kyrgyzstan travel guide

Traveling in Kyrgyzstan: Why visit Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz Republic – or simply Kyrgyzstan –  is a small landlocked country in Central Asia. The country is defined by the beautiful Tien Shan mountain range which occupies 90% of the country, lush valleys, and hundreds of crystal-clear alpine lakes!

Kyrgyzstan is a land of nomads who still strongly value their centuries-old nomadic traditions. If you like being in the wilderness and you’re interested in learning more about the nomadic lifestyle in Central Asia, then you’ll have to travel to Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the few off-the-beaten-path countries where you can still get a taste of the authentic nomadic culture.

In the comprehensive travel guides below, you’ll find all the information you need to know about traveling in Kyrgyzstan: from how to prepare yourself to the best places to visit, top things to do, the best trekking and horse riding experiences, travel itineraries and plenty of more practical travel info!

Kyrgyzstan Travel Essentials

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Kyrgyzstan Visa

Visa-free or e-visa for most nationalities (60 days).

Getting there

Fly into Bishkek, bus/shared taxi from Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan or Tajikistan

Travel Insurance

Find the best travel insurance for your trip to Kyrgyzstan.

Getting around

Travel in Kyrgyzstan by minibus (mashrutka), shared taxi or rental car.

Where to stay

Stay in a yurt camp, homestay, guesthouse, hostel or hotel

Kyrgyzstan Tours

Adventure Tours, Cultural Tours, Private customized tours

Everything you need to know before traveling in Kyrgyzstan

Prepare your trip to kyrgyzstan.

• Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: 20 things to know before you go
• Kyrgyzstan Itineraries: 1 to 4 weeks in Kyrgyzstan
• Kyrgyzstan Packing List
• Kyrgyzstan Safety Guide
• Kyrgyzstan Money Guide

How to get to and around Kyrgyzstan

• How to get from Almaty (Kazakhstan) to Bishkek
• How to get from Tashkent (Uzbekistan) to Bishkek
• How to get from Tashkent (Uzbekistan) to Osh

Where to go in Kyrgyzstan

• The 25 most beautiful places to visit in Kyrgyzstan
• Places to visit in Kyrgyzstan in Spring and Autumn
• Places to visit in Kyrgyzstan in Winter (10-day itinerary)
• The 8 most beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan
• Bishkek City Guide
• Osh Bazaar Guide

8 Best Day Trips from Bishkek

• Karakol City Guide
• Osh City Guide
• Burana Tower Travel Guide
• Tash Rabat Travel Guide
• Issyk Kul Travel Guide
• Ala Kul Travel Guide
• Kel Suu Travel Guide
• Sary Chelek National Park Travel Guide
• Arslanbob Travel Guide
• Naryn Travel Guide

Hiking in Kyrgyzstan

• The 14 best hikes and treks in Kyrgyzstan
• Hiking in Bishkek
• Hiking in Karakol and Jyrgalan
• Hiking to Ala Kul
• Hiking at Issyk Kul
• Hiking at Son Kul
• Hiking in Naryn
• Hiking at Kel Suu
• Hiking at Tash Rabat
• Hiking in Arslanbob
• Hiking in Sary Chelek
• Hiking in Osh
• The Best of Alay Mountains Trek

Experiences in Kyrgyzstan

• Top 28 Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan

7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kyrgyzstan

• How to visit the Golden Eagle Hunters of Kyrgyzstan
• An Insight into Kok Boru, Kyrgyzstan’s Dead Goat Polo

Celebrating Nowruz in Kyrgyzstan

• 6 Reasons to Visit Kyrgyzstan in Winter
• The Complete Guide to Skiing in Kyrgyzstan

horse riding in Kyrgyzstan

• The 9 best horse riding trips in Kyrgyzstan
• Horse Riding at Son Kul
• Horse Riding at Tash Rabat
• Horse Riding at Kel Suu
• Horse Riding in Sary Chelek
• Horse Riding in Arslanbob

Would you love to go on an epic adventure on foot, on horseback or by 4×4 to the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan with a small group of adventurous travelers?

Check out my 6 Fantastic Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tours!

Explore Kyrgyzstan

All posts and guides about traveling in Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan Money Guide: Costs of Living and traveling in Kyrgyzstan in 2024

The best way to get from Tashkent to Osh and from Osh to Tashkent, crossing the Dostyk border (Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan)

Best Tips and complete Packing List for Traveling in Central Asia in 2024 – When to go and what to wear when visiting Central Asia

8 beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan

9 places to visit in Kyrgyzstan in spring and autumn, including best hikes

Hiking in Kyrgyzstan: The 21 best Jyrgalan and Karakol Trekking Trails

15 Best Things to do in Karakol Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Horseback riding: Everything you need to know about horse riding in Kyrgyzstan+ the 9 best horse Riding destinations

How to visit Kel Suu Lake Kyrgyzstan – The Complete Travel Guide

How to visit Tash Rabat Caravanserai in Kyrgyzstan – The Complete Travel Guide

The best way to renew your travel visa for Kyrgyzstan in 2024 and Kyrgyzstan border crossings

How to Hike to Ala Kul Lake Kyrgyzstan: The Best Day-by-Day Ala Kul Trekking Itinerary

The 14 Best Things to do in Osh Kyrgyzstan -The Complete Osh City Travel Guide

How to get from Almaty to Bishkek by public transport in 2024: Best way to Cross the Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan border

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: 20 Useful Things you should know to visit Kyrgyzstan in 2024

The 28 Best Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan – culture, nature, history, and sights

How to get from Bishkek to Almaty by public transport: crossing the Kyrgyzstan – Kazakhstan border.

Is Kyrgyzstan safe? 15 Useful Things to Know before you go in 2024

How to get from Bishkek to Tashkent by bus – Travel from Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan

The 25 most beautiful and best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan in 2024

13 Top Things to do in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in 2024- The Complete Bishkek City Guide

How to get from Tashkent to Bishkek by bus – Travel from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Trekking – The Complete Guide to hiking in Kyrgyzstan including 14 of the most beautiful hikes of the country!

The Complete Travel Guide to Arslanbob: Walnut Forests, Waterfalls, and Outdoor Adventures

How to visit Sary Chelek lake and Nature Reserve in Kyrgyzstan – The Complete Travel Guide

7 Best Hikes in Osh and the Alay Mountains – Hiking Guide

Best of Alay Mountains Trek – Complete 7-Day Hiking Itinerary of one of the best treks in Kyrgyzstan

Hike Independently to Song Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan with these 2 Great Itineraries

Top things to do around lake Issyk Kul – 1-week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Horse Riding in Song Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan – Everything you Need to Know about Going on a Horse Trek to Song Kul

Ready Steady Goat! An insight into Kok Boru (Dead Goat Polo), the unusual National Sport of Kyrgyzstan

10-Day Kyrgyzstan Itinerary for Winter

6 Reasons why You should Absolutely Visit Kyrgyzstan in Winter!

Everything you need to know about Skiing in Kyrgyzstan – A Comprehensive Guide

Tips to Visit the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek

Hiking near Osh in Kyrgyzstan – Be a Nomad Hike

Eagle Hunting in Kyrgyzstan – About the ancient tradition and where to visit the Golden Eagle Hunters in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Itinerary: The Perfect 10 and 21 Day Itineraries

• Last Updated: January 10, 2023

Everything you need to know to plan your Kyrgyzstan itinerary for trips between 10 and 21 days!

This stunning expanse of land smashed between the other four Central Asian nations and China is one of the most stunning in the world.

The majority of travellers often visit Kyrgyzstan as part of a larger trip across Central Asia and as a result will budget a hefty chunk of time to play with.

Over the last few years, the number of visitors has grown considerably. This has improved the tourist infrastructure, as well as further opening up parts of the country that were previously inaccessible.

Kyrgyzstan is country that draws its visitors back again, and again. So whatever you can’t do this time, put them in your back pocket for next time.

We’ve put together 2 itineraries for 10 days and 3 weeks that will be of use to any traveller regardless of how long you plan to visit Kyrgyzstan . 

Table of Contents

Travel Time

East and/or west, day 1 – bishkek, day 2 – travel to jyrgalan via karakol, day 3 – hiking in jyrgalan – bulak ashuu day 1 , day 4 – hiking in the jyrgalan – bulak ashuu day 2 , day 5 – hiking in the jyrgalan – bulak ashuu day 3, day 6 – karakol – jeti oguz , day 7 – travel to kochkor for a horse trek, day 8 – song kul horse trek – day 1 , day 9 – song kul horse trek – day 2, day 10 – song kul horse trek – day 3, day 11 – kol ukok trek – day 1 , day 12 – kol ukok trek – day 2, day 13 – travel to arslanbob via seasonal road, day 14 – explore arslanbob , day 15 – explore arslanbob, day 16 – osh, day 17 – travel to sary-mogol, day 18 – hike to lenin peak base camp – day 1 , day 19 – hike to lenin peak base camp – day 2, day 20 – back to osh, day 21 – fly to bishkek, 10 day kyrgyzstan itinerary, day 2 – bishkek – day hike in ala archa , day 3 – travel to karakol , day 4 – karakol – hike to altyn arashan , day 5 – karakol – return from altyn arashan, day 6 – karakol – hike to jeti oguz , day 7 – kochkor – song kul, day 8  – kochkor – song kul, day 9 – kochkor  – song kul , day 10 – bishkek, day 2 – travel to arslanbob, day 3 – hiking in arslanbob, day 4 – hiking in arslanbob, day 5 – hiking in arslanbob, day 6 – travl to osh, day 7 – travel to sary mogol, day 8 – hiking to lenin peak base camp, day 9 – hiking back to tulpar lake, day 10 – back to osh and head home, the perfect kyrgyzstan itinerary – things to consider.

