Our top 10 tips for preparing your trip to Kyrgyzstan

In full transparency!

In this article, you’ll find links to some of the accommodations we’ve tried out on our many trips to Kyrgyzstan, as well as some of the items we’ve used on our road-trips that we’ve kept in our luggage ever since. The links are affiliated, which means we earn a small commission, but you won’t pay more. Please note, there is no obligation to buy – but by clicking on these links, you can support us if this article was useful to you!

#1- When to go to Kyrgyzstan?

This is without doubt the first question to ask when planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan: which season to choose? Because whether it’s summer, winter, or the spring-fall shoulder seasons, it won’t be the same trip at all!
Spoiler alert: the best season is from mid-June to mid-September!

Summer (July-August)

Due to its continental and mountainous climate, summer in Kyrgyzstan is fairly short and concentrated in July-August. It’s rather dry and warm, especially in the valleys where temperatures hover around 25-30°C.

Advantages. This is the best time of year to enjoy the mountains and Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty, as it’s when the weather is at its best: sunny days and cool nights. Be careful in the mountains, though: it can be cold even in the middle of August, and there can be snowfalls. It’s best to be equipped and prepared! This is also the time of year when you can meet nomads and sleep in yurts.

Disadvantages. This is the peak tourist season. Let’s face it, Kyrgyzstan isn’t a very touristy destination, but let’s just say there will be more crowds at the most popular sites and excursions, like Lake Song-Kul or Ala-Kul. Prices for rentals and activities are also higher at this time of year.

Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October)

It’s our favorite time of year. It is possible to travel to Kyrgyzstan during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), but with a few precautions.

Advantages. It’s the low season and you can take advantage of interesting promotions, whether on plane tickets, car rentals or activities. In many cases, the mountains are still (or have already been) covered in snow, making for sumptuous landscapes. Note thatin spring, the meadows are green and covered with wild flowers. It’s also during this period that the nomads make their transhumance, so you may be lucky enough to witness a yurt assembly/disassembly, and see the nomads arrive in the mountains with their herds. In autumn, the sun-scorched grass gives the Kyrgyz plains their sublime orange hues.

Disadvantages. Beware of the weather: it can be very cold, especially in the evening. Mountain passes may be snow-covered, limiting access to certain areas. Please note thatfording can be very difficult in spring due to melting snow.

Winter (November to April)

Winter, from November to April, is best avoided due to extremely cold temperatures and difficult travel conditions. Roads and mountain trails are blocked by snow, making travel dangerous. You really need to be well equipped, as temperatures can drop below -20°C. However, this is the right season to go skiing or organize a horse trek with a specialized guide like Timur.

#2- How do I get to Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia?

The first piece of good news is that the country offers VISA-free access to over 60 nationalities, including French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian nationals. You have the right to stay in the country for 60 days, free of charge and without having to apply for a visa beforehand. All you need is an up-to-date passport.

By plane

Kyrgyzstan is completely landlocked in the middle of Central Asia. The quickest way to get there is by plane. The country has two airlines from Europe: Turkish airlines and Pegasus (there was also Aeroflot, a Russian airline, before the war in Ukraine). In both cases, there is usually a stopover in Istanbul, Turkey. There are no direct flights from Europe. There are regular off-season promotions, and you can find cheap plane tickets if you look hard enough, especially on search engines like Kayak.. The round trip costs between 500 and 800 euros, but special offers are available for less.

Overland on the Silk Road

If you have the time, then the best solution is undoubtedly to follow the mythical Silk Road from Europe to Central Asia. There are many itineraries, but they change regularly according to pandemics or other geopolitical events. We’ll keep you up to date with live news in our facebook group or in our article on border crossings. Here are the three main routes:

Europe – Turkey – Georgia – Russia – Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan: In 2024, you can easily obtain a Russian transit visa in Tbilisi, Georgia, and cross Russia to Kazakhstan in 2-3 days.

Europe – Turkey – Georgia – Azerbaijan – Kazakhstan : Since the Covid pandemic, Azerbaijan’s land borders have been closed, so it’s not possible to enter Azerbaijan to take the Baku-Aktau ferry.

