Kyrgyzstan

 

KYRGYZSTAN

 

Kyrgyzstan is abeautiful country. The natural scenery here is excellent, the consumption is high-quality and low-priced, and the tourism industry is quite open and developed.

 

Kyrgyzstan is afailed state. Corruption is prevalent here and the economy is stagnant, resulting in people living in poverty and a large brain drain.

 

Kyrgyzstan is a romantic country. The ancient city Suiye, located in the south of the Chu River, believes in Islam but has open-minded people. It is the birthplace of the poet Li Bai.

 

Kyrgyzstan is adivided country. Economically, the north is pastoral and the south is farming, the north is industrial and the south is agricultural. The rolling mountains and hazy river valleys make transportation inconvenient, but it is a famous holiday resort.

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Kyrgyzstan is a multi-ethnic country. More than 100 ethnic groups, including Kyrgyz, Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Germans, Tatars, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Dungans, Tajiks, etc., live here.

 

Kyrgyzstan is a countryseeking development. With the opening of China’s “New Silk Road”, Kyrgyzstan has continued cooperation on the ancient “Silk Road” and has become an important constituent country of the “Belt and Road”.

 

What kind of country is Kyrgyzstan?

Let's see it together.

 

Keywords: consumer guide

Kyrgyzstan’s consumption level is not high, and it continues the reputation of “Kyrgyzstan” for its people-friendly tourism consumption. As the most popular tourist country among Russians in 2017, it is indeed a destination that is both "famous" and "niche".

 

The currency in circulation in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyz Som (Kyrgyz Som), with the currency code KGS. The denominations of the banknotes are 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10. Coins are 10, 5, 3, 1, 50 cents (Tyin), 10 cents (Tyin).

 

Currency advice: Since Kyrgyzstan soums cannot be exchanged abroad, Sydney Currency Services recommends that tourists exchange them in advance and carry small U.S. dollar bills to exchange soums in Kyrgyzstan.

Sydney Currency Services provides 0 fee, 0 commission currency conversion and guarantees the latest version of US dollars to avoid the embarrassment of being unable to use it during travel.

average daily consumption price

Prices are quoted in US dollars instead of soums.

Coffee – $1.50 (Regular Cappuccino)

Bottled water – $0.30 (330ml small bottle)

Beer – $1.50 (330ml bottle)

Lunch – $4 (Pilaf)

Dinner – $15 (appetizer+main course+dessert+wine)

Taxi – 10 USD (Bishkek International Airport to city center)

Big Mac Meal – ? ? ? (No McDonald's here)

 

Travel budget per person

Economical – 60 Australian dollars per person per day (light breakfast and lunch, dinner in a regular restaurant, public transportation and 1 attraction fee)

Normal – 80 Australian dollars per person per day (simple breakfast, ordinary restaurant for lunch and dinner, taxi fare and 1-2 attraction fees)

Deluxe – 120 AUD per person per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner at ordinary restaurant, taxi fare and 1-2 attractions)

 

Voltage and power sockets

 

The voltage in Kyrgyzstan is 220V/50Hz. Most new chargers basically have a wide voltage range and can be used directly. For slightly older small appliances, please check the corresponding voltage in the manual in advance and consider whether you need to bring a transformer.

 

 

The power sockets are as shown in the picture, Type A double flat plug and Type I triple flat plug. For non-type chargers, you need to purchase a converter in advance.

 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference only. Sydney Currency Services summarizes the "average daily consumption price" information through the Internet and has been committed to ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the information. Specific prices, services and specific information may change and cause deviations. "Travel budget per person" is an estimate and does not include air tickets and accommodation costs. Actual expenditures may vary depending on the consumption location, time, and specific content. Sydney Currency Services does not assume any responsibility or loss arising from the discrepancy between the above information and the actual situation.

 

KYRGYZSTAN

 

Hospitality is a fundamental principle

 

 

 

 

Many people will more or less sneer at the word "Stan". When I heard about traveling here, my jaw dropped.

