Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide 2024: Things to do in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz Republic, known as Kyrgyzstan- is a landlocked country in Central Asia. This country is also known as the ‘’Switzerland of Central Asia’’, and as one can picture, there are mountains, fresh water of alpine lake, and green valleys. Tourists can spend a night in the real yurts, taste the meals that do not relate to the Kyrgyz cuisine, and feel like real nomads, who have inhabited this territory. Read this Kyrgyzstan travel guide to get detailed information about everything.

Let’s Introduce to Kyrgyzstan

The capital city Bishkek is relatively more active and has new constructions along with the soviet styled buildings. It also helps as a start to orient oneself and get familiar with the country and some of the past events in recent years. The second largest city of Osh is more conservative and business-like with its bazaars and historical Suleiman-Too Mountain listed under UNESCO.

Overall, Kyrgyzstan is a country that meets all the expectations of any tourist. The nature and the people are very hospitable and the culture is fairly diverse therefore it is a great place for a visit. So, pack your luggage and go discover the main sights of Kyrgyzstan!

Read the Ala Archa National Park Hiking and Camping Guide before making a trip

The best time to travel to Kyrgyzstan

The best time to travel to Kyrgyzstan depends on the kind of holiday that one is planning to spend in the country. Travelers looking to hike in Kyrgyzstan’s mountains should aim for the summer months, specifically June, July, and August. These months offer the best conditions for hitting the trails. It also permits to try incontestable local fests which is one of the most successful ways to get acquainted with the traditions of nomadic people.

People who like skiing and snowboarding will prefer December-February because the climate will be appropriate for winter activities in the skiing areas of the country like Karakol and Too-Ashuu. The backgrounds are snowy, and there are enough possibilities for freeriding and snowshoeing here.

The other favourable periods for arriving at Kyrgyzstan are in the early spring beginning from April to mid-this year May and the late autumn from October to November. Read the full article to get a comprehensive Kyrgyzstan travel guide.

Is it Safe to Travel to Kyrgyzstan?

While security is a natural concern for travelers, Kyrgyzstan is generally considered safer than other Central Asian countries. Violent crime is uncommon, and most tourists complete their trips without any problems. Nevertheless, one should be alert and follow basic safety measures:

Petty Crime: Petty crimes are common, especially acts of theft and robbery of handbags more so in crowded areas, primarily in the two largest cities of Bishkek and Osh.

Road Safety; Kyrgyzstan roads are sometimes in a very poor state, particularly in the countryside and in the mountains. When hiring a car ensure that the car is in good condition and always hire a driver who knows the area.

Health and Medical Services: Outside of Bishkek and Osh adequate medical facilities are scarce. Therefore, travelers are advised to have end-to-end travel insurance which includes medical evacuation.

Cost of Internet in Kyrgyzstan

When visiting Kyrgyzstan, it is crucial to be connected to get around, share your journey, and communicate with family and friends.

When you arrive, you can acquire a SIM card at the airport, in mobile shops. If not, you can also get a SIM in many other shops throughout Bishkek, Osh, and many other cities in the country. The major mobile communication companies in Kyrgyzstan are Beeline, MegaCom, and O! An ultra-SIM card. A proper data bundle is usually between 5-10 GB and goes for as low as $3 and $10. Always ensure that you have your passport with you because in most cases you may be required to register with the service provider to activate the SIM card.

For an easy-to-use option, you should go with Airalo, which is a global eSIM company. Airalo allows a user to buy as well as activate a data plan before getting to Kyrgyzstan hence no need to look for a local SIM card. Airalo has fairly reasonable tariffs, as well as many options for the amount of data provided.

Furthermore, if you have an eSIM option, there is no need to search for a physical SIM card that could be lost or damaged. After reading the full Kyrgyzstan travel guide you will learn more about this stunning mountainous country.

Kyrgyzstan travel requirements (VISA)

Getting a tourist Visa to travel to Kyrgyzstan is relatively easier than other countries. There are no critical requirements for visiting Kyrgyzstan. To know if you require a landing Visa or an eVisa, visit VisaGuide, and to apply for a visa, visit their official website.

