Pre-Trip Travel Guide

Kyrgyzstan (also spelled Kyrgyzstan) is a country located at the heart of Eurasia, ranking 85th in the world by surface area and 117th by population. Kyrgyzstan shares borders with Kazakhstan, China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Kyrgyzstan is a multi-ethnic country, but the majority of the population is Kyrgyz. Besides the Kyrgyz, there is a large number of Uzbeks, Russians, Dungans and Uyghurs. Kyrgyzstan is a secular state, with Islam (80% of the population) and Christianity (10%) being the predominant religions practised.

About the country

Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian country famous for its majestic mountains, its shimmering, mirror-like lakes and its hospitable people. Once you have visited Kyrgyzstan, you will return to it again and again in your memories, and it is very likely that you will come back to enjoy new experiences.

Kyrgyzstan is unrivalled in the variety of tourist destinations and historical and natural attractions it offers. The Pamir Mountains and the «celestial mountains» of the Tian Shan are a prime destination for mountain-skiing enthusiasts, the pristine high-altitude Issyk-Kul lake and its sandy beaches await sun-seekers, and the relict walnut and pine forests are always ready to hide you from prying eyes.

Historically situated at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Kyrgyzstan has absorbed all the flavours of Asia, from its nomadic culture to its oriental culinary delights, from Buddhist temples and statues to ancient Orthodox cathedrals. You will never be bored with the Kyrgyz yurts, the kumys, eagle hunting, traditional horse races, the «Manas» epic and the entertaining improvisations of the Akyn poets. Kyrgyzstan combines all of this with 21st-century technology and the untouched wilderness for which it is so famous. In other words, a real find for the traveller — that is what Kyrgyzstan is!

Language

Kyrgyz is the state language of the country, and the role of Russian as an official language has also been established by law. Uzbek is also widely spoken in the southern part of Kyrgyzstan. English is present to some extent only in the capital, but in tourist areas it is quite possible to make yourself understood in English.

Geography and climate

Kyrgyzstan is bordered by China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and lies where the ancient Tian Shan and Pamir mountains meet, covering nearly 90% of the country. Among these mountains there are 3 peaks over 7,000 metres, and the country’s average elevation is about 2,750 metres above sea level.

The country is rich in rushing rivers and mountain lakes, but the most famous lake is Issyk-Kul, one of the largest and deepest lakes on the planet. The highlight of Issyk-Kul is its location between two mountain systems, which allows you to admire the snow-capped peaks even in summer while sunbathing on the warm sand of the shore. Another distinctive feature of the lake is its water — crystal clear, of an incredibly rich blue colour and slightly salty in taste, which makes Issyk-Kul a full-fledged equivalent of the sea.

Most regions of the country belong to zones with a continental and moderate continental climate, while the other regions range from a polar climate in the high mountains of the Tian Shan to a subtropical climate in the south-west of the country (the Fergana Valley). The amount of precipitation also varies greatly from one place to another. The average daytime temperature in summer in the lowlands is 30–32 degrees, but in winter it stays around 0. In mountainous areas, the temperature is on average 5–10 degrees lower, that is, 20–25 degrees in summer and –10 degrees in winter.

When is the best time to visit Kyrgyzstan?

The most popular season for travelling to Kyrgyzstan is summer. At this time of year, you can fully enjoy most of the attractions the country has to offer: for example, from May to October the weather allows you to hike in remote mountainous areas with breathtaking views of the natural beauty without any difficulty. It is the ideal time for trekking, hiking, cycling, rafting, paragliding, horseback riding and much more.

The summer season in Kyrgyzstan is also perfect for a beach holiday on the shores of Issyk-Kul. You can alternate relaxing sunbathing by the water with diving, windsurfing, jet skiing and many other activities.

For lovers of alpine skiing and snowboarding, the winter period is also favourable. Near Bishkek and Karakol there are comfortable ski resorts with slopes of every level of difficulty. And if you are a fan of freeriding or cross-country skiing, or simply want to experience something new, the vast expanses of the Kyrgyz mountains can give you many amazing emotions.

