Kyrgyz First Lady's Mountain Journey Inspires National Pride and Reflection

Kyrgyzstan’s First Lady Aigul Japarova has shared a personal reflection and a series of photographs from her recent journey to Lake Kel-Suu, one of the country’s most scenic alpine destinations.

Posting on Facebook, Japarova noted that while she and her companions did not climb Mount Everest, they were fortunate to visit Kel-Suu, Kol-Tor, and Song-Kol lakes - each a symbol of Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

“This year, two Kyrgyz women reached the summit of Everest - an extraordinary feat requiring immense strength, willpower, and faith,” she wrote. “Though we did not make such a climb, being in these mountains fills the soul no less.”

The first lady emphasized the deep cultural and emotional connection Kyrgyz people share with their mountainous homeland, pointing out that 94 per cent of the country’s territory is mountainous.

“As a Kyrgyz woman, I feel a unique connection to these landscapes,” she said. “The mountains are not just part of nature - they are part of who we are. I urge everyone to explore these places, to feel the energy of the mountains, to gaze into lakes that mirror the sky, and to remember how breathtakingly beautiful our country is.”

Japarova also paid tribute to the resilience of people living in these high-altitude, remote areas - particularly the women. “Despite the harsh climate and isolation, they work every day with incredible devotion, strength, and love for their land,” she said.