Kyrgyzstan is a small but fascinating country located in Central Asia. Known for its natural beauty including mountains, lakes and forests, Kyrgyzstan has a rich history and culture.
In this article, you will find 30 challenging riddles about different aspects of Kyrgyzstan, followed by the answers. Some riddles focus on Kyrgyz geography, others on history or culture. See how many you can get right!
Geography Riddles
Riddle 1
I’m a large lake located in northern Kyrgyzstan. I’m over 1,700 meters above sea level, making me one of the largest high altitude lakes in the world. I’m an important habitat for many bird species. What lake am I?
Answer: Issyk-Kul Lake
Riddle 2
We’re a mountain range that forms part of the northern border between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. We contain the highest point in Kyrgyzstan, as well as many glaciers. What famous mountain range are we?
Answer: Tian Shan Mountains
Riddle 3
I’m a city situated on the western bank Issyk-Kul lake. I’m one of Kyrgyzstan’s main cultural hubs, and a popular resort area due to the nearby lake and mountains. What city am I?
Answer: Karakol
History Riddles
Riddle 4
We are an ancient group of nomadic warriors who united the various Turkic tribes during the 6th century AD. Our confederation ruled land that touched both Europe and Asia. Who are we?
Answer: Göktürks
Riddle 5
We are a legendary city along the ancient Silk Road that connected China with the Mediterranean. Some believe we were located in what is now Kyrgyzstan. According to legend, we displayed the luxury items traded along the ancient trade route. What lost city are we?
Answer: Suyab
Riddle 6
I’m an 8th century king credited with uniting the early Kyrgyz tribes into a single state. My dynasty, the Qarakhanids, ruled for several centuries before the arrival of Genghis Khan. Who am I?
Answer: Bilge Kagan
Cultural Riddles
Riddle 7
I’m a traditional Kyrgyz dwelling made of wood and felt. I’m designed to be disassembled and transported easily, which made me popular with ancient nomadic tribes on the Central Asian steppes. What type of dwelling am I?
Answer: Yurt
Riddle 8
We are an epic trilogy of oral poems first recorded in writing in the 16th century. We recount the mythical story of Manas and his descendants, providing insights into traditional Kyrgyz culture and spiritual beliefs. What famous Kyrgyz work are we?
Answer: Epic of Manas
Riddle 9
I’m a traditional stringed instrument popular in Kyrgyz music. I have three strings and am made out of wood, with camel or horse hair used to play me. Shaped like a wing or teardrop, what instrument am I?
Answer: Komuz
Miscellaneous Riddles
Riddle 10
I’m the national currency of Kyrgyzstan. Introduced in May 1993 following independence from the Soviet Union, I replaced the Soviet ruble. What am I called?
Answer: Som
Riddle 11
We’re a mountain pass located in the Tian Shan mountains. At 3,752 meters altitude, we’re one of the highest mountain passes in Kyrgyzstan. For centuries, we were part of the Silk Road route through Central Asia. What historic mountain pass are we?
Answer: Torugart Pass
Riddle 12
I’m a breed of fast, hardy mountain horse developed by the people of Kyrgyzstan. My name comes from my stamina and surefootedness over steep mountain passes. What horse breed am I?
Answer: Kyrgyz Horse
Food Riddles
Riddle 13
I’m a popular Kyrgyz soup made from lamb and an abundance of vegetables. My name translates to simply “watery soup.” What traditional dish am I?
Answer: Shorpo
Riddle 14
I’m a deep-fried donut-like pastry served with tea or coffee in Kyrgyz cuisine. My name indicates something that was fried quickly. What sweet treat am I?
Answer: Boorsoq
Riddle 15
We’re a Kyrgyz noodle dish made with hand-pulled noodles served in a meat broth often flavored with spices. Our name means “hand-pulled noodles” in the Kyrgyz language. What typical noodle dish are we?
Answer: Beshparmak
Cities and Towns Riddles
Riddle 16
I’m the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan, located in the fertile Chuy Valley in the northern part of the country. I’ve served as the capital of Kyrgyzstan twice in history. What city am I?
