes mountain valleys, rocks and waterfalls have always had a positive effect on the psychosomatic state of a person, so it is not surprising that the country's main sanatorium centers are located in the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains. After all, this is where famous lake Issyk-Kul. In terms of water transparency, it is second only to Baikal, and in terms of depth it ranks seventh in the world. Due to the high salt content, the lake does not freeze even in winter.

There are many legends around the lake, including the famous legend about the stones of Tamerlane and treasures in the flooded cities, the legend about the relics of the holy Apostle Matthew and numerous local legends. But first of all, tourists are attracted by local beaches, since Issyk-Kul is the main beach resort countries.

The season here begins at the end of May and lasts until early October, when the temperature in the lake does not drop below 22 degrees.

Directions of recovery

There are 15 types of mineral springs on Lake Issyk-Kul alone. In terms of composition and quality of water, they are not inferior, and in some ways even superior to the famous mineral waters of the North Caucasus.

One liter of the famous Chatyrkulskaya water contains 2.5 grams more carbon dioxide than in the Kislovodsky Narzan, and the table water of the Yassinsky spring in Kyrgyzstan combines the properties of the famous Borjomi, Arzni and Essentuki.

The areas closest to the lake are the exclusive sanatorium-resort zone of Kyrgyzstan. The local climate belongs to the mountain-sea, presenting tourists with many options for recreation. On the southern shore of the lake, in the picturesque gorge of Terskey-Alatau, there is the best balneological resort in the country - Jetyoguz.

Translated from Kyrgyz, it means "Seven Bulls". Indeed, seven huge red rocks surrounding the resort are located in a semicircle in the gorge. Here, at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level, on the banks of a mountain river, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, severe liver diseases and non-tuberculous inflammation of the joints are treated.

The method of treating diseases is also unique - stepwise acclimatization combined with hydrotherapy. Patients are gradually raised to everything great height, where the air becomes more and more rarefied, thereby hardening the body and increasing resistance with the help of short-term hypoxia.

Near the lake in a deep picturesque gorge of the Kyrgyz mountain range is the famous thermal resort Jalal-Abad. Here, several dozen hot springs come to the surface with a water temperature of 20 to 50 degrees.

Thermal waters are widely used to treat brucellosis, diseases of the nervous system and some types of gastrointestinal diseases. Alkaline hot springs are used to treat and prevent rheumatism, skin diseases, as well as diseases of the liver and kidneys.

If you want to combine wellness with beach holiday, go to the other side of Issyk-Kul, to the beaches of Cholpon-Ata and Dolinka. They are reliably protected from the winds and offer guests a mild maritime climate with moderate humidity and big amount sunny days. The most famous children's sanatoriums and resort areas are located here.

Just 200 meters from the shore of Issyk-Kul is a local natural attraction - the salt lake Kara-Kol. Due to the high content of mineral salts, the density of water in it is comparable to the famous dead sea in Israel.

People come here to the estuaries with healing silt mud and famous clays - black, green and blue. They are extremely useful for the treatment of skin diseases, as well as the restoration of the musculoskeletal system after injuries or operations.

To visit the sanatorium and resort centers in Kyrgyzstan, you will need an identity card. A visa for citizens of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine is not required, and for Russians it is possible to enter the country both with a foreign passport and with a Russian passport.

For children under 14, you must provide a birth certificate, and if the child travels without parents (for example, with a grandmother), then a power of attorney from them. To undergo treatment in the sanatoriums of Kyrgyzstan, you will need to have a sanatorium card or an extract from the medical history with you.

All medical staff are fluent in Russian and English, so there will be no language barrier. For the treatment of children, it is necessary to provide certificates of previous vaccinations and epidemiological environment.

Most tourists arrive in Kyrgyzstan by plane at the airports of Bishkek and Osh. These are the two largest cities in the country with a developed transport infrastructure.

The most convenient way to get to a hotel, sanatorium, resort or other city of the country is by bus or fixed-route taxi. Good rail links are available from suburban areas two capitals and the cities of Jalal-Abad, Batken, Kara-Balta, Balykchy and Tokmak. A train ticket will cost half as much, but the travel time will be twice as long as by bus or fixed-route taxi. In the city and the region, it is best to travel by taxi - they are quite inexpensive.

Kyrgyzstan is an Islamic country. 80% of the population are Muslims and only 20% are Orthodox Christians. However, apart from the floating dates of major religious holidays, you don't have to worry about anything. Tourists should follow the dress code only when visiting mosques - covered shoulders, knees and head for women, it is recommended to refrain from transparent chiffon in religious places. Otherwise, Kyrgyzstan is a secular and modern country without stereotypes about the norms of behavior between men and women.

In some sanatoriums and boarding houses, hot water is not supplied around the clock, but according to the schedule several times a day. If this is important, then it is better to clarify this point in advance.

How to get to Kyrgyzstan

Aeroflot and the local airline Air Kyrgyzstan fly from Moscow to Kyrgyzstan four times a week. The flight takes about four hours. Flights from St. Petersburg are organized twice a week and the travel time takes a little more than five hours. If you wish, you can choose a direct flight to Bishkek or an option with a transfer in Novosibirsk to get directly to Osh. All flights from Ukraine and Belarus pass with a transfer in Moscow, Tashkent or Alma-Ata.

History of the region

Kyrgyzstan is not the most famous destination among domestic tourists. And absolutely in vain! This is the pearl of the Asian countries closest to us, rich in natural attractions and traditional oriental flavor.

Few people know, but modern Kyrgyzstan has no equal in terms of the variety of options for recreation - ski resorts in the heavenly mountains of the Tien Shan and Pamir, medical resorts on the coast the purest lake Issyk-Kul and thermal springs, magnificent beaches and elite SPA hotels in Bishkek, numerous tourist routes in national parks and reserves.

Fans of oriental flavor will appreciate the traditional life and way of life of Kyrgyzstan. This country generously and colorfully demonstrates Asia in all its glory: the famous equestrian competitions, colorful yurts and colorful felt carpets, exquisite bracelets and the finest temporal jewelry, delicious Osh pilaf and koumiss, colorful bazaars and fragrant spice markets, the mysterious wealth of Genghis Khan and the treasures of ancient Asian empires.

Today, the tourist infrastructure of Kyrgyzstan is ready to provide tourists with the necessary comfort and level of service so that acquaintance with the legendary culture and history leaves only pleasant impressions.

Tourists can start their acquaintance with Kyrgyzstan immediately in the capital. Bishkek is not just the largest city in the country, in which Kyrgyz, Asian, Russian and Persian cultures are bizarrely mixed, but also the oldest caravanserai at the intersection of several directions of the Great Silk Road.

Despite its location in a desert region at the foot of the Tien Shan, the city is surprisingly green and flourishing thanks to its numerous parks. Panfilov Park and Oak Park, Erkindik Avenue and Young Guard Boulevard, Kemal Ataturk Park - in almost every area there are shady gardens and alleys planted with silvery poplars and oaks. Guests of Bishkek should definitely visit the ancient and brightest bazaar Osh, the Historical Museum and the Museum of National History, the ancient cemetery Khan's graves and Botanical Garden Chon-Aryk.

