Kyrgyzstan is usually just a stop off point when travelling from Uzbekistan to China. Although it lacks ancient monuments, it does have tremendous diversity when it comes to its natural landscape and it is a fine place to trek or ride if you want to get away from the crowds.

From the majestic ice covered mountains of the Pamirs in the east to the more sedate, but equally beautiful, mountains of the Ala-Too range just two hours drive from Bishkek, the capital, the high mountain pastures are home to huge numbers of alpine flowers. Narrow valleys are filled with torrents of milky white water and you can see Ibex scrambling over scree-covered slopes and wild turkey flying overhead. An interesting way to access these mountain secrets is by helicopter, perhaps stopping off for a picnic lunch by a crystal clear mountain lake.