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Central Asia

KyrgyzstanTravel guide

Explore Kyrgyzstan visa rulesCommon scams in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country in Central Asia. Visitors come for lakes, hiking, horse riding and stays in yurts, the wool tents used by nomads.

Why go

  1. Explore the Tien Shan Mountains on foot or horseback.

  2. Visit the mountain lakes Issyk Kul and Song Kul.

  3. Stay in a rural yurt and experience Kyrgyz hospitality.

  4. Explore the bazaars and monuments of Bishkek and Osh.

  5. Try hearty local dishes such as beshbarmak and manti.

Best time to go: June to September is best for northern Kyrgyzstan. April to June is good for hiking in lower mountains, and March to October suits the south. High mountain passes can close from October.

Getting there

By air

  • Manas Airport in Bishkek and Osh Airport are the main international airports.
  • Both airports have regular flights to Istanbul and Moscow. The source also lists services to Tashkent, Ürümqi and Dubai.
  • Almaty in Kazakhstan and Tashkent in Uzbekistan are other arrival options, each about a five-hour drive from Kyrgyzstan.

By land

  • Minibuses connect Almaty and Bishkek in about four to five hours. There are also connections from Taraz.
  • Kegen in Kazakhstan has connections to Karakol. Its border crossing opens in summer, from May until September or October.
  • A regular bus connects Kashgar in China with Osh, taking about 18 hours.

Customs

  • Portable stove fuel cans are forbidden on the international train.

Getting around

  • Maps

    Yandex Maps and 2GIS are useful alternatives to Google Maps in Kyrgyzstan. Use 2GIS to find bus and minibus routes and numbers. OpenStreetMap is also useful and lists many camping spots.

  • Bus and minibus

    Local minibuses are called marshrutkas. They are inexpensive and gather at village centres and bus stations. Buy your ticket at the ticket office, called a kassa, whenever possible. This gives you a fixed fare. Without a ticket office, ask an uninvolved local what the fare should be. Pay the driver directly, use the exact amount if possible and ask for change immediately. Some minibuses wait until full before leaving. You can flag down minibuses along their route. In Bishkek, use the bus stops where other passengers wait.

  • Train

    The summer train links Balykchy, Tokmok and Bishkek on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This scenic route takes at least twice as long as a taxi but costs about half as much. The source also lists a daily train toward the Kazakhstan border and onward to Russia.

  • Domestic flights

    Several daily flights connect Bishkek and Osh. The source lists a few flights each week from Bishkek to Jalal-abad and Batken. Local airlines use older Soviet aircraft.

What to see and do

  • Bishkek

    The capital has busy bazaars, Soviet monuments and large public squares.

  • Osh

    Visit its famous bazaar, mosques and Soviet architecture.

  • Issyk Kul

    This large mountain lake is surrounded by peaks and is a popular summer destination.

  • Tash Rabat

    Explore the remains of an ancient inn for travelling traders in the Naryn region.

  • Ala-Archa National Park

    About half an hour's drive from Bishkek, the park has mountain peaks above 4,000 metres.

  • Arslanbob

    This village sits in a beautiful valley and is known for its walnut forest.

Food and drink

  • Beshbarmak

    A national dish made with boiled sheep or horse meat and noodles. The broth is served first.

  • Plov

    A rice dish with carrots, onions, beef or mutton and plenty of oil. Some versions include raisins.

  • Manti

    Steamed dumplings usually filled with beef or mutton. Pumpkin versions are sometimes available.

  • Samsa

    Pastries usually filled with meat, though vegetable or cheese versions exist. The tough bottom of a tandoor-baked samsa is traditionally discarded.

  • Lagman

    Noodles with spiced vegetables and beef or mutton. They may come as soup or as a drier dish.

  • Shashlik

    Grilled skewers of beef, mutton or pork, usually served with onions, vinegar and bread.

Money

Kyrgyz som (KGS)

  • The currency may be written as som or сом.
  • Common banknotes are 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 5,000 som.
  • Coins come in values of 1, 3, 5 and 10 som.
  • A 2,000 som banknote also exists, but the source describes it as more valuable to collectors than for everyday spending.

Typical costs

  • Almost every restaurant or teahouse adds a service charge of 10–15% to the bill.
  • The source lists the Moscow–Bishkek train journey at around €150 in third class.
  • The source lists a Bishkek yurt dormitory from US$8 per night.

Language

  • Kyrgyz and Russian are official languages.
  • Kyrgyz is more common in rural areas, while Russian is widely used in cities.
  • English is still rarely spoken. Young people, especially students, may be able to help.
  • Both Kyrgyz and Russian use the Cyrillic alphabet.
Njet / jok
No, in Russian / Kyrgyz.
Jengil chai
Light tea.
Kyzyl chai
Strong, red tea.
Daga chai, beringizchi
Please give me more tea.
Ichtym
I've drunk; used when you have had enough tea.
Ресторан
Restaurant; read as restoran.

