Having achieved independence from Soviet Union in 1991, Kyrgyzstan is in the midst of a civil conflict between the government and militants, hence it is advisable to proceed with care, especially in areas south and west of Osh, Ferghana Valley and the Batken Oblast region that is heavily mined. Lake Issyk-Kul, the second-largest alpine lake in the world with its beautiful ambience, thermal springs, hiking trails and trout fishing is a popular tourist spot. The Ala-Archa Canyon state nature park with its various walking and trekking opportunities, including hikes to glaciers and amazing formation of red sandstone cliffs at Jeti-Öghüz Canyon are also worth visiting while traveling to Kyrgyzstan.