- Destinations
- Asia
- Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan
Dominated by towering mountains and breathtaking natural beauty,
the Kyrgyz Republic in Central Asia is not a well known travel
destination, despite the fact that it is one of the most welcoming
republics in the region.
Kyrgyzstan boasts some of the highest mountains in the world
with 23 peaks over 19,685 feet (6,000m), and is often referred to
as the 'Switzerland of Central Asia'. The challenge of climbing
these remote giants of nature has long been an irresistible lure
for mountaineers, although for most of the 20th century the area
was off-limits to foreigners outside of the Soviet Union. Ala-Archa
National Park includes approximately 20 glaciers and 50 peaks and
offers dozens of horse trekking, hiking, climbing and skiing
possibilities. The mountains are also home to lakes, including Lake
Issyk-Kul, which at 105 miles (170km) long and 43 miles (70km) wide
is the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca
in South America; the less touristy Song Kul; and Jeti Oguz, which
has some spectacular mountain formations and thermal springs.
Another popular attraction in Kyrgyzstan is the walnut forests of
Arslanbob.
Among this abundance of natural splendour lies the attractive
capital city of Bishkek, famous for being one of the greenest
cities in the world thanks to its profusion of trees and parks,
while the ancient city of Osh near the Uzbekistan border is
allegedly 3,000 years old and is full of historical interest. Osh
is also famous for its lively market, which is reputedly one of the
most colourful in all of Central Asia.
The Kyrgyz, the country's largest ethnic group, are
traditionally nomadic herders having originated from Siberia in the
13th century. Their nomadic habits continue today as families herd
their sheep, yaks and horses back up to the mountain pastures
(jailoo) every summer where they live in round hide tents known as
yurts. The tradition of horse riding is part and parcel of the
Kyrgyz culture and numerous festivals and games are centred on this
activity. Hospitality is another key function of their way of life
and visitors will find it difficult to pass by without an
invitation to share in a drink of fermented horse milk, or kumys,
an acquired taste by anybody's standards.
Information & Facts
Business
Generally most people speak Russian and most business is carried
out in Russian in Kyrgyzstan; translators are available. Business
hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm (March
to October).
Climate
Kyrgyzstan's climate is extremely diverse due largely to its
mountainous landscape. Most of the country is temperate with little
rainfall and lots of sunshine, but the south-western Ferghana
Valley area is subtropical with very hot summers. Generally the
lowlands average 21-24°F (-6°C to -4°C) in January and 61-75°F
(16-24°C) in July, while the highland mountainous areas range from
46-54°F (8-12°C) in summer and 7°F to -4°F (-14°C to -20°C) in
winter. Snowfall in winter is heavy.
Communications
The international dialling code for Kyrgyzstan is +996. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the UK). City codes for Bishkek and Osh are (0)312 and
(0)322 respectively. Mobile coverage is fairly widespread in
populated areas, and local SIM cards are easy to purchase.
Customs
Identification should be carried by travellers at all time while
visiting Kyrgyzstan. Although Kyrgyzstan is a secular state, most
Kyrgyz people are Muslim and visitors should respect local customs,
particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Dress is
conservative. It is bad etiquette to take photos of people,
particularly women, without their permission. Shoes must be removed
when entering a yurt (nomad's tent), and refusing an offer of kumys
(fermented horse milk) might cause offence. Homosexuality is
frowned upon.
Duty Free
Adults over 16 may bring the following into Kyrgyzstan without
paying duty: 1, 000 cigarettes or 1, 000g tobacco products, 1.5
litres of alcohol and 2 litres of wine, and perfume for personal
use.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European plugs
with two circular metal pins are in use.
Health
There is a risk of malaria from June to November in Kyrgyzstan,
mainly in the areas bordering Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, but most
cases are in areas rarely frequented by tourists and a generous
amount of bug spray should be sufficient to ward off the disease.
Visitors are recommended to drink bottled water only. Medical care
and medical supplies are limited and it may be difficult to find
someone who speaks English. Comprehensive medical insurance is
advised, which should include air evacuation.
Language
Kyrgyz is the official language followed closely by
Russian, which is understood and spoken by almost everyone in
Kyrgyzstan.
Money
The official currency is the Som (KGS), which is divided into
100 tyiyn. US dollars are the easiest foreign currency to exchange
at banks and official exchange offices. Major hotels in Bishkek
usually accept credit cards, but Kyrgyzstan is predominantly a cash
economy. Few ATMs are often hard to come by: Bishkek has plenty,
while tehre are a few in Osh and Issyk-Kul. Travellers exchanging
money in Kyrgyzstan should note that they'll get a better exchange
rate by changing larger bills, and that many counters will not
accept dirty or or wrinkled notes.
Passport Visa
Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in
Kyrgyzstan. This visa is valid for one month, and costs between USD
40 and USD 100. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport
has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date
of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials
often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and
official sources.
Safety
Visitors are often a target for muggings and theft, mainly in
the cities, but also occurring in the rural areas. It is therefore
not advisable to display wealth, take unofficial taxis or public
transport, or walk in unlit areas at night. There is a low threat
of terrorist activity particularly in the south west. The political
situation is tense due in part to continuing high levels of
corruption and crime, and all demonstrations should be avoided.
Tensions also exist over recognition of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek borders
and most governments advise against travel to the Ferghana Valley
area, as well as along the Tajik-Kyrgyz border. While major cities
such as Bishkek and the Issyk-Kul region are fairly stable, it is
advised that the situation could deteriorate rapidly in any area of
the country. Avalanches and mudslides in mountainous areas are
common in the spring with the snow melt, and this leads to frequent
road closures and disruption to transport.