Exploring Kyrgyzstan - The Last Soviet Corner in Central Asia

Nestled in the heart of Central Asia lies a hidden gem: Kyrgyzstan. This enchanting country boasts stunning mountain ranges, shimmering alpine lakes, and a rich nomadic culture that spans centuries. But what truly sets Kyrgyzstan apart is its fascinating Soviet past, which is still visible in the many relics and artifacts that dot the landscape. From grandiose Soviet-era monuments to the stark, utilitarian architecture of the city centers, Kyrgyzstan offers a unique window into a bygone era.
Me and my friend Andrew went to Kyrgyzstan for several days to explore local culture and to find hidden soviet gems.
Timecods:
00:00 - What Kyrgyzstan is
00:51 - Burana tower - one of the oldest constructions in Cetral Asia
01:58 - The road to lake Issyk-Kul
02:58 - Yurt camp
04:19 - Interviewing a local Kyrgyz
05:19 - Unfinished cultural center
06:13 - Kyrgyz song
06:53 - Yuri Gagarin statue in the middle of nowhere
08:07 - Fairytale canyon
09:06 - Lake Issyk-Kul
10:24 - Exploring abandoned Soviet pioneer camp
14:06 - Bishkek
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My Instagram: @vagafuckabond
Andrew's Instagram: @andrewakashsmith

[@13donstalos]

Dude that driver singing had me rolling. It was funny when he abruptly stopped and was like, "That's it"

[@Bosolevu]

I was in Kyrgyzstan 2 months ago. Absolutely loved it.

[@user-kc5hg4fe8y]

These videos are my new favourite thing on the internet. I love the scenery and seeing parts of the world I have never thought of. To be honest I am only commenting to stay thank you and stay safe. Not just in your dangerous travels but in the current political situation. Thank you for your work.

[@deadstarlondon]

Kyrgyzstan is not dangerous capital city is safer than London. Only dangerous but is the roads😂

[@MeliNosenoskaya]

Your videos combine several things in an entertaining and original way: adventure, history, culture, tourism, and industrial and human landscapes. Great channel.

[@isadsales]

Nature in Central Asia seems to be very beautiful

[@bwkktur]

in Kyrgyzstan especially

[@user07348]

most of Central Asia is just desert/steppes, only Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are very mountainous

[@RAYRICHARDRAYRICHARD-ck4wy]

That true

[@Triadii]

Usually when people visit a country, they just go to the capital city only, You sir, visit the rural places as well!! 👍🏻💪🏻Absolutely the best, you show us so many interesting things about this country, I would Like to visit Kyrgyzstan in time. Top video Vagabond

[@JR-ck4ky]

ঊ

[@JR-ck4ky]

মম ড়

[@D34DCOOL]

Man, you’re living a dream I’ll never be able to really follow through. Thanks for the content. It’s such a treat to my soul tbh.

[@cecilyt006]

Bro, your videos are EPIC. Sending love from Canada.

[@arturpelikan5435]

Lake Issyk-Kul has the same vibe like Baikal. I was at Baikal on march 2019, so everywhere were winter scenery with frozen lake (i was there because i ran marathon on Baikal) but you have lake on the middle and a lot of beautiful natural landscapes with mountains around it. I love this eastern post-soviet vibes, landscapes etc. Greetings from Poland!

[@TheGreatCatsby-pd2tt]

Lake Issyk-Kul does not freeze in winter. And it is also a little salty, unlike Lake Baikal. And the climate is milder and warmer, unlike the Siberian Baikal.

[@deadstarlondon]

@@TheGreatCatsby-pd2tt higher mountains and better food also😂

[@TheGreatCatsby-pd2tt]

@@deadstarlondon How could I have overlooked this? Thanks for the tip.

[@JoeBlow-yo4vx]

most under rated country in world

[@deadstarlondon]

1000%

[@filliteast]

It's like an alien's fairy tale

[@sundancer77]

just this week i first time ever met a guy who often goes to kyrgyzstan, told me a lot and showed some photos of this country about which i had known only the tame fact that it actually exists. and bang, here is a Vagabond video on this country presenting some of the very same stuff. thanks! and good to know you're well. have fun wherever you are.

