Kyrgyzstan is one of the oldest countries in the world with a rich 2,000 year history intertwined with various cultures and empires (famously by the Mongol empire). It was part of the Silk Road, serving as a crossroads stopover for traders and merchants.
The republic’s 2,000 year old history has been marked by unity, oppression, clashes of ethnic minorities, and a series of revolutions since its independence in 1991 from the Soviet Union.
Kyrgyzstan is a lower-middle-income economy that is still developing in the face of complex social, economic, environmental, and political changes (and corruption). Beyond the economic and political issues facing the ordinary citizen, you will find a culture and people who are incredibly hospitable and generous, especially to travellers.
While it is a landlocked country, Kyrgyzstan’s nature, especially its mountains (such as the Tian Shan mountains bordering with China), are enviously beautiful and serene. Its biggest lake, Issyk-Kul, is a vast and pristine lake. If you love nature and the great outdoors, you’ll love Kyrgyzstan. It is paradise for hikers and campers in the summer and for skiers and snowboarders in the winter.
There is plenty to discover in Kyrgyzstan. You can find Soviet era architecture and artwork scattered throughout Bishkek while enjoying its culinary scene and night life. Bishkek is not far from Ala Archa National Park, a beautiful park that has amazing hiking trails for casual and experienced hikers alike.
If experiencing stunning nature is your thing, head to Karakol where it serves as the perfect base to go on multi-day hiking and camping excursions to places like Altyn-Arashan (a beautiful valley area) and Ala-Kul (a pristine azure lake). Karakol is also a great place for skiing during the winter. Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s biggest lake, makes for a relaxing place, especially if you stay at Cholpon Ata (North shore) or Tamga (South shore).
If you’re daring and adventurous enough, you can head further afield to on an adventurous hiking expedition across the majestic Tien Shan mountains close to China’s border.
Kyrgyzstan is an extremely affordable country to travel around and to have great experiences that you may not otherwise be able to afford to do so in many western countries, experiences such as horse riding treks and skiing.
The draw-card is the amazing nature here so if that is what you’re after, you have come to the right place, no matter when you visit – summer or winter. But don’t forget its fascinating culture, its warm people, and food scene here that is full of surprising culinary delights.
You will find something to enjoy and remember in Kyrgyzstan.
Below you will find key and essential information for your travel adventures in Kyrgyzstan – information such as visas, transport options, helpful websites and apps, public holidays, helpful Kyrgyz and Russian phrases, cultural tips and advice, vaccinations needed and recommended, common scams to look out for, and more.
You will also find a variety of informative and easy-to-read blog posts related to Kyrgyzstan.
All the information here is to help you be a smarter and better traveller.
On the Kyrgyz flag (adopted in 1992 after the fall of the Soviet Union), the sun is depicted with 40 rays that represent the 40 tribes united by Kyrgyz leader Manas to fight against Mongol invaders. The six crossing lines represent the tündük, the wooden centre crown of a yurt, used to symbolise home.
Essential Information
It is highly recommended that you:
- Download the 2GIS app for offline map navigation. But don’t just download the app – download the Kyrgyzstan map as well!
- Make sure to have some foreign currency (such as US dollars) that you can exchange for Kyrgyz som currency at your destination port. Not many countries have Kyrgyz som currency outside their borders.
I would recommend:
Exchanging your foreign currency to Kyrgyz currency (if you could not in the previous destination)
There are multiple foreign exchange facilities, either at a main bus terminal or airport.
There are also ATMs widely available, especially inside supermarkets and malls, some of which can also dispense USD currency. Note some ATMs may not accept certain cards (such as Visa or Mastercard).
Getting a local SIM card
Mobile data is affordable here and having a sim card with mobile data available can be life-saving, especially if you are visiting rural areas or hiking in the wilderness.
Main mobile service carriers are:
How to top up mobile data
To top up mobile data or continue a monthly prepaid plan, go to any multi-purpose information and payment kiosk (widely available in supermarkets, malls, canteens and public space areas). Select your mobile service provider, enter your mobile phone and deposit cash notes to top up. Note you need to top up the same (or more) amount of money to continue the same prepaid plan. If you want to change your mobile data plan, you can either call the mobile service provider or go to their shop to talk to someone who can change it for you.
