A Complete Guide for travel to Kyrgyzstan

Introduction:

Since first-class treks to a very open nomadic society, horse riding, and hospitable people, Kyrgyzstan travel is an experience and a destination for those looking for an adventure off the beaten track (but easy). After spending two months traveling to Kyrgyzstan, I’ve gathered all the details you need to help you schedule your journey., from visas and bureaucracy to accommodation, transportation, and plenty of cultural facts about Kyrgyzstan. This gorgeous landlocked region, formerly part of the Soviet Union, is probably Central Asia’s most popular travel destination. Kyrgyzstan tours are growing year on year, so take the chance to visit one of the world’s most spectacular countries.

What are the essential interesting facts about Kyrgyzstan?

• In recent years, travel to Kyrgyzstan has risen significantly as travelers come to walk, camp, and horse trek through Kyrgyzstan’s beautiful scenery.
• A strong tourism network has grown as the first of the Central Asian nations to loosen their visa policies (visa-free for most western and developed nations).
• There are many ways to navigate the beautiful landscape that this country is renowned for, from Community Based Tourism (CBT) running worldwide to guesthouses and private guides.
• Hikers are impressed by the spectacular treks from Karakol, Kochor, Arslanbob, and even Bishkek, the capital of the world. Since hiking is a big part of traveling here, Hikers should expect that you would need a decent level of fitness to reach them.
• Although some are inherently better than others, it’s fair to say that you’re going to contend with anything more than a walk on Sunday afternoon. The great majority of climbs are between 1 and 5 days, but others are longer.
• If you want to save your legs, climb on the back of a horse and take the most amazing horse trek to Song Kol. You may spend a couple of days relaxing and swimming in Issyk Kul.
• The chances to explore are endless, including many off-the-beaten-path destinations, treks, and trails.

What language do they speak in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyz is a national language, but Russian is commonly spoken – Kyrgyz, a Turkish language, is the region’s official language.

Who requires a Visa to travel to Kyrgyzstan?

Central Asia’s most generous visa regime-Most nationalities, both at the airport and overland, get a 60-day free visa on entry.

• You need to cross the Kazakh border (1 hour from Bishkek) and return on the same day if you want to renew it.
• EU/EFTA (other than Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania), Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Kuwait, Monaco, New Zealand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, United Arab Emirates, United States. Japan and Russia will have an indefinite stay for themselves.
• Other nationalities may apply for an e-visa. Most other nations have been able to apply for an e-visa via the official portal since September 2017. It takes 1 week or so and costs 63USD.
• Besides, you can fly to Kyrgyzstan both via land and air if you have an e-visa.
• Those countries eligible for the e-visa and not in need of the LOI are Andorra, Albania, Argentina, Bulgaria, Chile, Cyprus, Indonesia, Brazil, Israel, Mexico, Montenegro, Macedonia, Oman, Philippines, Romania, San Marino, South Africa, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela.
• If you are not on any of the above lists, please read the Kyrgyzstan Visa Section of Caravanistan for more visa information.
• Prolonging your visa seems no longer feasible anymore – we attempted to renew our visa in August 2017, and they said that extensions are no longer possible since May 2017. We attempted to apply it to both Karakol and Bishkek.
• It’s quicker to fly to Almaty to get back there.
• Overstaying can be price – according to what the officials told us when we couldn’t extend our visas, if we were overstayed, the fine could be up to USD 200.

Do I need travel insurance to Kyrgyzstan?

Get acceptable travel insurance – If you visit Kyrgyzstan, travel insurance is a must, as incidents happen in the mountains. During a horse trek in Tash Rabat, people dropped off their horses and had to lie in bed for two weeks.

• Then it will be a really negative thing.
• People had to go to the hospital, all the way to Bishkek, where I had different kinds of testing that turned out to be costly.
• Luckily, If they had world Nomads, the finest travel insurance firm out there because of:
• It is the only organization that has lifetime medical care.
• It includes a whole lot of adventure sports, including camping in high altitudes. About any nationality will have it.

Which is the best month to travel to Kyrgyzstan?

• July & August will be the perfect trekking season, particularly if you’re planning to go high in the mountains, as the weather is warmer during these two months and the possibility of rain is lower. However, in 2019, Kyrgyzstan has become a popular destination, which means that certain places could be crowded.
• In September, though, most people will be gone, and the weather will still be mild enough to trek, which is why I consider September to be the best month to visit for weather Kyrgyzstan.
• Travel to Kyrgyzstan during the high season (mid-June to Mid-September)

Pros: the best trekking season, lots of nomads

Cons: Crowded, plus it can be scorching in Bishkek and other low altitude areas

Travel to Kyrgyzstan during the shoulder season (Spring and Autumn)

Pros: You will do some fun treks in late spring and early fall.