[@webluke]

Looks a lot like Colorado or Utah in the USA. The mountains and high deserts look a lot alike. Thanks for sharing your visit.

[@13donstalos]

Great video. Your channel is great because you're the only guy on here who travels to lesser known places. I would never have thought to be interested in such a place as this without your video. Keep it up brother.

[@rodolfocaires9613]

Actually, there's many other people travelling to these lesser know places, such as Bald and Bankrupt channel.

[@Chasworth]

And dave le genda

[@davidsteinhour5562]

We have very similar terrain here in southern Utah, USA. 8:48 thanks so much for your excellent videos.

[@benpeltola1364]

I was about to comment that as well, this footage reminds me of Utah. Neither region's rivers flow to the sea, they're otherworldly in that way.

[@UristMcFarmer]

If a Russian says the water is cold, that water is COLD.

[@LloydTaray-bt7ho]

Yeah

[@mariozd971]

There is black sea region in Russia, there is warm climate

[@jochemb.1748]

Hi Vagabond, good to hear from you again, knowing now that you're well! But I wished your videos wouldn't end so abruptly🤗

[@Triadii]

Abrupt ending might mean that part 2 is coming!

[@nickfasfasd]

Time is money, it seems. 😀

[@ashleyupshall7641]

Great vid. Thanks for sharing interesting and well produced.

[@BushCampingTools]

The lake looked absolutely amazing!

[@xela001]

Super gemacht 🎉🎉 sehr schön. Bis zum nächsten Video 😅

[@mcg5404]

Great video mate 👍

[@travelabrupt]

Thanks bro love the place and the information on it

[@manu.yt25]

Great video, liked that you're not afraid to chat with locals

[@kyrgyz4768]

Он сним говарить на русском языке😂

[@natsukashiistory]

The murals in the pioneer camp are soooo cute. Thank you for finding them ^-^ Even lost and forgotten, they are still staying happy and colorful, just in case they can someday brighten someone's day ♪

[@fratercontenduntocculta8161]

Yeah! A country I've been to personally! I was in the Army being deployed to Afghanistan and we stayed at the Airport in Manas for a week. The 'Stans are my favorite part of the world as they're cultures and peoples are so unique.

[@gloryowner1970]

I used to live in Kyrgyzstan. I feel proud whenever I see people on youtube talk about it. I remember when I was a kid I was carrying a toy, dropped it at the road crossing, The woman walking behind me stepped on it and then stomped it out. Kyrgyz people think they are better than everyone else which is why if you are not a kyrgyz person you can't own a company there or be a policeman.

[@joebidet2050]

​@@gloryowner1970yeah I live in Bishkek I've never seen police man not kyrgyz Army maybe a few not kyrgyz but all men must go Sorry about your toy

[@gloryowner1970]

@@joebidet2050 I don't mean it like kyrgyz people are bad people it's just the 1 or 2 percent of them, I apologize for any misunderstanding because of the way I spell things out because I meant to write some but either I forgot to write that or Because I was thinking of something else. Don't trouble yourself

[@joebidet2050]

@@gloryowner1970 its OK I agree I wish most of them would win the American card lottery and go !

[@mandynewey7215]

Love watching your videos. Once hoped to visit these places but now travel vicariously through you. Keep them coming ❤👍

[@Banditt42]

Showing me places that I will never see in person. Thanks for the video.

[@user-mf6hb9kv4o]

МЕН КЫРГЫЗМЫН РАХМАТ ВИДЕЮ УЧУН🇰🇬🇰🇬🇰🇬🇰🇬🤝✊

[@olafjensen4508]

Thanks, very interesting. I would love to join you there.

[@Peter-MH]

Wow, amazing to see the Romanesque style building with statues on the roof! Many places you see this style of building around the world, but I think that’s the first time ever I see one with the statues - exactly like in ancient Roman times.