Most travellers to Kyrgyzstan require a visa (either from online or a diplomatic mission) unless the traveller is from a visa-exempt country or a country where its passport holders are eligible for a visa-on-arrival (some visa-on-arrivals are only issued at Manas International Airport, depending what country a traveller is a citizen of).
Typical visa lengths range from 30 days to 90 days.
The Visa Run
For visa-free visitors who want to stay longer in Kyrgyzstan than their allowed maximum length of stay, it is possible to leave Kyrgyzstan and re-enter again on the same day and be re-issued with a new visa at the Kyrgyz border (for example, exiting Kyrgyzstan via the Kazakhstan border town Korday/Kordai and cross/re-enter Kyrgyzstan after leaving Kyrgyzstan with an exit stamp and Kazakhstan entry and exit stamps).
Note:
If you do decide to do a visa run within one day, you can be potentially asked why you are only visiting the neighbouring country for a day, or why you are coming back so soon so be prepared with answers.
The Korday border-crossing is closed to foreigners due to construction and pandemic restrictions. It is possible to use the Ak-Tilek border crossing instead. Do note though if you are thinking of doing a visa run in one day, there is limited transport to take you back to Bishkek from the border on the Kyrgyz side.
View visa policy of Kyrgyzstan
View visa requirements by nationality
Note: The above information is general visa advice. Please consult with your official government or foreign embassy for the latest official visa information.
Avoid mentioning flights
Avoid mentioning that you have a flight to catch (if you do). A local medical student told me that sometimes a border official can purposely hold you at their office for a long time where you may need to “pay them off” in order for them to let you go to catch your flight! I am not sure how true this is, or even prevalent, but it’s interesting to note.
There are multiple transport options within Kyrgyzstan but by far the most widely available option is via mini-bus, also known locally as a “marshrutka”. Marshrutkas are used within a city, domestically and internationally.
Currently most domestic and international marshrutkas do not operate on a strict schedule; they often depart to a destination when the marshrutka is full or near full of passengers.
Read more: How to use the Kyrgyzstan public transport system
No online bus bookings
In general, currently there are no or limited online bookings for bus tickets so you need to buy a ticket in advance at the bus station. For more popular destinations, it is recommended to buy/reserve a ticket a few days in advance.
Dates of public holidays in Kyrgyzstan are subject to yearly changes.
| Date | Public holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | |
| 7 January | Eastern Orthodox Christmas | |
| 23 February | Fatherland Defender’s Day | 24 February day in lieu. |
| 8 March | Women’s Day | |
| 21 March | Nooruz Mairamy | Persian New Year. |
| 7 April | Day of the People’s April Revolution | Commemorates the 2010 Kyrgyz Revolution. |
| 1 May | International Workers’ Day | |
| 5 May | Constitution Day | |
| 9 May | Victory Day | |
| 24 May | Orozo Ait | End of Ramadan |
| 31 July | Kurman Ait | Feast of the Sacrifice |
| 31 August | Independence Day | |
| 7-8 November | Days of History and Commemoration of Ancestors | This is a two-day holiday commemorating the national liberation uprising and the tragic events of 1916 known as ‘Urkun’ where Muslims died in an anti-Russian uprising. |
| English phrase | Russian phrase | Kyrgz phrase | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | Privet | Salam | |
| Good morning | Dobroye utro | Kuttuu taŋ | |
| Good afternoon | Dobryy den | Kuttuu kün | |
| Good evening | Dobryy vecher | Kuttuu keç | |
| Yes | Da | Ooba | |
| No | Net | Jok | |
| Please | Pozhaluysta | Ötünömün | |
| Thanks | Spasibo | Rahmat | |
| Thank you very much | bol’shoye spasibo | Çoŋ rahmat | |
| I’m sorry | Mne zhal’ | Keçirim suraym | |
| Good night | Dobroy nochi | Kuttuu tün | |
| Good bye | Proshchay | Salamatta boluŋuz | |
| See you later | Do svidaniya | Körüşkönçö | |
