Latest news with #KNT
The National
4 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Watch: Ex-Celtic man nets to send country to 2026 World Cup
Myung-Bo Hong's side took on Iraq away from home as they secured their place at the tournament, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer. Read more: Oh started on the bench and was introduced at the hour mark. Three minutes later, South Korea took the lead through Jin-Gyu Kim, who was brought on at the break. Ex-Celtic man Oh then sealed the victory with eight minutes remaining, firing home, first-time, from inside the box after a fine low cross. Oh Hyeon-gyu scores his 3rd goal in 5 games to push the KNT lead to 2 and all but seal Korea's 11th WORLD CUP qualification! Jeon Jin-woo debuts for the KNT with an assist! 🫡🇰🇷#오현규 #krcgenk — Joel Kim (@KNTFootball) June 5, 2025 Current Parkhead winger Yang Hyun-jun was an unused substitute in the match. His old teammate, Oh, spent a year and a half in Glasgow's east end, making 47 appearances across all competitions. He was sold to Genk last summer and has found his feet with the Belgian top-flight outfit, scoring 12 times in 41 games. Brought to Celtic by Ange Postecoglou to replace Giorgos Giakoumakis, the 24-year-old never really got going in green and white. His strike against Iraq on Friday was only his third for his country. Up top, Adam Idah is the sole recognised striker currently at Celtic. Brendan Rodgers' desire to sign a new number nine in January following Kyogo Furuhashi's exit was apparent. His wish wasn't granted, though, and Daizen Maeda, rather successfully, was utilised as a striker in the second half of last season. The Scottish Premiership champions have reportedly put a £21 million valuation on his services ahead of the summer transfer window.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Central Asia's longest hiking trail is expanding by over 600 miles - here's how to check it out for yourself
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. When you think of hiking destinations, Kyrgyzstan probably isn't one of the first places to come to mind. But, perhaps it should be. This little-visited nation now boasts the largest hiking trail in Central Asia, and it's only getting bigger. By the end of this summer, the 1,243-mile (2,000km) Kyrgyz Nomad trail will be more than 600 miles (966km) longer, passing more ancient glaciers and iconic peaks. Launched in 2024, this mammoth trail aims to entice trekkers to Kyrgyzstan with miles of unspoilt wilderness and breathtaking natural beauty. It connects 18 long-distance treks and passes through multiple states (oblasts) as hikers travel from north to east or vice versa. Kyrgyzstani authorities are now expanding the trail to offer visitors even more opportunities to explore. Nine new long-distance sections will branch off from the main trail in the historic Arpa Valley. The new routes pass through the alpine valleys and high-altitude villages of the Tien Shen and Pamir mountains, where you're likely to encounter locals who rely on hiking tourism for their income. Marc Foggin, CEO of the Plateau Perspectives charity which supports mountain locals, told National Geographic: "Beyond all the extraordinary landscapes and the natural and cultural heritage that a long-distance trail such as KNT can open up for travelers; it can, and should, also serve the interests of the local mountain communities." The Kyrgyz Nomad Trail isn't for inexperienced hikers. Aside from the hundreds of miles of rugged wilderness, there aren't any companies that offer guided tours of the full trail, so you'll have to do a lot of the planning for yourself. There are seldom direct flights from the US or Western Europe to Kyrgyzstan, so you may have to stop off at a nearby country or two on the way. The good news is that you probably won't need a visa, as visitors from the US, Canada, the EU, and the UK can visit without one for up to 60 days. Public transportation in rural Kyrgyzstan is very limited, so you'll have to hire private transportation to the trailhead in the Chatkal Valley. The best time of year to visit is from June to September, when weather conditions are warm enough to trek comfortably. It's likely to be hot, so make sure to prepare well in advance with the right clothing and plenty of water. You'll also need a dependable backcountry tent. A mountain-ready model like Alpkit Jaran 3 is durable enough to fend off the elements without weighing you down while you trek. A great pair of hiking boots, like the La Sportiva TX5 GTX, is also a must. These sturdy backpacking boots offer plenty of protection and sizable lugs to keep you upright on uneven terrain. For more backpacking advice, check out our expert guide. The best hiking shorts: tested and rated for summer adventures The best hiking pants: don't let winter slow you down with our top trail trousers
