Tourism in Kyrgyzstan is actively developing and has already been recognized in the international arena. In 2025, reputable publications such as Condé Nast Traveler and Financial Times included Kyrgyz ski resorts in their lists of the best vacation destinations.
Condé Nast Traveler called Karakol “the adventure capital of Central Asia,” noting the region's ideal ski slopes, accessibility and cultural diversity. The publication paid special attention to traditions, such as living in yurts, national cuisine, which complements the overall impression of the trip. It also emphasized the accessibility of the resort thanks to the new international airport, which makes traveling much easier for foreign visitors.
The Financial Times ranked Kyrgyzstan among the top 50 best vacation destinations, particularly highlighting the At-Bashy region with its spectacular scenery and traditional recreational activities such as horseback riding trails. Author Eric Kendall emphasized the unique nature and hospitality culture that make Kyrgyzstan attractive to tourists looking for unusual destinations.
These achievements confirm that Kyrgyzstan has a huge potential for tourism development, including winter tourism. Unique natural conditions, culture and traditions create an attractive climate for international travelers. However, to consolidate success, a number of challenges need to be addressed: improving infrastructure, increasing information accessibility and adapting to climate change.
What will make Kyrgyzstan's winter tourism globally competitive?
To compete with the world's leading resorts such as Chamonix, Courchevel, Zermatt or St. Moritz, Kyrgyzstan will have to address several key challenges.
Tourism expert Mars Cherikchiev believes that the basis for attracting tourists is quality infrastructure and logistics. “The opening of a new airport in Karakol and the development of logistics will give a powerful boost to winter tourism. However, we must remember that neighboring countries are also actively developing this direction. Therefore, it is necessary not to lag behind, but to increase the pace. It is important to strengthen the information campaign so that the world learns about Kyrgyzstan's tourism potential,” he said.
Another expert, Maksat Chaki, emphasized that winter tourism should be seen as an elitist form of recreation: “Now tourists spend only a day at our resorts, but that's not enough. We need full-fledged resorts with quality slopes, hotels of all categories, restaurants, spa complexes and entertainment centers. This is the only way we will be able to attract wealthy guests and create a sustainable tourism industry”.
He also warns of the need to take climate change into account. In his opinion, warming in the region reduces the amount of snow in the foothills, forcing the tour business to look for new locations in the highlands, where other difficulties arise: oxygen starvation and extreme conditions.
The Three Peaks project is the pinnacle of winter tourism in the region.
The Three Peaks project, realized in cooperation between the state and private investors, inspires special hope. This ski cluster will become a unique platform for elite winter recreation.
“The resort will include modern slopes, elevators, hotels of various categories, restaurants, spas and ethno-town. Relief features and artificial snow-making systems will allow to extend the season from October to April”, Director of the Kyrgyz Courchevel State Enterprise Zharkynbek Maksutov noted.
The project is designed for year-round operation: hiking trails, bicycle paths, gastronomic festivals and cultural events will attract tourists even outside the winter season.
State support for tourism infrastructure
In December, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Program of Sustainable Tourism Development until 2030, which includes modernization of the transport system, introduction of green technologies, creation of unique routes, improvement of security and digitalization of services.
By 2030, Kyrgyzstan plans to enter the top 50 countries according to the Tourism Competitiveness Index, increase the share of tourism in GDP to 7% and achieve an annual growth in the number of tourists by 10%.
In 2024, tourism revenues reached $807.7 million, which demonstrates the growing interest of foreign visitors.
The combination of unique nature, ambitious projects and government support creates a solid foundation for the growth of winter tourism in Kyrgyzstan. The country has every chance to become the leader of winter tourism in Central Asia and to reach the international level.
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