| Do you speak English? | Vy govorite na angliyskom? | Anglisçe sülöşö alasızbı? | |
| I am sorry. I do not speak Russian/Kyrgyz. | YA proshu proshcheniya. YA ne govoryu po russki | Keçirim suraym. Men kırgız tilinde süylöy alışpayt. | |
| Where is the bathroom? | Gde zdes’ vannaya komnata? | juunuçu bölmö kayda? | |
| Where is the bus station? | Gde avtobusnaya ostanovka? | Kayda avtobus bolup eseptelet? | |
| Where is the train station? | Gde nakhoditsya vokzal? | Kayda poezd beketi bolup sanalat? | |
| One/two coffee(s) please | Odin/Dva kofe, pozhaluysta | Bir/Eki kofe suranıç | |
| One/two beer(s) please | Odno/Dva pivo/piva, pozhaluysta | Bir/Eki sıra, suranıç | |
| Cheers! | Za zdaróvye | Den soolugubuz üchün! | Means “To your health!” |
Learn more:
English to Russian translation
General:
- Kyrgyz people are hospitable and ceremonial, typically treating you to a lot of delicious food, including mutton.
- At the dining table, the locals offering mutton from the sheep’s head is a sign of the highest respect for a guest. A guest is typically is first offered the sheep tail fat, shoulder blade mutton and then the mutton from the head. The guest should give some of what is offered back to the women and children at the dinner table as a sign of respect by the guest.
- Hosts don’t normally ask you “Would you like to drink something?” – they just give it to you without asking!
- Men and women normally sit on opposite sides of a table, with the eldest and most respected at the head of the table, typically away from the door entrance.
- It’s okay to leave a bit of food on the plate.
- At the end of a meal, a quick prayer from the Qur’an may be said. The hands are held out, palms up, and then everyone at the table cover their face in unison while saying “Amen”.
- Respect is given to elders and figures of authority.
- Men typically shake hands with other men and say “Salam Alaikum” which means “Peace be unto you.” This is especially true when a young man greets an elder man.
- Close male friends hug and even kiss on the cheek.
- Men don’t shake hands with women but women will shake hands if she is offered it.
- Different words are used to address an unknown person: for a female person, it is “Gospozha” (Madam), “Zhenshina” (Woman), addressing elder Kyrgyz women (mostly in rural villages) say “Edje” (Older sister), and for a young woman “Devushka” (Girl) or Chon Kyz if addressing a Kyrgyz girl.For a male person, you can address him by “Gospodin” (Sir). You can call a young man “Paren” (Boy) or “Molodoi chelovek” (Young man). To address an elder Kyrgyz male, you can say “Baike” (Older brother).
- Verbal respect to older people is given by using a polite pronoun and endings, and by using the titles “eje” (elder sister) and” baikay” or “aga” (elder brother).
- There are often cultural differences between the North and South (Naryn can be considered the central point). The North is more liberal and modern, whereas the South is more conservative. Friends greet each other differently in each area. In the south, men and women greet friends of the same gender by shaking hands, often with the left hand over the heart. The opposite gender is normally not acknowledged. Elder women and female relatives often will kiss on the cheek while shaking hands. In the South, men and women often occupy separate rooms during large celebrations. Boys and girls normally don’t befriend each other.
- It is normal for strangers to brush against each other in public without saying “Excuse me” or apologising.
- Strangers don’t normally acknowledge one another when passing on the street.
- Many restaurants and cafes allow their customers to smoke inside. There is often no separation between the smoking and non-smoking areas.
- Time is a fluid time in Kyrgyzstan where gatherings and meetings will involve people being late!
Do:
- If you are on public transport, kindly give up your seat for an elderly person, pregnant women, disabled people, and young mothers with infants.
- If you are invited to a local’s house as a guest, bring a small gift with you, like fruit and candy.
- Take off your shoes if you are visiting a local’s house.
