Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide

Kyrgyzstan is a small, mountainous country in the heart of Central Asia, bordering Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China. Most of its territory is covered by the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay ranges, which makes it one of the most scenic destinations in the region – and one of the most welcoming. Travellers come for the mountains, the lakes and the nomadic culture that is still part of everyday life.

Quick facts

Capital: Bishkek
Languages: Kyrgyz (state language) and Russian (official language); English is spoken mainly in tourism
Currency: Kyrgyz som (KGS)
Time zone: UTC+6
Main international airport: Manas International Airport (FRU) near Bishkek; Osh also has international flights

Main regions

Bishkek and the Chuy valley – the green capital, Ala-Archa National Park and the Burana Tower
Issyk-Kul – the great mountain lake, Karakol and the trekking valleys around it
Son-Kul and Naryn – high pastures, yurt camps and the caravanserai of Tash-Rabat
The south – Osh, the walnut forests of Arslanbob and the Alay valley

Getting around

Distances look short on the map, but mountain roads make journeys long: Bishkek to Karakol takes about 6–7 hours, Bishkek to Son-Kul about 5–6 hours. Shared minibuses (marshrutkas) and shared taxis connect the towns cheaply but are not always comfortable. For most visitors a car with a local driver is the easiest way to travel, especially to places such as Son-Kul where public transport does not go.

Where to stay

Bishkek and Karakol have hotels in various categories. In villages you usually stay in family guesthouses, which are simple but clean and very hospitable. In summer, yurt camps on the high pastures – at Son-Kul, for example – offer an authentic experience with shared facilities.

Food and drink

Kyrgyz cuisine is hearty and based on meat, dough and dairy products. Try beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), plov, lagman (hand-pulled noodles), manty (steamed dumplings) and fresh boorsok (fried bread) with tea. Kymyz, fermented mare's milk, is the traditional summer drink on the jailoo. Vegetarian options exist in Bishkek; in the countryside please tell your hosts in advance.