It is better for tourists to admire the traditional Islamic architecture in the city of Osh, the southern capital of the country. Here it is worth seeing the madrassas of Alymbek Paravanchi and Mukhamedboy Byurk hal Muratbaev, the complex of medieval baths, the mosques of Shahid-tepa and Sadykbay, made in the traditional Fergana style.

Osh is the most ancient city in the country, whose age exceeds three thousand years. In addition, it is traditionally considered the gateway to the mountains. On three sides, Osh is surrounded by mountain spurs, and in central area Mount Sulaiman-Too rises more than 100 m high. This is a historical and Cultural Center Osh, most of which is included in the Great Silk Road Museum-Reserve.

Here is the country's largest historical and Archaeological Museum open air. From Osh, it is most convenient to start climbing the Pamir and Tien Shan ranges, go on an excursion to the unique Abshir-sai karst waterfall and the Chil-Mayram and Chil-Ustun caves.

For the beauty of the alpine meadows and snowy peaks of the Tien Shan and the Pamirs, Kyrgyzstan was nicknamed "Asian Switzerland" and the country of "Celestial Mountains". A trip there will cost much less than to Europe, but you will definitely get no less impressions. By the way, tourists from Europe in Kyrgyzstan are almost more common than Russians. We tell you why you should go there, what to see and try.

1. Bishkek

The capital of the country contains the remnants of the Soviet past, modern architecture and Asian flavor. Bars and coffee houses are replaced by traditional teahouses, shops with koumiss and ayran, and among fashionable young people, old men in national headdresses - caps embroidered with oriental patterns - walk slowly.

For a large number of parks and gardens, Bishkek is called a "green" city. In the center of the capital there is a long and wide boulevard Erkindik with old tall oaks and a year-round outdoor art gallery where you can buy paintings by local artists. Near Oak Park - the central and most old park in the city. Some of the trees here are over a hundred years old. In the park there is St. Nicholas Church - an architectural monument of the 19th century, and an open-air sculpture museum with statues made of concrete, wood and metal.

You can see the panorama of the city against the backdrop of the peaks of the Tien Shan from Mount Boz-Peldek, which is accessible by public transport. At its foot there is a curious sight - the ancient Kyrgyz cemetery "Khan's Graves", where one of the rulers of the valley, Baityk Khan, is buried. A stone mausoleum in the form of a domed tower was erected over his grave.

To immerse yourself in oriental life, head to the Osh bazaar. Here you can buy felt hats with patterns, bright carpets, stock up on cheap dried fruits and nuts, spices, take fresh cakes with a variety of patterns and try the popular national dish - kurut from each counter. The Kirghiz take these dry salted sour-milk balls with them for long pastures in the mountains. A nutritious and long-lasting snack. Follow their example and take a kurut for your upcoming trips to the mountains, which cover almost 90% of the country's area.

2. Ala-Archa National Park

The Ala-Archa National Park is located in the mountain gorge of the same name, just 40 kilometers from Bishkek. You can stay in the national park itself in the hotel "Ala-Archa" or in the houses of the alpine camp. The most popular route is the trail to the Ak-Sai waterfall, the glacier of the same name and the Ratsek hut, named after the Soviet mountaineer Vladimir Ratsek, the organizer of expeditions and ascents in this region. You can easily go the route in one day - the round trip is 12.8 kilometers and, taking into account the rise, it will take 8-10 hours. A faster and easier option is to walk along the same path to the Ak-Sai waterfall - it is 8 kilometers and about 4-5 hours round trip. On the way they meet viewing platforms with breathtaking views.

If you decide to go to the end of the route, then in the Ratsek hut - a two-story stone house, or in a tent next to it, you can stay overnight (for a fee, you will be given a sleeping bag) in order to make a simple ascent to the Peak of the Teacher 4,500 meters high the next day above sea level. To do this, you only need good hiking shoes, trekking poles and the desire to reach the top. Do not be alarmed when you meet a herd of agile mountain goats - they are harmless and more afraid than you. From the top of the mountain, you can see the steppes on one side and the Tien Shan mountain range- with another. Together with the descent, the ascent will take 5-6 hours.

3. Lake Issyk-Kul

Issyk-Kul is the second largest salt Lake in the world, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Ala-Too. The lake never freezes, so tourists come here all year round. In winter, many hot thermal springs are available for swimming.
A huge number of resort towns, villages and sanatoriums stretched along the coast. One of the most popular resorts- the city of Cholpon-Ata with sandy beaches, mineral springs, the opportunity to go diving, snorkeling, trekking to nearby peaks.
For solitude go to South coast. Here less developed infrastructure than in the north, but empty quiet beaches and untouched nature.

Residents of the city in national costumes

4. Karakol

The city is located 12 kilometers from the coast of Lake Issyk-Kul, at the foot of the Terskey-Ala-Too ridge. It attracts travelers not only with picturesque mountain views, but also with historical sights. Nikolai Przhevalsky, a Russian traveler and naturalist, explorer of Asia, was buried near Karakol in 1888, who died on his way to Karakol during his fifth expedition in Central Asia. Near the grave there is the Przhevalsky Museum, where you can learn about the life and travels of the geographer, see the exhibits brought by him from expeditions.

Another attraction of Karakol is the Dungan mosque. The Dungans are a people who migrated to Central Asia from China in the 1880s. The Chinese-style mosque, more like a Buddhist temple, was built over a hundred years ago. At the end of the cultural journey through Karakol, visit the wooden Cathedral of the Holy Trinity of the late 19th century, richly decorated with carvings.

Among outdoor enthusiasts, Karakol is known for the eponymous ski resort. The mild climate - in winter the temperature rarely drops below minus 5 degrees - and a large amount of snow make skiing on the slopes of the Tien Shan comfortable and popular among tourists. From a height of 3,040 meters above sea level, where the lift goes, views of Issyk-Kul and the nearest five-thousanders open up.

5. Canyon "Fairy Tale"

Canyon "Fairy Tale" is located on the southern coast of Issyk-Kul, 4 kilometers from the village of Tosor. Under the influence of the wind, the rocks formed stone labyrinths, walls and towers, and some took the form of animals and mythical creatures. Bright orange, and at sunset the fiery red color of the rocks is reminiscent of the famous Grand Canyon in the United States.

6. Radon and hydrogen sulfide thermal springs in the Altyn-Arashan gorge

"Altyn Arashan" is translated from Kyrgyz as "Golden Spring". Radon and hydrogen sulfide thermal springs in the gorge are famous for their healing properties and are especially popular among foreign tourists.

It is better to go here for a few days. The easiest way to get to the Arashan resort in the upper reaches of the river of the same name is to buy a ready-made tour in Karakol. You can get to the resort on your own either by public transport to Ak-Suu village, and from there walk 4-5 hours. The long road will be rewarded with hot baths at an altitude of 2,600 meters, surrounded by mountain landscapes. In addition to paid pools, almost in the river itself there is a small free bath with hot water, as well as free natural baths right in the rocks.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go from Arashan to a high mountain lake Ala-Kol or to small nearby lakes at a distance of a couple of hours walk. There are many beautiful waterfalls near the resort.

7. Museum of petroglyphs

The open-air museum is a "garden of stones", once randomly brought by a glacier to the foothills of the Tien Shan foothills. On many boulders, ancient rock carvings of animals and hunting scenes dating back to the second millennium BC have been preserved. Historians associate these drawings with religious rites. In 2002, with the assistance of specialists from Germany, the petroglyphs were restored. In addition to rock carvings, the museum presents Turkic stone sculptures - balbals, and relics of ancient stone walls.