Cons: High mountains may not be available, the weather is erratic, nomadic people may not be there.

Travel to Kyrgyzstan during the low season (mid-November to March)

Pros: winter scenery, snow, no crowds

Cons: No camping, no nomads.

How can Kyrgyzstan be reached by air and land?

How to fly by air to Kyrgyzstan – Getting to Bishkek International Airport is pretty convenient, as it has a range of connections to several European airports. You can also search Pegasus, a budget airline from Istanbul, with regular flights to Bishkek. Alternatively, please find out about the Almaty flights, since they are typically cheaper and very similar to Bishkek.

To travel by land to Kyrgyzstan:

China – There are two free boundaries, Irkeshtam and Torugart. Crossing in Torugart requires a separate, costly Chinese permit. Crossing via Irkestham is pretty quick, and you can read the full report.

Tajikistan: There are six border crossings, and four of them are available to foreigners. The most visible one is the Kyzyl Art border crossing, which is the one that follows the Pamir Highway.

Kazakhstan: There are seven border crossings, but Karkara and Kordai are the simplest.

Uzbekistan: There are now four borders in Uzbekistan, but only 3 are open as of 2019.

There are now 4 borders in Uzbekistan, but as of 2019, only 3 are open.

Is it safe to travel to Kyrgyzstan?

• What does Kyrgyzstan mean: Stan does not mean that a position is risky, but Stan means property, so Kyrgyzstan means Kyrgyzstan’s land. A secure destination in Kyrgyzstan.
• I mean,  the advice of the FCO, and you’ll find that what they say is that Kyrgyzstan is a really secure place, and here you have to take into account that the advice of the FCO is still totally skewed, which means that danger seems to be seen where it isn’t, particularly in the Middle East.
• Solo travelers will be just fine, and while I can’t talk for women, I know many women who’ve been there, and what they’ve said to me has been a good experience.
• The only real threat you can learn of is that Bishkek used to be known for its after-midnight violence, mostly attacking drunk people from the bars on their way home. The condition, though, has changed significantly, so when you head back home if that is a problem for you, take a taxi.

May I stay with the nomads of Kyrgyz?

• Experience Nomadic life is one of the best experiences of the Kyrgyz people. From living in Kyrgyzstan yurt to helping them cook kurut, their local cheese, on our 2-month journey across the country, we encountered tonnes of nomads with great experiences.
• However, with the rise in tourists, some nomadic camps have become too commercial, and what I suggest is that you strive to find the most genuine ones. How is that? Yes, by getting off the beaten track, but also, if you’re going to Song Kul, instead of living at the CBT camp where everybody lives, you’re only going around the bay.

May I go on a horse trek in Kyrgyzstan?

• Many people may feel bad about riding a horse, but in reality, Kyrgyzstan is the horses’ land and is still favored in rural areas. Those horses are accustomed to passing mountain passes at high altitude, and you have probably a different view and viewpoint than walking.
• Hike through the most stunning mountains of all time; I sincerely believe that Kyrgyzstan will, in a couple of years, become the trekking reference destination, directly competing with Nepal and Argentina and because its mountains are completely dragged down and far more accessible than any other destination I know.

Do many people visit the most remote sites of the Silk Road Heritage in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan only has a limited number of Silk Road Heritage sites, but few of them are fully epic, isolated, and in the most epic areas.

What are the do’s and don’t travel to Kyrgyzstan?

• Kyrgyzstan: Central Asia, western China, and southern Kazakhstan. Dominated by the Tian Shan (Heavenly-Cloud) mountain range with green-gorges, high peaks, and high altitude lakes.
• Via dramatically rugged mountains and lush valleys on camel and horseback. China and the Orient’s wonders have overcome ancient traders, and you will see this out-of-ordinary adventure now. But before you saturate yourself in the past scenery of the Silk Road, here are some travel tips.
• Are you motivated to get right off your beaten track, ride mountain horses, walk paths with breathtaking landscapes, linger in yurts with mountain people, and swim in alpine lakes? Kyrgyzstan is a ticking all of these boxes and more:

Do – Visit Bishkek:

You will pick up regular flights from London, and Manas Airport is 30 km north of the city center. It’s a cash economy – some, a local currency, is only available in Kyrgyzstan, and it’s better to purchase US dollars. ATMs are popular in Bishkek but less available in other Kyrgyzstan cities, and credit cards are rarely accepted elsewhere. Bishkek is a tree-lined town with parks and gardens, lovely homes, and the TsUM Department Store is your place to buy Kygyrz souvenirs.

