Kyrgyzstan is a rugged Central Asian country along the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean. The Tian Shan Mountains, which surround the old caravan route and dominate the country, are home to snow leopards, lynx and sheep. In the south, the millennia-old city of Osh has a huge, busy bazaar that was once a stop on the Silk Road.

The saltwater lake Issyk Kul also was also stopover on the Silk Road and today is a vacation destination with thermal springs and mud baths. To the west is the Soviet-influenced capital city, Bishkek. It is known for its art scene, as well as its 11th-century Burana Tower, an intricately carved minaret standing in a field. Nearby Ala Archa National Park offers backpacking and skiing in a river valley. The Fergana and Pamir mountains are other popular skiing and hiking destinations encompassing tundras, meadows and highlands.

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