It is believed that it is better to go to the museum early in the morning or late in the evening, when the outlines of ancient drawings are clearly visible in the rays of the rising and setting sun.

8. Caravanserai Tash Rabat

The mystical and unique monument of the Middle Ages Tash-Rabat is located at an altitude of 3,000 thousand meters above sea level in the Kara-Koyun gorge. The whole structure - even the roof - is built of stone and lime. Inside is a labyrinth that connects 31 rooms. Moreover, most of them without a single window. Many passages and secret exits have been preserved under the fortress. According to one version, the building served as a Nestorian monastery, lost in a mountain gorge far from the Gentiles. Another version - Tash Rabat served as an inn, a hotel for merchants and travelers along the roads of the Great Silk Road.
You can only get here by car, so it's better to buy organized tour. You won’t have to spend the night in a “medieval hotel” - several guest yurts have been built nearby especially for tourists.

9. Jety-Oguz Gorge

The main attraction of the gorge, located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, is the Rocks of the Seven Bulls. Large brick-colored rocks, lined up in a long chain, really resemble bulls lying on the ground. A sad story is connected with them - the evil khan sacrificed seven bulls at the wake of his beloved, whom he himself killed so that another would not get it. The blood shed by her dyed the bodies of the animals, and they turned into majestic rocks. In addition to this legend, the first to meet travelers in the gorge is the huge rock "Broken Heart" - also red.

From the gorge you can walk on foot or take a horseback riding tour to the Maiden's Hair waterfall. Another popular local attraction is the resort of the same name, famous for its thermal springs and therapeutic mud. In Soviet times, cosmonauts were rehabilitated here after flights, and now the resort is open to everyone.

10. Alpine pastures "jailoo"

From the Kyrgyz "jailoo" is translated as "mountain pasture". Relatively recently, a new and now fashionable direction among wealthy tourists has developed in Kyrgyzstan - “jailoo tourism”. You are taken to a high-altitude pasture, where you spend the night in a real shepherd's yurt, wash yourself in an icy mountain river, roast a ram on a fire, which the owners will slaughter especially for you, drink koumiss - in general, live the traditional life of nomadic Kyrgyz. Not everyone will decide on such an experiment, but whoever dares should be ready to pay a decent amount for it. The cost of such a tour often depends on the number of people in the group - the more, the cheaper. The average price per person in a group of two or three participants for several days starts at about 35 thousand rubles (including jailoo). The most popular jailoos in Kyrgyzstan, where tourists are taken, are in the Semyonov Gorge, on Son-Kul Lake, Sarala-Saz jailoo, Zhaman Echki, Kilemche.

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The nomadic past of the Kyrgyz is well traced in their folk customs and rituals. Until now, the yurt is a deeply revered form of dwelling. Even today, all festive ceremonies are simply unthinkable without this ancient dwelling, even the flag of the republic is decorated with the image of a "tunduk" - the central circle of the yurt, on which the poles holding it are crossed. Yurts have always been considered both a symbol of the social status of the owner and the main example of folk traditions. The construction and settlement of any yurt here was accompanied by a huge number of rituals and ceremonies.

The yurt is optimized as much as possible for a nomadic lifestyle - the wooden frame and felt covering are easily disassembled into individual packs that can be easily transported on camels or horses (and in mountainous areas - on yaks). And it is also easy to assemble on a new camp ("ail") - the lattice walls of the "kerege" line up in a circle, leaning on the "uuk" poles. The upper parts of the poles are inserted into the holes of the central circle and fixed with straps or ropes. The same collapsible door frame "barefoot" with a double door "kaalga" is installed. Then the whole structure is covered with a mat and felt mats, and the floor is covered with leather, woven mats, "altygat" (several layers of felt, covered on one side with cloth, spread under the bed) and carpets made of fur or felt. Carpets, embroidered hanging shelves "sekichek", handbags "kuzgu-kap", woven woolen bags "ayak-kap" are hung on the walls, and chests are placed on the floor, in which utensils and clothes are stored. To the left of the entrance to the yurt is the male half of the "er-zhak", at the entrance to which they hang horse harness, weapons and hunting tools. On the right is the female half of the "epchi-jac", where the kitchen was located, as well as chests with clothes and food. In the center of the yurt there was an obligatory hearth "kolomto", and the yurt was illuminated with the help of an ordinary "chirak" lamp filled with fat. The design of the yurt is individual for each tribal group or family, and considerable attention was paid to the artistic component - the richness of the design of the yurt served as a sign of the social status of the owner, as well as the vastness of his herds. The most honorable place in the yurt - "tor", was located directly opposite the entrance, near the hearth, where there is a "juk" (a low bench, on which chests are placed and covered with carpets). Usually the owner or the elder of the family was located here, and guests were received here.

Wealthy Kyrgyz usually had a whole set of large and small yurts - a small ashkan-uy yurt (kitchen and pantry), temporary yurts - meiman-uyu (living rooms), erge (wedding yurt), yurts for the second and third wife , yurts for married sons and so on. From the yurts of ordinary Kirghiz, they differed in quality, beauty and decoration.

With the gradual transition to a settled way of life, adobe houses appeared, which have been preserved in provincial areas almost everywhere, and the traditions of their construction are still alive. The house was built on the same principle as the yurt, although in some areas there is a clear influence of Uzbek and Russian traditions. On a usually shallow foundation, a door was placed and walls were erected from "kysh" brick, "pakhsa" or "guvalak" clay, and covered with a flat or gable roof made of logs and straw smeared with clay. The internal layout usually repeated the structure of the yurt, but due to the noticeably larger area, the kitchen (“ashkona”, usually right at the entrance), the living room, dining room and bedroom all rolled into one (“meimankana”) and an indispensable open terrace (“aivan”) stood out due to the noticeably larger area. A characteristic feature of the Kyrgyz house is the abundance of chests and wall niches, replacing both furniture and bedrooms for children. Niches are often covered with decorative panels "tush-kiyiz", suzani or carpets.

Kyrgyz carpets are a topic for a separate discussion. This is the main element of the interior, and one of the main aesthetic moments of the country, and evidence of its ancient history. Kyrgyz bedding felt carpets "syrmak" and "tekemet", as well as "koshma", "tushkiis", "bashtiyks", "shyrdak", "tush-kiyiz" and "ala-kiyiz" noticeably differ from the carpets of other Central Asian republics. They are made from sheep's wool and for the most part are not woven, but felted - their main is felt. They are then embroidered with bright embroidery, using traditional folklore and decorative elements, which usually takes several weeks. But such a carpet usually serves for more than 40 years. By the same principle, fabrics are made for traditional bags, sacks, saddlebags, as well as for decorative items. Pile carpets "keel" and other pile products are of no less ancient origin, but are much less common due to more high cost. You can also still find such ancient examples of traditional crafts as mats ("chiy", "chygdyn", "ashkan-chiy") and hinged doors ("eschik-chiy") made of lake reed.

