Kyrgyzstan Destination Guide

Kyrgyzstan at a Glance

• Official Name: Kyrgyz Republic
• Capital: Bishkek
• Official Languages: Kyrgyz and Russian
• Currency: Som (KGS)
• Visa-Free Entry: Available for citizens of 27 countries for up to 60 days (as of March 2025). To check if you need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan, please click here.
• Getting There: Manas International Airport (FRU) is the main airport.
• Getting Around:
  • Private Car Rentals (my recommendation): This is what I did. Self-driving is quite common, especially if you want to drive to the Pamir Highway. Many rental companies offer 4×4 vehicles suitable for mountainous terrain. A 4×4 is definitely needed. I rented my car from Travel Land Kyrgyzstan, and would definitely recommend them. I was able to pick-up the car in Kyrgyzstan, and drop it off in Tajikistan (before I headed into Uzbekistan) in 2019. 
    • • Kyzyl Art Pass (Sary Tash–Karakul): The primary crossing for tourists on the Pamir Highway is open, but requires a special authorization (beyond standard visas/GBAO permits). Keep in mind this pass also closes from October to May each year due to extreme weather
      • Ferghana Valley Crossings: All Kyrgyz-Tajik borders in this region remain closed since the 2022 conflictIf you are planning on self-driving between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, I suggest verifying the real-time status before travelling due to the political tensions (2022 conflict), and weather volatility. Check with the agency you rent your car with that the route you are planning on taking is accessible. You may want to rent different cars in both countries, and fly between them.
    • Keep in mind that Google Maps in this area is not 100% accurate. It often took me double the amount of time to drive (somewhat due to potholes, and not wanting to damage the rental car). I recommend using Maps.Me, and making sure you have maps downloaded for offline use. Also make sure to double the amount of time you think it will take you to get from point A to B outside of major cities.
  • Taxi Apps: Apps like Yandex Taxi, Namba Taxi, and Bi Taxi provide reliable ride-hailing services in urban areas. I used Yandex a lot in Central Asia (and also Russia). It was basically like Uber, except I always had to give the drivers cash instead of it charging my card.
  • Marshrutkas (Minibuses): These are affordable and widely used for both city travel and intercity routes. They can be crowded, but I’ve heard they offer an authentic local experience.
  • Shared Taxis: Slightly more expensive than marshrutkas but faster and more convenient for intercity travel.
  • Domestic Flights: Flights between Bishkek and Osh are available for quicker travel across the country.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan depends on your activities. I actually went in March, and the weather was pretty warm, like spring, but keep in mind I am from Southern Ontario in Canada. If you are self-driving, there are roads that are only open in the summer. So keep this in mind before planning your trip. If you rent through Travel Land, they offered to help with my route planning (which I declined–but shouldn’t have). I recommend confirming your general plans with them before you go so you don’t end up having to turn around after 14 hours of driving like I did.
  • Summer (June-August): Perfect for hiking, trekking, and horseback riding in the mountains. July and August are ideal for exploring higher-altitude destinations like Song-Kul Lake or Ala-Köl.
  • Winter (December-February): Great for skiing or snowboarding at resorts like Karakol Ski Base. Winters can be harsh, especially at altitudes above 3,000 meters.
  • Spring (April-May) & Autumn (September-October): These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, making them ideal for sightseeing in cities like Bishkek or Karakol.

Must-See & Do in Kyrgyzstan

Explore Vibrant Cities:

• Bishkek: Experience the Soviet-era architecture, bustling bazaars (like Osh Bazaar), and vibrant nightlife.
• Karakol: Discover this charming town, a gateway to adventure, with its Russian Orthodox church, Dungan mosque, and hiking trails.

Experience Stunning Nature:

•  Lake Issyk-Kul: Relax on the shores of the world’s second-largest alpine lake, swim in its clear waters, and visit nearby petroglyphs. Stop at Aalam Ordo, a complex with relics of what was supposed to be a center of science and spirituality. There is also a large buddha on a mountain near the complex.
• Ala-Köl Lake: Hike to this stunning alpine lake with turquoise waters.
• Song-Kul Lake: Immerse yourself in nomadic culture at this high-altitude lake, staying in yurts and experiencing traditional life. Note: In many places, you can only stay in yurts in the summer.
• Talas Region: Enjoy this less-visited area, explore the Besh-Tash National Park and the Manas Ordo Historical Complex.
• Tien Shan Mountains: Hike, trek, or horseback ride through the majestic Tien Shan mountains, experiencing breathtaking views and diverse landscapes.

