Known as the Switzerland of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a mecca for those wanting to combine phenomenal nature, Soviet brutalism, and nomadic tradition with off the beaten track adventure.
With over 90% of the country covered in mountains, the distances may look short on a map, however don’t let this full you – journeys are long, but incredibly beautiful.
With Kazakhstan to the north, China to the east, Uzbekistan to the west and Tajikistan to the south, Kyrgyzstan is the heart of Asia.
We’ve put together a few quick easy bits of travel advice for your next journey.
Visa
The vast majority of people who travel to Kyrgyzstan are eligible for 90 days visa free as a tourist. You can read more about the visa situation on our visa page .
Getting in and out
Airport
The main airport for Kyrgyzstan is Manas International Airport (airport code FRU, named after Mikhail Frunze), located roughly 40 mins from the centre of Bishkek. It should cost between 700 and 1200 Som (USD 8-14) to catch a taxi to the centre of Bishkek.
Land borders
Being landlocked by four other countries, Kyrgyzstan has multiple different border crossing options. The border with Tajikistan has been contentious in recent years and has been periodically closed. Make sure to double check the current situation.
There are no direct trains between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, with all train travel going through Kazakhstan. Likewise, minibuses going from Bishkek to Tashkent will travel through Kazakhstan.
Uzbek land borders
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Dostyk (KG) – Dustlyk (UZ) – Main border crossing near Osh. Open 24 hours a day, it is the second busiest border crossing of Kyrgyzstan. Perfect for travel through the Ferghana Valley.
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Madaniyat (KG) – Izboskan (UZ) – Located in the northern part of the Ferghana Valley on the road between Bishkek and Osh. Only for pedestrians, no vehicles permitted.
Kazakhstan land borders
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Kordai (KZ) – Ak-Zhol (KG) is the main border crossing between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Located between Almaty and Bishkek, this is also the busiest border crossing in Central Asia. It is easy to get transport to and from this border going in both directions to either Bishkek or Almaty.
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Karkara crossing. Kegen (KZ) – Kensu (KG) is for the more adventurous, being quite a remote crossing in the east of the country. The border used to close over winter but is now open all year round, through during winter be ready for road closures. It is open only during daylight hours.
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Aisha Bibi (KZ) – Chongkapka (KG) – Located between Taraz and Talas, this route is common for those travelling from Bishkek to Tashkent overland. Also the most common route from Bishkek to Shymkent.
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Other crossings include Ak-Tilek (not open to foreigners), Alatau (not open to anyone), Kenbulun and Syptai Batyr.
Tajikistan land borders
Due to conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan this border has been closed and only recently reopened to foreigners only. The situation on how to cross the border is changing regularly so make sure to check the current status.
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Batken (KG) – Isfara (TJ) – This is the best crossing for those wanting to reach northern Tajikistan and its largest city, Khujand.
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Kulundu (KG) – Ovchi Kalacha (TJ) – Located between Khujand and Isfana, there are two border crossings a couple of kilometres from one another. Make sure to use the crossing for foreigners.
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Kyzylart (KG) – Bor Dobo (TJ) – The main crossing for those doing the Pamir Highway. The crossing is located between Sary Tash and Murghab. The border is open 24 hours a day. You must have a GBAO permit to cross into Tajikistan.
Chinese land borders
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Torugart Pass – Located between Naryn and Kashgar. You must receive support from the Chinese tour company on the Chinese side of the border as you cannot travel by yourself through this border area.
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Irkeshtam Pass – Located between Sary Tash and Kashgar. This is the easier of these two border crossings.
Rules
As Kyrgzystan is the most liberal country in Central Asia, Kyrgyz are relatively open minded and are extremely used to foreigners. A few rules to ensure your stay is comfortable and fun revolve around Kyrgyz tradition and pride.
As a rule, you should avoid criticising Kyrgzystan as a nation. You can criticise their politicans, police, infastructure, and even individuals, but the Kyrgyz people are very proud and after centuries of being overrun by larger empires they are finally an independent country. A few years ago a Scottish person was arrested for making fun of one of their national dishes.
Bread is also very important in all of Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan. You should not disrespect bread as it represents life. This means you shouldn't throw it in the rubbish bin or on the ground. You should eat bread with respect.
Dress code
There is definitely no dress code in Kyrgyzstan. However, the order of the day is comfort. Travelling around Kyrgyzstan is definitely not a fashion show and when you’re staying in yurts and hiking you just need to be comfortable. If you happen to go to Issyk Kol in summer, all the women will be wearing bikinis.
Topics of discussion
There isn’t much off limits in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan has always been the most open and politically liberal of the Central Asian republics. Kyrgyzstan has the highest ranked freedom of press in the region as well. Rural areas are of course more conservative than their city compatriots.