Before we dive deep into these Kyrgyzstan itineraries, there are a few things you need to consider depending on how much time you have.

Read Next: Looking for other awesome things to do in Kyrgyzstan ? Check out our post on all the activities you don’t want to miss!

Journeys in Kyrgyzstan can be long. In some areas, roads may not be in great condition (this is especially true if crossing from the east to the west or vice versa).

But the mountainous terrain can significantly increase even the shortest distance. 

Therefore when putting together any Kyrgyzstan itinerary it’s important to budget a day where possible for long journeys.

Additionally if planning on taking marshrutka the entire way it’s good to anticipate these journeys to take longer than advertised. Vans may not leave until full, they may be picking up and dropping off things en route, or they may break down.  

Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country worth every bit of time that you have. If you are able to commit to our 21-day itinerary then you won’t have to decide whether to explore the eastern or western part of the country.

However, if your time is limited then this is something you will need to decide on. Roads span to the east and west from Bishkek.

However, going from the east to the west in other parts of the country relies on a seasonal 4wd road. Therefore the chances of being able to go to both ‘sides’ of the country on a short trip are pretty unlikely. 

Kyrgyzstan Itineraries

If possible, we recommend that you try and budget to spend 3 weeks in Kyrgyzstan. This will give you the best experience and leave you wanting for nothing more than to come back again.

But with 10 days you can do a whirlwind tour that will give you a taste of Kyrgyzstan and give you an idea of what you’ll want to revisit on a return trip.

We’ve broken down our 10-day Kyrgyzstan itinerary recommendations into an eastern and western itinerary.

The being said, here are our 3-week and 10-day Kyrgyzstan itinerary recommendations.

3-Week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

With 3 weeks in Kyrgyzstan, it is possible to explore both the eastern and western sides of the country.

However, this itinerary would only work in the summer as the roads linking the western and eastern halves of the country are closed during the winter months. 

With three weeks in Kyrgyzstan, you will be able to take on numerous multi-day hikes, so you may wish to bring camping gear with you, especially for some of the less well-known destinations. 

I have jam-packed this itinerary. However, I will recommend alternatives where possible.

Naturally, you can replace some of the parts here with recommendations from the 10-day itinerary as you see fit. 

There is quite a lot of hiking here, so make so you take rest days if you need it!

The entry point for most people into Kyrgyzstan is the nation’s capital, Bishkek . There are few cool sights to check out that will keep you occupied.

Get your fill of food other than manti, plov, shashlik and lagman. As good as they are you will be eating a lot of them over the next 3 weeks!

For Day 2, get down to the bus station and hop on a marshrutka heading to Karakol. You will need to get to the bus station early as marshrutka will fill up prior to departure.

Upon arriving in Karakol your best to get to Jyrgalan will be a private taxi. This is likely to be $20-30 depending on your negotiating skills.

There are numerous trekking and hiking options in Jyrgalan. However, this 3-day route in Jyrgalan comes highly recommended. It’s an absolute beauty.

Here are a few posts we have on the best hiking in Jyrgyalan:

• Day Hikes in Jyrgalan
• Keskenkija Loop

The second day is a little easier than the first. Check out this post for more information on all of the details for this hike!

This is the shortest day in this hike. When you get back to Jyrgalan, take a taxi or marshrutka back to Karakol. 

You may want to spend the day resting. However, the day hike to Jeti Oguz is both spectacular and not too challenging on the knees.

Bring a picnic and find a spot overlooking the stunning jailoos.

Or alternatively, you could skip this and head to Kochkor a day early to give you more time later on in this Kyrgyzstan itinerary.

From Karakol, you can hop on a marshrutka to Kochkor. However, make sure you get to the bus stop at least 30 minutes before it’s due to leave to ensure you will be able to get a space. 

It is better to have booked the horse trek in advance if possible. This can be done through your guesthouse or the CBT in Kochkor.

We booked it through our guesthouse, Kochkor Family Guesthouse and cannot recommend them highly enough!  

Get ready to ache like you have never ached before! You will have some spectacular scenery on the first day. However, that is just a warm-up for day 2.

The scenery on the second day of the trek as you cross passes down to the lake itself is absolutely spectacular. Once you get to the yurt camp on the lake’s edge you can hike in the hills surrounding it. 

After getting back to Karakol, make sure you take it easy, as you will be rather achy. 

READ MORE: Plan your whole trip to Kyrgyzstan using our comprehensive Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide !

This spectacular 2-day trek begins a 15-minute drive from Karakol. The yurt camp is about 4 or so hours from the trailhead.

You can then hike onto the lake, Kol Ukok on your first day, return to the yurt camp and then hike back the next day. Or you can hike up to the lake and back on day 2, which was what we did. 

The reason for this was the weather was supposed to the be better on day 2 (incidentally it ended up being sunny on both days). 

Heading to the lake we got up just before sunrise, around 5:30 am, and started the trek to the lake itself.

The first couple of hours are not particularly spectacular. However, after the final climb, the lake appears before you, and it is worth the aches and sweats.

Hike along the lake’s edges for some spectacular mountain views beyond the lake. It is possible to carry on. However, you would need more time and your own camping equipment. 

Here is where we move over to the western side of the country. The most direct route is via a seasonal road to Arslanbob, home to the world’s largest walnut forest. If this isn’t open there is a much longer route that goes back around Arslanbob. 

Getting to Arslanbob is likely to very likely to require you to take a public taxi. It is best to try and book this as early as possible. 

Spend a couple of days exploring Arslanbob at your own leisure. There are a number of excellent day hikes in the area.

Despite its elevation, there is a lot of green here

Take another day to hike and explore Arslanbob and then travel to Osh in the afternoon/evening.

The journey to Osh is between 3 and 4 hours, if leaving in the early afternoon a marshrutka should be fine.

However, if going later than that then a private taxi will probably be your best bet.

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan’s second city. It is overlooked by Suleiman Too, a five peaked rocky crag, that seems to keep a watchful eye on you wherever you go. The city has is traditionally more Central Asian feel than Bishkek.

The bazaar in the heart of the city is one of Central Asia’s largest and is well worth a visit.

From Osh head to Sary Mogol to take on the trek to Lenin Peak Base Camp, which is not as challenging as you might think. 

Travel to Sary-Mogol can be a little tricky from Osh. However, we have an article on hiking to Lenin Peak Base Camp , which will be really useful.

Hike to Tulpar lake and onto the base camp itself. There are two base camps, the second being the advanced base camp which is further on.

If you have the time, gear and fitness then this is very possible. And it is possible to hike this route without a guide. 

On your second day hike back to Sary-Mogol with weary legs and some amazing photos.

Head back to Osh via marshrutka or private taxi. 

Osh is fast becoming a cheap entry and exit point for Kyrgyzstan. Therefore you may not need to fly back to Bishkek before heading home.

However, the vast majority of international flights enter and exit via Bishkek.

The flight from Bishkek to Osh is on 40 minutes, so it’s possible to fly first thing and arrive in Bishkek with plenty of time to spare for your next flight. 

With 10 days it’s pretty easy to take in most of Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular scenery. I’ve put together two 10 day itinerary’s for you. One focusing on the east, and one focusing on the west.

In these 10 day Kyrgyzstan itineraries I’ve taken in some of the country’s most well-known areas.

In Kyrgyzstan, it is very common to base yourself in one place for a significant period of time to take advantage of a number of hiking trails in the area.

As time is short it’s best to book as much as possible before you go. This will make things much easier when in Kyrgyzstan. 

10 Day Kyrgyzstan Itinerary – Eastern Kyrgyzstan

Spend your first day in Bishkek checking out some Soviet architecture, wandering in the cities parks and chowing down on something that isn’t plov, manti, shashlik or lagman.

In the evening Ala-Too square is lit up and the parks fill up with people enjoying an evening stroll.

Get out into Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular scenery on your second day in the Ala Archa National Park .

You can arrange a private taxi through your guesthouse or you can find on outside of the bus station. Make sure you go to the Alplager, as this is where the trailheads begin. 

There are numerous day hikes in the area so get ready for some achy legs. 

If you don’t fancy Ala Archa there are plenty of other hikes around Bishkek!

The journey to Karakol is a long one, about 8 hours by marshrutka and a little quicker by private taxi. If you’re taking a marshrutka to try and get to the bus station before 9 am to ensure you get a seat as they can fill up fast.