The rest of the year is also very interesting. In spring, for example, kumys treatment is very popular and is often combined with a stay in a yurt on the jailoo, far from civilisation. Historical sites, ancient settlements and food tours are accessible all year round, and a great many geothermal springs, spas and health centres renowned throughout the CIS await visitors looking to improve their health, whatever the season.

What do I need to enter Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is a country with as little bureaucracy as possible for tourists. Registration for foreign nationals arriving for a stay of up to 60 — or, in some cases, 90 — days has been completely abolished. Visa requirements have also been lifted with 62 countries in Europe, Asia and America. Residents of the EAEU countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia) can travel to Kyrgyzstan with their internal passport. The full list of visa-exempt countries can be found here.

Getting to Kyrgyzstan is relatively easy, despite the country’s apparent remoteness. There are regular direct flights to Bishkek from almost all the airports of major Russian cities (Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk), as well as from the airports of Istanbul (the most popular option for Europeans), Dubai, Urumqi, Delhi and Central Asian cities. The average ticket price is rarely more than 20,000 soms ($236); an average ticket costs 10,000–12,000 soms ($100–150). Besides flying, you can also reach Kyrgyzstan by train. Long-distance trains arrive in Bishkek from many Russian cities, including Moscow. Of course, it is also possible to enter Kyrgyzstan by car across the Kazakh, Uzbek, Tajik and Chinese borders.

As everywhere else, the COVID-19 pandemic has made its adjustments, and for entry into Kyrgyzstan they are as follows: to enter the country, foreign nationals and stateless persons must present the results of a PCR test taken within the last 72 hours before arrival in the country, or a document (certificate) confirming receipt of the vaccine against the COVID-19 coronavirus infection. This requirement does not apply to children aged 5 and under.

Check any additional requirements and the list of countries authorised to enter on the website of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs (link below).

What can I do in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is an ideal holiday destination if you love natural beauty. Kyrgyzstan remains popular among residents of the CIS countries as a resort and wellness holiday destination thanks to the warm, gentle shores of Issyk-Kul, rightly regarded as the sea of Central Asia. The lake’s large size, the purest water without jellyfish or algae, the warm climate and the astonishing natural setting (the lake is surrounded by mountains on all sides and lies 1,700 metres above sea level) make it one of the best options for leisure. Besides lovers of classic beach holidays, Kyrgyzstan also attracts mountain enthusiasts, mountaineers, climbers, hikers, cyclists, self-drive tourists and others. The vastness of the Kyrgyz mountains is such that you can travel deep into the mountain ranges and gorges for months without meeting anyone along the way.

Kyrgyzstan is also fascinating for its ancient nomadic culture. It is one of the few countries in the world where the population has preserved its traditional way of life. All the flavour of nomadism — yurts, vast herds of sheep and horses, colourful felts with ethnic patterns and astonishing Asian cuisine — is preserved in Kyrgyzstan, just as it has existed for centuries.

How to travel around Kyrgyzstan?

Travelling within the country, owing to its small size, can be quite fast, convenient and economical, especially when it comes to popular tourist destinations. The main mode of transport in Kyrgyzstan is by road. All the towns and large villages of the country are connected by intercity routes in the form of shuttles, with prices ranging from 200 to 1,500 soms per person, depending on the distance. Private transport is well developed, and you can find a taxi in almost any village to take you wherever you want. Besides cars, there is the Bishkek–Balykchy railway, which links the Chui and Issyk-Kul oblasts, but it operates only in summer. The average ticket price is 69 KGS.

Kyrgyzstan also has domestic flights, which connect the southern and northern parts of the country, separated from each other by high mountains. The average ticket price for a Bishkek–Osh flight is 2,000–3,500 soms.