Staying safe

  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in central Bishkek. Pickpocketing and muggings are reported.
  • Take care around bars and nightclubs, where fights and assaults can happen.
  • Keep money well hidden at rural guesthouses, or take it with you when leaving your room. Money has been reported missing.
  • Corrupt police have reportedly stolen money while searching tourists' bags. Report such incidents to your embassy.
6 common scams in Kyrgyzstan, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Follow your host's lead during any prayer at the end of a meal.
  • Allow time to sit and talk when invited for tea or another drink.
  • Cover your cup and say Ichtym when you have had enough tea. Your host may offer again to make sure you are satisfied.
  • Women should dress more conservatively in the south to reduce unwanted attention.

Don't

  • Do not assume a partly filled tea cup is unfriendly. It lets the host refill it often.
  • Do not assume a privately arranged stay is free. Ask the host about payment.

Staying healthy

  • Take care when driving, crossing roads and walking on pavements. Road accidents and uncovered holes are major risks.
  • Winter air pollution can be dangerously high in large cities, especially Bishkek.
  • Avoid approaching stray animals and dogs.
  • Get travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Local healthcare is generally limited, including at private clinics.

Where to stay

  • Private residents rent flats to visitors. Check the toilet, bath and cleanliness before agreeing to stay.
  • Rural yurt stays offer a chance to experience nomadic life. Some tourist agencies in Bishkek arrange them.
  • Community Based Tourism can arrange family stays, yurt stays and trekking in many towns and villages. Facilities vary between homes.
  • Camping is possible in many places. Keep well away from villages if barking dogs would disturb your sleep.

Outdoor adventures in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan offers mountain treks, lake trips, horse riding and skiing. Karakol is a base for several named walking routes, while Kochkor has organisers for horse trips to Song Kul. Walks range from short forest outings to steep mountain passes.

  • Karakol Gorge–Ala-Kul–Altyn Arashan–Ak-Suu

    TrekIssyk Kul and the Tian Shannear Karakol

    Moderate 2–4 days; about 17 hours of walking

    Get maps, information or a tour from local tour offices. Walk from Karakol Gorge towards Ak-Suu village.

    • Cost: The 3–4 official campsites are free.
    • The Ala-Kul pass is very steep, with loose rocks.
    • Weather changes quickly.

  • Issyk Kul swimming and sunbathing

    BeacheIssyk Kul and the Tian Shan

    Summer

    Visit the lake shore for swimming and sunbathing. A summer train connects Bishkek with Balykchy at the western end of the lake on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

  • Ala Archa National Park hiking

    HikeBishkek and the Northwestnear Bishkek

    Travel from Bishkek; the park is described as about half an hour away by car. CBT can arrange guides and treks.

  • Song Kul horse trek and yurt stay

    More to doNaryn Regionnear Kochkor

    A common trip is 2 days and 1 night. Mid-May to mid-September, depending on daily weather

    Arrange a trip in Kochkor through CBT Kochkor, Shepherds Life or Jailoo.

    • Cost: Around 7,000 som at the upper end for a small-group, 2-day horse trip, including a yurt night, horse, transport, guide and food.
    • Trip conditions depend on the weather.

  • Lenin Peak

    ClimbingSouthern Kyrgyzstannear Osh

    The peak lies south of Osh. CBT can arrange guides and treks, but no approach route is described.

  • Karakol Ski Base

    SkiingIssyk Kul and the Tian Shannear Karakol

    Travel about 30 minutes from Karakol. Ski equipment is available to rent.

    • Cost: Lift tickets: 1,200 som.

  • Altyn Arashan Hot Springs

    Hot springIssyk Kul and the Tian Shannear Karakol

    Hike from the Karakol area or visit along the Ala-Kul trail. Free springs lie towards the river, about 1 km from the village in the Karakol direction.

    • Cost: Commercial springs: 200 som. Other springs are free. Lunch or dinner: 250–300 som.

  • Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve

    Hike

    Ask CBT to arrange a guide or trek. No reserve-specific transport details are given.

  • Arslanbob walnut forest

    Hikenear Arslanbob

    Day hikes to multi-day treks

    Ask the CBT office in Arslanbob for help. OpenStreetMap shows possible day trails around town.

    • Check your navigation before setting out; availability of proper local maps is unclear.

  • Jyrgalan and the eastern border region

    HikeIssyk Kul and the Tian Shannear Jyrgalan

    Use Jyrgalan as the starting area. CBT can help organise guides and treks.

  • Karakol Gorge Circuit

    TrekIssyk Kul and the Tian Shannear Karakol

    Moderate 2–4 days; about 20 hours of walking

    Follow Karakol Gorge south from the last bus stop. The circuit turns west around Gastello Peak and returns to the gorge.

  • Jeti-Ögüz–Karakol Gorge–Ala-Kul–Ak-Suu

    TrekIssyk Kul and the Tian Shannear Karakol

    Hard 3–5 days; about 22 hours of walking

    Start at Jeti-Ögüz and walk through Karakol Gorge to Ala-Kul, then continue through Altyn Arashan to Ak-Suu. Local tour offices provide maps and tours.