Don’t-Drive:

Generally, the highways are good, but the state of the minor roads can be unpredictable. It’s also widespread for vehicles to cross to the other side of the road if there are potholes – something that locals do much more than foreign drivers. Instead, opt for minibusses and shared very economical taxis—approximately 500 sums by taxi from the airport to Kyrgyzstan city center.

DO – Observe the shift of the guard:

It’s taking place every day in Ala-Too Square.

DO – Osh Bazaar visit:

Bishkek’s main market is perfect for traditional Eastern ambiance and tasty snacks.

DON’T – Succumb to a pickpocket:

Like other cities in Kyrgyzstan and bustling markets worldwide, it helps keep vigilant and not let your guard down.

DO-Sit in the yurt:

Yurts are the Kyrgyz people’s traditional houses, boiled wool or felt, and lids strapped to a round frame. Hidden in a narrow valley and shielded from Tash Rabat’s features, a beautifully restored 15th-century caravanserai. You will borrow a horse and a guide from your owner, and by nightfall, you can see a cornucopia of stars in the great outdoors. Enjoy your local hosts’ hospitality with good Kyrgyz cuisine, mostly meat and soup, with small and tasty vegetables.

DON’T – Toilet obsess:

There are no other amenities out here, so there’s no sense in turning your nose up in the outdoor pit loo.

DO – Ala Archa Gorge visit:

Just a 30 – 40 minute drive from Bishkek, this national park is known in spring for its tulips. It’s a beautiful alpine valley with waterfalls and ponds—a nice walk of varying distances and challenges.

DON’T – Swim in the River:

Be warned, as enticing as it might be to dive, that this is really ice water!

DO – Indulge with the 3 S’s:

Swim, sail and sunbathe in Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world at high altitudes. The area was beloved and had the petroglyphs to show it by ancient nomadic tribes, with mountains and trees of fir and birch and, of course, wine, excellent natural scenery, eternally blue, soothing and salty, which is clearly good for you.

DON’T – Forget the vodka:

After your relaxing float, that’s one way to warm up. Kyrgyz usually enjoy the drink with zakuska, exquisite snacks ranging from appetizers to only toast.

DO – Be prepared:

The vast landscapes, resilient people, and their time-honored customs can wow you. In an incredible part of the world, traveling to Kyrgyzstan is a remarkable journey that will astonish you at every stage.

How And when to travel to Kyrgyzstan?

• Two major airports serve Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek and Osh. Bishkek will be the home of the vast majority of international flights. If you’re trying to travel overseas to Osh, you’ll either need to move to Bishkek or Almaty regional hubs in Kazakhstan or Tashkent in Uzbekistan.
• Depending on where you’re coming from, flights to Kyrgyzstan can be expensive. I would suggest studying and scheduling your flights as early as possible over a variety of channels.
• While Kyrgyzstan is well linked to its neighbors, it is possible that you would need to travel if you travel from outside the country.
• Chinese Airlines can be among the cheapest when flying from Asia, but you may need to move to China. The options are much more diverse while traveling from the west.
• Since most international flights require a layover, it is prudent to verify any visa conditions in the country you are moving to.
• It’s also a smart idea to search flights in incognito mode, or you should clear the browser cache regularly.
• Most travel sites will charge higher fares if they know that you frequently use their sites to look for flights.
• However, make sure to review fares individually with the carrier, as there might be undisclosed charges and restrictions not included in Flights results.
• If you notice a flight on a platform, check the cost of booking your flight directly with the airline. It’s not rare for the ticket to be much cheaper when booking directly with the airline.

What are Kyrgyzstan visa requirements?