Europe – Turkey – Armenia – Iran – Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan: This itinerary is possible in 2024, but you’ll need a carnet de passage en douane to cross Iran and a guidebook to cross Turkmenistan. Many travellers take the Pamir route in Tajikistan before arriving in Kyrgyzstan. Please note that the Tajik-Kyrgyz border only partially reopened in 2023 (for tourists only). As the relationship between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan has not yet fully calmed down, it may well close again.

Europe – Russia – Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan: In 2024, this route will be impossible, as passage through Eastern Europe is blocked due to the conflict in Ukraine.

When you enter Kyrgyzstan or another country in the Eurasian Economic Union (Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus), you will be issued a TIP (temporary import document) for a period of 6 months to 1 year, which means that your vehicle is authorized to remain within the customs union’s borders for a maximum of 12 months. You don ‘t need a logbook. On the other hand, since 2015 you have had to pay an ecotax. This ecotax is equivalent to around 500 som for a motorcycle, 1,000 som for a car and 2,500 som for a truck. For more information, see our article on border crossings in Kyrgyzstan.

#3 – How do I get around Kyrgyzstan?

Discover Kyrgyzstan by 4×4, van, motorcycle or bicycle

Without the slightest hesitation, the ideal way is to rent a car, a 4×4, a van, a motorcycle or even a bike. This will enable you to be independent and go at your own pace. You should be aware that there is very little public transport, and above all that it only allows access to the most touristy sites. In short, if you want to travel off the beaten track, this is the best solution! Beware, the roads are not in very good condition and quickly turn into dirt or gravel tracks. It’s best to choose an off-road vehicle (4×4, trail bike or ATV) and have good track driving experience.

Discover Kyrgyzstan by public transport

Marshrutkas

These small, crowded buses are the preferred means of transport for locals. It’s economical and authentic! Marshrutkas serve bus stations and small towns. So if you want to get off the beaten track, you’ll quickly be limited.

Group cabs

Shared cabs (7-8 seats) are a great way to discover the country. The driver waits until his cab is full before leaving, and you share the total fare with the other passengers. Compared with marshrutkas, prices are a little higher, but it’s still faster and more comfortable.

Discover Kyrgyzstan by hitchhiking

Of course, it’s the cheapest way to travel! If you have time and want to meet Kyrgyz people, it’s ideal! Locals regularly hitchhike, so all you have to do is wait at the side of the road and wave before a car (often a truck) stops. The driver may ask you to pay a contribution depending on your destination.

#4 – Which travel guides and maps to prepare for your trip to Kyrgyzstan?

There are very few guidebooks on Kyrgyzstan. The country has only recently opened up to tourism, and many travelers still prefer to use a travel agency. These agencies will offer you ready-made excursions, but if you really want to organize and personalize your trip, there’s nothing better than using a good travel guide and setting off on an adventure.

For backpackers looking for a succinct, lightweight book, Petit futé is the best choice (in French though). Here you’ll find all the main tourist attractions as well as a few good addresses. There is also a Lonely Planet Central Asia, but this covers several countries. As a result, there is very little information on Kyrgyzstan itself, and the book is not very up-to-date. We also recommend the Bradt, which is much more comprehensive. For those of you familiar with “le guide du routard”, there is no “guide du routard” on Kyrgyzstan.

For those wishing to get off the beaten track and explore the country in greater depth on their own, we recommend our Explore Kyrgyzstan guide. This guide contains over 300 pages of detailed maps, photographs and practical information for adventure-seeking travelers. The book lists the country’s 24 most beautiful trails, as well as over 80 sites of cultural interest (mosques, caravanserai, petroglyphs, etc.) and natural interest (trekking, hot springs, etc.). It is aimed at all itinerant travelers by 4×4, van, motorcycle, bicycle or even horseback. For those who love beautiful photography or are also looking for information on the country’s culture, history and geography, this is a beautiful book full of fascinating anecdotes and stories.

But the best people to talk about it are our readers!