There is no way, humans are a group of animals ruled by "inherent impressions".

 

In fact, "Stan" does not mean danger. "Stan" translates to "land."

So Kyrgyzstan means – the land of the Kyrgyz people.

Did it surprise you?

(Sorry, we didn’t explain this meaning until the fourth article of our “Five Countries in Central Asia” article.)

 

Without going to Kyrgyzstan, no one can imagine what this country would be like. But you can be assured of one thing: Kyrgyzstan is a very safe country.

 

Whether you are a solo traveler or traveling in a group. Even if you are a single woman, as long as you maintain normal behavior, you will basically have a safe journey in Kyrgyzstan.

 

The only potential "danger" is the capital Bishkek.

But don’t get me wrong, we’re not saying it’s unsafe, but the nightlife here is too rich and too crazy.

Friends who hang out in bars and nightclubs, remember to book yourself a taxi back to the hotel (of course choose a regular one) before getting drunk.

This safety rule applies to more than 99% of countries in the world, and Kyrgyzstan is no exception.

 

Speaking of this, some friends may ask: Bars and nightclubs? Are you not mistaken? Isn’t Kyrgyzstan a Muslim country?

Well, that's true. Kyrgyzstan is indeed a Muslim country that believes in Islam. But due to its early pre-Soviet history, religion is relatively open here, especially in the northern cities.

 

 

But even in the relatively traditional areas of the south, the numerous mosques and people's more traditional Muslim attire do not conflict much with modern life. This is mainly reflected in:

 

  • Alcoholic beverages are sold almost everywhere;

  • Gender segregation is barely visible;

  • The locals are well-dressed and polite;

  • Open as usual during Ramadan.

 

Do you suspect Kyrgyzstan is a fake Muslim country?

 

In fact, if you consider that Malaysia and Indonesia are both Muslim countries, you will probably understand.

 

After Kyrgyzstan was "forced" to break away from the former Soviet Union in the 1990s, it began to promote the social process of Westernization. Nowadays in the country's big cities, you will be surprised to find that there is a big difference between this place and the Central Asian "stan" country you imagined.

 

Image source: National Geographic

Photographer: Karolina Wiercigroch

 

Among the five Central Asian countries, the Kyrgyz people are famous for their hospitality.

Whether it's hiking in the mountains or experiencing the customs in the villages. You will always be surrounded by the smiling blessings of the Kyrgyz people. If you are invited to taste homemade bread and afternoon tea in a yurt, accept it gladly. This is their nature.

 

Kyrgyzstan’s famous pilaf is definitely a must-have food on the table. Feel free to eat, this is the most authentic pilaf among the five Central Asian countries.

Of course, if you are invited to stay overnight, remember that it is not necessarily free. Either you have to pay, or you take the initiative to leave some small gifts for the locals in exchange.

In the open Kyrgyzstan, "enthusiasm" is sometimes not 100% absolute.

 

By the way, I almost forgot.

The Kyrgyz people were criticized by Soviet-era Russians for decades for not paying attention to sanitation. Nowadays, the country has greatly improved, especially the accommodation conditions. Neatness and cleanliness are everywhere.

 

Sometimes, it makes you think that they are a little mysophobic?

 

 

KYRGYZSTAN

 

ancient falcon festival

 

 

The Kyrgyz people are nomadic people, that is, the Huns in our Tang Dynasty.

Although as times change, many ancient traditions and cultures are slowly disappearing. But in Kyrgyzstan, there is a tradition of local nomads that has been almost completely preserved and has been passed down to this day. This is the most traditional nomadic hunting festival held in Kyrgyzstan every spring and autumn - Salburun Festival.

 

The Saarbrunn Festival, also known as the Hunting Festival, is one of the most important festivals every year.

 

During the Hunting Festival, a variety of traditional hunting projects and numerous performances will be held. Apart from exciting and exciting programs such as horse racing, hound and wolf fights, archery and horseback riding, the most attractive thing is the eagle hunter's falcon hunting.

