Why Kyrgyzstan Suits a Short Mountain Break from the UAE
Kyrgyzstan is a country of high mountains, nomadic traditions and open valleys, and most of it lies above 1,000 metres. Its capital, Bishkek, sits at the foot of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, so the mountains are never far away. Flights from Sharjah take under four hours, and with the country just two hours ahead of UAE time, a Kyrgyzstan holiday package from the UAE works well as a short break.
Ala Archa, Chon-Kemin and a night in a yurt
Ala Archa National Park, about 35 km south of Bishkek, climbs from around 1,500 metres at its gate to the 4,895-metre Semenov-Tian-Shansky Peak, with more than 20 glaciers in its upper valleys. It is the capital’s gateway to the Tian Shan.
East of the city, the Chon-Kemin valley is a wide green corridor between mountain ranges, with villages, pastures and a rushing river. A night in a yurt cabin here is a modern take on the felt tents that Kyrgyz herders have lived in for centuries, and a very different night from a city hotel.
On the way lies the Burana Tower, an 11th-century Karakhanid minaret that once stood 45 metres tall. An earthquake toppled its upper half, but the 25-metre tower that remains, along with the ancient city of Balasagun around it, is one of the country’s most important historical sites.
Bishkek and the Chunkurchak Gorge
Bishkek itself is a leafy, low-rise city of wide Soviet-era avenues, with Ala-Too Square and the Manas statue at its centre and Oak Park a short walk away. The sprawling Osh Bazaar is the place for dried fruit, spices, felt crafts and the national hat, the kalpak. South of the city, the Chunkurchak Gorge is a popular mountain outing, with a ski base and a cable car for views over the valley.
Planning your Kyrgyzstan trip
This Bishkek tour package suits friends, couples and active families who want mountain scenery and a taste of nomadic culture rather than a city-only break. Late November is winter in the mountains, so pack a warm jacket, thermal layers, gloves and sturdy shoes, especially for the yurt night. The trip runs over the UAE National Day break and works at other times of year too. Entry rules depend on your passport and UAE residency, so check the Visa Info section before you book.
Take a look at the full itinerary and inclusions on this page, then send us an enquiry to check availability on this departure.