Introducing Kyrgyzstan’s World Heritage Sites, Known as the “Switzerland of Central Asia”!

Located in Central Asia, the Kyrgyz Republic—commonly called Kyrgyzstan—boasts two beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country is famous for the large, mysterious Issyk-Kul Lake, which is known for not freezing even in harsh winter conditions. In summer, visitors can see vivid tulips and stunning highlands rich in natural beauty.

Kyrgyzstan, abundant with soothing tourist spots, lies along the Silk Road and offers travelers a glimpse of historic World Heritage sites. Here, we introduce the World Heritage Sites of Kyrgyzstan. Be sure to keep them in mind when planning your trip!

1. Sacred Mountain of Sulaiman-Too

Located near Osh, Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city, Sulaiman-Too Mountain was designated in 2009 as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was named after the legend that the prophet Sulaiman once stayed there in the 18th century. Historically, it has been an important pilgrimage site for Muslims and remains a revered place for the local Muslim community to this day.

At its summit stands a mosque built in 1510, which underwent major restoration in the 20th century. Visitors can climb the stairs to reach it. The site was recognized as a World Heritage Site for its six key elements: archaeological remains from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, petroglyphs, prayer areas, pilgrimage paths, Islamic architecture, and a museum. Offering breathtaking natural scenery and rich history, Sulaiman-Too is loved by both locals and tourists.

2. Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an–Tianshan Corridor

In the history of East-West exchange across the Eurasian continent, the Silk Road played a vital role. Spanning China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, 33 related sites were inscribed in 2014 as the “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an–Tianshan Corridor.”

The World Heritage listing covers roughly 8,700 kilometers from Luoyang, through the Tianshan Corridor, to Kazakhstan. The Silk Road, which carried China’s famous silk, is believed to have formed around the 2nd century BCE, making it a trade route of great historical significance. The Kyrgyz section of this heritage invites you to experience the intertwined history and culture of the three participating countries.

◎ Summary

We have introduced two of Kyrgyzstan’s beautiful and historic World Heritage Sites. In addition to these, the country is filled with tourist attractions and stunning sights to explore. For your next trip, why not spend unforgettable days in Kyrgyzstan?