Kyrgyz national dress has been practically unchanged for 700 years. Both men's and women's underwear usually consists of a shirt and harem pants. A men's shirt usually resembles a tunic, has a length just below the waist and long sleeves that cover the tassels. Men's trousers "dzhargakshym" are sewn from wool, cotton, suede and even leather. Women's shirt is long and sewn like a regular dress, and over it is put on a long and wide shirt "beshmant" ("kamzur"), which also serves as a dress, and long trousers. Belts served and continue to serve as an indicator of the social status of the owner - smart or embroidered, with silver patterned plaques and buckles, handbags and purses show the wealth of the wearer. Casual belts, like the belts of the poor, are usually a simple long leather belt, or a scarf wrapped around the belt, which often has a rather bright look. Outerwear for men consists of an unlined felt robe or quilted kementai robes, which are called depending on the fabric from which they are sewn - pashay-ton, kymkap-ton, zarbarak-ton, etc. In winter, a fur coat or sheepskin sheepskin coat "ton" is put on over the dressing gown. Women wear a short or long sleeveless jacket, a kind of camisole with short sleeves, a dressing gown, in winter - an "ichik" fur coat. Distinctive elements of married women's clothing are the "beldemchi" swing skirt and the "elechek" turban, and the common element is skullcaps and fur hats (headdresses of unmarried girls are usually decorated more bizarrely and richly). Moreover, skullcaps created in different regions differ in shape, ornament and color scheme. Kyrgyz girls do not wear a headscarf before marriage, and after marriage they tie their heads with multi-colored scarves. Elderly women often cover their faces with a white silk veil. The national symbol of the country is the "ak-kalpak" hat made of thin white felt with black lapels turned up. They also wear skullcaps and fur national hats, trimmed with fur and decorated with feathers - "tebetey".

Men's shoes consist of leather boots, leather galoshes with heels and soft boots, women's shoes are colored high heeled boots, often ornamented, as well as sandals and peculiar slippers without heels.

By the middle of the 20th century, traditional clothing began to give way to European costume; everywhere you can meet people dressed in the latest fashion. However, the famous Kyrgyz robes, embroidery, metal and leather work, traditional headdresses and carpets are still much more popular than European innovations, especially in the provinces.

In a large Kyrgyz family, usually consisting of several generations of relatives living together, there is a strict hierarchy. Relations in the home are built on the basis of unconditional submission to the head of the family and respect for elders. One of the traditional forms of the country's social structure is the custom of neighborly mutual assistance "ashara" ("hashar"). If the family is in dire need, then all relatives and neighbors come to her aid.

Marriage age for a girl was previously considered 13-14 years old, today quite European norms prevail here, although cases of early marriage are not uncommon. The relations between the relatives of the bride and groom, and later on the husband and wife, among the Kirghiz are distinguished by emphasized attention, and even with bad relations, one can always count on mutual assistance. Children also enjoy universal love, and giving a name is given special importance, since it is believed that the name will determine the future of the child and can influence his fate.

Islam plays an important role in the public and family life of the Kyrgyz. Religion has determined and continues to determine everyday, family and ideological aspects of life, has a strong influence on political processes and art, on the whole way of life. After the adoption of Islam by the Kyrgyz, many pre-Islamic customs and rituals either underwent significant changes or were supplanted by the traditional rites of Islam, however, many merged with the new canons and organically intertwined into modern life countries. The obligatory deeds of the Kyrgyz throughout life include reading the prayer for the dead ("zhanaza"), remission of sins ("dooron"), the fulfillment of all five commandments of Islam ("parz"), fasting during the month of Ramadan, prayer five times a day in certain time("namaz"), the performance of "orozo-ait" and "kurman-ait", as well as the voluntary deduction of part of the money in favor of the poor or for charitable deeds ("zakat"). A special role is played by rituals associated with the birth and upbringing of children, marriage, wedding, cooking and others. Often they represent an interweaving of Islamic ritualism with more ancient forms associated with magical practice. Cult ministers are especially respected here and participate in almost all the events of the country. At the same time, the Kyrgyz cannot be called fanatical Muslims - for all the versatility of local life, there is always a lot of secularism in it, and religious tolerance local residents widely known outside the country. Narrators and singers ("akins" or "akyns") of folk ballads and legends enjoy great respect. By the name of the traditional folk epic, the most respected of them are called "manaschi".

One of the unshakable traditions of local life is hospitality. The Kirghiz say "Konoktuu uyde kut bar" - "Guest is the grace of the house." Since ancient times, everyone whose path passed through the Kyrgyz village did not leave it without sharing a table and shelter with the owners. The shepherds of high mountain pastures are especially reverent to this custom, however, in the cities, no one has heard of a lack of respect for the guest. It is not accepted here to refuse an invitation to lunch or dinner. The hosts meet distinguished guests at the gate, greet them, take an interest in business and life, and invite them to come into the house. It is not customary for the Kyrgyz to immediately ask questions or ask about the purpose of their arrival - first a conversation and a table, and then everything else. The easiest thing for a person who is not familiar with local customs is to follow the instructions of the owner. Humor and polite attitude towards all participants of the feast are highly valued. Women usually do not sit at the same table with men, but in urban areas this rule often does not apply. At the table, it is not customary to admire the beauty of women and pay close attention to them. But to take an interest in the affairs of the family and the well-being of its members is quite appropriate. Going to visit, it is advisable to take small souvenirs or sweets for children with you. Any meal here begins and ends with tea drinking. At first, sweets, pastries, dried fruits and nuts, fruits and vegetables, salads are served on the table, then snacks come, and only at the end - pilaf or other "heavy food". Be sure to have hot cakes on the table, which in no case should be turned over. Dropping a piece of bread on the ground, or even just putting it there, even wrapped in cloth or paper, is also considered bad luck.

A significant place in the Kyrgyz life and everyday life is occupied by tea and the tea ceremony. Brewing this truly main drink of the country, as well as pouring it to guests, is the prerogative of men, first of all, the owner of the house. Tea is brewed differently in different regions of the country. The recipes for its preparation also differ markedly. Teahouse is the same unshakable element of local traditions as tea itself. Public life here is concentrated in mosques, in the bazaar and, of course, in the teahouse. Here they simply communicate and negotiate, relax and share news, have breakfast and lunch, discuss the problems of life and the world order. The atmosphere of the teahouse is quite traditional - low tables are surrounded by the same low, and necessarily covered with carpets, sofas. The rituals accompanying tea drinking are quite complex and incomprehensible to the uninitiated, so it is easier to observe the locals and do as they do - you can be sure that they will also appreciate such a respectful attitude towards their customs.

Despite strong Islamic traditions, most Kyrgyz drink alcohol freely, at least with guests. If you do not drink strong alcoholic beverages, mainly vodka, warn about this in advance, no one will impose anything here. During Ramadan, it is not recommended to drink alcoholic beverages, at least openly.

In communication, the Kyrgyz are usually quite simple and democratic. Many consider them naive, but this is greatly exaggerated - the locals are simply accustomed to trusting people, this is a centuries-old tradition that a guest should not break. It is customary to shake hands with everyone, even strangers and policemen (except women). During a handshake, people are traditionally interested in health, the state of affairs at work and at home. It is customary to greet women and persons sitting at a distance by placing the right hand on the heart and bowing politely. Greetings several times a day, even with well-known people, is quite a common rule.