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
What to know about Kyrgyzstan's new Nomad Trail—the longest hiking trail in Central Asia
Adventurous hikers now have access to see a different side of Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz Nomad Trail (KNT) is a 1,243-mile (2,000-kilometer) long-distance hiking trail in northern and eastern Kyrgyzstan, which make it the longest trail network in Central Asia. Launched in June 2024, the KNT—a network of 18 marked sections—runs west to east passing through states (oblasts) such as Jalal-Abad, Naryn, and Issyk-Kul. Along the trail, hikers also experience the beauty of Kyrgyzstan firsthand with natural landmarks such as Ala-Köl, a lake located in the Terskey Alatoo mountain range in the Issyk-Kul region, and the Engilchek Glacier, the sixth longest non-polar glacier in the world. Tourists and locals regularly visit the region's popular destinations like the alpine lake Kel-Suu and Tash Rabat, a well-preserved, 15th-century Silk Road-era caravanserai or roadside inn where travelers and merchants crossing the mountains would stay overnight. Yuval Yellin, one of the world explorers responsible for creating the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail, believes the trail plays an important role in luring hikers and tourists away from the country's most popular routes and drawing them to lesser-known areas. '[The Kyrgyz Nomad Trail] allows visitors to reach a much wider range of locations and communities around Kyrgyzstan and alleviate some of the pressure from the few and very popular places being visited today,' he says. (Related: The big trip: how to plan the ultimate Silk Road adventure through Central Asia.) By the end of summer 2025, the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail will expand by 621 miles (1,000 km). Nine new trail sections will branch off near the existing route at the Arpa Valley, a remote area of Naryn oblast, which is close to the Chinese border. The newly developed sections of Kyrgyz Nomad Trail pass through Batken and Osh via the Tien Shen and Pamir Mountain ranges. Along the trail, the mountain villages and residents, including shepherd families who live in the mountains during the warmest months of the year, feel the trail's impact. More tourists will give these communities a boost in business and their economies, which could manifest as job opportunities for locals to work as guides and porters. Marc Foggin, director at Plateau Perspectives, says his organization's goal core focus is to ensure the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail creates positive change in Kyrgyz mountain communities. 'Beyond all the extraordinary landscapes and the natural and cultural heritage that a long-distance trail such as KNT can open up for travelers; it can, and should, also serve the interests of the local mountain communities. And this occurs both by linking and connecting different regions and communities around the country, enabling mutual learning and support,' he says. (Related: 8 wild and beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan.) Despite intermittent conflicts with bordering countries, like Tajikistan in the summer of 2021, the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail and its network of trails have been created to keep hikers safe. 'The KNT is very carefully routed, to stay in areas that are far from the zones of conflict and [to keep tourists] as safe as possible. Of course, we follow the progress of this conflict closely and are ready to change or close routes if needed.' In March 2025, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov and Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon signed a deal to formally delineate their national borders, ending an ongoing dispute since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Now, there's the possibility of tourists returning to Batken, including to sections of the trail near the Tajik border. Yellin encourages hikers to visit. 'This country is marvelous full of magic, unbelievable landscapes and unbelievable people,' he says. 'Hiking here is also a real and serious challenge. Be respectful, hike responsibly, think sustainable, and create positive impact.' (Related: How I got the shot: Karolina Wiercigroch on capturing nomadic life in Kyrgyzstan.) What you should know: Adventurous travelers should decide how they would like to tackle this epic network of trails, which will determine how many days or weeks are necessary to complete their ideal trek. Currently, no operators arrange tours of the full Kyrgyz Nomad Trail, but Kyrgyzstan-based companies can arrange customized hiking adventures, including these KNT partners, such as Nomad's Land, Ak-Sai Travel, and Community-Based Tourism Kyrgyzstan. Savvy travelers should consider working with a reputable travel agency (in their home country) familiar with arranging customized trips to Kyrgyzstan. Getting there: Most visitors enter Kyrgyzstan at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, which has regular direct flights to China, Kuwait, Korea, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and numerous Russian and Central Asian hubs. Travelers from Europe and North America may not have the option of a direct flight, so expect to air travel to include one or more connection flights. Within the country, hikers will need to hire private transportation from Bishkek or Talas to reach the Chatkal Valley trailhead and start the hike. When to go: The best time to hike the Kyrgyz Nomad Trails is June through September because this period offers the best the weather conditions for hiking, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall. The high passes and mountain lakes will likely be covered in snow until late June or early July. Visas and PermitsTourists from the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, and Canada can enter the Kyrgyz Republic visa-free for up to sixty days. Information by country and details on how to apply for an electronic visa are available on the official Kyrgyzstan e-visa website. A border permit is required from the State Border Guard Service of the Kyrgyz Republic for travelers who want to visit areas of Kyrgyzstan, bordering Tajikistan, China, and parts of Kazakhstan. While it is possible to apply for this independently, the process is onerous and time-consuming. Any reputable travel agency in your country can apply on your behalf, typically for a fee of U.S. $30-50. (Related: 5 Underrated Destinations in Central Asia.) Editor's Note: Depending on comfort level, travelers can work with a reputable travel agency (in their home country) to arrange trip logistics; however, they should also be very familiar with travel in Kyrgyzstan. Stephen Lioy is a photographer and travel writer based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for over a decade. Follow in his hiking footsteps on Asia Hikes.
National Geographic
09-05-2025
- National Geographic
This is the longest hiking trail in Central Asia—here's what to know before you try it.
Adventurous hikers now have access to see a different side of Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz Nomad Trail (KNT) is a 1,243-mile (2,000-kilometer) long-distance hiking trail in northern and eastern Kyrgyzstan, which make it the longest trail network in Central Asia. Launched in June 2024, the KNT—a network of 18 marked sections—runs west to east passing through states (oblasts) such as Jalal-Abad, Naryn, and Issyk-Kul. Along the trail, hikers also experience the beauty of Kyrgyzstan firsthand with natural landmarks such as Ala-Köl, a lake located in the Terskey Alatoo mountain range in the Issyk-Kul region, and the Engilchek Glacier, the sixth longest non-polar glacier in the world. Tourists and locals regularly visit the region's popular destinations like the alpine lake Kel-Suu and Tash Rabat, a well-preserved, 15th-century Silk Road-era caravanserai or roadside inn where travelers and merchants crossing the mountains would stay overnight. Tourists on horseback follow a trail to Köl Suu (or Kel-Suu) Lake in Kyrgyzstan. Photograph by Juliette Robert, HAYTHAM-REA/Redux Yuval Yellin, one of the world explorers responsible for creating the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail, believes the trail plays an important role in luring hikers and tourists away from the country's most popular routes and drawing them to lesser-known areas. '[The Kyrgyz Nomad Trail] allows visitors to reach a much wider range of locations and communities around Kyrgyzstan and alleviate some of the pressure from the few and very popular places being visited today,' he says. (Related: The big trip: how to plan the ultimate Silk Road adventure through Central Asia.) Expanding the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail By the end of summer 2025, the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail will expand by 621 miles (1,000 km). Nine new trail sections will branch off near the existing route at the Arpa Valley, a remote area of Naryn oblast, which is close to the Chinese border. The newly developed sections of Kyrgyz Nomad Trail pass through Batken and Osh via the Tien Shen and Pamir Mountain ranges. Along the trail, the mountain villages and residents, including shepherd families who live in the mountains during the warmest months of the year, feel the trail's impact. More tourists will give these communities a boost in business and their economies, which could manifest as job opportunities for locals to work as guides and porters. In Tash Rabat, this is a yurt camp located near Song-Köl, a lake at an altitude of 11,482 feet (3,500 meters) in the Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Photograph by Thomas Grabka, laif/Redux Women dismantle a yurt in Tash Rabat, Kyrgyzstan. Photograph by Thomas Grabka, laif/Redux Marc Foggin, director at Plateau Perspectives, says his organization's goal core focus is to ensure the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail creates positive change in Kyrgyz mountain communities. 