[@blessingsinthegray]

ayyy im from kyrgyzstan

[@knirbnosaj1158]

Fairytale Canyon is the only place outside of Bryce Canyon (southern Utah USA) I've seen those sandstone rock formations.

[@andyf10]

Very interesting and some amazing scenery

[@Triadii]

Finally someone visits it, thoroughly.

[@JanWillemdeGeest]

I really like what you do and I enjoy your presentations. Stay safe

[@RAYRICHARDRAYRICHARD-ck4wy]

That goo

[@alfromwork]

The mountain range seen on the horizon of the lake is unbelievably beautiful. If it weren’t for local despotism, Central Asia could have such an economic opportunity to showcase all of this!

[@user-sn3wj5xb2i]

Kyrgyzstan has reputation "island of democracy " in Central Asia

[@deadstarlondon]

It’s a democracy (all be it with its own issues) but far less corrupt than its neighbour including china. And is an amazing place for tourists year round. It’s ranked the same as England for the right to protest now as England was recently demoted.

[@DGatsby]

Very cool!

[@EcclesiastesLiker-py5ts]

Thank you, these videos teach me a lot about parts of the world I know little about,

[@robertclark5874]

Great Video! I plan to return to Kyrgyzstan this summer and will see some of your recommendations. There are so many wonderful places to see in this country! If you will be there longer, I recommend you to visit Enilchek, its a full abandoned city far into the mountains, and if you go to the end of the road and trek toward China you can reach the amazing Enilchek Glacier. I didn't go to the glacier before, I think you can solo-trek to it (and not pay for an expedition) but later in Summer as there is still too much snow at >3000m right now.

[@Bosolevu]

You are a very lucky man. I love your travelling style. It is unique.

[@e99g]

very cool video

[@Andrew_Erickson]

His singing is more powerful than the bumps in the road!

[@kobaltsteel6418]

Kyrgyzstan is very cool! Would love to visit for the nature stuff!

[@e99g]

Such an open ending. Wanna see more мой братан 👌

[@marcguilarte4291]

Thank you, I like the educational and cultural focus.

[@HiwasseeRiver]

Nice Yurt!

[@PkPvre]

amazing

[@kokomor_06]

An author says "hello world"(00:00): Programmers with flashbacks about their studiing times: 🦆

[@timurermolenko2013]

very nice!

[@snicket87]

Greetings from Brazil!!! Man I really like your channel, the approach you have on showing places and the unique locations you visit. If you happen to be passing by my country, give me a shout

[@hereandthere4751]

as a subscriber since 3k subs i am happy to see that its already 66k subs 🍻

[@alfromwork]

Love the Varlamov-inspired thumbnail!

[@chrislee3508]

Have a feeling this question things will get a lot of comments, but it doesn't matter, still love your video ❤

[@bodinjorgensen5364]

was nice nature I saw in this video I enjoyed it

[@facetoface3724]

Very beautiful country🤩

[@JG-vh6oy]

Huh, both you and Fearless Passport talking about Kyrgyzstan. Neat.

[@joepeach997]

You are the perfect fit for showing the world of how grateful many of us should be, how much we are all alike, but mostly how magical and amazing this place we call earth can be.

[@GeoBlackPro]

The top of the inside of the yurt (tent) as seen at 3:37 is also the mark at the Kyrgyz flag right? It's the same pattern.

[@lolmao3195]

Yep

[@julientihema4851]

The sanatorium where Gagarin stayed is not far from the memorium.

[@DaveyCrockett001]

Very excellent video - the only thing wrong is it could have been an hour longer. I realize that is difficult to do..

[@tama7026]

Xbox nation!!! Lets gooo!!!

[@kookookala6251]

Awesome video! Makes me want to move there. If I only could speak the language

[@grandson_0623]

I must ask, have you ever visited the United States? As an American I really want to travel to Russia to go to places like the ones you have gone to and see its beauty, both natural and industrial. Do you ever feel the same way about the US?