Don’t forget that Internet access is poor, especially in the mountains, so you’ll be totally cut off from the world. This is a good thing, because disconnecting from the world is the best way to enjoy this destination. Unlike your smartphone, which depends on its battery and an Internet connection, your tour guide will never leave you behind. For those who don’t want to bother with a book, Explore Kyrgyzstan is available in ebook format. You can also download the 24 GPS tracks for consultation on your smartphone or GPS.

For hikers looking for a detailed topographical map, there aren’t many available. We recommend Gizi maps, but beware: some routes are not at all up-to-date. You’ll also find some maps in the CBTs of tourist towns like Bishkek, Karakol and Kochkor. We’ve also produced a small A2 tourist map of the country with our selection of the most beautiful trails. Please note: this is not a topographical map, but a tourist map with all the country’s must-see nuggets – ideal for planning your road trip!

#5 – What to do in Kyrgyzstan: the best activities and tour ideas

Hiking and trekking in the great outdoors

Kyrgyzstan is a paradise for hikers and trekkers. Impossible to list them all… There’s something for every taste and level. The Kyrgyz Ala-Too (south of Bishkek) and Terskey Ala-Too (south of Issyk-Kul) ranges are the most popular areas for trekking, but in reality there are a variety of regions ideal for nature walks.

Ala-Archa National Park

Just a 40-minute drive from Bishkek, this park is packed with hiking, mountaineering and climbing trails. It’s possible to stroll around for the day or embark on a 2-3 day trek to the summit glaciers (notably the Ak-Saï glacier).

Lake Kol-Tor

This sumptuous turquoise-blue lake, just 1h30 from Bishkek, can be discovered on track 01 of our Explore guide. The hike is easy and can be completed in a day. You can also bivouac at the foot of the lake!

Lake Kol-Ukok

Next to Kochkor, this beautiful lake can be reached by a 2-day round-trip walk. Along the way, you’ll find a number of yurt camps where you can spend the night. It is possible to do this hike without a guide.

Ala-Kul Lake

The trek to magnificent Lake Ala-Kul is the best-known in the country. The walk is quite difficult, particularly because of the uneven terrain. The trail is very popular in July and August. Although it’s possible to do it on your own, we recommend you do it with a guide if you’re not used to high mountains. Allow 3 to 4 days’ walking.

Jirgalan

This small mountain village is a famous base camp for mountain excursions. There are many itineraries and a growing number of agencies.

Horse trekking on Lake Song Kul with a local guide

Lake Song-Kul, perched at 3,100 m, is one of the most popular destinations for horseback riding. Surrounded by lush green pastures and snow-capped peaks, this azure-blue alpine lake is breathtakingly beautiful. Many agencies offer equestrian excursions to Lake Song Kul, usually three full days, with two nights in a yurt. An experience you won’t soon forget! Unfortunately, the lake is a victim of its own success. Yurt camps for tourists are invading the riverbanks, and cases of overexploitation of horses have been reported. It is therefore important to choose the right guide or agency to accompany you . You’ll find more information in our article on Lake Song-Kul, as well as our recommendations for guides on horseback in this article.

To get to Lake Song-Kul, we highly recommend Timur. He’s a Kyrgyz guide specializing in horse trekking on Song Kol Lake. Despite his young age, he impressed us with his seriousness and benevolence. Having grown up with his family near Lake Song Kol, Timur will give you an authentic experience with a 2 or 3-day horseback ride, including nights in a yurt and typical meals. He will also introduce you to nomadic life and Kyrgyz traditions. He speaks fluent English and is learning French from the tourists he accompanies! You can contact Timur directly via our contact form.

Sleeping in a yurt

The yurt is surely one of the most remarkable legacies of nomadic culture. For centuries, it has been the main habitat of many peoples throughout Asia. Its structure has changed little over time, although there are some regional differences. A night’s sleep in a yurt means immersing yourself in Kyrgyz culture and discovering the way of life of many semi-nomadic inhabitants. In addition to their breeding activities, some families have invested in one or two extra yurts to welcome visiting tourists. If there are more than four or five yurts, it’s most likely a camp built by an agency and specially equipped to welcome tourists. These tourist camps can number up to 20 yurts! Sometimes you’ll even find beds inside for added comfort, but be aware that locals traditionally sleep on the ground on mats. We recommend that you go directly to the smaller campsites, where the welcome is generally warmer and the atmosphere more family-oriented. Even if these “tourist” yurt camps are becoming more and more numerous, we’re delighted that this type of accommodation can be dismantled and blends in perfectly with the landscape.

