This mountainous country, filled with natural beauty is often referred to as the Switzerland of Asia. The Tian Shan Mountains cover more than 3/4 of the land and furnish endless hiking and mountaineering opportunities.
The remainder of country is varied, with the subtropical, fertile Fergana Valley in the southwest to temperate foothills in the north. Kyrgyzstan’s diverse geography and the hospitality of the people make it a wonderful tourist destination.
The capital and largest city is Bishkek, located in the north, near the border with Kazakhstan. In centuries past it was an important stop along the Silk Road and many historic sites have been preserved among modern Bishkek’s wide, tree-lined boulevards and well-cared-for Soviet-era gardens. The nearby Ala Too Mountains provide a gorgeous backdrop as well as a cool respite from summer heat and many alpine winter recreational activities.
To the city’s east is the world’s second largest mountain lake, Issyk-Kul. Though surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan, the lake never freezes, hence its name, which in the Kyrgyz language means “warm lake.”
Along the way, a stop at Cholpon-Ata lets you take in the open air art museum, said to date from 500 BC. Here, you see stone carvings depicting wolves, goats, long horned ibex, horses and snow leopards along with sacrificial and hunting scenes.
South of Issyk-Kul is the Jety-Oguz gorge, a lush valley with striking red sandstone formations called the Seven Bulls, from which the gorge takes its name.
Traveling further southwest you come to the small town of Kochkur where Kyrgyz felt carpets are made. Nearby is the beautiful Skazka Valley. Here, centuries of wind and melting snow have sculpted the limestone cliffs into magnificent arrays of columns and crags, ranging from bright orange to deep red in color.
Kyrgyzstan maintains its nomadic, independent traditions and more than 2/3rd of the population still live in rural areas. Many still make their living as shepherds and livestock herders, moving their flocks higher in the mountains during summer and back into lower valleys in cooler months. The simple, efficient yurt hut so common throughout Central Asia makes for good overnight lodging anywhere in the country.
The hospitality of the Kyrgyz people is legendary and any stranger will be invited in for a cup of the national drink, fermented mare’s milk and, more of ten than not, a full meal of Kyrgyz home cooking. The other national passion is horsemanship and horseback is the preferred mode of transportation in many rural areas.
Kyrgyzstan’s second major city is Osh, located in the southwest part of the country. It is reputed to be some 3000 years old, older than Rome, as locals proudly proclaim, but its position along the Silk Road assured it a place of prominence through history. Located near the fertile Fergana Valley, Osh is dominated at its center by Sulaiman Too (”Solomon’s Mountain”), which is the burial place of the Muslim prophet Suleyman Sheikh. Since Mohammed is said to have once prayed here, the Osh has become one of the holiest cities in Islam and many come here on pilgrimages.
The city’s archaeological-cultural museum houses artifacts discovered in the city’s surroundings. On the banks of the river that flows through the city lies one of the largest and most picturesque bazaars in all of Asia and the largest mosque in Kyrgyzstan, the Shaid Tepa Mosque.
Responsible travel is a new way of travelling moving away from the mass tourism. Responsible travel means respecting and benefiting the local people and environment at your destination. It is about minimising your impact on the local culture and environment and maximising your connection with the local people and environment. It is about making a positive contribution during your trip and having the most rewarding and inspiring travel experiences of your life.
Responsible tourism can be defined as travel that takes into consideration the the following issues.
Environment: Responsible travel is travel that minimises the negative environmental impact and makes a positive contribution to the conservation of the natural and human heritage.
Cultural: Responsible travel is travel that respects the local culture and traditions and promotes a greater understanding between travellers and the locals.
Economic: Responsible travel is travel that has financial benefits for the local community and operates on the principles of fair trade.
This kind of travel is very popular in Asia. There are a lot of opportunities to join an eco tour and engage yourself in eco tourism in Asia. China, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam are just some of the wonderful destinations on offer in Asia.
Travelling around Asia has become very easy and cheap with many low cost airlines connecting you between many destinations around Asia. Also Asia is a very cheap travel destination so you will get a lot more for your money.
Responsible tourism starts before you even set off on your travels. Research your destination before you leave. Find out about the culture or religions and make sure you respect the local sensibilities. You will find that the local people will very much respect the fact that you make the effort to understand and respect their traditions.
Asia is overflowing with customs and little etiquettes. It is very important to try and adhere to these. Not only will local people feel respected, they will respect you in return, allowing you a fuller experience. After all you are a visitor in their country.
When you are travelling try to travel independently instead of in large group tours. This will result in low impact, helping to sustain the local culture and environment. It will also enable you to have a much more meaningful travel experience as you will get much more opportunities to meet the locals and see more of the country off the beaten track.
Always ask before taking a photo of anyone in Asia. Pointing at your camera with raised eyebrows will usually suffice. Respect their wishes if they decline your very kind offer.
Try and learn a little of the local language. Even just some basic greetings and thank you. You will find that people respond very well to this. This will give you the chance to talk to the locals even if it just to say hello or thank you.
Visitors to religious and historic sites should pay particular attention to the following: be sure to dress appropriately and follow local guidelines, be mindful of your manners and local etiquette and never remove anything from religious or historical sites.
Responsible travel in Asia is an amazing experience that will last for many years to come.
The Ukraine
Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe, after Russia. The country is rather flat and includes the autonomous region of Crimea in the south.
Most of the Crimean Tatars were forcibly moved to Central Asia in 1944 to suppress their nationalist intentions.
Ukrainian
The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian; one of the three East Slavic languages, closely related to Russian and Belorussian.
Early Ukrainian History
Tatar Mongols invaded the area in the 13th century but the western Ukrainian principality of Galicia, founded in the 12th century, suffered less from the Mongol invasion.
Annexed by Poland in the 14th century, although the Ukrainian Cossacks allied themselves with Russia.
The partitions of Poland saw much of the land handed over to Russia in 1667, while Galicia became a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1772 to 1919.
The Cave monastery, Perchersky, was founded in the early 11th century and is one of the most sacred buildings of the Russian Orthodox church.
The ruins of the Golden Gate also date from the same period and was once the main entrance to the city.
Kiev was the centre of the Rus principality in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and it is still known as the Mother of Russian Cities.
From London travel to Ukraine by train…
Kiev, Ukraine. Easy to get there by train!
It’s easy to from London to Ukraine. It’s also safe, comfortable, affordable and (unlike yet another an adventure. Eurostar and German Railways link London with Berlin, then there are daily sleeper trains from Berlin and Warsaw to Kiev. There’s even direct sleeping-cars several times each week from Berlin to Odessa and Simferopol in the Crimea. This page will tell you train times, approximate fares, and how to book.