When entering a house or a teahouse, you should take off your shoes. The style of clothing is quite democratic, however, when visiting places of worship, you should not wear too open or short clothes. Despite everything, it is not recommended to wear shorts, especially in rural areas.

Monday is considered by the Kyrgyz to be the happiest day - all activities started on this day are considered to be the most successful.

No one National holiday or a celebration are not complete without sports, of which tug-of-war "lasso-tartmai" and "lasso-tartyshuu", belt wrestling "kuresh", "at-chabysh" - long jumps (usually 20-30 km) are especially popular distances, "dzhorgo-salysh" - races for 2-10 km, shooting at a gallop "dzhamby-atmai", equestrian wrestling "oodarysh", goat fighting "ulak-tartysh" or "kok-boru" (equestrian wrestling for a goat carcass), jumps "kyz-kuumai" ("catch up with the girl") and the competition "tyin-enmei", during which participants must at full gallop lift a small coin from a shallow hole in the ground. Many festivities begin and end with song competitions "aitysh" or "sarmerden".

Earliest notable residents this territory - the warlike tribes of the Saks (Scythian group), who inhabited the foothills of the Tien Shan from the 6th century BC. e to the 5th century AD. e. The troops of Alexander the Great met here the fiercest resistance during his campaign in Sogdiana. The first state formations on the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan arose in the 2nd century BC. e., when southern regions countries became part of the state of Parkan. From the 6th century A.D. e. the territory passes under the control of the Turkic tribes, and in the VIII-X centuries AD. e. the ancestors of the modern Kirghiz migrate to the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul from somewhere from the upper reaches of the Yenisei (the issue of the origin of the local ethnic group is still one of the most controversial and complex in the ethnic history of Central Asia). In the XIII century, the empire of Genghis Khan extended here, and after his death, the lands along the Tien Shan ranges passed into the possession of his son Chagatai. In 1685, the Oirats of the Dzungar Khanate invaded the region of the Central Tien Shan, occupying modern territory Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. After the fall of Dzungaria, the territory fell under the protectorate of China, and in the 18th century the feudal lords of Kokand began to claim their rights to these lands. By the end of the 18th century in the territory of the south, and at the beginning of the 20th century Northern part Kyrgyzstan is part of the Kokand Khanate. In 1855-1863. the northern part of the country voluntarily joins the Russian Empire, and in 1876, after the defeat of the Kokand Khanate, southern Kyrgyzstan was also conquered. In 1924, the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region was founded as part of the RSFSR, and in 1936, the Kirghiz SSR. In 1991, in connection with the collapse of the USSR, the independence of Kyrgyzstan was proclaimed.

Geographic location and Natural resources Kyrgyzstan determined its central position in the zone of developed Central Asian civilization. Since ancient times, the country has been a pass on busy trade routes between the West and the East. Today, the development of tourism on the ancient Great Silk Road is not only a tribute to the rich history of the country, but also the discovery of half-forgotten pages of the past of all human civilization. Many travelers find Kyrgyzstan the most attractive, accessible and friendly region of all the Central Asian republics, especially given the presence of beautiful natural monuments- Central Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai, the most beautiful mountains Central Asia.

Bishkek

Bishkek (Pishpek, from 1926 to 1991 - Frunze) lies in the northern part of the country, in the Chui Valley at the foot of the Kirghiz Range. The city was founded in 1868-1878. on the site of the ancient fort Jul, built by the Kokand people and destroyed in 1862 by Russian troops, on the banks of the Ala-Archa and Alamedin rivers. Now it is the capital and largest industrial center of Kyrgyzstan, its political, cultural and educational "heart", as well as the only city in the world named after a wooden household tool ("Bishkek" can be translated as "churn" or "koumiss stick"). This modern city with wide streets and beautiful buildings, which compares favorably with many other cities in the region, since it was immediately built according to the European plan. It is also one of the greenest cities in the CIS, the most Big City Kyrgyzstan and one of the most multinational capitals of the continent (representatives of more than 80 ethnic groups and peoples live here).

There are no historical buildings in the city at all, due to its relatively young age. But people settled in this place back in the Bronze Age, so the Bishkek land hides a lot historical mysteries. Practically on the territory of residential areas, in the north-eastern part of the city, there is the settlement "Blacksmith's fortress" (VII-XIV centuries, now the fortress area is rather unsightly), "Pishpek settlement" (VII-XII centuries) and the ruins of the Pishpek fortress.

On the wide Sovetskaya Street lined with shady trees, the Kyrgyz State Opera and Ballet Theater named after A. Moldybaev, the Chernyshevsky Library and the State Art Museum. Also noteworthy" Old Square"and the Historical Museum located on it, the Abdulkasym Madrasah, the mass grave in Oak Park, the Manas complex, Panfilov Park and its fountains, the Russian Drama Theater named after Krupskaya and the Kyrgyz State Drama Theater, the Historical Museum, the Museum fine arts, Frunze State Memorial Museum, Kyrgyz State Historical Museum, National Museum of Fine Arts named after Aitiev, the A. Tokombaev Museum, the Toktogul Museum of Literature and Art, the Zoological Museum, and the Museum of Mineralogy. The city's cultural attractions also include the City Drama Theatre, the Satylganov State Philharmonic, the Academy of Arts and the Bishkek Drama Theatre. Also noteworthy are Oak and central parks- extensive green Zone, on the territory of which there are several museums, including an open-air sculpture exposition scattered among park alleys and lawns.

The outskirts of the capital, lying within the beautiful Chui valley, are famous for their mountain rivers and extremely diverse natural and territorial complexes, whose altitudinal zoning can be seen here even with the naked eye. In the vicinity of the capital there are natural objects, like the most beautiful Chunkurchak gorge in the upper reaches of the Alamedin River, the nearby Alamedinskoye field thermal waters, the Chon-Aryk State Botanical Reserve in the Besh-Kyungey tract, the picturesque natural gorges of Kara-Balta, Aspara, Dzhilamish and Kegeti with its famous waterfall. The historical monuments of the Chui valley itself are also diverse - the Krasnorechenskoe settlement (38 km north of the city, X-XII centuries) with the ruins of Zoroastrian structures, ruins ancient city Balasagun (Kuz-Ordu) - the historical and cultural zone "Burana" (50 km from the capital) with the famous "Burana Tower" (height 21 m, XI c), Ak-Beshim ancient settlement (ruins of the city of Suyab - the capital of the Western Turkic Khaganate and the state Karluks, XIII-XV centuries) with its medieval complex of Christian churches, burial mounds, the ruins of the ancient Chumysh fortress (IX-X centuries) and numerous rock paintings on the rocks of the same name around it. Also attractive are the ancient settlement Turt-Kul, Issyk-Ata petroglyphs with the image of Buddha (VII-VIII centuries), natural and historical and cultural monuments of Yssyk-Ata, Shamshy (Shamsy), Chon-Kemin and Ak-Suu, which are among the monuments of universal values.