A visa to Kyrgyzstan is granted for a specific purpose of visit to the country and can be a working visa or a tourist visa. The permits issued are of different types depending on the requirements from the side of the applicant. The Kyrgyzstan visa policy allows visa-free entry to citizens of several Asian and EU countries. Visas on arrival and eVisas are also available for up to 60 days.

How to travel to Kyrgyzstan

There are one-stop flights from the US to Bishkek’s Manas airport in Kyrgyzstan via Beijing China, and Dubai with either FlyDubai or Emirates. Flights to Kyrgyzstan from the UK or other European countries may involve passing through Abu Dhabi (Wizz Air), Almaty (Air Astana), Antalya (Pegasus), and Tashkent (Uzbekistan Airways) among others.

Visitors also arrive by overland on longer stop-overs in other Central Asian countries but due to the partial closure of the Tajik border for a few years, options available are China, Kazakhstan, or Uzbekistan. According to the customs, it is advisable to start crossing near large cities like Osh or Bishkek in the morning because it becomes worse during the day.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Costs

Kyrgyzstan is very cheap compared to other countries in Asia. If you are someone from a developed country, you don’t need to worry about the costs. However, you should know the costs to create your plan. Here are some key expenses to consider while traveling to Kyrgyzstan:

Flights & Visa Fees

Visa fees could be anything between $25 & $60 or more. (VISA Apply). And the price of the flight ticket to Kyrgyzstan will depend on the departure airport, the time of the booking as well as the airline company.

Local airlines from nearby countries in Central Asia or even Russia may be cheaper than airplane tickets purchased on European or North American airlines. Fares vary from as low as $200 to as high as $1200 for a round-trip ticket. If you are from the continent of America, it would be better to fly India first than Kyrgyzstan to reduce costs.

Accommodation

The expense of the accommodation depends on the type of housing that one prefers. For budget travelers, it is relatively easy to find hostels that would cost around $5-15 per night while mid-range tourists can easily book hotels that are around $20-50 per night. High-end hotels can range from $70 to $150 or more per night. If you are looking to stay in a Yurt, budget for $20-$50 per night.

Transportation within Kyrgyzstan

Most people use Buses and Marshrutkas which are shared Taxis and they only cost between $0.5-$5 per ride. Taxis for short-distance trips within the city may cost between $2-10. The cost of renting a car ranges from $30 to $50 or even more per day.

Food and Dining

The expenses for food depend on which restaurants and stores you patronize and what type of food you prefer. Local markets, street vendors, and simple eateries provide good quality food at $0.5 -$6, while eating in fast food restaurants or other international restaurants may cost you $5-$25 or more.

Here are some restaurants where you can taste some famous Kyrgyz dishes.

Beshbarmak: Navas
Shashlik: Tsarskiy Dvor
Plov: Arzu
Regional Dishes: Cafe Faiza

Activities and Excursions

As for the costs of the activities and tours in Kyrgyzstan, they can vary depending on the type of activity. Admission charges to the museums and the sites are usually low, costing as low as $1- $10. Natural sightseeing as well as guided tours, trekking, or horse riding might cost between $20- $500 or more per individual.

On average, a budget-conscious traveler can spend anything between $20- $40 a day while those who are more middle-end to high-end travelers can spend anything between $40- $200 and above depending on their choice of hotels, food, and activities. To avoid spending more than necessary, it is important to be strategic when making travel arrangements to Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Tips & Recommendations:

Here are some travel tips for visiting Kyrgyzstan:

Cash should be carried as credit cards are not widely accepted especially in rural areas.
It would be useful to know some local words as not every citizen knows English. Contact me via social media to get 120+ travel phrases to explore Kyrgyzstan seamlessly.
Learn about the cultural practices when dressing especially when visiting rural areas or religious places.
Keep the first aid kit ready because in rural areas medical facilities may not be easily accessible.
Hire a guide to find your way around the country to ensure you do not miss out on anything interesting.
Things are different in Kyrgyzstan than in other countries. So be prepared for something unique and don’t over-judge them.
Public transport is slow and crowded. Consider renting a car or using shared taxis for more flexibility.
Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues. Don’t miss out on taking a reusable bottle for eco-friendly exploration.
Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Pack accordingly, especially if you’re planning to visit the mountains.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. For women, consider covering shoulders and knees.
Remove your shoes when entering homes and avoid pointing the soles of your feet at people.
Stay in a traditional yurt to get a taste of the nomadic lifestyle.

