Wrestling, the millennial activity
Very popular throughout Central Asia, its practice began more than 3,500 years ago. Initially, it was used to animate popular festivities, before becoming, at the time of the great nomadic empires, a privileged training method for young warriors. Since independence, kurash has been codified to meet the international standards of this sport category. The first international tournament was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 1998 (won by a Turk), and an international kurash association was created the same year. The first world championship was also held in Tashkent in 1999 and saw the Uzbeks win in all three weight categories. So far, no Kyrgyz has managed to win this championship.
Hunting with eagles and falcons, a nomadic tradition
Falconry is a speciality of the nomads of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The Berkutchi (falconers of this region) perpetuate a hunting tradition whose first written traces go back more than 3,500 years. The Kazakhs favour eagles (so precious that they were once traded for at least five camels), while the Kyrgyz seem to prefer falcons (only two camels!). The hunting season is from November to February, when the eagles have their winter feathers. The Berkutchi then go on horseback to the steppes, and throw their birds to hunt foxes and sometimes wolves, for the best trained and bravest among them. Competitions are held in falconry areas, mainly on the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul. In the summer, Kyrgyz Berkuchi can be used for training and hunting demonstrations, although the birds are not at their best.
Hiking, in postcard scenery
Lovers of majestic scenery and pedestrian efforts, you will be served in Kyrgyzstan. If you only have a few days at your disposal, try to plan an easy hike to Ala Archa (30 km from Bishkek) or to one of the many "spots" around Karakol (Jeti Oghuz, Altyn Arashan...). Excursions to the Song Kul or Sary Chelek lakes will also be conducive to quiet day hikes. Of course, the Kyrgyz prefer to go on horseback and will try to convince you to exchange your shoes for hooves. However, it will be very easy for you to find local guides or to organize your trek via a tour operator. The latter is particularly recommended if you plan to hike several days off the beaten track. Beautiful regions, such as the one between Talas and Sary Chelek Lake, for example, require a good knowledge of the terrain and there is currently no map of the country accurate enough to hope to go on an adventure on your own, unless you love adventure (or recklessness?) and have the time to experience it..
Mountaineering, the intoxication of the summits
With peaks such as Khan Tengri, Lenin Peak or Communism Peak, Kyrgyzstan was bound to become a favourite destination for lovers of conquering high peaks. The permanent installation of a base camp at the foot of Lenin Peak, at an altitude of 3,700 m, has made this summit very popular among mountaineers from all over the world. The expeditions are now well established and it will be very easy for you, provided you are in good physical shape, to organize the ascent with many Kyrgyz tour operators (Ultimate Adventures for example), but also Uzbek (Asia Adventures)
Lenin Peak. Located in the north of the Pamir Massif, in the Zaalaiski mountain range, on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, its summit is 7,134 m high. The best season for its ascent is from mid-June to mid-August and a classic ascent by the north face (7 routes against 9 for the south face) lasts between 15 and 20 days.
Pobedy Peak. The peak "of victory" is the highest peak of the Tian Shan massif, at 7,439 m above sea level. It is located on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China. Its ascent is largely motivated by the desire to walk on one of the largest glaciers in the world, the Inylchek, where many treks are organized in scenery of unsuspected splendor. Karakol is a good starting point for the conquest of this "7,000 m" and the best season to undertake it is from the end of July to the end of August. The technical level required is much higher than that of Lenin Peak. The northern route is recognized as one of the most difficult of all the "7,000" in the world. The ascent takes 25 days.
Khan Tengri. At an altitude of 6,995 m, the Khan Tengri, on the border of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, is the third highest peak in Kyrgyzstan and the second highest in the Tian Shan range. Its ascent takes about 20 days after an acclimatization stay in the valley of the Inylchek River, at 2,500 m above sea level.
Rafting and canyoning
Rafting and, to a lesser extent, canyoning have been developed in the Chuï Valley for many years (from July to mid-September). Don't think of going there and finding a labelled club of course, but by going through a tour operator and carefully organising your excursion upstream, you will discover landscapes like no other and offer endless thrills. Don't hesitate to contact the receptives specialized in adventure sports such as Ultimate Adventure or ITC.
Mountain bike or VTC, to the assault of the passes
Lovers of big curls, rejoice! Kyrgyzstan lends itself very well to cycling, at least in summer. Make sure you have solid equipment, as you won't find many spare parts on the road. With a VTC (mountain bike), you can make many journeys on the existing asphalt roads. But you'll need a sturdy and comfortable mountain bike if your plan is to explore the more remote areas where there are only dirt (or mud, depending on the season) tracks. With a beautiful machine, everything is possible and accessible provided you can accept distances that impress many and unreasonable gradients... But the reward is at each pass, each lake and each descent!