However as it’s such a common route, there are multiple marshrutka that run throughout the day. 

Upon arriving in Karakol head to your guest house and then possibly the CBT if you need to book a yurt camp in Altyn Arashan. 

For the next 3 days, Altyn Arashan will act as your base as you go hiking into the wilderness. The hikes I’ve suggested below can easily be switched or replaced as you wish. 

Head out to the trailhead bright and early to begin your hike to Altyn Arashan. This 2-day hike is one of the most popular in Kyrgyzstan.

You can book a yurt through the Karakol CBT or potentially through your guest house. 

The hot springs at Altyn Arashan are a perfect place to recharge your aching muscles. It is possible to hike from the hot springs to the edge of the Palatka Glacier in about 5 hours. 

On day 5 return to Karakol from Altyn Arashan. If the weather is good then you may want to hike beyond the yurt camp before returning to the trailhead.

From Karakol, the trailhead to Jeti Oguz is roughly 30 minutes away. This is one of the most spectacular one-day hikes in Kyrgyzstan.

The views overlooking the jailoos and onto the snow-capped mountains beyond. 

Bring a packed lunch and a book to enjoy looking out over the spectacular scenery around you. 

In the evening take a private taxi to Kochkor. 

Get up bright and early and head off to take in one of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular horse treks – Song Kul. This is an excellent addition to any Kyrgyzstan itinerary.

You can arrange this through CBT or through your accommodation if you haven’t arranged it in advance.

When I was in Kyrgyzstan I arranged this through my hostel. It was cheaper than CBT and we had a fantastic experience. 

The first day will leave you in oodles of pain (unless you regularly ride). You’ll pass through lush green jailoos as you cross a number of passes. 

The second day of a horse trek to Song Kul is nothing short of spectacular. The views from the final pass as you descend down towards the lake are awe-inspiring. 

As you get to flatter ground do not be surprised if your horse gets a wee bit excited at the change in surrounds and bolts off. This is exactly what happened to my wife.

Fortunately, the horse was very obedient and she was able to easily bring him back under control. My horse carried on trotting. It was safe to say he didn’t quite have the same level of enthusiasm. 

Spend the day hiking around the yurt camp and down to the lakes edge. 

The final day of the Song Kul horse trek will bring you along the lake’s edge and up over your final pass. The descent from here down is steep, and the balance of the horses is absolutely incredible. 

You will ache a heck of a lot after three days on the back of a horse, so make sure you take it easy when you get back to Kochkor. 

On your final day, head back to Bishkek via marshrutka or private taxi. 

10 Day Kyrgyzstan Itinerary – Western Kyrgyzstan

Land in Bishkek and spend your first day getting acclimatised. Take the time to stroll through city’s parks and check out Ala-Too square.

Get down to Bishkek’s bus station bright and early to catch a marshrutka to Arslanbob. You may need to take one going to Osh and change en route.

There is some particularly lovely mountain scenery on this route, so enjoy!

Home to the worlds largest walnut forest, Arslanbob is home to some epic hiking trails and lovely waterfalls. Spend your time here hiking the forest trails and checking out the waterfalls in the area.

That being said, Arslanbob is a lovely place to just watch the clouds go by, so you may just want to sit out with a cup of tea and watch the clouds glide past the mountains.

One of the most popular hikes is to the big and small waterfalls, which your guesthouse and most locals will be able to give you directions to.

The small waterfall is behind a mosque in the town whereas the big waterfall is roughly 2 hours there and back.

Arslanbob is home to some beautiful day hikes, with one of the most spectacular being Babash-Ata. The views on this hike are pretty awesome.

However, if you get amongst the walnut trees then the day hike to Kyzyl-Unkur crosses the forest itself.

From Arslanbob head to Kyrgyzstan’s second city of Osh. Nestled in the mountains with the peaks of Suleiman Too looking down over you, Osh is more Central Asian than Bishkek.

The sweaty climb to the top of Suleiman Too offers some great views over the city.

The city’s bazaar, as one of the biggest in Central Asia is legendary, so make sure you check that out too.

Getting here can be a little tricky so taking a private taxi may be your best option. From Osh, you may need to take a marshrutka to Sary Tash first, and then head onto Sary Mogol via private taxi.

Lenin Peak base camp is approximately 2 hours from Tuplar Lake, which itself is 5-6 hour walk from Sary Mogol. Many people will get a taxi to Tulpar Lake and then hike onto the base camp itself

There is a yurt camp at both Tulpar Lake and base camp, unsurprisingly the latter is more expensive.

There are plenty of hikes in the area, so once you have hiked up to base camp you could check out some of the trails in the area.

After spending the night at base camp hike back to Tulpar Lake and maybe take on one of the trails around the lake before taking a taxi back to Sary Mogol, or potentially back to Osh.

Head back to Osh where your Kyrgyzstan adventure ends. You can fly home directly from Osh, most likely via Bishkek.

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Richard Barnes

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Home » Asia » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide 2024

Let me fill you in on a (not so secret) secret: Kyrgyzstan is set to be the next BIG backpacker destination and if you are thinking of planning a trip here, congratulations! You are making an excellent choice. It is a wild, wild country full of off the beaten path potential, yet relatively easy to travel in and get about on the cheap.

Nowhere else in Central Asia (or most of the world for that matter) will you find such a perfectly set stage for backpacker exploration and adventure. Kyrgyzstan truly offers up the perfect recipe for keen backpackers looking for a powerful, uniquely personal, travel experience.

While Kyrgyzstan may be the easiest of the “Stans” to travel in, this complex country does take a bit of time to figure out and connect with. I am here to show you the way…

Below, I provide honest, fresh advice on where to go backpacking in Kyrgyzstan, backpacker accommodation, suggested Kyrgyzstan itineraries, top things to do in Kyrgyzstan, how to travel the country, daily travel costs, best treks, Kyrgyzstan budget travel hacks, and all the other nuts and bolts that go into making an epic Kyrgyzstan travel guide.

Settle in amigos, let me show you what backpacking in Kyrgyzstan is all about…

Why Go Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan ticks all of the boxes that light my backpacker fire. You’ll find inspiring alpine landscapes, endless trekking opportunities, exposure to Kyrgyz nomadic culture, azure high-altitude lakes, 7000-meter mountains, delicious cheap food, reasonable budget accommodation options, well connected public transport, yurt camps, gold-toothed smiling locals, oh, and some of the cheapest Vodka found this side of mother Russia.

Let’s take a look at where to stay in Kyrgyzstan . Kyrgyzstan’s geography is very important to understand from a cultural and activity perspective. Northern Kyrgyzstan is a popular adventure playground for backpackers looking to connect with Kyrgyz culture and truly special trekking destinations.

The majority of Kyrgyzstan’s tourism infrastructure is located in the north, which makes it one of the easiest and most approachable areas to travel in the country.

From the capital Bishkek , most places of interest are less than 6 hours drive away, and sometimes far less than that. The famous Song Kol and Issyk Kul lakes are in the north, as is the Tian Shan range (Celestial Mountains).

Numerous well-established yurt camps and hiking trails are found throughout the mix of the rugged steppe, forest, and desert landscapes in Karakol , Jyrgalan , Fairy Tail Canyon , Chon Kemin , and Barkskoon Gorge , and the above-mentioned lakes.

The south is another matter entirely. From the southern city of Osh and beyond, there is a palpable difference in the air. Southern Kyrgyzstan is the wild west in many respects.

There is little to no backpacker infrastructure apart from a few hot spots like Lenin Peak Base Camp/Tulpar Kol . Southern Kyrgyzstan is also much more religious (Muslim majority) and conservative.

The Fergana valley — which has shared borders in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan— has been a place of constant ethnic tensions and sporadic violence for decades.

Kyrgyzstan is exceptionally diverse and taking the time to appreciate its different areas is a clear must.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Kyrgyzstan

Below I have crafted a few Kyrgyzstan travel itineraries to help you form a logical route for your time in the country.

These routes are just suggestions based on the itineraries I utilized during my time spent backpacking Kyrgyzstan. Each of these routes can be customized, reversed, or reworked to fit your interests and schedule.

#1 Kyrgyzstan Itinerary – 8-10 Days: Highlights of the North

If you have come to Kyrgyzstan for only eight days, then you certainly want to be armed with a plan to ensure you can see and do as much as humanly possible. This trip length will be quite hectic and action-packed.

That said, because of the relatively short distances, you can have an awesome set of experiences in just an eight-day window. Here are my suggestions:

Start your trip in Bishkek but save the exploration of the capital to the end of the trip. Drive to Song Kul from Bishkek via a stop at Burana Tower and stay the night with a nomadic family at a yurt camp.

Horse trekking can also be organized at Song Kol (either as a day trip or an overnight horse trek). Song Kol is an excellent place to chill out after your long journey by plane (or road) to Kyrgyzstan.

From Song Kul head to Issyuk Kul . Here you can check out the spectacular Fairy Tale Canyon , found on the south side of the lake. Eagle hunting demonstrations are also available in the villages around the southern shore.