- Bread is sacred and it should never be placed on the ground or placed or left upside down.
- Drink some tea to finish off a delicious meal when at a local’s house.
- Eat with your right hand.
- Eat what you are served, even if you may not like it!
- Do not start eating the food until the host invites you to the table.
- Let the eldest or guest(s) of honour try the food first.
Do not:
- Get upset over the lack of personal space that can often happen, especially on public transport. It’s how they roll here!
- Leave your food on the table untouched.
Learn more at: Every Culture and Facts and Details.
The table below represents the average temperature in the capital city, Bishkek.
| Season | Average Max temp (°C) | Average Min temp (°C) | General clothing information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31°C | 16°C | The days and nights are hot so thin layers are important. Always take a jacket for those unexpected cooler nights. If you’re going hiking, bring additional layers in case of unexpected cooler weather. | |
| 18°C | 5°C | The days are cooler and nights can be unexpectedly cool so bring a warm jacket with you. Hiking in early autumn is still ideal. Bring additional layers in case of unexpected cooler weather while hiking or camping. Rain starts to be more prevalent so pack waterproof clothing. | |
| 4°C | -5°C | It is best to pack thick clothing and hooded jackets ( (puffer or insulated), along with warm gloves and thermal undergarments. Wear thick socks with shoes that are well insulated with good grip. A beanie and scarf are also recommended. It is not the best time to go hiking. | |
| 18°C | 4°C | It is still cold with snow still prevalent in some areas in the early months of spring. Rain can be plentiful so pack waterproof clothing. Layered clothing is ideal as well. |
Vaccinations in general take many weeks or months and multiple shots for full immunisation so it’s best to plan ahead before your travel date.
You should already have the standard vaccines that include:
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, Varicella (chickenpox), and Polio vaccines.
Please note that all vaccination information is general advice.
It is highly recommended that you consult a registered GP or doctor for professional and specific medical advice regarding vaccinations for your travels.
Learn more:
Comprehensive health information for Kyrgyzstan
| Disease/Vaccine | Causes | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated food, water, medical and cosmetic equipment. | Avoid contaminated medical and cosmetic equipment.
Eat well-washed and/or hot food only. Avoid unpasteurised dairy products. Avoid drinking water in rural areas. Don’t share drinks. Don’t share medical or cosmetic equipment. Wash your hands often with warm water and soap (or use hand sanitiser). |
| Hepatitis B | Bodily fluids such as from sexual contact, contaminated medical equipment such as needles, unscreened blood transfusions, and contact with open wounds. | Use latex condoms correctly/Avoid unsafe sex.
Avoid sharing needles and medical equipment. |
| Measles | Measles is caused by the rubeola virus. The virus lives and survives in the mucus of the respiratory system of an infected person. | Wash your hands with soap and water, or hand sanitiser. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands. When you sneeze or cough, Cover your mouth and nose, ideally with a tissue. Try to avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups, with people who are ill. |
| Rabies | Being in contact with the saliva of infected animals (Being bitten, for instance). | Avoid any wild or street animals, especially dogs in Kyrgyzstan. |
| Typhoid | Consuming contaminated food or water in Kyrgyzstan. | Avoid unwashed, raw or undercooked foods, along with unpasteurised dairy products. Drink bottled water if you are in rural areas. |
Kyrgyzstan is one of the most affordable and budget-friendly Central Asian countries where you could splurge on amazing local food and accommodation and it will still be affordable and cheap.
Learn more:
Cost of living in Kyrgyzstan
Daily costs per individual will always vary from traveller to traveller due to different styles of travelling and different interests with varying costs (restaurant dining vs cooking food at your accommodation).
Typical costs include:
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Food
- Attractions such as museums and tours.
Like any budget, see the number as a limit and not as a target!
Below are average daily budget estimate costs for a single traveller.