• Kyrgyzstan has the most liberal visa program of any Central Asian country, making travel to Kyrgyzstan faster and easier than ever before.
• Citizens of various countries (mostly western or developing countries) are issued a 30 or 60-day visa upon arrival. Check with the foreign office of your country to find out whether you belong.
• People who are not eligible for this will require an e-visa. However, check where you can enter or leave the country. Any nationalities will be issued an E-visa that will have unique entrance and exit requirements.
• E.g., e-visas for Chinese citizens only allow them to enter the country at Bishkek or Osh airports or via one land border with Kazakhstan.
• Also, certain e-visas would enable people to register within 48 hours of their arrival in Kyrgyzstan. Review the country’s visa program to be sure of that.
• You should be able to log in directly at your guesthouse or Kyrgyzstan hotel. You would need to go to the Public Security Bureau with the necessary paperwork found on Young Guard Blvd if they can’t (this is unlikely).
• You are not registered with the government while you live in an Airbnb or apartment and will probably need to go to the Public Security Bureau.
• The above, though, is only for those needing an e-visa, and yet that is not the case for any single nationality requiring an e-visa. Make sure you carefully review the requirements if you need an e-visa to enter Kyrgyzstan.

What’s the right time for visiting Kyrgyzstan?

• If hiking is your dream, traveling to Kyrgyzstan is restricted to the warmer months. June to early September is the perfect Kyrgyzstan time. However, you can find that some routes and passes are closed even in June, particularly if the previous winter was a long and harsh one.
• Be conscious that July and August are peak months for travel to Kyrgyzstan, so you can expect to see fewer travelers and enjoy cheaper lodging. However, it could be marginally more dangerous weather-wise to visit in June or early September.
• February and March are perfect months for traveling to Kyrgyzstan if skiing is your game.
• At Karakol Ski Resort and Jyrgalan, Boz Uchuk, and Jalpak Tash are the perfect places to sculpt the pistes. There are also many mellow ski resorts in the vicinity of Bishkek.
• Many considering longer trips to Central Asia may want to fly to Kyrgyzstan and its mountainous neighbor, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan in spring or autumn during the warmer summer months.
• This enables you to have access to the best weather in each country. In the middle of summer, you don’t want to find yourself in Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan.

What are the instructions on the travel itinerary for visiting Kyrgyzstan?

• Bishkek 1-2 Days: A perfect place for your Kyrgyz trip to begin or finish. It’s definitely a perfect spot for some relaxation, with lots of Soviet architecture and parks to visit. In the surrounding mountains, there are several hiking trips; Ala-Archa is especially breathtaking. This is our article in Bishkek to help you schedule your journey.
• Karakol 4-5 Days: There is enough walking; there are oodles of treks of varying complexity and duration, whether hiking to Altyn Arashan, Jeti Oguz, or the Jyrgalan Valley. Perhaps the most beautiful single day trek in the region is Jeti Oguz. For amazing multi-day treks, though, travel to Altyn Arashan or the Jyrgalan Valley.
• Kochkor 5-7 Days: Kochkor consists of one main high street, a market, and several taxi drivers. Kochkor is a pretty nondescript area. It’s what can be reached from here; however, that attracts individuals. First of all, there is the beautiful Song Kul, probably one of the top horse treks in Kyrgyzstan. Besides, to Kol Ukok and beyond, there are beautiful walks.
• Naryn 2 Days: This is the point of departure for a road trip to Kyrgyzstan’s beautiful south-east, resulting in a trek to Kol Su.
• Osh 1 Day: The second city in Kyrgyzstan is home to a popular bazaar and the wonderful Suleiman Too. If you go out on any of the area’s hiking trails, you can linger longer.
• Arslanbob 2-3 Days: Home to breathtaking treks through the world’s largest walnut forest, thanks to excellent home-stays and beautiful landscape, Arslanbob is justifiably famous.

What are the Kyrgyzstan facts about the region, people, and culture in Kyrgyzstan?

• Kyrgyzstan was part of the Soviet Union – won independence in 1991 when the Soviet Union fell.
• The Kyrgyz’s origin – The Kyrgyz people are an indigenous Nomadic tribe thought to have come from Siberia between the 10th and 15th centuries.
• Originally they had red hair, but they had mixed up with all sorts of groups, particularly the Mongols and Turks over the centuries.
• Kyrgyz make up 66 percent of the population – the largest minority is Uzbek (15 percent), followed by Russian (10 percent).
• This is a Muslim country. Well, not necessarily – as in post-Soviet countries, religion is no longer a big issue, particularly in the north of the world.
• Bishkek is remarkably westernized – when you arrive in Bishkek and find all those Kyrgyzstan restaurants and bars where locals hang out, who dress extremely well, you know this isn’t what you’ve been expecting.

What are the five great places in Kyrgyzstan to visit?

Any traveler who’s been to Kyrgyzstan would have a favorite spot of their own. On a specific hike where a mixture of fatigue and snow-capped mountains converge to leave you in shock, normally a particular location.