Because you are short on time, I recommend hiring a car/jeep to take you to Karakol Valley so that you can start a three-night trek in the Celestial Mountains .

You don’t need a guide to do this trek, but if you are doing it solo, you’ll need to stock up on food and other supplies in Karakol . The three nights of the trek are spent at Karakol Valley , Ala Kul lake , and Altyn Arashan .

You can opt for a rest day in Karakol following the trek. For the next day, you have several options: go check out Jeti Oguz, Barksoon Gorge, or simply chill out at Issyk Kul with wine and a good book (after a swim).

Then it’s back to Bishkek or a night of craft beer and amazing food before flying out the next day. Breathe.

#2 Kyrgyzstan Itinerary 2 Weeks: A Proper Look at the North

With two weeks at your discretion, you suddenly have a few more options. This route can follow most or all of the eight-day route mentioned above with a few tasty additions along the way.

I would still stick to the north because you don’t have enough time to make the journey south. Plus, there is plenty to do and experience in the north anyway.

In addition to what the eight-day itinerary has to offer, here are some suggestions to help you fill an additional (almost) week in Kyrgyzstan’s northern areas…

Check out Sary Jaz , a region bordering with China. Permits are required to get in here, but the juice is worth the squeeze. You won’t find many other foreigners here. When done in a jeep, the Ring of Sary Jaz  is a spectacular way to take in a big chunk of the landscape in two days.

Another place to check out in Sary Jaz is the old Soviet mining town, Engilchek  the nearby Kara-Tash hot springs.

Go for a horse trek in Jyrgalan, one of the most popular horse trekking destinations in Kyrgyzstan, and probably the easiest place to organize a horse trek as well. Jyrgalan is a nice place to check out if you don’t mind sharing the trail with other foreigners.

You could head further south of Bishkek to Naryn for a couple of days for more off the beaten path trekking options.

Ala Archa National Park is just 40 km from Bishkek. This place is excellent if you want to get some nature time in without being too far from the city.

If you have had enough of the mountains (how could you though?!) you can head back to Bishkek for two or three days and enjoy the cosmopolitan side of the capital. Though anything more than two or three days and you’ll likely get bored.

#3 Kyrgyzstan Itinerary 1 Month: North and South Highlights

With a month on your hand, you can certainly head south to check out the scene. You can opt to start in the south if you wish.

After taking in the north (see above itineraries), you can opt for a flight from Bishkek to Kyrgyzstan’s second-biggest city, Osh (about 45 minutes). You can take a small bus overland, but it takes about 12 hours. If you have time and you are on a budget, the bus makes more economic sense.

Osh is worth spending a couple of days in, though the highlights of the south lie a few hours south of the city.

Head to Sary Mogul,  a dusty, rather ugly ramshackle village five hours south of Osh. Sary Mogul is the jumping-off point to Tulpar Kul and Lenin Peak Base Camp . Tulpar Kul is worth the visit whether you plan to make the trek to Lenis Peak or not.

For those with a serious adventure appetite, an amazing way to spend eight days in the south is to tackle a big trek in the Batken/Karavshin Valley region. Deemed the “ Patagonia of Central Asia “, This place is truly wild, also requires permits to visit, and is as about as off the beaten path as you can get in Kyrgyzstan. More on trekking in the Batken later in this Kyrgyzstan travel guide.

#4 Kyrgyzstan Itinerary 2+ Months: The Whole Damn Thing

One can never actually see the “ whole damn thing ” on one trip (unless you visit Monaco or another 3-kilometer long country). That said, with two months in Kyrgyzstan, you can give it an honest go.

Since most travelers from Western countries get a 60-day tourist visa on arrival it isn’t hard to stay in this Central Asian outdoor mecca for that amount of time.

If you plan on using up your entire 60-day tourist visa in Kyrgyzstan then you can move at a sloooooooow pace.

In my opinion, the only real reason why you would want to stay in Kyrgyzstan for two months would be to 1. go on numerous multi-day treks in many different parts of the country or 2. settle down in Bishkek for a month to live out the digital nomad dream working online.

So, building on the above-mentioned itineraries, I have the following suggestions for you to fill an additional month in Kyrgyzstan:

Take the time to discover more unique destinations in southern Kyrgyzstan . Explore the Fergana Valley . Go trekking in the Alay Mountains .

For a challenging, lengthy, and drop-dead gorgeous trek through the Alay, tackle the 8-day trek which crosses the epic Jiptick Pass . Don’t worry, more details about all of these epic treks later in this Kyrgyzstan travel guide.

My advice: take the time to really get to know a place instead of just passing through on a whirlwind tour. Spend time with locals and make the effort to learn a bit of the Kyrgyz and/or Russian languages. Travel overland, hitchhike and generally travel like you are in no hurry, because friend, you aren’t.

Places to Visit in Kyrgyzstan

From the lakes, mountains, and steppe country of the north to the rugged and dusty south, Kyrgyzstan is a vast land with many interesting places to check out. For the most part, traveling in Kyrgyzstan is safe and there are only a handful of areas that require special government permission to enter.

Each region of Kyrgyzstan has something special and rewarding to offer backpackers if you know where to look. From my experience, I found only a handful of places that were bust with foreigners, which is a positive sign that Kyrgyzstan has yet to fully erupt into a Nepal-like adventure destination.

Apart from the popular Karakol area and Song Kol, backpackers are far and few between. Exploration potential is limitless… at the moment .

Again, the overall vibe in the north versus the south is markedly different and you will find the largest practicing Muslim populations living in the south. The rural areas of the north are still home to large numbers of seasonal nomadic herders, though these numbers are a fraction of what they were in centuries past (especially pre the Soviet Union).

Let’s take a look at some of the top places to visit in Kyrgyzstan…

Backpacking Bishkek

Except for neighboring Almaty, Bishkek is hands down one of the most liberal and fun capital cities in Central Asia.

For being a capital, the streets are pretty quiet, and just about everywhere you go there is a huge presence of university students from all over the world. Though it may not seem so at first, a lot is going on at night as well – you just need to know where to look.

While Bishkek lacks impressive monuments, mosques, and world-class museums, it does win huge points for its craft beer scene, cheap accommodation, and tasty, affordable eateries. I am sure with time Bishkek will only become cooler (and it is in a pretty good spot as it is).

The only notable attractions around town are probably Ala-Too Square and Osh Bazaar. Personally, my favorite thing to do in Bishkek is to visit the amazing (and underrated) craft beer bars. A few breweries to check out are Save the Ales, Blonder, Brewster, and Steninbrau . Ask the staff for the “beer cheese”; they will know what you’re talking about.

If you need to change cash and a local SIM card, go to the GUM Shopping Mall . If you need electronics, go TSUM Center . Hiking equipment? Red Fox is a popular chain but expensive; Alex.kg is more affordable.

There’s quite a bit to do outside of Bishkek as well. Ala Archa National Park, home to several nearly-5000m peaks, is only 45 minutes away by car. Burana Tower, one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Kyrgyzstan, is 90 minutes away. If you’d like to organize a tour to either of these, our friends at Show me Bishkek can help.

Bishkek is the central transportation hub of the country. You can sort out public transport or a taxi to just about anywhere from here.

Backpacking Song Kol

If Song Kol (also spelled Song Kul and Son Kul) happens to be your first real destination outside of Bishkek, then you won’t be disappointed. Song Kul is a super green, hilly area of high altitude Central Asian steppe centered around a large salty lake. Traditionally, this area was used by nomadic herders during the summer months as grazing ground for their animals.

Depending on what you want to do, your experience in Song Kul can either be very chill or very active. The main draw of Song Kul, apart from the obvious beauty, is the yurt camps. Small, family-run yurt camps dot the shore and offer up an authentic taste of nomadic life. Some yurt camps are more authentic than others, however.

For backpackers, I suggest seeking out a yurt camp that has no frills: no super fancy beds, yurts, or neon lights. These high-end yurt camps are expensive and will not give you the desired experience of staying with a family.

The real yurt camps are nice too, and often they just bear the name of the family.

Horse trekking is also a popular activity around the lake. One can combine a multi-day hike with horse trekking to Song Kol if you have the time and budget to do so.

I’d say a few hours of riding horses around the lake is enough as the area is rather flat (hills are in the background) and the landscape doesn’t change much. The best option would be to do the hike/horse trekking combo if you have the budget for it. Horses cost about $20 an hour for day trips. If you are doing a multi-day adventure, there is more room for negotiation.

Backpacking Issyk Kul

Issyk Kul is a sight to behold. It is the seventh deepest lake in the world, the tenth-largest lake in the world by volume, and the second-largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. In any case, the lake is MASSIVE and takes some time to properly explore.

Before heading onwards to Karakol, you should spend a night or two exploring the southern area of Issyk Kul. The south side is the much quieter, more backpacker-friendly part of the lake. The north side of the lake is built up, expensive, and full of Russian’s on holiday.

