Kyrgyzstan

A Mountain Country

The Tian Shan covers most of Kyrgyzstan and rises to Jengish Chokusu, at 7,439 metres, on the border with China. In the northeast, Issyk-Kul, a vast lake at about 1,607 metres, never freezes despite the cold winters, thanks to its slightly salty water and great depth.

Bishkek and Ala-Too Square

The capital, Bishkek, lies at the foot of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, whose snowy peaks close the view to the south of its tree-lined avenues. The camera looks over Ala-Too Square, the city's main square, where an equestrian statue of Manas has stood since 2011. The Epic of Manas, hundreds of thousands of lines long, has been passed down orally by reciters called manaschi, and is recognised by UNESCO.

Continental Seasons

Summers are hot and dry in the city, while winters bring snow and frequent haze. In spring and autumn the clearer air brings the snowy range back into view from the city.