AKIPRESS.COM - Business Insider has published its top 12 emerging destinations to travel to in 2016 and Kyrgyzstan was ranked #1 and Mongolia #3.

"Wilderness, wildlife and culture; these themes will illuminate the year’s travel itineraries. Escapism and authenticity are key and nowhere offers them quite like fledgling and far-flung nations. Kyrgyzstan’s vast rolling mountains, Iceland’s wild natural phenomena, Madagascar’s prehistoric lemurs and Taiwan’s cultural treasure troves are some of the highlights marking the year ahead," Business Insider said.

"Of the 5 ‘stans’ in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is big news for 2016. Wild landscapes are second nature. Capital Bishkek, in the foothills of the Tian Shan "celestial" mountains, is unconventional and eccentric, with well-dressed locals converging over sausages, honey, and yogurt at the bazaar.

Beyond, the allure lies in high-altitude greenery, "jailoos," dotted with yurts. Hike, cycle, or horse ride for days in search of the quirky Marco Polo sheep, the huge subspecies donning spiraling horns," said the report.

Besides Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, top 12 also included Papua New Guinea (2), Iceland, Greenland, and Norway (4), Madagascar (5), Taiwan (6), Iran (7), Uganda (8), Guyana (9), Gabon (10), Japan (11), and Alaska (12).