There is a WHOLE LOT to do around Issyk Kul. Fairytale Canyon aka Skazka is full of surreal rock formations and vivid colors. There’s a pretty waterfall in Barskoon Gorge and beyond is the Arabel Plateau , which sometimes requires permits to access.

The one thing you have to do is be a part of an eagle hunting demonstration. The Salburun Federation , based in nearby Bokonbayevo , organizes these at $50 a pop. They’ll explain to you the cultural significance of the eagle hunter while demonstrating.

Among the various yurt camps, Bel Tam is one of the oldest and best run. Continue down the road from Bel Tam, and you will find other, more quiet yurt camps. Some even have wifi! You should not have to pay more than 2000-3000 SOM per person night (includes breakfast).

The key to picking the best place to stay in Issyk Kul is to make sure the camp has good beach access. There isn’t a whole lot to do once you arrive at a remote yurt camp, so having the option to go for a swim off a beautiful red-sand beach is an obvious must. (The best beaches are after the Bel Tam yurt camp FYI.)

To visit the top sites in the area, you will either need to rent a car or hire a taxi. There are public buses that run along the lakeshore en route to Karakol or Bishkek, but these will prove to be unhelpful when it comes to seeing the sites in Issyk Kul.

Backpacking Chon Kemin

Chon Kemin makes for another excellent base for adventure activities. This wide, green, almost Swiss-like valley has a little of everything. For backpackers after a little white water rafting, Chon Kemin is the place to do it.

There are also several fine treks in the area, pretty much all of which can either be done on foot or with horses (or a combination of both).

If you are looking for cultural experiences, I’d say you can find that in Chon Kemin; you’ll just have to pay for it. Like a few other places in Kyrgyzstan, the interesting cultural elements of Kyrgyz traditional life are not practiced often enough that you will just stumble across them.

Things like Kyrgyz folk shows/music, eagle hunting, nomadic games, etc must be organized in advance (and sometimes are not all that cheap).

For me, this kind of takes the authenticity out of what backpacking is about, and doesn’t make sense financially for solo/couple backpackers. If you plan to come to Chon Kemin, come for the adventure activities and stay for beautiful views and nice people.

You can organize just about anything in Chon Kemi through our friend, Aziz, from Kemin Guest House. Here is his Whatsapp: +996 703295919.

I would advise you not to stay at his guesthouse, for the sole reason that it is almost too nice, and thus quite expensive, with a single room costing around $60.

Backpacking Karakol

Karakol is the uncontested adventure capital of Kyrgyzstan. Endless treks, jeep excursions, climbing trips, and cultural events can be organized in the city. But if you are expecting an Aspen or Chamonix vibe, you will be sorely disappointed.

I was pretty surprised to find that despite Karakol being the most popular city for foreigners in Kyrgyzstan, it remains largely undeveloped, dusty, and has the feel of an old Soviet frontier town of sorts.

In terms of on the ground attractions in Karakol, there are a few interesting spots to check out. The Holy Trinty Cathedral is the most beautiful building in the city.

On the opposite side of town, you’ll find the Dungan Mosque , a rather uninspiring, yet curious structure resembling a Buddhist temple. The coolest thing about this mosque is the fact that it survived the wrath of the Bolsheviks (who destroyed all of the other mosques in the city).

The biggest highlight for me in Karakol was getting down on some seriously good BBQ pre and post trekking. The Kafe Aychurok (on the main street) has the best shashlik (meat skewers) of all time. The prices are reasonable and the feasting is next level. This is a bring-your-own-beer sort of joint and is well worth doing. Bring your meat-eating A-game.

There are also a few decent groceries and bakeries in town, so you should have no problem cooking a few meals and getting food supplies for your upcoming trek.

There are a handful of hostels in town too, but I recommend staying at Duet Hostel.

Backpacking Sary Jaz

A little known gem lies just a few hours from Karakol. If you have the time, you should 100% go check it out.

Sary Jaz is a border region between Kyrgyzstan and China. The landscapes found here are every photographer’s dream. Better yet, you are very likely to not see another single backpacker out there. There are a few different options for where to go and what to do in Sary Jaz.

Sary Jaz area is part of Khan-Tengri National Park. It is the largest national park in Kyrgyzstan and has greatly contributed to the protection of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, primarily the snow leopard population.

I should note that to enter into Sary Jaz you need to obtain a government permit (which costs about $35) and you also need to take a local guide with you. If you have a little extra cash in your budget, the 1 – 4 day trip (depending on how you plan it) is well worth it.

Option 1: Ring of Sary Jaz : Epic mountain views, a high pass, braided river systems, awesome campsites, stunning star photography opportunities.

Option 2: Sary Jaz to Enylchek and Hot Springs: This route takes you to another part of the Sary Jaz region. Here, you can visit an old abandoned Soviet mining town (Enylchek). There are still people living nearby, but there are numerous massive dilapidated brick apart blocks that you can walkthrough. It is a pretty eerie experience, but cool nonetheless.

The cost of doing this trip: up to 3 people – 265 USD per person with an SUV 4×4 for transport. I know, I know, these ain’t backpacker prices, but it is worth it, I tell you!!

Backpacking Jyrgalan

The hill country around Jyrgalan is the most popular horse trekking destination in Kyrgyzstan. Its green meadows, picturesque mountains, and accessibility from Karakol have helped to skyrocket its popularity.

Most people opt to base themselves in the village of Jyrgalan , where there are various guesthouses and yurt stays available. Expect to pay around 3000 SOM per person per night.

If you visit from the middle of July onward, it is possible to do the iconic Echkili Tash trek , which takes 4 days and around 70 kilometers to complete. Be sure to ask locals if the passes are indeed free of heavy snowpack or not.

Multiday horse treks are the name of the game in Jyrgalan as well, and if you hire a local guide and cook, there almost certainly will be a couple of pack horses rolling with you.

You certainly do not NEED a guide to go trekking in Jyrgalan. If you plan on setting off on your own, be sure to come prepared with supplies bought in Karakol as the options for buying decent trekking food are quite limited in the village.

Backpacking Osh

Osh is located in the south of Kyrgyzstan in the Fergana Valley and is the country’s 2nd largest city. Osh has quite the storied past and was a major outpost for traders on the Silk Road. The city is also one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia.

After recovering from spats of ethnic violence in 2010, Osh is now experiencing a period of relative calm, though there will always be noticeable tension between the Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities.

Like most cities in Kyrgyzstan, Osh is more of a jumping-off point than it is a destination. One can spend a few days roaming the bust streets, trying tasty food, and utilizing the decent internet connections found in the cafes.

Accommodation in Osh is cheaper than in Bishkek and a decent guesthouse or apartment should cost between USD 20-30.

Here some things to do in Osh:

• Visit the massive Lenin Monument : the monument is located on the edge of Park Im. T.satylganova.
• Street Art : Check out all of the cool street art and graffiti plastered across the buildings in the city center.
• Stop by the new Sulayman Mosque : To get there is about a 30-minute walk from the city center.
• Climb Sulayman Mountain : For epic views of the city and the mosque, hike up to the top of the iconic Sulayman Mountain.
• Eat Pizza and Drink Beer : California Cafe is an awesome spot to grab a cold beer and to chow down on some damn good pizza. Brio Cafe has, without question, the best coffee in town. For authentic Kyrgyzstani food, go to Kurmanzhan Datka Cafe.

Backpacking Arslanbob

When it comes to picturesque mountain towns in Kyrgyzstan, Arslanabob can hold its own with the best of them.

A good place to start upon arriving in town is to check into the CBT guesthouse. From here, you can organize and/or get up to date information on fishing in the area, horse trekking adventures, and just about anything else outdoor-related that Arslanbob has to offer.

There is an awesome day trip to the walnut forest waterfalls. You don’t need a guide to do this trek, so don’t trust the locals if they tell you that you need a guide!

From Osh, the journey to Arslanbob takes about 3 1/2 hours.

Backpacking Sary Mogul

In terms of dusty, scruffy towns in Kyrgyzstan go, Sary Mogul is pretty damn dusty and scruffy. Upon arrival, I determined that it was best to not even spend the night there, though the folks at the local CBT guesthouse were very nice and helped me organize a jeep to Tulpar Kul yurt camp.

There isn’t anything of interest in Sary Mogul, so like me, you will probably just pass through en route to Tulpar Kul and Lenin Peak Base Camp. A few locals-only cafe shacks serve fried bread, tea, and strong instant coffee.

Backpacking Tulapr Kul

To reach Tulpar Kul takes about an hour and a half by jeep via a bumpy 4×4 track. Tulpar Kul is a medium-sized yurt camp surrounded by small lakes. One can get a cozy yurt (with a fire inside), nice meals, and a good base for exploring the surrounding mountain trails.

Because the camp sits at around 3500 meters, it can be cold here (it snowed on me when I was there) so come with the appropriate clothing.

Marmots are about as common here as gold teeth are in all of Kyrgyzstan! Lenin peak Base Camp is only a short walk (around 25 minutes) from Tulapar Kul. In the height of the season, it will be busy with climbing expeditions and not the most peaceful place to stay.

