Grand mountain landscapes may draw you in, but it’s the warm local hosts that make you want to stay.
It’s a land made wild by mountains and valleys, but the Kyrgyz call this place their home. Their customs have set them up for survival as they herd their flock on verdant hillsides and camp by idyllic mountain lakes. Just moments away from such splendors as Son-Kun Lake and Barskoön Gorge, the villagers rest in their yurts, humbled by the vastness of their surrounds.
Kyrgyzstan travel highlights
Stay in traditional tents with the Kyrgyz
These friendly nomadic peoples live in makeshift yurts. Learn their daily ritual as you spend the night among them.
Hike the surrounds of Lake Issyk-Kul
It’s set among picturesque mountains, with surrounds that offer hiking, trekking and mountaineering opportunities galore.
Discover the past at Tash-Rabat
Originally built as a monastery in the tenth century, Tash-Rabat was used as a caravanarsei travellers inn for hundreds of years.
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Kyrgyzstan holiday information
Kyrgyzstan facts
Local culture of Kyrgyzstan
Geography & environment
Shopping guide to Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan festival calendar
Food & drink in Kyrgyzstan
Further reading
Kyrgyzstan travel FAQs
Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90-days in Kyrgyzstan.
- Australia: Not required
- Belgium: Not required
- Canada: Not required
- Germany: Not required
- Ireland: Not required
- Netherlands: Not required
- New Zealand: Not required
- Switzerland: Not required
- United Kingdom: Not required
- United States: Not required
Tips of about 10% are expected at restaurants and for other services
You’ll be able to access internet cafes in Bishkek and some major towns.
Mobile phone services are available in major centres but may still be unreliable at times. Remember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.
You’ll have western-style toilets in places like hotels, but most places have basic drop toilets. Soap and toilet paper aren’t always provided so you may like to carry some with you.
- Bottle of soft drink = 25 KGS
- Beer in a bar or restaurant = 40 KGS
- Cup of coffee = 45 KGS
- Three-course meal = 1000 KGS
- Short taxi ride = 80 KGS
Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Kyrgyzstan. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.
You’ll be able to use your credit card at places like hotels and large shops in Bishkek but be prepared to pay cash when dealing with local businesses.
Bishkek has ATMs but they are hard to find outside this area.
Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.
For a current list of public holidays go to:
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Kyrgyzstan/public-holidays