A travel expert insists that you should visit one “incredibly rich” and often overlooked country at least one in your lifetime.
Many of us have destinations on our bucket lists that we dream of visiting some day. People’s lists typically include popular hotspots that are often shown off in travel brochures and across social media, where there is plenty to do and lots of resorts to stay in. However, sometimes the hidden gem spots can be overlooked.
Countess Alexandra Tolstoy, who is an adventurer, broadcaster and businesswoman, was wowed by the “incredible rich yet simple life” she observed while visiting Kyrgyzstan in central Asia. The landlocked country is home to beautiful mountain ranges. Often it’s just you and shepherds for hundreds of kilometers. It’s a great spot to enjoy kayaking and paddle-boarding on Issyk-Kol, strolling through the ruins of Silk Routes cities, and heading out on a wildlife safari to spot snow leopards.
Lonely Planet said: “Though Kyrgyzstan remains a somewhat niche travel destination – for now – it’s the kind of place that sees first-time visitors plotting their return before they’ve even left the country.”
While recently appearing on travel podcast Travel Secrets, Countess Alexandra Nikolaevna Tolstoy-Miloslavsky explained why the country is the number one destination she thinks everyone should go to once in their lifetime. Speaking to host Tanya Rose Simpson, the British equine adventurer said: “Not everyone’s going to go there but I’m just going to say why.
“If they could, they absolutely should because I think that Kyrgyzstan is a nomadic country so when people think about nomads it’s like every day changing that doesn’t happen at all, they actually live in a village in the winter and then they spend the summer up probably even in Swizerland, it’s up in the alpine pastures.”
She added: “Kyrgzstan of all the places I’ve been has really, really kept this incredibly, incredibly rich but yet simple life where they have everything they need and are the happiest people that I’ve seen. I’ve spent a lot of time there and the same shepherds for 25 years, you know work with their children now. They’ve really nailed something that in the west I feel like we’re loosing more and more.”
People rushed to comment after a clip of the podcast was shared on TikTok recently. One individual said: “Have travelled widely and Kyrgyzstan is wonderful – extremely memorable.” Another agreed and said: “Love Kyrgyzstan! Incredible hiking and a very unique country.”
“Went to Kyrgyzstan two years ago, fantastic country,” added another. “Kyrgyzstan is incredible was there last August. Because landscapes! But I would say Japan.”
One other wrote: “100% agree! I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many beautiful and interesting countries across the world, but Kyrgyzstan really captivated us. Stunning, unique, wild, fascinating, unforgetable!”
One other noted: “I loved Kyrgyzstan! I don’t think it’s a destination for everyone, though.” One other pointed out: “I’ve been to Kyrgyzstan, there’s not a lot to do there.”
How to get to Kyrgyzstan from UK
Booking.com said: “There are 11 airlines that fly from the United Kingdom to Kyrgyzstan. The most popular route is from London Gatwick Airport in London to Manas International Airport in Bishkek. On average this flight takes 11 hours 54 minutes one way and costs £763 for the round trip. Bishkek is the most popular city in Kyrgyzstan for our customers to fly to.”