[@ivantrainsLIVE]

I've never been to the US because of visa difficulties.

[@timurermolenko2013]

I would love to go there one day

[@moskva_kotenok]

😳😳😳

[@ranjithperimpulavil2950]

I had heard Soviet Government had a plan to create great canals from Amur Darya river to make the Kara kum desert fertile fields. But before that Soviet Union collapsed.

[@BH-gh6qm]

hey mate. weird fact but the area on those old buildings between the top and the columns.. its called a "frieze". Also that mural at the end, pretty sure that wasnt just kyrgiz.. looked like a caucasian in there for sure.. also a blonde dude in a normal suit. im thinking its likely depicting all of the ethnicities from the soviet union.

[@r2gh44]

Vaga Bond best travel videos!!!

[@svonegov8199]

Can you say, what settlement you were in when visiting that Canyon?

[@Robutube1]

Fascinating as always. You (along with many, many others) call it a yurt. In Mongolia I was told that this is a hangover from the soviet days and not liked by local people who actually call the gers. Did you have such a discussion in Kyrgyzstan ?

[@ivantrainsLIVE]

Never. Even Kyrgyz called it a yurt.

[@Robutube1]

@@ivantrainsLIVE Thanks for the reply.

[@JoeBlow-yo4vx]

​@idk 😂🎉

[@JoeBlow-yo4vx]

​@idk 😊😂🎉

[@prostoname5338]

@@Robutube1 as a Kazakh, we call it yurt as well,it might be the case that mongols don’t like Soviet generalisation. Or, I won’t be surprised if we are just unaware of our pre modern names, because half of so called “traditions” were invented or popularised among masses by soviets.

[@yourinho6182]

Great videos! Thnx, looks a lot like bald and bankrupt 😝. And your English is very good to follow

[@redtobertshateshandles]

That guy knows what to say. I support , ....

[@user-bv4wj7fb2l]

✊

[@closetoyourheart]

I love your accent..

[@tatarcavalry2342]

Turkic speaking languages having Armenian got me rolling ngl

[@random22026]

Why two monuments to Yuri Gagarin? Was he born in this region? 🤔 12:24 This looks like the entrance to an American school, actually! 😊😊 Wonderful episode! 😌😌

[@TheGreatCatsby-pd2tt]

He was resting on Issyk-Kul. Kind of.

[@deadstarlondon]

Soviet and now Russia-an soft powere propaganda. They renamed most thinks in Kyrgyzstan with soviet names also. But they are slowly changing them back.

[@TheGreatCatsby-pd2tt]

@@deadstarlondon Many names of towns and villages did not have Kyrgyz names. Because they were built by the Russians.

[@deadstarlondon]

@@TheGreatCatsby-pd2tt which ones? Bishkek wash very small and renamed Frunze during Soviet Union then renamed Bishkek but was mostly built by Russians but already existed. Karakol already existed and was renamed Przhevalsk by Russians and then became karakol again…….Osh is more than 3000 years old…….and I can’t think of any that have Russian names now. I was referring to districts and streets in Bishkek, which there is a big push to rename.

[@random22026]

@@deadstarlondon Ah, got it: the 'Rename Game', being played by countries, for centuries. 'Miracle' status to any city, town or village which has retained its name for eons.

[@alperencelik5098]

Are you going to make a Turkey video?

[@damirbajramovic5416]

Hvala na Klipu Pozdrav iz Bosne 🇧🇦 Sarajevo 🤚

[@SuperSy99]

Omg baby

[@CharliePamula]

The top of the yute inside looks like the nations flag.

[@nicholasharvey1232]

0:44 There are official statues for the Russian and Kyrgyz languages? I wonder what they look like.

[@TafferBoyElvis]

Some people might respond to questions differently when they are on camera and fear reprisal. The question you asked the gentleman is such a question. I have a position for my answer to your question, but would not want it posted on the internet for Mr. P to see. I've frequently flown over countries that I may disagree with their policies, and wouldn't want to have emergency landing where I would be at their disposal to do as they please to someone who dared to show their opinion. I love your videos and the way you interact with the world. Thank you for showing the good side of places we don't know about.

