With its soaring mountains, alpine forests and meadows filled with wildflowers, it is no wonder that Kyrgyzstan is fast growing in popularity amongst travellers focused on hiking and adventure.

The country’s most popular tourist destination is Lake Issyk-Kul, a vast expanse of cobalt water that is one of the world’s largest alpine lakes.

A network of trekking trails webs along its shores, taking in stunning high-altitude scenery, beautiful beaches and pastoral farmers living in traditional yurts.

The icy winter months offer superb skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Southern Kyrgyzstan was once part of the Silk Road trading route and the ancient city of Osh still has a working marketplace dating to this era.