Nowhere else on the territory of Central Asia is there such a number of outlets of medicinal waters as in the Chui valley. The Ak-Suu mineral water deposit is located in the gorge of the same name, 80 km southwest of the village of Belovodskoye. Local mineral water in its chemical composition is similar to mineral water famous Siberian resort Dara-Suna. Also an important place is occupied by the Shabyr hydrothermal well, Kamyshanovskoye and Lugovskoye low-mineralized hydrogen sulfide deposits of therapeutic mud, as well as 130 thermal springs of the Issyk-Ata resort town (the first hydropathic clinics appeared here in the 2nd century AD). Among the juniper forests and alpine meadows of the Chui valley, there are also attractive recreation areas, such as the Chon-Tash ski base (about 25 km from the capital) and the river of the same name with steep and picturesque banks, the Kairak plateau, the upper and lower Tatyr basins, the Koguchken-Sugat waterfall , thermal springs of Alamedin (8 km above the "Wolf Gate") and the sanatorium-dispensary "Warm Keys" located on them, glaciers of the Ken-Tor valley, the most beautiful tracts of Kara-Bulak, Tash-Bashat, Norus, Ooru-Sai, Bir-Bulak (Raspberry Gorge) and Toguz-Bulak, Kairak plateau, Kara-Unkur caves and Kol-Ter glacier, rocks of the "Alamedin Walls", gorge "Wolf Gate", through which the Alamedin River breaks into the open spaces of the Baitik Valley and Mount Uluu-Too (Botvey , 4009 m).

Ala-Archa

The valley of the Ala-Archa River is one of the main attractions of the surroundings of Bishkek. Here, in a narrow valley of an ordinary, in general, mountain river, there are so many stunningly beautiful landscapes, waterfalls and unusual rock forms, such a rich flora and fauna that many consider this area a real symbol of the Kyrgyz Range (Ala-Too). Almost the entire valley is included in the Ala-Archa National Park, which protects the relic juniper forests of mountainous Asia, which are almost never found anywhere else, as well as the richest animal world mountainous areas Tien Shan - ibexes, elik (roe deer), ulars (mountain turkey), kekliks (stone partridge), squirrels, hares, wild boars, foxes, badgers, ermines, porcupines and martens live here, as well as a handsome snow leopard, brought into Red book. Nearby is the village of Baitik, named in memory of the national hero of the country, who lived in the VXI century - Kanai uulu Baitik (Baitik-baatyr). At the slope of the snow-white mountain is his grave - Baitik-Kumbez, which is a historical monument and a place of pilgrimage for the Kyrgyz and guests of the country. Here, nearby, there are many alpine camps that serve as the starting point for numerous hiking and horseback riding routes in the surrounding mountains, as well as several ski bases that serve as the main vacation spot for residents of the capital all year round. The mountain slopes of the Tien Shan create excellent conditions for skiing. Sports bases are quite numerous, but the level of service on them is low, and the recreation infrastructure is relatively poorly developed. Along the bed of the Kashka-Suu River, a tributary of the Ala-Archa River, in the tract of the same name, there are 4 ski bases for winter skiing lovers. Around Bishkek, as well as in the gorges of Aspara, Dzhilamish, Kara-Balta and Kegeti, ski resorts more modern and accessible.

Talas

In the north-east of the country, in the Talas region, tourists are of great interest to the colossal canyons cut through the walls of the Talas ridge by numerous local rivers, dozens of beautiful lakes and cascades of waterfalls. In the upper reaches of the Talas River there are the famous Ken-Kol burial grounds (I millennium AD), as well as the Kumbez-Manas mausoleum (XIV century), the Manas Museum-Reserve and the mosque, which form the National Historical and Cultural Complex "Manas-Ordosu". ". In the upper reaches of the Aflatun Gorge, there is a state reserve of the same name that protects the endemic Semenov fir.

Issyk-Kul

On the territory of Kyrgyzstan there are about two thousand high-mountain lakes, but the pearl of the country and the entire Tien Shan is Lake Issyk-Kul or Issyk-Kel (translated from Kyrgyz - "hot lake", from ancient Turkic - "sacred lake") with an area of ​​​​6236 square meters. . km with a maximum depth of 702 m. The first mention of Issyk-Kul is found in the Chinese chronicles of the end of the 2nd century BC, where it is called Zhe-Khai ("warm sea"). The lake lies in the north-east of Kyrgyzstan, at an altitude of 1606.7 m above sea level, in a vast tectonic basin formed more than 50 million years ago. Directly adjacent to the lake is a narrow lakeside plain, dissected by the channels of many rivers (about 80). The hollow is surrounded by a ring of the Terskey-Ala-Too ("facing away from the sun") and Kyungoy-Ala-Too ("facing towards the sun") ranges, rising to altitudes of 4500-5000 m. The ring of mountains, as it were, protects the lakeside depression from the penetration of cold air from the north and hot air from the deserts of Central Asia, because the climate here is quite mild, which makes Issyk-Kul one of the largest resorts in Central Asia. The water temperature in summer reaches +24 C, in winter - +4 C (here it is, the source of the origin of his name). The swimming season lasts 6 months, and outdoor recreation is possible all year round.

The purest rivers flowing from the mountains constantly replenish the lake basin, however, the water in Issyk-Kul itself is salty (5.8 ppm at the surface, up to 18 ppm in depth), which, coupled with the unique mineral composition of local rivers, gives the never-freezing water of the lake a deep blue color. . At the same time, depending on the place and time of day, the color of the water can vary from pale blue to dark blue tones. And the transparency of the water in the open part of the reservoir reaches 12-16 m. The beauty of the lake is simply amazing, P.P. Semenov-Tian-Shansky compared it with Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and gave preference to Issyk-Kul. Coastline The lake is quite heavily indented - there are about 20 picturesque bays and bays. crystal pure water, mineral springs, combined with a mountainous and at the same time mild, almost maritime climate, create unique conditions for resort holiday with mud and thermal treatment.

A whole string of resort towns and villages stretched around the lake, many of which had all-Union significance and popularity during the Soviet era. The best resorts are Cholpon-Ata on the northern shore (once it was a resort of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan, now the Museum of Local Lore is of interest here), Karakol with its wooden Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, the wooden Dungan mosque and the Przhevalsky Museum is the best starting point for exploring the lakeside and adjacent mountainous areas, the towns of Tyup, Ottuk, Balykchy (Rybachye) and others. Also good is the famous Altyn-Arashan gorge (located 30 km east of Karakol at an altitude of 3000 m) with its beautiful landscapes and hot springs, the nearby Issyk-Ata mineral water deposit (77 km southeast of Bishkek), the gold mines of Kumtor ( South coast Issyk-Kul), the majestic Dzholbors gorge, the cliffs of the Jety-Oguz canyon, the Boom gorge with its fantastic red rocks and the waterfall in the Barskaun gorge (the height of the waterfall is about 100 m).

On the territory of the Issyk-Kul region there are about 1500 historical monuments, of which 320 are under state protection. The most significant of them include the Saka "Royal Mound" (VII century BC - II century AD) near the village of Kurmenty, the burial grounds of Kok-Bulak and Karashar (a total of about a thousand burial places of the Usun tribes), inscribed with Tibetan the Tamga-Tash stone (VI-I centuries BC), the accumulation of petroglyphs (II millennium BC - VIII century AD) near Cholpon-Ata and further along the coast to Tamchy, as well as Cape Svyatoy Nos on the northeastern tip of the lake - the location of the legendary monastery of the Armenian Christian Church (IV-V centuries) in which, according to legend, the tomb of the holy Apostle Matthew is located. And at the bottom of the lake are the ruins of about two dozen flooded ancient cities - Sary-Bulun, Koisary, Ulan (XII century) and so on, which died with rising water levels in Issyk-Kul. They found a lot of historical and cultural values ​​of the Saka-Usun period (I millennium BC) and the early Middle Ages.