Money and prices in Kyrgyzstan

The national currency of Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyz som, which is the country’s only means of payment. Cash is in circulation. Currency exchange offices are widely available in Bishkek and the main regional cities. Credit cards, VISA, MasterCard and PayPal are accepted in hotels, restaurants and most banks in Bishkek.

Dollar/som exchange rate as of 27 January 2022: $1 = 84.80 soms.

Currently, the KGS is represented by four coin denominations (1, 3, 5 and 10 KGS) and eight banknote denominations: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000.

Kyrgyzstan is a fairly inexpensive country for tourists, especially when compared with popular tourist destinations. It should be noted that prices may vary according to the region and the season. Thus, the average price of a night in a hostel or hotel ranges from 400 to 2,000 soms (330–1,700 RUB), depending on the location and level of comfort. The average price of a meal in a café for one person ranges from 200 to 400 KGS (170–330 RUB). Public transport in the city will cost 11 soms for a bus or trolleybus ride and 15 soms for a minibus ride, and 30 to 1,000 soms for an intercity journey.

Mobile communications and the internet

All populated areas of Kyrgyzstan are covered by the GSM networks of the mobile operators, of which there are three in the country. However, you should be aware that, because of the large number of mountains and in remote areas, there may be no connectivity. Mobile internet is well developed; the major cities offer 3G and 4G internet access, with fairly cheap unlimited plans starting from 50 KGS per week. Conventional internet is also quite well developed. Many establishments in the major cities offer free Wi-Fi.

Safety

Based on an analysis of existing risks, trends and the country’s context, Kyrgyzstan is considered a safe country for foreign visitors/tourists, and the security risks in Kyrgyzstan are assessed as low.

Petty crime is no more frequent in the major cities than in any other country. Pickpocketing in public places and on public transport is possible. Visitors are therefore advised to use common sense and take basic precautions. It is also worth being extra careful on the road, especially in the major cities and district centres. This applies to pedestrians as well as drivers. You should also be cautious when walking at night — avoid «tipsy» groups and choose safe, well-lit routes.

Kyrgyzstan is a fairly safe and welcoming country for tourists. However, as everywhere else, there are certain things you need to know in order to feel as comfortable and safe as possible.

In the Kyrgyz Republic, 112 is a single emergency number for:

the fire service;
emergency response;
the police;
emergency medical care;
the gas network emergency service.

The number 112 can be reached free of charge from landlines and mobile phones, including public telephone boxes.

Road safety

A large number of tourists visiting Kyrgyzstan invariably note that the standard of driving in the country is fairly low. Traffic rules are often broken, pedestrians cross the road in inappropriate places, and drivers, in turn, may ignore pedestrians and cyclists. So, when you come to Kyrgyzstan, it is important to remember that rules are no substitute for common sense. Always keep your eyes on the road and be as careful as possible when driving a car. When cycling, try to ride closer to the edge of the road and dismount to cross intersections and pedestrian crossings.

Pickpockets and fraudsters

Theft is not a particular problem in Kyrgyzstan, nor is fraud. However, in public places — public transport, bazaars, etc. — valuables should be kept with you and under watch. This applies to your wallet, your mobile phone and other gadgets, as well as your luggage bags, backpacks, etc. If you are travelling in Kyrgyzstan with a bicycle, try not to leave it unattended, even with the lock on. It is also dangerous to leave valuables in a locked car, in plain sight, if you leave the car in crowded places.

It is hard to encounter any fraud in everyday life in Kyrgyzstan. Private currency exchange offices are the least safe places in this regard. Count your money carefully when changing currency in these places, or better still, avoid them and change money at a bank.

Walking at night

In the major cities, walking at night can be a pleasant pastime. However, it is best to be wary of poorly lit areas, as well as of drunken groups, which can unfortunately be encountered on the streets.

Booking a taxi

On the streets of Kyrgyz cities, at any time of day or night, you can find many cars belonging to taxi drivers looking for customers. However, they often work for themselves and are not monitored by anyone. For greater safety, it is therefore better to use taxi services rather than getting into the first car you see on the street.