[@Dudsgon]

Yeah the driver guy probably thought he's from KGB or something and freaked out

[@upulpriyanthagunasekara4387]

Where is Kurkuveu Su village ?

[@MusicalRadiation]

5:08 this guy was like 'shit, I'm asked this question by a Russian'. He gave the answer that would have kept him safe in the Soviet Union

[@ge2623]

How much $US was the Yurt?

[@user-wk4rt8zf5d]

Бро, медуза это jellyfish

[@latinmaleaz]

what does the name of the country means? I am hoping to be chosen to go to KG to be an English teacher for 2 yrs

[@ivantrainsLIVE]

It means "the land of Kyrgyz"

[@janoschp2865]

In a few weeks i am visiting KG, my turkish is almost very good. Do they can understand turkish?

[@deadstarlondon]

Sort of and you will sort of understand Kyrgyz but there may be some issues. Don’t call men janim 😂

[@FlyingMrMuh]

6:30 didnt know system of a down is considered a Kyrgyz classic

[@cv507]

6:40 genesys ^^

[@marinavlady6922]

The snipers remind me of Maidan in Ukraine, everywhere the same.

[@felipeduartebalocco3089]

Can you travel on your own there? I've been hearing that the only way to travel around there is by guides

[@deadstarlondon]

No can travel alone. It’s one of safest places in world for tourists surprisingly. Except for the roads which are crazy.

[@felipeduartebalocco3089]

@@deadstarlondon what is the best way to travel inside there? Train? Bus? I have a ticket to go in October

[@kyrgyz4768]

​@@felipeduartebalocco3089 здравствуйте я из Кыргызстана сверху что сказал я не знаю у нас безопасность на высшем уровне туристов тут очень хорошо относится люди добрые от вас не чего не хотят Кыргызстан это не Афганистан у нас ежегодно до 10милон туристы посвещается всё отлично не бойтесь основные туристы у нас Автостопом

[@kyrgyz4768]

​@@deadstarlondon вы были у нас говорите самый опасный страны я удивляюсь откуда вы взяли это информация я думаю Лондон 1000 раз опасно чем целый Кыргызстан ты например не сможете по ночами гулять одиночку вас просто убивает забирает зубы😂😂

[@deadstarlondon]

@@kyrgyz4768 Вы неправильно поняли мой комментарий, досум. Бишкек безопаснее Лондона. В целом Кыргызстан безопаснее Великобритании. Не считая дорог. Да, я был, я живу в Бишкеке))

[@erturtemirbaev5207]

Вы были на юге страны?

[@ivantrainsLIVE]

Не был.

[@erturtemirbaev5207]

@@ivantrainsLIVE вам надо посетить юг страны. Там совсем по-другому.

[@prismpyre7653]

idk Turkmenistan still seems to use a lot of the soviet aesthetic and methodology, no?

[@nickfasfasd]

"Disgusting" - a new favourite word? 😀

[@StanP457]

Слишком быстрый монтаж; а так лайк однозначно

[@planje4740]

- то је пријатан народ и лијепа држава

[@joukonsson1872]

Altought i have some biases against russians and their supporters because the war, i also find all these rural russiam and neighbouring countries extremely intresting

[@13donstalos]

Babe, wake up... Vagabond posted...

[@aresanima9966]

5:08 ...Блин, Как житель Иссык Куля это печально...Он даже аргументировать не может. А потом говорят почему молодежь уезжают их страны.. всё равно спасибо)

[@user-qj6xs4cv6c]

ты запомни он кыргыз не русский, ему тоже трудно сказать причины его поддерживания россии.У нас никогда небыло проблем с русскими и у нас хорошие отношения с русскими людьми.Это в ихней крови поддерживать стране они преданы и тот дед родился во времён СССР

[@norte80110]

Bro

[@wilburwood8261]

SPORCLERS❓❓❓