From Tulpar Kol, it is a 3-hour walk up (2 hours down) with roughly 500 meters of altitude gain to the famous Traveller’s Pass (4000 meters).

From the top of the pass, you have a perfect view of Lenin Peak standing tall almost 3 kilometers above.  Pray for clear skies and prepare to be wowed.

Ask anyone working at the yurt camp in Tulpar Kul or Lenin Peak Base Camp for directions, the route to the pass is straight forward. Note that heavy snow can be present at any time of the year. Ask about conditions before setting off. Hiking with proper waterproof boots and gaiters is a must if there is some snow on the trail.

Getting Off the Beaten Track In Kyrgyzstan

If you have found your self rambling along through Central Asia, congratulations! In terms of backpacker scenes, Central Asia is raw and in the infant stages of tourism.

That said, Kyrgyzstan does have its hot spots where you will almost certainly find foreigners. Apart from places like the Karakol area treks, Song Kol and Issyk Kul, fellow backpackers are far and few between.

If you want to experience a truly wild part of Kyrgyzstan, head south the Batken/Karavshin valley region. There is relatively no information online about this place (we aim to change that soon). You’ll want to organize a local guide in Bishkek before going south. The Batken region is one of the most remote places I have ever been, and you need a guide to go there.

Don’t listen to people who tell you that Jyrgalan is off the beaten path. That’s bullshit .

Jyrgalan is now one of the most popular places in the whole country. Trust us, if you want REAL adventure, head to the Batken. Our friend Aslabek at the CBT office in Bishkek can help sort you out. Tell him we sent you and maybe he will give you a special price.

Request that your guide be Suliman from the village of Ozgorush (were the trek starts); he is a wonder of a man and a badass guide.

A 9-day (!) trek in the Batken will cost you between $600-700 and will include transport to/from Osh horses for supplies, food, guides, and a cook.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan

The activities listed here are only a few of many. If you’d like to hear some more ideas, be sure to visit our comprehensive article on what to do in Kyrgyzstan!

1. Go for a Multiday Trek

If you come to Kyrgyzstan and do not go for a badass trek somewhere, then you have failed miserably.

2. Attend a Nomadic Games Event

From goats head polo matches (Koko Boru) to strength competitions to javelin throwing, the Kyrgyz people are serious about their brand of sport… and seeing them in action is quite the sight to behold. Nomadic sports are well entrenched in modern-day Kyrgyz society and occur at various times all over the country.

The ultimate competition takes place at the World Nomad Games, which occurs every year, though not always in Kyrgyzstan. For the past three years, the games have been held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, but this year (2019) the games are taking place in Turkey.

3. Take a Swim in Issyk Kul

When that fierce sun is shining down, perhaps nothing else in the world is as refreshing as a dip in the crisp waters of Issyk Kul. Have beers on standby.

4. Try Kumis

What the hell is Kumis ? Well, my friends, Kumis is a slightly alcoholic concoction of fermented mares milk. To be honest with you I kind of hated kumis, but trying it is a sort of right of passage for people backpacking in Kyrgyzstan.

5. Horse Trekking

Kyrgyzstan is a land of horse culture. It is in the blood of the people like baseball is in the blood of Americans. Get yourself on a horse and head into the mountains. Kyrgy horse treks are a great reason to visit Kyrgyzstan.

6. Check out an Eagle Hunting Demonstration

Over the centuries, nomadic people’s honed their falcon husbandry skills to an art. When you see a demonstration, no actual animal is hunted, but watching how the hunters work with their birds is quite amazing.

7. Stay in a Yurt

Similar to trekking, you can not visit Kyrgyzstan and NOT stay in a yurt. If you want to learn more about yurts, it is possible to help build one at some yurt camps.

8. Eat Manta

Manta is the Kyrgyz version of dumplings. They are delicious and they are prone to be eaten in glutinous quantity.

9. Visit Sary Jaz

You may have gathered by now that the Sary Jaz region is one of my favorite places in Kyrgyzstan. Get off the beaten path, hire a jeep, and go see it for yourself. If possible, try to camp out there.

10. Try Kyrgyz Booze

From brandy to vodka to whiskey, there is no shortage of tasty spirts to try. In Bishkek, sampling some of the craft beers is a must.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Backpacker Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan

It’s pretty easy to find reasonably priced backpacker accommodation in Kyrgyzstan. You won’t find dirt cheap accommodation as one can in South East Asia or Nepal, but the going rate hovers between $25 – 40 USD, depending on what you are after.

The hostel scene in the country is limited to just a few cities, but when you do stumble across a hostel, they are typically super cheap (like $6-8), basic, and just what the budget backpacker ordered.

Most yurt camps charge between 2000-3000 SOMS per night and usually come with breakfast.

Luxury chalets and fancy yurt camps are cost-prohibitive and should be avoided.

Camping is part of Kyrgyz/nomadic culture, so there are limitless locations across the country where you can pitch your tent for free. Of course, always make sure that you are not camping on someone’s private land and always practice Leave No Trace principles.

Couchsurfing is also slowly gaining traction, though I did not personally Couchsurf whilst backpacking in Kyrgyzstan.

I’ve listed out some of my favorite hostels in Kyrgyzstan below for you to check out.

Best Places to Stay in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan travel costs.

Perhaps the most important information for backpackers visiting Kyrgyzstan is cost. Backpackers on a tight budget may find certain aspects of traveling in the country expensive, whereas other stuff may come across as cheap.

Eating in Kyrgyzstan is pretty inexpensive. You can get a solid meal for between $3-7, more of course if you are eating at a fancy brewpub in Bishkek.

Public transport is also very affordable. When you can find them, hostels are cheap as chips.

So, when is where is Kyrgyzstan expensive? Activities. Organizing a guide/cook/porter team can be very expensive, especially for solo backpackers. Horse trekking isn’t too expensive, but if you are going for multiple days, it certainly will not be cheap.

Also, yurt stays are not quite as cheap as I thought they would be. All and all you can travel Kyrgyzstan on a tight budget, but you need to anticipate some high costs if you plan on going on any 4×4 jeep trips, hiking with a guide, white water rafting, etc.

Groceries from a supermarket or small shop are reasonable and one can easily cook an excellent meal for $10 worth of store-bought ingredients.

I recommend Couchsurfing as much as you possibly can. The more you Couchsurf and hitchhike, the more money you can spend on wine, good hummus, and activities like paragliding. Pure and simple.

Having a good tent and sleeping bag are  crucial  to budget backpacking. Both will save you a ton of money on accommodation. Whilst backpacking in a place with few hostels, having the right gear and ability to camp out (when possible) is very important to keep costs to an absolute minimum.

Below is a list of what you can expect to spend daily (excluding car hire) whilst backpacking Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan Daily Budget

Money in kyrgyzstan.

The currency of Kyrgyzstan is the SOM. At the time of writing $1 = 69.74 SOM.

ATMs are widely available in all major cities. I do recommend bringing in foreign currency like dollars, euros, or pounds to change in Bishkek, Osh, or Karakol.

If you do plan on changing hard currency, I suggest that you shop around at a few different money exchanges as the rates can vary slightly and you want to get the best bang for your buck.

I found that Kyrgyzstan is mostly a cash-based economy, so outside of Bishkek, you likely will not be able to use your debit/credit cards to pay for things.

Tip : Find out whether or not your bank in your home country has fee-free international withdrawal. If so, activate it for your trip or for whenever you travel abroad. Once I discovered my bank card had that option, I saved a huge amount in ATM fees! When traveling to Kyrgyzstan on a budget, every SOM counts right?

Travel Tips – Kyrgyzstan on a Budget

• Camp : With plenty of stunning mountains and forests to explore, camping saves you money and can help you get off of the beaten path on an epic adventure. You have no excuse not to camp in Kyrgyzstan.
• Cook your own food:  Travel with a  portable backpacking stove or stay at a hostel with a fully-equipped kitchen. Cooking your own food to save some serious cash whilst backpacking across Kyrgyzstan. Camping gas is available at any of the outdoor shops in Bishkek or Karakol.
• If you plan to do some overnight hiking trips or camping without a local guide/cook team having a backpacking stove will be ESSENTIAL to your success. My two personal go-to stoves are the  MSR Pocket Rocket 2  and my  Jetboil .
• Pack a Grayl Geopress : save money (and the planet) every day! Stop buying bottled water!

Why You Should Travel to Kyrgyzstan with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Best Time to Travel to Kyrgyzstan

Due to its geographical location on the Central Asian steppe, the weather window to visit Kyrgyzstan is quite short. Since the main attraction of the country is the mountains and the trekking adventures you can have, the most obvious time to visit Kyrgyzstan is from June – September .

If you arrive too early or too late, many of the best treks in the country will likely be inaccessible due to heavy snow and ice conditions. Many of the high mountain passes can be covered under a mass of snow well into June and early July.

July and August is the best time to be in Kyrgyzstan from a weather perspective. The result is that these months are also when the country receives the most foreign visitors.

Beyond early-mid October, the weather will start to turn cold again and snowfall in the mountains is almost a given.