Bathing in a hot spring

Bathing in a hot spring after a hike is a must. The country boasts numerous hot springs, particularly in the mountains south of Issyk Kul, where visitors can enjoy the benefits of these thermal waters. Some springs are equipped with sanatoriums, offering sometimes dilapidated but comfortable facilities for relaxation. Other springs are natural, surrounded by the wild beauty of the mountains. We recommend the Altyn-Arashan valley for its many hot springs! You’ll find plenty of secret addresses in our Explore guide.

Attend nomadic equestrian games

Although the Kyrgyz became largely sedentary during the Soviet period, they have kept many traditions from their nomadic way of life. nomadic lifestyleincluding numerous equestrian games. Some of them are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, and you may be lucky enough to attend. Temirkhan and Timur offer horseback rides with nomadic games and folk music.

• Kok-Boru, similar to horse ball, is an extremely popular equestrian sport in Kyrgyzstan. Riders have to catch a headless sheep or goat corpse from their mount and throw it at a goal ( beware of sensitive souls ). This sport showcases the skill of Kyrgyz riders, who must contort themselves to catch the animal on the ground or in mid-air, make their way through impressive horse melees, and finally throw the animal, which weighs over 30 kg, into the goal. Kok-Boru is regularly played in the villages at festivals and wedding celebrations. National and international tournaments are also regularly organized.
• Kyz Kumay is an equestrian game pitting a man and a woman on horseback against each other. It’s a popular game at weddings, because it’s so much fun. In the first trial, the man has to catch up with the woman, and if he succeeds, he can kiss her. Then it’s up to the woman to take her revenge by pursuing the man, and if she catches up with him, she has the right to whip him.
• Archery is very popular with nomadic peoples, who excel in this art both on foot and on horseback. Kyrgyzstan is famous for its champion archery horsewomen, some of whom are able to shoot with great accuracy using their feet while in the middle of a horse race!

Watch an eagle hunting demonstration

Eagle hunting is a tradition that has been handed down from father to son for centuries. Once practiced to acquire food and furs during the harsh winter months, this form of hunting almost disappeared during the Soviet era. Only a few dozeneagles(berkutchi) are still hunted in Kyrgyzstan. They promote their art through tourism and traditional nomadic festivals. Aitoo belongs to a family of eagliers, handed down from father to son. Passionate, he’ll be proud to show you how he hunts with his two eagles. For several years now, he has also been offering overnight stays in his yurts.

#6 – Must-see places in Kyrgyzstan

Song Kul Lake

Perched at an altitude of 3,000 m, Lake Song-Kul is one of the most visited natural sites in the world. It’s easy to see why, given the beauty of the lake and its shores! Here you can discover pastoral life in vast grasslands surrounded by mountains. The graceful silhouettes of horses and white yurts blend harmoniously into this mountain backdrop. The Song-Kul lake is one of the most popular destinations for horse trekking and encounters with nomadic life. The lake can be reached in three days on horseback or in a few hours by motorized vehicle. There are several possible routes to get there.

Lake Kol Suu

Lake Kol-Suu sparkles blue amid high granite cliffs. Perched at 3,500 m, this lake is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country. Although it is attracting more and more visitors, its isolation and the fact that a border permit is required to access it put off most tourists. As you can see, it’s well worth the detour, all the more so as the trail leading to it has been completely rebuilt and presents no difficulties whatsoever (trail 19 in the Explore guide).

Heavenly mountains

To the south of Lake Issyk-Kul lie the Celestial Mountains, a tangle of massifs and valleys overlooked by the country’s highest peak, 7,439m Pobedy. Most of the routes to and through these mountains are old USSR tracks that require an all-terrain vehicle (tracks 06, 08, 09, 10, 11 and 12 in the Explore guide). If you have a 2×4 vehicle, you can visit the Jeti-Oguz valley, Kogur-Olon, the Kumtor gold mine (track 07 in the Explore guide) or the town of Engilchek (track 10 in the Explore guide).