Answer: Tokmok
Riddle 17
I’m a city in Southern Kyrgyzstan located along an ancient Silk Road trade route. I feature the remains of a medieval caravanserai and fortress that once protected traders as they stopped to rest along their journey. What town am I?
Answer: Osh
Riddle 18
I’m a small town located along the Chong Kemin River valley. I’m famous for my nearby hot springs that are renowned for their healing mineral waters. What Kyrgyz town am I?
Answer: Cholpon-Ata
Animals and Nature Riddles
Riddle 19
I’m the state symbol of Kyrgyzstan, featured on the coat of arms. With a long, golden mane and tail, I represent the cherished values of independence and pride. What animal am I?
Answer: Golden Eagle
Riddle 20
I’m a wild mountain goat native to the Tian Shan mountain range of Kyrgyzstan. Known for my giant spiraling horns, I’m a highly prized game animal, but hunting me is banned in Kyrgyzstan. What animal am I?
Answer: Marco Polo Argali
Riddle 21
I’m one of the largest mountain lakes in the world, situated in the eastern part of Kyrgyzstan. Formed by ancient glaciers, I contain rare species of fish found nowhere else on earth. What am I called?
Answer: Song-Kul Lake
Recent history riddles
Riddle 22
I’m an important political figure who came to power in Kyrgyzstan during the 2005 Tulip Revolution. I served as President from 2005 until 2010 overseeing democratic reforms. Who am I?
Answer: Kurmanbek Bakiyev
Riddle 23
I’m a popular uprising that took place in 2010 against President Bakiyev for failure to alleviate economic conditions in Kyrgyzstan. I led to Bakiyev fleeing the country and resigning from office. What am I called?
Answer: 2010 Kyrgyz Revolution
Riddle 24
I am Kyrgyzstan’s current president, having taken office in 2017 after winning a democratic election with 54.7% of the vote. Who am I?
Answer: Sooronbay Jeenbekov
Literature Riddles
Riddle 25
I’m an early 20th-century Kyrgyz novelist and poet considered one of the founders of modern Kyrgyz literature. My best-known work, a 1916 novel titled “Issyk-Kul, is a lyrical prose poem dedicated to the lake of the same name. Who am I?
Answer: Arstanbek Buuarylov
Riddle 26
I’m a contemporary female novelist and poet from Kyrgyzstan. My short novel “Do Not Lick This Painting” received the 2009 Russian Booker Prize. Who am I?
Answer: Aynura Kozmanova
Riddle 27
I’m a Kyrgyz journalist imprisoned under authoritarian regimes because my writings promoted democracy and condemned corruption. I was awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize in 2015 while still behind bars. Who am I?
Answer: Azimjon Askarov
Arts and Culture Riddles
Riddle 28
I’m a traditional equestrian game still played as a popular sport in Kyrgyzstan today. Sometimes referred to as “Kokpar,” I involve two teams competing to place a headless goat carcass in a goal. I test horsemanship and strength. What game am I?
Answer: Buzkashi
Riddle 29
I’m a form of traditional improvised oral poetry that involves a competition between two poets to create witty verses. I’m performed in Kyrgyzstan at festivals and important occasions. What type of poetry am I?
Answer: Aitysh
Riddle 30
I’m a traditional ornamented pattern used in Kyrgyz textiles and handicrafts. Usually featuring intricate geometric designs that represent cultural symbols, I’m used on wall hangings, clothing and ceremonial horse blankets. What am I called?
Answer: Ornek
Conclusion
How’d you do? Kyrgyzstan has a rich culture and history that deserves more appreciation. These riddles hopefully provided some insights and introduced you to new aspects of this Central Asian country. Understanding a foreign place begins by learning about its iconic landmarks, historical events, cultural traditions and natural treasures that its people deeply value. What fact about Kyrgyzstan was most interesting to you? Let us know in the comments!