Keep in mind that snow can fall at any time of the year in the mountains (especially when you get above 3500 meters).

Wintertime in Kyrgyzstan is super quiet, so if you don’t mind the cold, you are likely to find very few other backpackers around during the cold season. Activities like snowshoeing, skiing and ice climbing are all possible in the winter.

Festivals in Kyrgyzstan

Throughout the year there are various festivals and events taking place across the country. Since the location and dates of any given event may differ from year to year, it is always best to ask locals for up-to-date information.

• Nooruz : This springtime festival is celebrated throughout Central Asia. Song, feasting, and sports just about sum up the activities. March 21st is when it usually goes down.
• Bishkek Jazz Festival : 3 days of smooth tunes in the capital. April.
• Summer Nomadic Festivals : Nomadic games take place in various regions of the country. Locals along with Community Based Tourism (CBT) help to organize various horse sports, eagle hunting and song/dance. These events are attended by locals as well as foreigners. According to Caravanistan, The most important events are the horse games festival in Kyzyl-Oi  (end of July), the eagle hunting festival in  Bokonbayevo  (end of August), the games in  Sary-Mogol,  and the shepherds festival in  Karkara valley , near Char Kuduk (end of August). Contact CBT to find out exact dates and planning.
• Kurban Ait:  This is the Muslim holiday Eid Al-Adha, only Kyrgyz style. As in the Arabic world, this holiday involves a sheep/goat sacrifice and big BBQ’s. Kyrgyz people love it.
• Orozo Ait:  Date changes.Called Eid Al-Fitr in the Arabic world, this celebration ends Ramadan with tons and tons of food. For ethnic Uzbeks, Ramadan is an important holiday. Kyrgyz people take a more lackadaisical approach to the holiday.

What to Pack for Kyrgyzstan

On every adventure, there are five things I never go traveling without:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full packing list for Kyrgyzstan !

Staying Safe in Kyrgyzstan

Is Kyrgyzstan Safe? In general, I found Kyrgyzstan to be one of the safest countries I have ever visited. That said, Kyrgyzstan is not immune to problems.

Some things to be aware of:

• Political/Ethnic Tension : Kyrgyzstan is a melting pot of different cultures and political factions. Occasionally, these tensions flare up and rioting and violence threaten the stability of any given city or region. Though no major violence episodes have happened since 2010 (Bishkek riots), just recently (August 2019, there were reports that Kyrgyz ex-President Atambayev was plotting a coup, and some days of rioting erupted again in the capital because of it.
• Natural Hazards : Kyrgyzstan is a wild place full of real wilderness areas. When setting off on treks, always be mindful of potential rockfall, dangerous river crossings, landslides, ticks, extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and icy alpine passes. Always check in with locals regarding trail conditions and hazards before setting off on your trek.
• Petty Theft : The “big” cities in Kyrgyzstan are generally safe, but as always, do not leave your valuables in plain sight, and don’t walk around late at night drunk and loaded with cash. It’s common sense!
• Police Bribery/Corruption : Kyrgyz police are corrupt. Not all of them, but many of them, especially the highway cops. If you are driving a rental car around the country, you will almost certainly get stopped at some point and asked to pay a bribe of some sort even if you did not break any driving laws. The best strategy is to be patient and stay cool/calm whilst trying to make it clear that you don’t know what the hell they are talking about. The is a game of stalling for time. After enough time has passed and it is clear that the cops won’t be getting any money from you, they will let you go, probably out of boredom. Resist paying bribes at all cost!

Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz people like to get down.  You would never know that Kyrgyzstan is a Muslim majority country since alcohol is available everywhere. Perhaps due to the long-lasting Russian/Soviet influence, Kyrgyz folks like to celebrate with vodka, beer, brandy (like Cognac), and just about everything else.

During my time there, I did not come across any weed/hash smoking or drug use, but I am sure it is around (people smoke weed in every country, right?).

Alcohol is definitely the name of the game in Kyrgyzstan. If you find yourself at a Kyrgyzstani birthday party or around a campfire with the right people, be prepared to get a little tipsy and then some.

The dating scene in the cities is a complex topic. In Bishkek, there is a western-style dating culture, and apps like Tinder will prove to be useful to you (for men and women).

In the southern parts of the country, especially in rural areas, alcohol consumption is less common as people are more conservative and religious. If you end up at a conservative Muslim persons house in the south, do show some respect and do not drink around them unless they offer booze to you.

Travel Insurance for Kyrgyzstan

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Getting Into Kyrgyzstan

Being a landlocked country, there are only two ways into Kyrgyzstan: by land and by air.

Most people arriving by air will need to catch a connection in Istanbul, Moscow, or Dubai. There are some particularly cheap flights from Istanbul with Pegasus Airways. There is no national Kyrgyz airline.

One option is flying into Almaty and then transferring to Bishkek by bus or plane. Almaty is much more connected and there are several local airlines with daily international arrivals.

Kyrgyzstan shares a land border with almost every other Central Asian nation. If coming from Uzbekistan, you’ll cross into Kyrgyzstan via the Ferghana Valley, either at Batken or Osh.

From Tajikstan, the only option is in the south near Sary Mogul; this probably the most used land crossing thanks to the Pamir Highway.

From Kazahkstan, crossing via Almaty into Kyrgyzstan is the most obvious way. But there’s another land-border near the eastern edge of Issyk Kul that is also open to tourists in the summer. This is a convenient crossing if you’re coming from Charyn Canyon or Altan Emil.

Entry Requirements for Kyrgyzstan

Good news my friends! Kyrgyzstan has the most relaxed visa policies of any Central Asian nation. Foreigners holding passports from Europe, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and many others can get a 30 or 60-day visa on arrival with zero hassle attached.

If you have been traveling around other parts of Central Asia, I am sure you will find this headache-free visa a welcomed relief.

Extending a Kyrgyz visa is possible in Bishkek, Karakol, and Osh. You will for sure need a copy of your passport and your visa, your passport, a letter stating your reason for extension (you can write in English), a passport picture and money (of course!).

Overstaying your visa: Do not do it, is the short answer. If you do overstay your tourist visa, you will like have to pay fines above 10,000+ SOM. Better to get an extension or leave the country before your visa is up.

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How to Get Around Kyrgyzstan

When planning out how to get around Kyrgyzstan, you do have several options:

The most popular means of transport in Kyrgyzstan is the Marshrutka, which is a shared public minibus. They are not the comfiest and can be appallingly hot without the windows open, but they are cheap and a good way to go between cities in the country.

Marshrutka’s are not just long-distance buses. They also operate in all of the cities across Kyrgyzstan. Navigating which bus is going where is quite difficult, especially because the route displayed on the window screen is in the Russian alphabet (though the buses have numbers too). Once you decide where you want to go, ask a local or the hostel staff which bus number you need to take.

Yandex is the Kyrgyz version of Uber (Uber does not work in Kyrgyzstan). I had a love-hate relationship with Yandex. On the one hand, using the apps helps you to get a fair price every time. The part I found very frustrating was that the destinations are often only in Russian, which made it difficult to select my intended destination. Also if and when I was able to choose my selected destination through the app, the driver would often turn up and ask, “so where do you want to go?”, which meant I had to explain it all over again.

Taxi drivers in Bishkek, in particular, will try at every opportunity to rip you off. Despite the shortcomings of the Yandex app, I found that dealing with Kyrgyz taxi drivers was quite the struggle. Rides around the Bishkek city center should NEVER cost more than 80-100 SOM.

If you are in a hurry to head south, you can catch one of the daily flights from Bishkek to Osh. The tickets cost roughly USD 30-35 one way.

YES, you can actually travel around Kyrgyzstan by horse! It is totally possible to buy one at a local animal market and ride it around the country, living at all of your wildest Lord of the Rings dreams.

A horse usually costs around $500-$600 (last I checked). Unless you know how to spot a healthy horse, you should try to enlist a local to help as well.

It should also be said that whilst the horses in Kyrgyzstan are pretty well trained, they’re still wild animals. Find a local to give you some lessons before heading out.

Don’t expect to travel very far either. The average horse can only ride about 25-30 miles a day, and your hips will be sore WAY before that.

Renting a Car in Kyrgyzstan

If you want to see the country with the aid of your own wheels, renting a car is definitely an awesome option.

You can sort your car rental in just a few minutes. Booking in advance is the best way to ensure you score the lowest price and your choice of vehicle. Often, you can find the best car rental prices when you pick up the rental from the airport.

Make sure you cover your rental car with a RentalCover.com policy . It covers your car against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

The main roads in Kyrgyzstan are pretty good and the drivers in the country are not nearly as reckless as I have seen in other countries.

If you have the time (and money) you can try for an epic Pamir Highway road trip, which would take you from Southern Kyrgyzstan into Tajikistan. If you rent a car and plan on crossing international borders, make sure that your car rental policy allows for that.

Hitchhiking in Krygyzstan

Hitchhiking is quite common here. I often saw locals hitching on the side of the road. Often, they are only getting short distance rides.

