The Independent Calls Kyrgyzstan's Mountains the 'Alps of the East'

Kyrgyzstan is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for mountain tourism, drawing international attention as a prime location for adventure travel. British newspaper The Independent has featured the country, dubbing its peaks the "Alps of the East."

The article suggests that social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are significantly boosting the popularity of treks in the Tian Shan mountain range. Journalist James Draven shared his seven-day hiking experience along the Terskey Ala-Too ridge on the eastern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Despite the increasing interest, Draven noted that many regions within Kyrgyzstan remain largely pristine and untouched by mass tourism. His journey involved a multi-day trek with fellow tourists from Canada, the United States, and Britain, covering over 80 kilometers between Sutbulak and Karakol. During their hike, they encountered only local residents and experienced a complete lack of mobile phone service.

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I am skeptical that in the 21st century there can still be any place on Earth that is unnamed, unmapped or unclassified, but when I was studying the approximate route in Bishkek and comparing it with online maps, I often found several versions of the spelling of the same valley or lake, or places where we were heading, which simply did not appear on Google Maps...

The British tourists were struck by the dramatic weather shifts common in the mountains. After several sunny days, the weather turned, bringing thick fog and heavy rain, which forced the group to alter their planned route. Draven also observed a striking contrast between the remote image of Kyrgyzstan and the modern lives of some locals. He met a herder who was a football fan, owned a new SUV, and split his time between Karakol and Bishkek, living in the capital during winter.

The Independent points out that Kyrgyzstan is still preparing for large-scale international tourism. The country's stunning mountain scenery, unique local culture, and the opportunity to disconnect from the internet are key attractions for foreigners. Draven expressed skepticism about finding truly uncharted places in the 21st century but found that Kyrgyzstan offered such experiences, with many valleys and lakes not appearing on standard online maps. He concluded that while Kyrgyzstan is becoming a must-visit destination, its vast, remote areas offer a unique escape from modern connectivity.

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Kyrgyzstan is now possibly entering the list of places everyone wants to visit, but the country is only beginning to prepare for mass tourism. And a huge part of it, cut off from cities and social networks, remains surprisingly remote.