Best time to visit Issyk-Kul - September, although trekking in the mountains is best done between July and August.

Central Tien Shan

The Central Tien Shan is the highest and most majestic part of the Tien Shan mountain system. This is a huge "knot" of mountain ranges with a total length of about 500 km from west to east and 300 km from north to south. This is the most picturesque region of the Tien Shan, which is a complex system of intertwining mountain ranges (Terskey-Ala-Too, Sary-Jazz, Kui-Lu, Tengri-Tag, Enilchek, Kakshaal-Too, Meridional Range, etc.), crowned with majestic peaks the northernmost of the highest mountains of the planet - Lenin Peak (7134 m.), Pobeda Peak (7439 m.) and the fantastic Khan-Tengri Pyramid (7010 m., probably the most beautiful and difficult peak of the Tien Shan to climb). In the north, the Boro-Khoro ridge connects the Tien Shan with the Dzungarian Alatau system. Almost the entire territory of this region is located above 1500 m above sea level, and the tops of the mountains are covered with centuries-old snow caps, giving rise to many dozens of glaciers, rivers and streams. There are over 8,000 ice fields and glaciers here, the most representative of which are the Southern (about 60 km long) and Northern (35 km) Inylchek (Enilchek, "Little Prince"), Dzhetyoguz-Karakol (22 km), Kaindy (26 km) , Semenov (21 km) and others, whose total area exceeds 8100 sq. km.

The relief near most of the Tien Shan ranges is high-mountainous, strongly dissected by numerous valleys (the northern slopes are cut much more strongly than the southern ones), with highly developed glacial forms. There are many screes on the slopes, glaciers are found, moraines on the glaciers, and numerous alluvial fans at the foot. The valleys of mountain rivers have a large elevation difference and a well-marked stepped profile with flat marshy terraces - "sazes". Many large valleys are surrounded by high-mountain plateaus - "syrts", whose height sometimes reaches 4700 m. On the plateau and uplands of the middle-altitude part of the ridges, high-mountain pastures "jailoo" are spread, covered with forbs and alpine meadows. At altitudes from 1000 to 2000 meters, the foothills of the ridges are bordered by foothill adyrs. There are about 500 lakes here, the largest of which are Song-Kol (Son-Kul - "disappearing lake", 270 sq. km) and Chatyr-Kel (Chatyr-Kul, 153 sq. km).

The Central Tien Shan is a real Mecca of international mountaineering, therefore, it is the neighborhood of the seven-thousanders that is the most studied part of the Tien Shan. The most popular points of attraction for climbers and trekkers are the areas of the Tengri-Tag ridge and Khan-Tengri peak ("Lord of the Sky", 7010 m), Tomur Pass, Pobeda Peak (7439 m) and the Inylchek glacier, unique lake Merzbacher in the eastern part of the mountain system, Semenov-Tyan-Shansky peak (4875 m), Svobodnaya Korea peak (4740 m) and the famous Crown (4855 m) as part of the Kirghiz ridge, Communism peak (7505 m) and Korzhenevskaya peak (7105 m, this is already the Pamirs, but few climbers will agree to pass by these great mountains), the ice walls of the Kakshaal-Too (Kokshaal-Tau) ridge, which includes three peaks with a height of more than 6000 m and about a dozen peaks with a height of more than 5000 m , the Ak-Shyirak massif and many other equally attractive regions.

Despite the harsh climate and mountainous landscape, the territory of the Tien Shan has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by numerous stone statues, rock paintings and burial grounds scattered throughout this mountainous country in abundance. Historical and cultural monuments of the medieval period are widely represented - fortified settlements like Koshoy-Korgon, which arose on the basis of nomadic camps, khan's headquarters and on caravan routes from the Ferghana Valley through the Tien Shan. One of the most famous and popular tourist sites in this region is the Tash-Rabat caravanserai (X-XII centuries), built in the hard-to-reach, but picturesque Kara-Koyun gorge. Also widely known are Saimaluu-Tash or Saimaly-Tash ("Patterned Stones") - a whole gallery of rock paintings in the gorge of the same name (more than 107 thousand petroglyphs of the II-III millennia BC) not far from Kazarman, stone sculptures of Kyr-Jol (VI -VIII centuries) on the shores of Lake Song-Kol, petroglyphs of the Chumysh rocks (III-I thousand years BC, Ferghana Range), numerous rock paintings of the Issyk-Kul, Naryn and Talas regions. The ancient caravan route through the Torugart pass (height 3752 m) also deserves attention. This long (total length of about 700 km) route from Central Asia to Chinese Kashgar (Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Okrug) passes through cold gorges and narrow passes of Terksey-Ala-Too, Moldo-Too, At-Bashi and Maidantag, through grandiosely beautiful landscapes and ancient caravan routes of the Great Silk Road.

Western Tien Shan

The mountain system of the Western Tien Shan lies on the very edge of the Tien Shan mountainous country, leaving its spurs to the hot sands of the deserts of Central Asia. The relief of these places is somewhat lower than in the central part of the mountain system, the leveling surfaces are more extensive, and the elevated plateaus are less numerous (Palatkhon, Angren, Ugam and Karzhantau - all in the west of the region). highest points Western Tien Shan are Chatkal Peak (4503 m) in the eponymous range, Manas Peak (4482 m) in Talas Alatau and Mount Baubash-Ata (4427 m) in the western part of the Ferghana Range. Glaciation is insignificant, the snow line runs along the heights of 3600-3800 m on the northern slopes and 3800-4000 m on the southern ones. The rivers of the Western Tien Shan (Angren, Akbulak, Itokar, Karaunkur, Koksu, Maidantal, Mayli-Suu, Naryn, Oygaing, Padysha-Ata, Pskem, Sandalash, Ugam, Chatkal and others) are rapids, have glacial and snow nutrition, and flow along narrow gorges (in the upper reaches), in the middle reaches they usually have wide valleys, but in the lower reaches they again form canyon forms. best places for rafting and rafting than local rivers, it is simply difficult to find.

The vegetation of the Western Tien Shan, despite the low amount of precipitation falling here, is quite diverse - steppes and deciduous forests in the lower belt, shrubs and meadows in the middle, as well as alpine meadows and high mountain wastelands closer to the peaks. About 370 species of animals and about 1200 species of higher plants live here, and the complex relief leads to the formation of numerous

Kyrgyzstan: Recreation and resorts

Ak-Suu mineral water deposit is located in the gorge of the same name, 80 km. southwest of the village of Belovodskoye. The local mineral water belongs to carbonic low-mineralized, hydrocarbonate magnesium-calcium narzan, and in its chemical composition it is similar to the mineral water of the famous Siberian resort Dara-Suna.

Alamudun mineral water deposit is located 30 km. from Bishkek in the gorge of the same name at an altitude of 1200-1600 m above sea level. A well drilled to a depth of 507 meters brought thermal mineral water with a temperature of +53 C to the surface of the earth. Currently, the Teplye Klyuchi sanatorium operates here, which is also an active recreation center - numerous trekking routes begin from here in the surrounding mountains.