Alcohol and soft drugs

Kyrgyzstan is a country where the amount of alcohol consumed per person is fairly high. It is not uncommon to see drunken groups on the streets, in villages, and so on. However, the country has very clear rules regarding alcohol consumption. According to the law, you are not allowed to be drunk in public places. It is also forbidden to consume alcohol in public places, with the exception of bars, cafés and restaurants. The drug issue must be mentioned separately. Cannabis, opium poppy (!), ephedra and certain other plants that may be classified as narcotics or as raw materials for their production grow freely and in large quantities in the wild on Kyrgyz territory. Cannabis bushes are often found even in the major cities, including Bishkek. However, possession of narcotic substances is a criminal offence in Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, by picking and taking these plants with you, you are breaking the law. It is best to refrain from any such interaction, even for taking photos or anything else.

Appearance

Kyrgyzstan is a rather traditional country, with a large number of religious people, and therefore behaviour and appearance that differ greatly from local norms may attract undue attention, which can also have negative consequences. Keep this in mind.

How to be a responsible tourist?

One of the goals of our project is to develop sustainable tourism in Kyrgyzstan.

Try not to harm the nature and the places where you travel. Leave no litter behind and respect the nature and architecture of the places you visit. Use biodegradable shampoos, soaps, laundry detergents and sunscreens when travelling in remote areas. If possible, take away other people’s litter.
Try to use the services of the local population, and buy local products and souvenirs. By investing in the local economy, you support people’s livelihoods, culture and self-reliance.
Respect the culture and traditions of the local people.
Spread this information and pass it on to as many people as possible.

Customs regulations

Adults are permitted to bring in 2 litres of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes. Sporting and hunting weapons may be imported by foreign nationals into Kyrgyz territory with a mandatory declaration. It is also necessary to have an invitation from a legal entity holding a hunting licence, a hunting contract with the said legal entity, or an invitation to take part in sporting events together with an appropriate permit issued by the internal affairs bodies of the Kyrgyz Republic. These weapons must be taken out of the country within the period stipulated by the contract or invitation.
Foreign currency worth more than USD 3,000 is subject to a written declaration.
Permitted for import:

Photographic, audio, video and office equipment, household appliances and electrical goods — 1 unit of each item per person.
Medicines — 500 g per person.
Printed publications, videos, CDs, films — 10 of each item per person.
Carpets — 2 pieces.

Foreign nationals are forbidden to bring into the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, and to use within the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, all types and models of weapons, even for the purposes of personal security, the protection of the life and health of other citizens or of their property, the escort of goods, or other purposes, unless provided for in the international treaties of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Prohibited souvenirs

Cultural property that may not be exported (transferred) out of the Kyrgyz Republic

The following items of historical, scientific, artistic or cultural value may not be exported (transferred) out of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Cultural property, regardless of when it was created, that is protected by the State and entered in the protection lists and registers under the procedure established by the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Cultural property of artistic, historical and other cultural value that is classified under the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic as particularly valuable objects of the cultural heritage of the peoples of the Kyrgyz Republic, regardless of the form of ownership and the time of their creation.
Cultural property kept permanently in the state and municipal museums, archives, libraries and other public repositories of cultural property of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Valuables associated with historical events and the development of society and the State, as well as those relating to the life and work of eminent figures.
Parts and fragments of architectural, historical and artistic monuments and monuments of monumental art.
Objects and fragments thereof resulting from archaeological excavations (authorised and unauthorised) or from archaeological discoveries and finds.
Icons and religious objects made before the mid-19th century and of significant historical or artistic value.
Unique objects of all eras, made of gold, platinum or natural stones (diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, pearl, alexandrite), more than 50 years old.

Opening hours of shops, banks and museums

Grocery shops are usually open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 24 hours a day, while grocery stores are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Banks are open from 9 a.m.–9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.–5.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, with Saturdays and Sundays free.