Kyrgyzstan is often called “the Switzerland of Central Asia”. Wondering why this strange moniker?

Well, not for its secretive banking sector. Nor for its high GDP and stable currency. And not for its yodelling. Nor for its cuckoo clocks or practical pocket knives.

No, Kyrgyzstan is compared to Switzerland because it is landlocked and mountainous. Really, really mountainous. And since you’re probably more familiar with Switzerland than Kyrgyzstan, let’s use it as a benchmark.

Switzerland’s highest peak is Monte Rosa, at a dizzying 4600 meters. But Kyrgyzstan’s highest, Jengish Chokusu, would squint down at little Monte Rosa. It’s stupefying peak is nearly 2km higher.

Both countries are covered with mountain ranges. As a result, Switzerland has just 22% of its land classified as arable. Meanwhile the almost entirely mountainous Kyrgyzstan has just 7% arable land. There aren’t many farmers.

And while Switzerland has dozens of peaks over 4000 metres, Kyrgyzstan has dozens over 6000 metres. Switzerland’s highest mountains, if placed around Kyrgyzstan’s, would be quaint foothills (aided by the occasional lederhosen-clad Ricola-sucking yodeller).

Enough facts; on with the photographs! Here are some panoramas from the valleys, meadows and mountain-towns I visited.  Enjoy the view,

-Mike

[Please do yourself a favour: Click images to make full-screen, and use the arrow keys to move between photos] 

Trekking, within a day's reach of the capital Bishkek

Wild geology and lush alpine meadows of Jeti Oguz valley, Karakol

What happens when a landslide follows an avalanche. (something resembling an Oreo)

The end of what Lonely Planet calls "contender for the world's worst navigable road."

Trekking up the Karakol Valley

I spent 3 days living in the simple lodge (centre) without electricity or plumbing, hiking by day and hearing stories from Valentin the legendary owner by night.

Driving between Kyrgyzstan's two largest cities you cross two dangerous, snow-swept mountain passes (3600 and 3200 metres). Then the landscape opens up into this.

At the very end of a seemingly-endless valley: The near-mythical town of Arslanbob.

 [Curious for more about the ‘Stans? Find stories of archer warfare, invented nationalities, and Soviet collapse in my other posts from Central Asia]