Kyrgyzstan, officially the Kyrgyz Republic, formerly known as Kirghizia, is a landlocked country located in Central Asia. Landlocked and mountainous, Kyrgyzstan is a country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions. It has the most liberal tourist visa policy in Central Asia and one of the more progressive post-Soviet governments in the region. In a country where the vast majority of attractions are rural and high altitude, it is the gateway of choice for many travellers in Central Asia. Summer is ideal with hikes and roads generally accessible.