Location: Central Asia, neighboring countries include China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikstan.
Capital: Bishkek
Tourist Attractions: Having achieved independence from Soviet Union in 1991, Kyrgyzstan is in the midst of a civil conflict between the government and militants, hence it is advisable to proceed with care, especially in areas south and west of Osh, Ferghana Valley and the Batken Oblast region that is heavily mined. Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world with its beautiful ambience, thermal springs, hiking trails and trout fishing is a popular tourist spot. The Ala-Archa Canyon state nature park with its various walking and trekking opportunities, including hikes to glaciers and amazing formation of red sandstone cliffs at Jeti-Öghüz Canyon are also worth visiting while traveling to Kyrgyzstan.
Access: Kyrgyzstan is connected with Turkey and Russia by flights. Inter-country train services exist from Kyrgyzstan to Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Climate: The climatic conditions are particularly dry in Kyrgyzstan. It has hot summers, and very cold winters, where the temperatures dip to zero degrees and below.