Kyrgyzstan is by far the most interesting country in central Asia but its hidden charms are little known as yet. More than 80 mammals, over 380 kinds of birds and numerous other animals plus a huge variety of plants are represented amongst the world's largest relic nut forests and the unique Tien-Shan firs. Many of our plants are still used for medicinal purposes.

The republic's geography is extremely varied: you can travel from semi-desert to lush Alpine meadows in less than one hour. Colourful, often Grand Canyon-like scenery with many minerals and stones - cyenite, marble, onyx and celenite to name but a few - reflect glacial, water and wind influence and a complex, "young" geology of outstanding interest.