Best Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyzstan travel guide hereby presents some of the most interesting and exciting things to do in this marvelous country:

Trekking and Hiking

Kyrgyzstan has developed into the hiker’s country with its numerous trails that can vary from the day hike to the complex multi-day ones. The Ala Archa National Park is the most accessible for tourists who want to try hiking and climbing – it is situated near Bishkek. People also go hiking in the surrounding territory of Issyk-Kul Lake where the views are breathtaking with fresh air.

Kyrgyzstan camping Photograph uploaded in the best Kyrgyzstan travel guide. — Kyrgyzstan Camping Photograph

Nomadic Culture and Yurt Stays

Understand the culture of the nomads by sleeping in a yurt, a round portable dwelling used by the nomads in Central Asia. The majority of homestays involve the desire to teach the guests about the nomadic way of life and introduce them to genuine Kyrgyz hospitality. Yurt Stays at Song Kul Lake gives a feel of simple living and the serenity of the nomad life. This yurt stay inspires me to write the Kyrgyzstan travel guide.

Historic and Cultural Sites

Kyrgyzstan offers a wide range of historical and cultural attractions. The Burana Tower is a cluster of 11th-century minarets near the town of Tokmok that is a major historical site for the country. Osh is one of Central Asia’s oldest cities, known for its bazaars and the Suleiman-Too Sacred Mountain, which is on the UNESCO list.

Best Highlights of Kyrgyzstan

Issyk-Kul Region:

Issyk-Kul Lake: Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Central Asia’, Issyk-Kul is second only to Titicaca in South America in terms of size for an alpine lake. During summer tourists can take a bath, bask in the sun, and indulge in water sports.

Jeti-Oguz: Home to the “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart” rocks, Jeti-Oguz is a beautiful valley that offers hiking, horseback riding, and camping opportunities.

Tian Shan Mountains:

Ala Archa National Park: Being close to Bishkek, Ala Archa represents the beautiful landscape of the alpine type, birds and animals spotting as well as hiking.

Chon-Kemin Valley: Chon-Kemin is a picturesque valley nestled among mountains popular for horseback riding, homestays, and warm Kyrgyz hospitality.

Pamir-Alai Mountains:

Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve: It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that features a mountain lake with a beautiful scenery of forests and animals.

Kyzyl-Oi: This is a small mountain village which gives a chance to horse riding, and trekking and also to get an insight of the life in a Kyrgyz village.

Travel Agencies in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Here are some top-rated travel agencies based in Bishkek and online. Consider contacting them before arriving:

1. Nlo Vovage: They are the top online tour provider in Kyrgyzstan. They organize 2-hour to multi-day hiking, horse riding, and camping trips for visitors. Check out their trip packages here.

2. Travel Experts: Travel Experts is located at Orozova Street and it offers tour services within Kyrgyzstan and other neighboring countries. They are primarily involved in the development of goods and services for mobility with a specific focus on the client.

3. Kyrgyz Nomad: Here you can find the list of tours of Kyrgyz Nomad that mainly deals with the programs of eco-tourism and tours connected with the life and culture of nomads. These include yurting, horse riding, and exploration of the tourists’ beaten track areas.

4. Kyrgyz Travel House: This agency mainly deals in providing instance city tours, mountain climbing, and cultural tours. They ensure that their clients are with the best customer service as well as experienced guides.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Insurance

For anyone who is considering traveling to Kyrgyzstan, you should acquire travel insurance to be prepared for any incident on your trip. Kyrgyzstan has a lot of mountains it is very important to prepare for anything when out exploring the country.

If you require a good and comprehensive cover for travel insurance, then visitor coverage might come in handy. They offer insurance policies that fit into their client’s needs and they also specialize in adventure travelers. The price is rather affordable and the protection is rather good, so you can go on your vacation knowing you are protected.

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We hope our Kyrgyzstan travel guide is useful and will help you to prepare for your Kyrgyzstan trip. Follow them and make your trip to Kyrgyzstan memorable and special. If you require any assistance, contact us and follow our social media pages for more updates about this nomadic land—Kyrgyzstan.