 

 

 

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– Kyrgyzstan –

Falcons and eagle keepers

 

 

 

Golden eagle, Accipitridae, scientific name Aquila Chrysaetos.

The feathers of young golden eagles are yellow-brown, with white dots at the ends of the flight feathers on both wings. When it reaches adulthood, its body is dark brown with spotted golden brown feathers, which is why it gets its name.

Adult golden eagles can grow up to about 1 meter in length, have a wingspan of more than 2 meters, and can fly at a maximum speed of 200 kilometers per hour. They are one of the most ferocious predators in nature in the northern hemisphere.

 

The nomadic people mainly support two types of falcons: golden eagle and falcon.

In ancient times, golden eagles were called vultures. With its handsome appearance and agile speed, it is a rare helper for nomads.

 

The life of the nomads in Kyrgyzstan is limited by the local mountains and varied terrain. Golden eagles and falcons not only provide nomadic hunters with a "god's eye view" to track their prey, but they can also swoop down from high altitudes to kill their prey. With its agile flight speed and powerful and sharp claws, the golden eagle's prey includes marmots, hares and foxes. Even goats, wild deer and wolves are in danger of being killed when encountering the golden eagle.

 

In Kyrgyzstan, hunting with golden eagles is a very old tradition, as is hunting with falcons. But with the advancement of times and society, nomadic hunting has almost become a thing of the past. In order to protect this ancient cultural tradition, Kyrgyzstan has created a special profession called falconry, and provides a platform for professional hunters to compete through the Saarbrunn Festival.

 

Professional falconers call the falcon hunting activity at the Saarbrunn Festival "Berkutchy", which is translated in English as "Hunting with eagles".

 

This profession is lifelong. Many Kyrgyz people who aspire to become falconers will start to cultivate relationships with young eagles from childhood, and gradually become a strong bond, and eventually transform into a lifelong mutual relationship. trust.

 

 

Although the falcon hunting activities at the Saarbrunn Festival today are more of a performance nature, every time the golden eagle swoops down from high altitude and completes the hunt in just a few seconds, the cheers from the crowd can still be heard. An instant boost of adrenaline for the audience.

 

In addition to hunting ground prey, there are also falconers who control golden eagles to hunt down prey in the air.

The golden eagle, which was resting on the hunter's arm one second, soared into the sky at the moment when the dove was released. With its broad and powerful wings flapping, it can steal the jingle bells with lightning speed, quickly occupy the highest point and lock on the prey, hovering while looking for opportunities. When the pigeon is distracted, the golden eagle immediately dives from the air, accelerates from 0 to 200 kilometers per hour in a few seconds, and quickly captures the prey with its sharp claws. His quick movements and accurate judgment attracted applause from the audience.

 

golden eagle hunting

 

Feeling excited? Want to take a look?

No problem, the Saarbrun Festival is held at the Cholpon-Ata City Racecourse in the Issyk-Kul Lake region, 350 kilometers away from the capital Bishkek.

 

Of course, due to the local popularity of Kyrgyzstan’s Saalbrun Festival, it is absolutely necessary to book a tour departing from Bishkek in advance.

 

 

 

KYRGYZSTAN

 

Do you know Lake Issyk-Kul?

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Issyk-Kul

 

The Kyrgyzstan region was a famous "Guanxi Important Town" during the Tang Dynasty.

 

Master Xuanzang traveled westward to obtain Buddhist scriptures. After passing through the Turpan Flame Mountains, he followed the "Silk Road" into what is now Kyrgyzstan. What first shocked Master Xuanzang was the largest saltwater lake in Kyrgyzstan and the second largest alpine saltwater lake in the world - Issyk-Kul Lake.

 

Lake Issyk-Kul was recorded in "The Records of the Western Regions of the Tang Dynasty" by Master Xuanzang and was called the "Great Qing Pond".

