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Kyrgyzstan, the landlocked Central Asian country with celestial mountains, fresh air, pure water and comfortable climate is a new destination to be explored in this new post-pandemic era, as The Department of Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic has opened its office in India by signing an agreement with Salvia Promoters. The two partners set out on a series of Kyrgyz Republic Roadshows in India this week.
Ms Elena Kalashnikova, The President, Tourism Development Support Fund of the Kyrgyz Republic, said at the roadshow in Mumbai on Tuesday: “I am sure this is the starting point of friendships between the Kyrgyz and Indian nations that will withstand a long time. And tourism is a gateway for the win-win collaboration for multiple effects on sustainable development of many other sectors of the economy. You are cordially welcome to visit us and share our values of being happy.”
Traditional nomadic culture, unique topographic features and unspoilt nature of this ancient civilisation makes it an intriguingly fresh destination. Aero Nomad connects New Delhi and Kyrgyz capital Bishkek with twice weekly flights.
Prashant Chaudhary, Managing Director, Salvia Promoters, said, “Kyrgyzstan has untapped potential and is a fantastic short- haul destination with just a 2 and half hour flight journey from New Delhi.  Aero Nomad is planning to start a daily flight to Delhi and also to Mumbai in a year’s time. Kyrgyz is a country of art and culture and has 80 percent of the land covered with pristine mountains. On top of these is the Issyk Kul, world’s second deepest lake.” At 668 meters, the lake offers a touch of beach experience. The lake, literally meaning ‘warm’, doesn’t get frozen during winters. Another, Son-Kul lake, is situated 3000 meters above sea level and draws visitors from around the world to its beautiful yurt camps that offer a glimpse into mountain traditions of Kyrgyz nomadic culture.
Summer is the best time to travel when cycling, rafting, hiking and sightseeing can be enjoyed. Snow and ski enthusiasts can visit during winters. Currently 4-day itineraries are popular with visitors to Kyrgyzstan, which surprisingly boasts of a buzzing nightlife.
Jay Bhatia, Vice President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), said: “This is a fantastic destination with happy people and I am sure that my trade partners are as tempted to sell many tours to Kyrgyzstan, as I am. I would like to re-iterate TAAI’s commitment to partner Kyrgyz Tourism in conducting their roadshows across major Indian cities.”
25000 Indians visited Kyrgyzstan in 2019 and 50,000 visitors are targeted for 2023. Salvia VFS, a subsidiary of Salvia Promoters, is the official visa processing centre for Kyrgyz Republic in India.
Mr Bakyt Kazakbaev, a businessman from Kyrgyz Republic, who accompanied the visiting delegation, said: “Secure environment, time difference of just half an hour with India, small population of 5 million, no traffic jams, fresh air and wild nature that’s just a few kilometres from cities and half European and half Asian combination of Kyrgyzstan will make our beautiful mountainous country an interesting new destination for Indian travel trade to package.”
Travellers can get a hassle-free visa to Kyrgyzstan within seven days and no RTPCR is required to enter this ancient destination related to silk route history.
Written by Madhura Katti