When it comes to Kyrgyzstan, I'll echo the words of the old hippie movement: experience nature, man. There aren't many cities in Kyrgyzstan, and only two (Bishkek and Osh) have over 100,000 inhabitants. The majority of the country is very rural and many people still live as semi-nomadic herders. Outside of the two major cities, there is very little industry and most of the roads remain unpaved, but what the country lacks in development, it makes up for ten fold in the natural world. Over 80% of the country is covered by mountains and Kyrgyzstan has some of the largest and most incredibly blue Alpine lakes in the world.

Most likely you'll arrive in Bishkek, which in it's own right is a pleasant, relaxed city with a vibrant culture of it's own. But heed my advice and go out into the mountains, trek through the forests, and submerge yourself in the lakes. The nature in Kyrgyzstan is unlike anything esle I've ever experience, and that in and of itself is enough to make your trip one to remember. Just give yourself more time than I did (just 8 days) and try to be as active as you can. Interact with your surroundings and go everywhere. The cost will be next to nothing and the experience will be unlike anything you've ever done before. If you have a tent, sleeping bag, and camping equipment, bring it. You will absolutely use it. If you don't, there are plenty of places to rent it for only $1-2.

Some words of warning though. You will be offered a drink called Kumis during your stay. It is an alcoholic bevrage made from fermented horse milk. It is very, very sour and difficult to get down. Brace yourself since it's considered pretty bad manners to gag or dry heave on it after it has been given to you as a gift. Also, beware of taxi drivers trying to rip you off. Nearly every one I came acoss tried to do so, but if you remain firm on your demand on a fair price, you'll likely win in the end. Try to agree on one before you enter the cab, and if you know some Russian, this will help a lot.

Overall Impressions

Nature is amazing
So many mountains
Very little infrastructure outside of Bishkek
Nothing at all will be expensive
Horses are everywhere in the countryside
Hitchhiking is very easy
Most of the roads outside of Bishkek are not paved
Driver go incredible fast, despite poor road conditions
Karakol is a great starting point for mountain treks
Beware of fake taxi drivers
Hitchhike if you can. It's usually safer and cheaper (as it is free) than a cab
Both horse milk and camel milk are very sour, but if you have to choose, pick camel. It's not as bad.
Most people are very friendly and will readily show you around
Almost noone speaks English. Some knowledge of Russian (or Kyrgyz) helps tremendously
Not many foreigners visit the country, but the ones who do are super interesting
Unlike Kazakhstan, very few Russians still like in Kyrgyzstan
If you are not of Central Asian descent, you will stand out, but that's a good thing since people will be excited to get to know you
In the countryside, most toilets are just out-houses
Apricots are really good here