 

The entire Issyk-Kul area belongs to the Tianshan Mountains area and was formed by the collapse of the Tianshan Mountains. The southern shore is close to the Tails Mountains of the Tianshan Mountains, forming the Issyk-Kul Basin. Due to the high altitude, the climate is dry, the air is fresh, and the local sunlight is abundant, allowing forests to spread throughout. More than 50 rivers converge here, bringing a large amount of mineral spring water to the area.

 

The large amount of minerals in the lake water prevents Issyk-Kul from freezing even in the cold winter.

Hence the name Issyk-Kul (Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyz means - "Hot Lake").

 

Therefore, Lake Issyk-Kul was a famous resort and health resort during the former Soviet Union. With its magnificent scenery, it is affectionately called "God's Forgotten Pearl".

 

 

As the most important natural heritage in Kyrgyzstan, Lake Issyk-Kul also has various legends.

 

The most beautiful legend:

In ancient times, the Kyrgyz people were hunted by foreigners and fled. When they arrived at the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, everyone was shocked by the beautiful scenery here. The fear of fleeing was slowly soothed, and the Kyrgyz people bathed, sang and danced in the lake. This scene also moved the alien soldiers who followed. They seemed to feel calm and influenced by the beautiful scenery, so they put down their weapons, and the two sides ended the war. The Kyrgyz people have lived by Lake Issyk-Kul for generations since then. Lake Issyk-Kul is also regarded as the "Mother Lake" and has become a symbol of the Kyrgyz people. Later generations also spread: "If you have not visited Issyk-Kul, you have not been to Kyrgyzstan."

Picture: Dazhi Image

 

The most touching legend:

There used to be a majestic castle here, and its owner was a brutal Khan. The Great Khan fell in love with a shepherdess at the foot of the mountain and ordered people to come with gifts to propose marriage. But the girl already has her own sweetheart - a knight who once visited. The knight and the girl had an agreement to exchange rings, so the girl would rather die than obey and jumped from the tower where she was imprisoned. At this time, the earth suddenly shook, and the strong castle collapsed instantly, and was submerged by floods from the valley, forming what is now Issyk-Kul Lake.

 

The most valuable legend:

In ancient Chinese history, Genghis Khan is a name that must be mentioned. His military life left countless talking points for future generations. But the most mysterious thing is undoubtedly his tomb. So far, the location of Genghis Khan's tomb is still an unsolved mystery in the archaeological community. When people discovered the ruins of the ancient castle at the bottom of Issyk-Kul Lake and salvaged many items from the Genghis Khan era, there were more and more conjectures and speculations about the ruins at the bottom of the lake. Some historians infer that this was once the territory of a son of Genghis Khan. It is also said that after the death of Genghis Khan, many treasures and huge sarcophagi were transported here and sunk to the bottom of the lake. Whether it is true or false, this valuable secret has not yet been revealed.

 

Also, we have not forgotten Li Bai.

Walking west from Issyk-Kul Lake, you can go to the ancient Suiye City, the birthplace of "Poetry Immortal" Li Bai.

 

Suiye City is one of the four towns in Anxi in ancient China. It is also the farthest border city in the western region that any dynasty has fortified in the past. Kyrgyzstan: Суяб/Suyab; Persian: سوی آب‎), or translated as "Suye" or "Suyab", which is the site of Ak-Beshim today.

 

During archaeological work in Kyrgyzstan in the 1980s and 1990s, two fragmentary tablets inscribed with Chinese characters were discovered in the ruins of the ancient city of Ak Beshim. It is truly confirmed that Suyab is the ancient city of Suyab, which is today the outskirts of Tokmok in Kyrgyzstan.

 

Ruins of Suiye City

 

If you are a fan of Li Bai’s romanticism, then go for a walk on Lake Issyk-Kul.

 

Although the ruins of Ak Beshim have been almost lost in time.

But facing the vast, majestic and undulating Issyk-Kul Lake.

 

Worth it too.

 

 

 

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Kind tips

English is almost completely unavailable in Kyrgyzstan.

The more widely spoken local languages ​​are Russian and Kyrgyz.

So remember to buy a local sim card, which can make your translation software even more powerful for a few dollars.

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