Delve into Culture & History:

• Yurt Stays: Experience authentic nomadic life by staying in a traditional yurt. This is on my list to do still since I went in March.
• Eagle Hunting Demonstrations: Witness the ancient tradition of eagle hunting through organized demonstrations, where trained golden eagles are showcased in a controlled environment, highlighting the skill and bond between the hunter and the eagle.
• Horseback Riding: Explore the countryside on horseback, a traditional mode of transportation.
• Manas Epic: You will see a lot of Manas in Kyrgyzstan. There is a large Manas statue in Ala-Too square in Bishkek.
• Tash Rabat: Discover this 15th-century caravanserai, a testament to Kyrgyzstan’s historical significance on the Silk Road.

Savour Kyrgyz Flavours

• Beshbarmak: Indulge in the national dish, boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served with noodles in onion sauce.
• Plov: A flavorful rice dish with meat, carrots, and onions. I love plov. it’s fun to try the different versions of it around Central Asia. The premise is the same, but everyone’s twist is a little different.
• Manty: Steamed dumplings filled with meat and onions. Sort of similar to pelmeni, but cooked different, and larger. The premise is the same.
• Lagman or Nomad Soup: A noodle soup with meat, vegetables, and a flavourful broth.
• Kymyz (Fermented Mare’s Milk): Try this traditional drink, a staple of nomadic culture (if you’re feeling adventurous!). I was not feeling adventurous enough to try this, but I wish I was.

Essential Information for Your Trip

• Currency: The som (KGS) is the official currency. ATMs are available in major cities. Credit cards are accepted in some establishments, but cash is essential in rural areas. I would often exchange any leftover cash from the previous central asian country I was in, into the new currency (e.g. I was in Kazakhstan before this).
• Language: Kyrgyz is the state language, and Russian is widely spoken. English is becoming more common in tourist areas, but learning some basic Kyrgyz or Russian phrases will be helpful. I was able to get by with English, and the street signs when I was driving had english on them as well, but in rural areas, knowing Russian or Kyrgyz would be helpful. If all else fails, you can use google translate.
• Visa: To check if you need a visa to visit Kyrgyzstan, and apply click here. If you do need a visa, you can also get one on arrival at the airport, but you should always verify that this is still offered before you travel.
• Weather: Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature in January is -4 °C to -14 °C, and the average temperature in July of +17 °C to +38°C. Pack accordingly, depending on the season. Layers are always a good idea, especially in the mountains.
• Safety: Kyrgyzstan is generally a safe country for tourists. However, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Remember to always look up the latest safety precautions before travelling. I live in Canada, so their travel advisories website is helpful to know what some common scams may be in the countries I am visiting.
• Cultural Considerations & Etiquette: When visiting Kyrgyzstan, it’s essential to respect local customs. Hospitality is deeply valued, so be prepared to accept food, and drink offered by hosts. Bread is sacred, so handle it with care, and never place it upside down. Elders are highly respected, it’s custom to greet them with a slight bow, or a hand over the chest to signify respect. Remove shoes before entering homes and dress modestly (especially at religious sites). Always ask permission before taking photos of people or religious sites. Lastly, be mindful of your actions in nature, and follow local traditions to show respect for the culture and environment.
• eSim: I always get an eSim while travelling. I highly recommend using Airalo (if you follow this link, you will get a discount upon sign up). Keep in mind there are regions where you will lose service, so you will want to download any maps you need ahead of time.
• Read: To get in the central asian vibe, I started reading, The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan before going, and this was helpful. I actually felt it was easier to read while being there though, since I had context and could picture everything they were talking about better. For historical fiction, you could read, Jamilia by Kyrgyzstan’s most celebrated author, Chingiz Aitmatov. If you want to read some Manas, a good starting point would be Walter May’s, Manas: The Kyrgyz Heroic Epos in Four Parts. This is an english translation of selected sections of the epic.