Baetov region

From deserted ravines to lush green meadows, from high rocky cliffs to sparkling glaciers, the Baetov region abounds in landscapes each more astonishing than the last. A fairly well-maintained dusty track links Baetov to Tash-Rabat (track 20 in the Explore guide). It passes over two passes offering spectacular views of the region: the Borulu Ashuu pass (3,262 m) and the Kulak Ashuu pass (3,390 m). Ruins of ancient mausoleums dot the route, but the most precious monument is undoubtedly the splendid Tash-Rabat caravanserai: an imposing stone edifice that welcomed Silk Road merchants in the 15th century.

Lake Issyk Kul

Lake Issyk-Kul, nicknamed “the pearl of Central Asia”, is one of the country’s most important natural sites. This huge lake perched at an altitude of 1607 m attracts many visitors in summer, with its beautiful beaches, sanatoriums and wild canyons. The many archaeological sites scattered around the lake are a reminder of the region’s prehistoric and ancient civilizations. Today, a well-maintained asphalt road leads around the lake. In contrast to the north bank, which saw the emergence of numerous tourist infrastructures during the Soviet era, the south bank remains quite wild and offers a lively and vibrant nomadic cultural experience.

#7 – Where to sleep in Kyrgyzstan? yurt, guesthouse, bivouac, etc.

Since 2017, we’ve been traveling regularly to Kirghi (almost every year). I might as well tell you that we’ve tried a lot of guesthouses! And sometimes, we treat ourselves to a little more comfort. Here you’ll find a selection of our favorite addresses.

The best accommodations in Bishkek

• Tunduk Hostel (our favorite) superb hostel run by Azema, who speaks perfect French! There are dormitories and a few spacious rooms for 2 or 3 people at very good value for money! The garden and pool are very pleasant in summer, and there’s always a great atmosphere. Here you’ll find our Explore guide for sale. Azema also offers a 2-3 day horse-riding tour of the Suusamyr region.
• Apple Hostel: this youth hostel is very popular with backpackers! A must if you’re on your own and want to meet other travelers! The hostel is ideally located just a few meters from the bus station, and all the staff speak English.
• Kurak Homestay: Bek speaks perfect English and will be delighted to welcome you to his small family home. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and breakfast is included!
• Silkroad Guesthouse: this charming inn offers rooms from 40 euros per night for 2 people, including breakfast and private bathroom. The decor is tasteful and the breakfast is delicious! Dormitories are also available for smaller budgets.
• Kaganat Hostel: around 30 euros for a double room and 12 euros for a bed in a dormitory. This is one of the best-rated hotels in Bishkek, and its very central location is a real plus!
• Centrum hotel: this 3* hotel is centrally located and offers clean, comfortable and spacious rooms. We appreciated the kindness of the staff.
• Orion Hotel 5*: for larger budgets, we recommend this luxurious 5* hotel, with rooms starting from 130 euros a night. The hotel is very well located and offers services such as a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, etc. Ideal after an intense road-trip!

The best accommodation in Karakol

• Riverside Karakol: with its pretty garden and well-appointed communal areas, this guesthouse makes you feel right at home. Visit rooms are large and each has a private bathroom. The owner André (who is Dutch and speaks perfect English) will be happy to advise you. There’s also ample parking for your vehicle. Andre has a few copies of our Explore guide for sale.
• Evergreen guesthouse : this guesthouse is very well located, and the rooms are super comfortable and clean. The hosts are very welcoming and helpful, the property has a separate kitchen where they serve breakfast and if you need to cook it’s fully equipped. We loved their garden!
• Arthouse: A clean, comfortable gesthouse with a perfectly equipped kitchen and, above all, excellent WIFI. Ideal for digital nomads. The owner is always ready to help and speaks perfect English.
• Argo guesthouse: a charming guesthouse in the heart of Karakol and friendly hosts. Delicious breakfast.
• Ordo hotel : Mars and his wife are very friendly and welcoming. The hotel is 5 minutes from the center and restaurants. The rooms are modern, very clean and the beds comfortable. Breakfast is prepared with care every day. There is also private parking for vehicles.