Religion
Officially Kyrgyzstan is almost 90% Sunni Muslim as well as almost 10% Christian (owing to the Russian and other European minorities), however religion in Kyrgyzstan is hard to pin down. Most people actually are not religious at all, while an increasing small minority is observant. As religion was heavily discouraged during the Soviet Union, countries like Kyrgyzstan are still finding their feet and their relationship with religion.
Politics
Kyrgyzstan is considered the most democratic country in Central Asia and it operates under a semi-Presidential, semi-parliamentary system. There are multiple political parties in Kyrgzystan who all vie for power, however at times power has come through revolution and since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, there have been three major revolutions in the country. The political volatility that Kyrgyzstan experiences is in part to a free press and more democratic institutions which are able to be much more critical of the government than in neighbouring countries.
Ethnicity
Kyrgyzstan is one of the more ethnically diverse countries in Central Asia. Here, Kyrgyz only make up around 76% of the population, meaning a quater of the population are not Kyrgyz.
Uzbeks, located mainly in the south around the Ferghana Valley make up 14% of the population, while Russians are still 5%. The rest of the population is made up of Dungans, Tajiks, Uyghurs, Turkmen and Azeri.
Photography
Photography is absolutely allowed and shouldn’t be a big issue anywhere in the country. Kyrgyzstan is one of the most picturesque countries in the world and it would be strange if you weren’t taking photos. There is almost nothing that’s off limits on this front.
Why visit Kyrgyzstan?
The process of Kyrgyzstan becoming the next big destination has already begun. Commentators and publications are, in huge numbers, including this landlocked Central Asian country in their lists of must-travel destinations. Kyrgyzstan is like stepping back in time without forgoing modern comforts. A very different way of life awaits you.
See and Do
Bishkek
The capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, is cool. The city is rough around the edges but if you’re in Kyrgyzstan you must spend a few days in Bishkek enjoying its hipster cafes, soviet architecture and memorials, nomad inspired food and lively streets.
Osh
The second largest city in Kyrgyzstan, Osh serves as a good springboard for the Ferghana Valley and Uzbekistan as well as the Pamir Highway and Tajikistan. At the crossroads of the Silk Road, the roads from Osh lead in all directions, including to China. Don’t forget to actually check out the city, with its famous market and Soviet centre.
Issyk Kol
One of the most famous holiday resorts in the former Soviet Union, even the first man in space Yuri Gagarin stayed here (3 times!). The second largest alpine lake in the world, Issyk Kol is famous for being able to swim in on a 30-degree day, while still admiring the snow capped peaks of the Tien Shan mountains. It’s not the only place in the world where you can do this, but there certainly aren’t many!
Song Kol
Located at over 3000m above sea level, Song Kol is a must visit to get a feel for Kyrgyzstan’s rural nomadic life. This isn’t a recreation of ancient traditions, this is genuine modern-day life for the families who every year move to the high plains of Song Kol to graze animals while returning to the cities in winter.
You can read more about Song Kol, Issyk Kol, and other lakes of Central Asia here .
Hotels in Kyrgyzstan
Hotels in Kyrgyzstan vary depending on where you are. In the major cities, everything from luxury hotels to budget hostels are available, with plenty in the middle too. However, in rural areas accommodation can be basic. Staying in yurt camps is very popular in Kyrgyzstan and provides a fun, unique and budget friendly accommodation option. Although basic, they are also generally very comfortable.
What to eat in Kyrgyzstan
Being at the crossroads of the Silk Road, Kyrgyz food is a mix of Middle Eastern and Oriental flavours, adapted to their own nomadic and climatic conditions. Kyrgyz food will never set the world on fire, but it’s good warming energising food. You can read more about the food and drink of Kyrgyzstan on our food and drink page .
Nightlife in Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek is a city that can host an incredible night out. Great hip bars and craft beer cafes. Live music venues and modern night clubs. The rest of Kyrgyzstan is usually a few beers or vodkas shared between friends – new and old. Even moderate sized towns don’t really have bars or night venues in the way we think of them.
There are some bars and clubs on the shores of Issyk Kol for the summer holiday crowds.
Shopping in Kyrgyzstan
Handicrafts are king in Kyrgyzstan. Whether its carpets, handbags, purses, miniature yurts, toy horses, plates, tea sets, or any number of other things you might think of, Kyrgyz handicrafts are unique and extremely affordable. It is unlikely you’ll leave having not purchased even something small.
Kyrgyzstan is also great for dried fruits and nuts. Its bazaars are plentiful, so you’ll easily find something to buy.
When is the best time to visit Kyrgyzstan
Summer is probably the best time to travel to Kyrgyzstan. Although it can be over 30 degrees, it’s a very dry heat so it is relatively comfortable, and there are plenty of options of where to cool off. Much of travelling to Kyrgyzstan involves high altitudes where even in the middle of summer the temperature doesn’t get above 20, and very importantly to note, many roads are closed from October to March due to heavy snowfall.