Learn more:
Kyrgyzstan Travel Budget
Budget
USD$30
Hostel dorm bed: Up to 700 KGS
Canteen meal: Up to 200 KGS
Museums: Up to 150 KGS
Intercity marshrutka ride: 150 to 500 KGS
Midrange
USD$30 to $70
Midrange hotel: 2,550 to 4,240 KGS
One day horse trek with guide: 1,800 to 3,000 KGS
Good restaurant meal: Up to 1,200 KGS
Intercity share-taxi seat: 300 to 1,000 KGS
Higher end
USD$70 to $200
Luxury hotel: 5,090 to 9,330 KGS
Good restaurant meal: Up to 1,200 KGS
Intercity car with driver: 3,000 KGS
Multi-day horse-trek: Up to 9,000 KGS
Carry cash with you. The majority of small independent shops and restaurants accept only cash. Big supermarkets and modern restaurants and cafes will have card payment as an option. All local public transport buses and marshrutkas accept only cash.
Many restaurants and cafes have a typical 10% service charge added to the cheque (15% being the maximum) so tipping is not expected in most, if not all, situations.
Exchange rates & converter
Always be vigilant but not paranoid or naive regarding scams.
It is highly recommended you have travel insurance to cover any potential loss in your personal belongings and safety.
| Scam/Crime | Method/Behaviour | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Airport driver/transfer intercept | Travellers are intercepted by unlicensed taxi drivers who call out their name posing as the private driver sent by your accommodation provider or company. An exorbitant fare is then charged. | When arranging for an airport transfer, get the driver’s photo, name and contact number so you can verify them at the airport. |
| Drink spiking | Food or drinks are spiked that places the victim at greater risk of robbery or assault. This can be common in Bishkek. | Do not accept drinks from strangers or drinks that you have not seen made in front of your eyes. Don’t leave any drinks unattended.
Do not accept “free” food from strangers on public transport. |
| Fake police |
Fake police officers approach you and ask to check your passport or ID and even ask to search your belongings. They can accuse you of a crime and ‘charge’ you a fine, or steal something from your belongings.
This scam is common in Bishkek. |
Ask to verify their police badges and threaten to call the police hotline. Never surrender your physical passport and only show a photocopy of it.
Always keep your valuables out of sight. |
| Foreign Exchange money scam | At Osh Bazaar, there are money changers that lure travellers with advertised favourable foreign exchange rates.
During the physical exchange process, a large stack of notes is passed to you and via sleight of hand, some notes may be taken out without you realising it. |
Exchange at currency at banks or exchange offices in the city centre instead of at Osh Bazaar. |
| Overcharging taxis |
Some rogue and unlicensed taxi drivers may charge inflated fares, especially at Manas International Airport. They may double down by stating that their meter is broken.
Alternatively, the taxi meter has been rigged where it can be switched off and then back on again to re-appear with an inflated fare. |
Avoid taxis at tourist hotspots.
Use Yandex taxi app so you know how much you are paying upfront. Check online taxi fare estimators, taxi booking apps, or ask hotel/hostel staff for a fare estimate. You can use this information to negotiate a reasonable fare price if appropriate. Use a map app on your smartphone (GPS) to check the distance and the average time between the airport and your destination, along with seeing if you are being driven in the correct direction. Use public transport – it’s cheaper. |
| Pickpocketing |
Working as a single person: he or she will quickly grab an item from your pocket or slowly unzip your bag to grab the contents inside. This person can pick-pocket you from behind or by bumping into you.
Working as a gang: one person targets you, another distracts, one grabs your possession and passes it to another to escape with, often under a cover. This is most common in Bishkek, particularly Osh Bazaar. Be aware of being ambushed and targeted from left and right sides. |
Leave valuables in a locked place at your accommodation or keep valuables hidden out of sight. Keep a printed hardcopy of your passport on hand.
Do not carry excess cash and credit cards. Zip up and lock the pockets of your daypack/bag. You can carry your bag in front. Never leave your bag unattended or out of sight. If you’re in a restaurant or cafe, put your bag on your lap or in front and between your feet with a strap around a foot. Keep a hand on your front pocket where your valuables could be stored (such as smartphone). |
Learn more:
Scams in Kyrgyzstan