The best guesthouses in Osh

• Astoria B&B: this is the meeting point for travelers with vehicles (4×4, bike, motorcycle), as this guesthouse is run by Oibek, who also runs a 4×4 and motorcycle rental agency. He speaks English very well and will be able to give you excellent advice for your trip. The rooms are clean and pleasant.
• 
  Asman guesthouse
  This small guesthouse, which resembles a hotel, is very well run, clean and pleasant. The owners are very attentive and private parking is available.
• VIP guesthouse: this small, simple guesthouse offers good-value rooms. The owner is very friendly and the guesthouse is very well located.
• Ethno boutique hotel: this small hotel is remarkable for its decorated rooms and relaxing garden. The hotel is far from the city center but easily accessible by bus.
• YOUR hotel: a small, well-kept hotel ideally located, within walking distance of good restaurants, the city center and the bazaar. The staff are very, very helpful and the garden very pleasant. Private parking available.
• ABS guesthouse: a modern, clean inn. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable!

The best guesthouses in Naryn

• Hotel Grand Khan Tengri 4*: A little treat after several days on the slopes? You’re muddy, dirty and hungry… a break is in order at the Grand Khan Tengri Hotel **** in Naryn! The price isn’t cheap, but sometimes it’s good to treat yourself: a big room, a comfortable bed and a real bathroom! With breakfast included, it’s the comfortable night’s sleep you’ll need before hitting the slopes.
• Rozalinda guesthouse: small guesthouse with very good value for money, including breakfast. Very warm welcome.
• Baktygul guesthouse: at less than US$30 a night, this small guesthouse run by a family is very pleasant and the welcome very warm.

How do I book a night in a yurt?

Sleeping in a yurt is the best way to discover nomadic life in the Kyrgyz mountains. Forget booking, airbnb, or any other online reservation method! Very often, there’s no network. Unless you go through a travel agency (or a CBT), you can’t book your night in a yurt. Everything is done on site, directly with the locals.

Expect to pay between 900 and 1,300 som per person for overnight accommodation and breakfast. The cost of a meal varies between 400 and 500 som. Don’t hesitate to negotiate if you’re traveling in a group.

Can you camp anywhere in Kyrgyzstan?

Bivouacking in Kyrgyzstan is a unique experience. You’re alone in the middle of nature and lucky enough to be able to contemplate a starry sky free of light pollution. Camping is permitted everywhere except in certain protected areas that are not easily accessible. For each trail in the Explore guide, you’ll find suggested bivouac areas on our maps. You’re free to camp on these sites or find others. We recommend choosing a location sheltered from the wind, on flat ground. Avoid standing close to dwellings (unless invited to do so), under a lone tree (in the event of a storm) or along a watercourse (in the event of flooding). Beware, you’ll sometimes be in wilderness areas far from civilization. Wild animals may prowl around your camp in search of food. Make sure no food is left outside.

#8 – What do I need to think about before travelling to Kyrgyzstan?

Taking out travel insurance

Let’s be honest, 9 times out of 10 you won’t need insurance! But nobody is – ever – safe from an accident or health problem when traveling. In fact, whether your road-trip takes place in Canada, where health care costs a fortune, or deep in the Kyrgyz mountains, far from any medical infrastructure, you’ll never regret taking out insurance if anything happens to you. On the other hand, if you’re not insured, you could well regret it for the rest of your life. So, as you can see, it’s essential to take out travel insurance, especially if you’re going on horseback excursions, where accidents can happen very quickly. You must be able to cover the cost of hospitalization and repatriation if necessary. Don’t hesitate to read our tips for choosing your travel insurance.

Personally, we always go with CHAPKA ASSURANCE.

Book your rental car well in advance

The majority of rental agencies are located in Bishkek and Osh. There aren’t many rental companies and demand is very high. That’s why it’s essential to reserve your rental vehicle well in advance (at least 3-4 months), especially if you want to rent a converted van or a 4×4 with roof tent or camping equipment. Take a look at our selection of 4×4 and van rental companies.