Issyk-Ata deposit of mineral and thermal waters is located 77 km. southeast of Bishkek, in a narrow gorge at an altitude of 1800 m. The Arashan resort operates here with numerous hot springs and muddy mud. In addition, there is a source of clean drinking water with a specific smell, which is also used to treat chronic diseases of the digestive system.

Among the balneological resources of the Chui Valley, an important place is occupied by Kamyshanovskoye and Lugovskoye low-mineralized hydrogen sulfide deposits of therapeutic mud. Nowhere else in Central Asia, in such a limited area, there are so many outlets of medicinal waters, surrounded by such marvelous nature.

Practically within Bishkek there is a modern "Sanatorium of Cosmonauts" with its own thermal spring.

Lake Issyk-Kul is incredibly beautiful. The Russian traveler P.P. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky, who visited the lake, compared it with Lake Geneva in Switzerland, and preferred Issyk-Kul. Issyk-Kul has long been considered enchanted by the local population. Before the arrival of Russian settlers here at the end of the 19th century, practically no one swam or fished in it. The great transparency of the rivers flowing into the lake and the bright sun change the color of the Issyk-Kul water from pale blue to dark blue tones, depending on the place and time of day. There are about 20 picturesque bays and coves here. The swimming season lasts 6 months. The water temperature in summer reaches +24 C, in winter - +4 C. Crystal clear water, mineral springs, combined with mountain and at the same time mild, almost maritime climate, create unique conditions for a spa holiday with mud and thermal treatment.

Cholpon-Ata - resort town on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Here it is worth visiting excursions on a boat on the lake, going to the mountains, making a daily trip along the most beautiful mountainous places to Alma-Ata, there are also helicopter excursions with an overnight stay in the mountains. The Altyn-Arashan hot springs, lying at an altitude of 3000 m in a beautiful open alpine valley, the huge and quiet Karkara summer pasture in the upper part of the valley, the fantastic red cliffs of the Jety-Oguz canyon and excellent trekking trails in Terskey Alatau are very popular with tourists. (Terskey-Ala-Too), south of Karakol. The best time to visit Issyk-Kul is September, although trekking in the mountains is best done between July and August.

Karakol, lying at the eastern end of the lake, is the main city in the region and the best "base" for exploring the lakeside, Terskey-Alatau and the central Tien Shan. This is a relatively small city, famous for its apple orchards and Sunday market - one of the best in Central Asia. In Karakol, it is better to rent accommodation from local residents (on bus station you will be offered a wide variety of options for a small price) than in an official hotel. This will allow you to "directly" get acquainted with the life of the city and the life of local residents, and will also remove many everyday issues, since the area of ​​Lake Issyk-Kul has long been closed to foreigners, and many issues related to staying here are still regulated enough. not clear.

Ski resorts in Kyrgyzstan

Due to the fact that about 93% of the territory of Kyrgyzstan is occupied by mountains, there are excellent conditions for skiing. Snow lies from November to March, and in the highlands it is year-round. The weather in the area of ​​most mountain resorts is usually mild, with a lot of sunny days, so the ski season lasts from late October - December to early April, and skiing on ice fields is possible all year round.

A fairly large number of ski bases are located around the capital of the country - a completely reconstructed base "Norus" (altitude 1950 m, 30 km from Bishkek), "Orlovka" (100 km from Bishkek), Kashka-Suu (altitude 2000 m, 35 km from the capital) , tourist centers Oruu-Sai (2100 m, 35 km from Bishkek), Aspara, Dzhilamish, Kara-Balta, Kegeti and the tourist center "Chon-Tash". Good mountain centers can be found around Lake Issyk-Kul. The most famous among them is ski resort"Karakol" (2300 m, 7 km from the city of the same name). Sports bases are quite numerous, but the level of service on them is low. So far, the recreation infrastructure is rather poorly developed, but gradual modernization is taking place.

Norus

Recently, a complete reconstruction was carried out at the Norus base, modern equipment was purchased, and a high-class hotel was built. On the territory: a restaurant with European and national cuisine, a disco and cafe-bar, a billiard room.

The trails are processed by snow groomers, there are trails of any category of complexity: from children's to professional ones. Especially for children, snow slides for sledding are arranged. There are two cable cars for climbing difficult slopes and one lift to slopes for beginners. At an altitude of 3050 m there is an excellent Helipad, from which you can go down to the cable car and slopes.

Orlovka

The ski base "Orlovka" is located 100 km from Bishkek. 9 tracks of varying difficulty with elevation changes from 30 to 560 m. There are two cable cars and two towing ones. There is a sauna, billiards, inventory rental, instructors. At night, the area is illuminated by lanterns.

Karakol

Ski base "Karakol" (2300 m) is located in the gorge, 7 km from the city of Karakol. The season is from the end of October to the end of April. At the base there are 7 lifts, ski and snowboard rental, services of instructors and guides through the winter forest. You can ride snowmobiles. The base is regularly used by the sports school for training.

Kashka-Suu

The ski center "Kashka-Suu" is located in a wide tract on the northern slopes of the Kirghiz Range. To Bishkek - 35 km. Altitude above sea level - 2000 m. 6 slopes with a height difference from 260 to 380 m, chairlift and towing cable cars. On the territory: a skating rink, a billiard room, a sauna, a bar and a cafe. There is equipment rental, instructor services are provided. The tracks are processed by snow groomers, but there are quite a lot of small stones on the slopes, which can create difficulties when skiing on snow that is not fresh.

Oruu-Sai

The tourist center "Oruu-Sai" (2100 m) is located in the tract of the same name, 35 km from Bishkek. Trails of different difficulty levels are served by three cable cars. There is a rental of equipment, instructors work, skiing competitions for different age groups are held. A comfortable hotel with a sauna, a bar, a restaurant, and table tennis has been built in the tourist center.

Beaches in Kyrgyzstan

There are about 20 picturesque bays and bays on the Issyk-Kul lake. The swimming season lasts 6 months. The water temperature in summer reaches +24 C, in winter - +4 C.

National holidays

January 1 - Zhy-zhyl ( New Year).
January 7 - Orthodox Christmas.
December-January - Kurman-Ait.
March 8 - International Women's Day.
March 21 - Navrus or Nooruz (Kyrgyz New Year).
May 1 - International Labor Day.
May 5 - Constitution Day.
May 9 - Victory Day.
August 31 - Independence Day or Erkin-Kunu.
October-November - Orozo-Ait (Eid Al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan).

Festivals and holidays in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is not too rich in festive events. The spring festival of Navrus (Nooruz-Bayram, Islamic New Year) is one of the country's most beloved holidays. Navrus is an adaptation of the pre-Islamic vernal equinox or nature renewal celebrations celebrated on the vernal equinox (March 21) and is usually accompanied by traditional music and dance competitions, traditional games, street performances and colorful fairs (the festival lasts 2 days).

Orozo Ait (Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan) is celebrated for 3 days at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. These days it is customary to visit, give gifts and donate to the poor. About 70 days after the end of Ramadan, Kurman-Ait (Eid al-Adha or Eid Ul-Aza) is celebrated, during which they visit the graves of their ancestors, make sacrifices and hold festive feasts for all relatives and the poor.