This is a Kyrgyzstan travel guide based on my trip in 2022. I am updating it but please double check at least those two items before your departure.
Firstly, the Covid-19 requirements. As of now, you do not have to show your vaccinations or tests.
Secondly, the status of the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border. Due to military frictions, the border has been closed and there is currently NO fixed date when it might reopen. As one local hotel owner said “Not in 2022, maybe in 2023”.
This Kyrgyzstan travel guide has the following sections:
- Why Visit
- Kyrgyzstan in Numbers
- Covid-19 Restrictions
- Visas
- When to Visit
- Safety
- Top 5 Things in Kyrgyzstan
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Internet
- Costs
- Overall Tips
- Kyrgyzstan Overall Rating
- ALL POSTS ABOUT KYRGYZSTAN
Why Visit
Magnificent mountains, lakes, and thousands of miles of hiking tracks with countless yurts, cows and sheep.
In addition, Kyrgyzstan has some of the friendliest people in Central Asia and their hospitality is legendary.
After your hikes you can descend to the flat land and enjoy a hot shower, a comfortable bed and excellent bread, vegetables and fruits. Finally, you will meet and swap stories with fascinating like-minded travelers from around the world.
If you end up in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, before your flight, you will talk to many other hikers recuperating under the luxury of a hot shower as well.
Kyrgyzstan in Numbers
Population: 7 million
Capital: Bishkek
Language: Kyrgyz and Russian (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Currency: Kyrgyzstan som (KGS)
Exchange rate (September 2022): USD 1 = KGS 81, EUR 1 = 81, GBP 1 = 94
Electricity: standard European 220V, standard European plugs
Covid-19 Restrictions
As of November 2022, none.
No testing required prior to departure or after arrival, no vaccination certificates have to be presented, no quarantine.
Visas
Most countries are exempt or get a free 2-month visa on arrival.
Important. As of November 2022 the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border remains closed. There is no official date for reopening. Local sources are saying “not in 2022, maybe in first half of 2023”.
The Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan border at Dostyk is currently open.
Similar to the Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border (How to cross the Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan border at Korday).
When to Visit
June to September is best. The climate is continental with hot scorching summers (30C+ / 105F+) and freezing winters.
As always, the temperatures at a higher elevation are lower.
Second half of September will be cold at night in the mountains and you might see some snow.
Safety
Overall, a safe country.
No uncomfortable encounters anywhere.
No aggressive insects as in Indonesia or Colombia.
Top 5 Things in Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide
(1) Trekking around Karakol in Tien Shan
(2) Visit Alay mountains in south Kyrgyzstan (Sary Mogul)
(3) Sleep at least one night in a yurt, the traditional nomadic Kyrgyz tradition
(4) Go for easy hikes and a well-deserved excellent massage in Jeti Oguz afterwards
(5) Hang out in Bishkek with fellow hikers after descending from the mountains
Transportation
Excellent: minibuses (marshrutkas) and (shared) taxis will get you even to the smallest village. They will take time, though.
Osh-Bishkek
If you are in Osh and have to go to Bishkek, a marshrutka or a taxi will take 9-12 hours. A good alternative is to fly with TezJet, a local Kyrgyz airline.
No, never heard of them before either. However, the flight was on time and with no issues. On my flight it was a Bombardier regional jet. Clearly older with faded displays and worn out seats, but it did its job. It takes 1 hour and saves this 12 hour ride in a cramped seat.
Osh-Bishkek or Osh-Issyk-kul internal flight are around $50 if you buy a few days before departure. Book ahead in the Kyrgyz high season, as many locals are travelling.
You can buy the ticket in many tourist offices in Osh or on thee TezJet’s website. The website can be set into English, did not crash on me and accepted my credit card. You will receive a pdf by email.
Karakol- Bishkek
If you are going from Karakol to Bishkek (or the other way round), you have two choices. You will going around the Issyk-kul lake either on the northern or southern route.
Caution. In 2022 the southern road was being renovated. It definitely needs it so driving there will be better in the future. However, in 2022 it was really bad. Traffic jams, one-way traffic, potholes.
If the road renovation still ongoing when you are there, please use the northern road. You can always ask a marshrutka or taxi driver which way he is going. Or look at the marshrutka panel with interim places.
Accommodation
Widely available from budget to mid-range to luxury accommodations. Tourism is an important revenue source for the Kyrgyz, especially in the remote locations. There will be many choices and competition is high.
Correspondingly, a well-established base of hostels and small hotels for foreign hikers. Comfortable, clean, safe and with great vibe.
In smaller locations there are always homestays with friendly hosts and home-made food.
Internet
Wifi widely available in hotels and hostels, speeds can vary. Working (including Zoom, etc.) is usually possible in most accommodations.
Free, I have not been to a single location charging for connectivity.
Wifi might be available in some public places (e.g., airports) but might require a text confirmation with a code sent to your phone. Caution: Some venues accept only a local Kyrgyz phone number.
Getting a local SIM is straighforward, Megacom is currently offering the broadest coverage. Packages vary across providers, shop around for the current best offer.
Costs
An inexpensive destination to visit.
A typical hostel or homestay costs around $7-10 with small hotels $10-15.
A meal will be $1-2 in local restaurants with $2-5 in restaurants.
A city minibus (marshrutka) are $0.15-0.50 with longer distances in single dollars. Depending on your negotiation skills, a 12-hour Osh-Bishkek shared taxi is around $10-12.
Overall Tips
(1) Bring cash. USD and EUR have the best exchange rates. Many bank and private exchange offices, no huge exchange rate differences among them (exception: airports). The process is straightforward. Go to cash teller, who will change the money on the spot. No special tourist forms to fill. Cash is predominantly used with credit cards more popular at the high-end hotels.
(2) Bring a healthy dose of patience. Kyrgyzstan is an unhurried location. You will wait for your marshrutka to fill in. Then you will wait for it to depart as the driver might have to buy something in the local market beforehand. You will wait for your lunch or dinner at restaurants.
Kyrgyzstan Overall Rating
Highly recommended.
Excellent mountains, friendly people, inexpensive.
The Kyrgyz tourism is slowly rebuilding after the Covid-19 pandemic – go before the waves of foreign tourists descend.
Beyond this summary Kyrgyzstan travel guide, below are all posts about this country.
ALL POSTS ABOUT KYRGYZSTAN
Transportation
Destinations
Avoid Crowds When Travelling
Tips how to avoid the crowds and which countries, cities and sites to visit. Less important in Kyrgyzstan given relatively few tourists, but helpful in Asia, Europe, and South and Central America:
Avoid Crowds When Travelling – Top 21 Tips (2022)
