But Wait—There's More
Find other great ideas in these related stories:
- The Best New Hotels with Great Food ›
- The Best New Hotels of 2013 ›
- Go Bananas for Asia's Adorable Monkeys ›
- 12 Stunning Asian Stupas ›
- Top Islands in the World ›
- Romantic Travel Spots Off the Beaten Path ›
- The Most Colorful Cities ›
- The Platinum Circle ›
- Must-See Christmas Trees Around the World ›
- Madrid's Best Restaurants and Bars ›
- Go Irish in Boston ›
Kyrgyzstan
In 2010, the adrenaline addict's ultimate prize will be Kyrgyzstan, the thrill-a-minute nation known as the Switzerland of Central Asia. If it's short on vowels (pronounce it "KERG-i-stan"), it's long on adventures: heli-skiing the virgin snowy peaks of the Tian Shan mountains (pictured), riding rugged Kyrgyz horses along the ravines and lakes of the ancient Silk Route, bunking down in a traditional yurt after a hearty meal (and a glass of the fierce local vodka) around a horse-dung fire pit. The truly intrepid can watch—or even join—a game of ulak, Kyrgyzstan's most popular sport, a less genteel version of polo in which the head of a goat is used in lieu of a ball. After all those daring exploits, soak your muscles in the pool at the Hyatt Regency in Bishkek, the capital, while overlooking the very mountains you just conquered. Book your trip through U.K.-based outfitters Black Tomato, which can navigate Kyrgyzstan's considerable logistical challenges and take you off the beaten track to some of its most spectacular scenery.
RSS Feeds