Preparing your bag

Below you’ll find a list of equipment, accessories and documents you shouldn’t forget before setting off. As an example, here are the links to the items we’ve used during our travels, and which we’ve kept in our luggage ever since.

• • Clothing: Between June and September, don’t wear heavy, thick clothes to protect yourself from the cold. It’s a good idea to pile on the layers, as temperatures can vary greatly in a single day, depending on your altitude. It helps to have clothes that can be put on and taken off easily. Take thin cotton or sweatproof clothing, a few warm, lightweight sweaters, thermal socks and a waterproof jacket and pants to protect you.
  • A sleeping bag with a comfort zone of up to 5°C (you can go as low as 0°C or -5°C if you’re a mid-season traveler).
  • An inflatable mattress
  • A freestanding tent
  • A Jetboil-type gas stove that boils water in 1 minute. Remember to take enough refills to Bishkek or Osh, as it will be harder to find them afterwards.
  • A powerful headlamp
  • An external battery with a minimum capacity of 15,000 mA (if your budget allows, some external batteries like the Anker can even charge a computer).
  • A USB/cigarette lighter charger for cars and a USB/cigarette lighter charger for motorcycles
  • A water bottle or Camelbak-type bag
  • A water purification system: a gourd filter, Micropur disinfection tablets, Steripen-type purifiers or water filters such as Lifestraw, Sawyer or Trail Shot.
  • A passport valid for at least 6 months after entry into the country
  • An international driver’s license (or a Russian translation of your driver’s license). This is normally compulsory, but in practice we have rarely been asked to do so.
  • A small first-aid kit
  • A list of emergency contacts (names and telephone numbers) to carry with you at all times
  • Travel insurance including local medical expenses and repatriation

#9 – Health and safety in Kyrgyzstan: what precautions should I take?

Should I be vaccinated?

There are no compulsory vaccinations, but you must observe certain hygiene measures to avoid getting sick. Wash your hands regularly and do not bring your fingers to your mouth. As a precaution, we recommend vaccinating against Hepatitis A and Typhoid (which can be transmitted through contaminated food and water). If you’re riding a motorcycle or bicycle, we recommend a rabies vaccination, in case you come across an aggressive sheepdog.

Acute mountain sickness and health tips

The risk of acute mountain sickness is fairly low, unless you exceed an altitude of 3,000 m and stay there for some time. The symptoms of acute mountain sickness can be more or less pronounced: headaches, sleep disorders, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, ringing in the ears or visual disturbances, etc. The only effective remedy: stop climbing and get off, drink plenty and wait. If common painkillers fail to soothe the headache and the pain doesn’t subside, go to hospital.

Take along a small first-aid kit to cure the inevitable tourista. And don’t drink from the tap. Prefer bottled water or bring along a water purification system (filter or tablets).

What are the Kirghiz like?

Kyrgyz people are very welcoming and generous. They will be delighted to welcome you to their home for a cup of hot tea or a sweet snack. The country is still untouched by mass tourism, so we’re counting on you not to behave inappropriately: for example, know basic polite words, don’t show signs of wealth (jewelry, etc.), don’t tip too much (in relation to the local standard of living), don’t give sweets to children (prefer crayons or notebooks), etc.

Is Kyrgyzstan safe?

A few simple precautions will help you travel safely. While opportunistic thefts can occur, violent thefts are rare. Be careful in crowded markets or on buses, and walk with your bag on the front, or keep an eye on it. Cases of “fake policemen” have been reported at the Och Bazar in Bishkek. If in doubt, never give money, stay close to the crowd and ask to see the policeman’s card (especially if he’s in civilian clothes). At night, towns and villages have little or no lighting. Even if the main risk is catching your foot on a sidewalk, remain cautious: avoid going out at night with valuables or if you’re alone. The most significant nuisance is that potentially caused by intoxicated people. Vodka flows freely at gatherings and festive events, and you’ll probably be invited to join in – so be responsible!

#10 – Before you leave, join our facebook group!

More than 8,000 members have already joined our facebook discussion group dedicated to Kyrgyzstan. You’ll be able to ask all your questions, chat with other travelers, share photos of your trip or follow all the updates and news from the country and Central Asia.