'Beyond all the extraordinary landscapes and the natural and cultural heritage that a long-distance trail such as KNT can open up for travelers; it can, and should, also serve the interests of the local mountain communities. And this occurs both by linking and connecting different regions and communities around the country, enabling mutual learning and support,' he says. (Related: 8 wild and beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan.) Navigating hikers' safety on the trail Despite intermittent conflicts with bordering countries, like Tajikistan in the summer of 2021, the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail and its network of trails have been created to keep hikers safe. 'The KNT is very carefully routed, to stay in areas that are far from the zones of conflict and [to keep tourists] as safe as possible. Of course, we follow the progress of this conflict closely and are ready to change or close routes if needed.' In March 2025, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov and Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon signed a deal to formally delineate their national borders, ending an ongoing dispute since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Now, there's the possibility of tourists returning to Batken, including to sections of the trail near the Tajik border. Yellin encourages hikers to visit. 'This country is marvelous full of magic, unbelievable landscapes and unbelievable people,' he says. 'Hiking here is also a real and serious challenge. Be respectful, hike responsibly, think sustainable, and create positive impact.' (Related: How I got the shot: Karolina Wiercigroch on capturing nomadic life in Kyrgyzstan.) How to plan your trek on the Kyrgyz Nomad Trail What you should know: Adventurous travelers should decide how they would like to tackle this epic network of trails, which will determine how many days or weeks are necessary to complete their ideal trek. Currently, no operators arrange tours of the full Kyrgyz Nomad Trail, but Kyrgyzstan-based companies can arrange customized hiking adventures, including these KNT partners, such as Nomad's Land, Ak-Sai Travel, and Community-Based Tourism Kyrgyzstan. Savvy travelers should consider working with a reputable travel agency (in their home country) familiar with arranging customized trips to Kyrgyzstan. Getting there: Most visitors enter Kyrgyzstan at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, which has regular direct flights to China, Kuwait, Korea, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and numerous Russian and Central Asian hubs. Travelers from Europe and North America may not have the option of a direct flight, so expect to air travel to include one or more connection flights. Within the country, hikers will need to hire private transportation from Bishkek or Talas to reach the Chatkal Valley trailhead and start the hike. When to go: The best time to hike the Kyrgyz Nomad Trails is June through September because this period offers the best the weather conditions for hiking, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall. The high passes and mountain lakes will likely be covered in snow until late June or early July. A group of hikers make their way along a rocky trek in the foothills of the Tien Shen Mountains in Kyrgyzstan. Photograph by trekkingimages, Alamy Stock Photo Visas and Permits Tourists from the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, and Canada can enter the Kyrgyz Republic visa-free for up to sixty days. Information by country and details on how to apply for an electronic visa are available on the official Kyrgyzstan e-visa website. A border permit is required from the State Border Guard Service of the Kyrgyz Republic for travelers who want to visit areas of Kyrgyzstan, bordering Tajikistan, China, and parts of Kazakhstan. While it is possible to apply for this independently, the process is onerous and time-consuming. Any reputable travel agency in your country can apply on your behalf, typically for a fee of U.S. $30-50. (Related: 5 Underrated Destinations in Central Asia.) Editor's Note: Depending on comfort level, travelers can work with a reputable travel agency (in their home country) to arrange trip logistics; however, they should also be very familiar with travel in Kyrgyzstan. Stephen Lioy is a photographer and travel writer based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for over a decade. Follow in his hiking footsteps on Asia Hikes.