    • The Ala-Kul pass is very steep, with loose rocks.

  • Chon-Kyzyl-Suu–Karakol Gorge–Ala-Kul–Ak-Suu

    TrekIssyk Kul and the Tian Shannear Karakol

    Hard 4–7 days; about 26 hours of walking

    Start at Chon-Kyzyl-Suu. Continue towards Karakol Gorge rather than descending into Jeti-Ögüz, then walk via Ala-Kul and Altyn Arashan to Ak-Suu.

    • The Ala-Kul pass is very steep, with loose rocks.
    • Weather around the pass changes quickly.

  • Archa Tor Pass Trail

    TrekIssyk Kul and the Tian Shannear Karakol

    Use this as an alternative first section of the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu trek. Route coordinates are available for navigation.

  • Grigorievskoe Trail

    HikeIssyk Kul and the Tian Shannear Cholpon-Ata

    The trail is near Cholpon-Ata. CBT can arrange a guide or trek.

  • Alamedin Gorge high routes

    Trek

    Ask CBT to arrange a guide or trek in the gorge.

  • Kyzyl Suu River Valley high routes

    Trek

    Ask CBT to help plan a trek or arrange a guide.

  • Arslanbob small waterfall

    Hikenear Arslanbob

    Walk or take a jeep from Arslanbob. The waterfall is close to the centre.

    • Cost: 10 som.

  • Arslanbob big waterfall

    Hikenear Arslanbob

    Walk, ride a horse or take a jeep from Arslanbob towards the mountain face outside town.

    • Cost: 20 som.
    • The path is steep and gravelly.
    • The route gets hot in summer.

  • Mountain biking around Karakol

    CyclingIssyk Kul and the Tian Shannear Karakol

    Rent a mountain bike from a local tour company to explore the area.

    • Cost: 500–600 som per day.

  • Issyk Kul sailing

    SailingIssyk Kul and the Tian Shan

    Sailing is listed as a lake activity, but no sailing operator or launch point is named.

  • Issyk Kul sunset cruise

    More to doIssyk Kul and the Tian Shannear Karakol

    Book at the Destination Karakol office near the church. The office is signposted.

  • Ala Archa National Park skiing

    SkiingBishkek and the Northwestnear Bishkek

    The park is about half an hour by car from Bishkek. No ski operator or equipment arrangements are described.

  • Guided mountain hikes around Bishkek

    HikeBishkek and the Northwestnear Bishkek

    One day or longer

    Join a public outing with the Trekking Union of Kyrgyzstan. Transport to and from the trail and a guide are included. Check its English event schedule.

    • Cost: A few hundred som per day, including transport and a guide.

  • Yurt stay near Tash Rabat

    More to doNaryn Regionnear Naryn

    Stay in a yurt near Tash Rabat. No booking or transport arrangements are described.

Airports, metros and trains in Kyrgyzstan

Airports with scheduled flights

  • IKUIssyk-Kul International AirportTamchyMain international airport
  • BSZManas International AirportBishkekMain international airport
  • OSSOsh International AirportOshMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
417 km

People and safety in Kyrgyzstan

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.

  • Muslim88%
  • Christian11%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal in law, risky in places

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #84 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

71% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 85 of 198 countries can visit Kyrgyzstan easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required81
  • Visa on arrival4
  • eVisa112
  • Visa required1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe45 of 46 countries
  • Asia29 of 49 countries
  • Americas8 of 35 countries
  • Oceania2 of 14 countries
  • Africa1 of 54 countries

Questions

When is the best time to visit?

Visit the north from June to September or the south from March to October. April to June is especially good for flowers and hiking in lower mountains.

Can I get around without speaking Kyrgyz?

Russian is widely used in cities, while Kyrgyz is more common in rural areas. English is rarely spoken, so learn a few basic words before travelling.

How do I use a local minibus?

Look for a marshrutka at a bus station or village centre. Buy a ticket at the ticket office if there is one; otherwise, check the fare with a local and pay the driver directly.

What money does Kyrgyzstan use?

The currency is the Kyrgyz som, abbreviated KGS.

Can I find vegetarian food?

Most traditional dishes contain meat, but restaurants may prepare a vegetarian meal if asked. Markets sell fresh fruit, vegetables and bread.

How can I arrange a yurt or family stay?

Community Based Tourism arranges family stays and yurt stays in many places. Some tourist agencies in Bishkek also arrange rural yurt stays.

Is it safe to walk around at night?

The source advises against walking alone at night, especially in central Bishkek, because of street crime.

Can I drink the water?

Water safety varies by region. The source describes much mountain water as drinkable, but says to ask local people.

What electricity supply is used?

The supply is 220 volts at 50 hertz. Europlug and Schuko plugs are used.

Are there special dress rules?

There is no special dress code. Women are advised to dress more conservatively in the south to avoid unwanted male attention.

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