• Jyrgalan: Alesha and Jarryd, can honestly say, after 7 visits to Kyrgyzstan and now running adventure tours in the region, that Jyrgalan is the best place to visit in Kyrgyzstan. This little village just outside Karakol is a heaven for trekkers, and it’s worth spending a couple of days in town anyway.
• Song-Kul: One of the most popular Kyrgyzstan destinations in the world, Song Kul is truly magnificent. It’s hard not to be absolutely overwhelmed, whether you’re hiking or on the back of a horse, especially when you cross the pass down to Song-Kul. It’s as much about the ride here as it is about the destination.
• Kol-Ukok: This amazing two-day hike promises stunning views from Kochkor, but you probably have a job for it. Amazing mountain scenes will unravel in front of you until you get your sights on the prize.
• Ala-Archa: Ala-Archa is an awesome choice for those who do not have a lot of time in Kyrgyzstan but still want to explore its epic mountain scenery. About an hour from Bishkek, it is a fast escape.
• Sary Mogol: If you travel past Osh to the southern part of the country, you can reach the Alay Ranges, which are some of the country’s wildest and most pristine peaks. Sary Mogol’s little dusty village is right at Peak Lenin’s base, a mountain 7134 m high that can be climbed as part of an expedition and is an ideal starting point for trips along the Pamir Highway. It’s a charming place.

What are the top 5 Kyrgyzstan travel experiences?

Hiking: This is, of course, one of the top travel opportunities in Kyrgyzstan. You are spoilt for option with amazing hiking trails all over the country. With everything from day hikes to multi-day hikes open, there’s something for every hiker.

Sleeping in a yurt Kyrgyzstan: a quintessentially Kyrgyzstan experience, and unless you have to your own tent, it’s a must when you’re on a multi-day hike. As the temperature decreases at night, the yurt remains warm and cozy. We strongly recommend that you try out the Feel Nomad Yurt Camp on the south shore of Issyk Kul.

Swimming in Issyk Kul Lake: Swimming in one of the largest alpine lakes in the world is a terrific activity to cross the bucket list. Taking a dip surrounded by spectacular mountain views is a wonderful, if rather chilly, experience. Check out our guide for stuff to do at Issyk Kul.

Horse Trek: Horse treks are a highlight when going to Kyrgyzstan. Your backside will definitely feel the discomfort when your legs get a rest. Hanging on for dear life, though, when the horse goes galloping through mountain pastures is an opportunity once in a lifetime that definitely compensates for the aches and pains.

Sunsets and Star Gazing: Watching the sunset set followed by a spot of stargazing is a perfect way to top out the day following a long day of hiking and a home-cooked dinner.

What are the very last tips for travel to Kyrgyzstan?

Study a little Russian: it’s going to make your life a lot easier. Phrases about travel and money are most helpful and, for those simple phrases, google translate typically fairly correct.

Get a nearby SIM card: this will make it easy to get in touch with drivers and guesthouses in advance. Everyone has WhatsApp, and this is also how they want to interact. Megafon, Beeline, O! They’re the biggest businesses. We use Megafon on our own journeys, and they have the greatest coverage.

Compare CBT with other alternatives: the CBT network is fantastic for sure, but also, other organizations may have something available that is more in line with your interests. Often guesthouses will sell their own tours and guided horse treks, so they’re certainly worth consulting.

Don’t expect a horse trek to be pain-free: if you’ve ridden a lot before, then you’ll know what to expect. But if you don’t, be prepared for horse treks that leave your backside and your thighs in pain. But they’re certainly worth the agony!

Travel Time and Distance: Flying always takes longer than advertised; schedule it on your itinerary. A good bet is to budget a trip from one city to another to be an all-day affair.

Seasons: Also, in early summer, if the winter was especially long, some hiking trails could already be closed. If you end up in June, be mindful that there is a fair risk that some trails will already be closed.

Conclusion:

This beautiful landlocked state, formerly part of the Soviet Union, is probably Central Asia’s most popular travel destination. Tourism in Kyrgyzstan is rising year after year, so take a chance to visit one of the most beautiful countries in the world. In recent years, travel to Kyrgyzstan has increased significantly as travellers come to walk, camp and horse trek through the amazing scenery of Kyrgyzstan. A strong tourism network has grown as the first of the Central Asian nations to loosen their visa policies (it’s visa-free for most western and developed nations). There are plenty of ways to navigate the beautiful landscape that this country is renowned for, from Community Based Tourism (CBT) operating around the country to guesthouses and independent guides. Click2visas fully guide for travel to Kyrgyzstan.

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