For foreigners, you may find that some locals will be keen to give you a lift, whilst others are not interested. On the busy roads around Issyk Kul, hitchhiking short distances should prove to be reasonably easy.

As always, if someone stops to pick you up and they give you bad vibes, do not take the ride. There will always be another one. Also, you should take care that you don’t accidentally flag down a taxi driver. In your mind, it is a free ride (because you were hitchhiking), and for them, they are expecting a payment, which can lead to some pretty awkward (and potentially expensive) circumstances.

Onwards Travel From Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is surrounded by many fascinating countries. The easiest countries to visit from Kyrgyzstan are Tajikistan and Kazahkstan as both of these countries also have pretty relaxed visa policies.

To get into China or Uzbekistan, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. You’ll also need to arrange for a guide in China because you’ll be arriving in the province of Xingjiang. Right now, the region is very tightly controlled by the Chinese government. Uzbekistan is slightly less traveled, but well worth it as there are many beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan .

If you have plans to go to Afganistan after Tajikistan, it is possible to apply for your visa in Biskek.

Check out my friend Alex at Lost With Purpose  for an account of her experience applying for an Afghan Visa in Bishkek . Check out her other article about applying for an Uzbek visa in Bishkek here.

Working in Kyrgyzstan

It may not be there yet, but I think that Bishkek could be a legit digital nomad spot. There are lots of places to work, the cost of living is reasonable, and the internet is (mostly) reliable. I am tempted to move to Bishkek solely based on the nice cafes and quality beer!

Bishkek has some truly awesome cafes to work out of. If you are a digital nomad, you will love the cafe culture in the city. Even if you don’t work online and want to pop into one to drink a legit espresso, there are many options to choose from. My favorite place to get my coffee is the Kiwi-owned Sierra Coffee.

Outside of the cities, there is not much in the way of wifi or internet connection. Large swaths of the country are undeveloped and have not yet been overrun by data towers.

In Bishkek, I went to the O! (the top cellular company in Kyrgyzstan) store and picked myself up a SIM card. Depending on the kind of package you take, you can pick up a SIM and some 4G data for between 500 – 1000 SOM.

I also bought an O! wifi USB stick, which proved to be very, very handy for someone like me who works online. The stick costs about $30 and came with more data than I needed. If you need a reliable internet connection on the go, I suggest that you buy one, as the free wifi you get around Bishkek is not always good.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteer in Kyrgyzstan

Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. There are lots of different volunteer projects in Kyrgyzstan which you can join ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much anything!

Voluntourism is pretty new to Kyrgyzstan, so there aren’t many options as of yet. Language exchanges are becoming more common throughout the country, although English teaching is not widely demanded. More rural locations sometimes provide opportunities to help with animal care and digital marketing. Keep in mind that volunteers in Kyrgyzstan require a visa prior to arrival.

Our go-to platform for finding volunteering gigs is Worldpackers who connect travellers with host projects. Have a look at the Worldpackers site and see if they have any exciting opportunities in Kyrgyzstan before signing up.

Alternatively, Workaway is another excellent common platform used by travellers searching for volunteering opportunities. You can read our review of Workaway for more info on using this terrific platform.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and platforms like Workaway are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

What to Eat in Kyrgyzstan

One of the best parts about backpacking is all of the new tasty food that you get to try.

Kyrgyz food is pretty heavy on the meat dishes, but if you can handle copious amounts of animal protein than you are going to love Kyrgyz cuisine. Vegetarians do have some options, but be aware that vegetarianism is a foreign concept here.

If you’re in Bishkek, you’ll have the most variety as the culinary options in the city are vast. In addition to amazing Kyrgyz and Russian food, you can find Indian, Italian, Chinese, Kebabs, and endless burger and pizza joints of varying quality.

Whatever you do, do NOT make the mistake of getting the Mexican food at Chili Peppers . It was one of the most disappointing and overpriced meals I have had in the last 10 years of traveling.

• Russian Salad : Lettuce and other vegetables in a mayonnaise sauce.
• Borscht : Beet based soup with chunks of meat and veggies.
• Goulash : Stew of meat and vegetables usually seasoned with paprika and other spices.
• Beshbarmak Five Finger Noodles : A noodle dish heavy on the onions and meat.
• Laghman : A tasty noodle dish with meat, veggies, and spices.
• Manta : Delicious Kyrgyz style dumplings.
• Kumis : Fermented mares milk. Proceed with caution.
• Beer Cheese : A stringy, smoked dry cheese best eaten with—you guessed it— a tasty glass of suds.
• Shashlik : Skewered BBQ meat, usually mutton, beef, or chicken. Mutton is best.

Kyrgyz Culture

Kyrgyz hospitality is a thing of beauty.  I met some of the nicest people in nearly a decade of traveling here, and I must say the people in Kyrgyzstan are wonderful.

Sometimes people can indeed come across as a little cold or distant, but I think that is a product of 1. not being confident in English/speaking with foreigners and 2. leftover social norms of the Soviet Union days.

For the most part, Kyrgyz people are welcoming, generous, happy, and confident; all of which make for pleasurable interactions as a foreigner.

At first glance, some Kyrgyz males may appear a bit rough around the edges (and some of them are), but once you get them to open up a little bit (perhaps after a shot of vodka or 6), they will be putting their arm around you and laughing stoutly in no time.

Take the time to get to know some locals and you will likely have made friends for life.

Books to Read whilst Backpacking Kyrgyzstan

Reading on the road has always been an important part of my travels. There is nothing like a good book about a place to help you connect with the country you are visiting. Here are a few awesome books set in Kyrgyzstan for you to check out!

• Life at the Edge of the Empire: Oral Histories of Soviet Kyrgyzstan : The 35 oral histories in this English-language anthology touch on events including: Urkun; World War I; sedentarization; collectivization; World War II; the post-war reconstruction period; Stalin s death; the Khrushchev and Brezhnev eras; independence; and privatization.
• Jamila : The Second World War is at its peak, and Jamilia’s husband is off fighting at the front. Accompanied by Daniyar, a sullen newcomer who was wounded on the battlefield, Jamilia spends her days hauling sacks of grain from the threshing floor to the train station in their village in the Caucasus. Spurning men’s advances and wincing at the dispassionate letters she receives from her husband, Jamilia falls helplessly in love with the mysterious Daniyar in this heartbreakingly epic tale.
• Manas: Lost and Found : Rural Kyrgyz, far from the Judeo-Christian world, has many striking biblical traditions. A comparative analysis of Kyrgyzstan’s national epic Manas and Hebrew scripture reinforces the bond.
• The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years : Set in the vast windswept Central Asian steppes and the infinite reaches of galactic space, this powerful novel offers a vivid view of the culture and values of the Soviet Union’s Central Asian peoples.
• Inside Central Asia : A Political and Cultural History of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz stan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Iran: In this comprehensive new treatment, renowned political writer and historian Dilip Hiro places the politics, peoples, and cultural background of this critical region firmly into the context of current international focus.
• The Silk Roads : Far more than a history book of the Silk Roads, this is truly a revelatory new history of the world, promising to destabilize notions of where we come from and where we are headed next.

Travel Phrases for Backpacking Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has two official languages: Kyrgyz and Russian . English is becoming more common, but I experienced plenty of lost in translation moments all the same.

The thing I found the most challenging was my lack of knowledge of the Russian/Cyrillic alphabet. If you have the time to learn the alphabet and a few words of Russian, you will be able to read all of the confusing signs and menus.

Here are a few helpful Kyrgyz phrases to help you on your journey:

• Thank you – Rahmat
• Hello –  S alam
• Is this the bus to…? –  Bul avtobus turat ?
• Do you have  shorpa ? –  Siz shorpa bar?
• Where is the toilet? –  Tualet kayda?
• Please –  Otünömün
• Let’s go – Kettik
• How’s it going? —  Kandaysz?
• No plastic bag please —  Eç kanday jelim batk suranç. 
• How much? —  Kança ?
• I am lost –  Men jogolgon jatam?
• Beer –  Pivo
• Can I camp here? – Men bul jerde tikse bolot?

A Brief History of Kyrgyzstan

The history of the Kyrgyz people and the land now called Kyrgyzstan goes back more than 2,000 years. As the Silk Road trade routes became more and more utilized over the centuries, Kyrgyzstan became an important trading and migrant hub. Historically, Kyrgyzstan was a nation of nomadic people. Much of that way of life was impacted when the Soviets rolled into town.

Over the last two hundred years or so, Kyrgyzstan has seen plenty of major changes and developments. Until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kyrgyzstan remained stuck behind the Iron Curtain.

Soviet power was initially established in the region in 1918, and in 1924, the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast was created within the Russian SFSR.

In 1924, an Arabic-based Kyrgyz alphabet was introduced, which was replaced by Latin script in 1928. In 1941 Cyrillic script was adopted. Many aspects of the Kyrgyz national culture were retained despite the suppression of nationalist activity under Joseph Stalin, who controlled the Soviet Union from the late 1920s until 1953.

Kyrgyzstan gained/declared its full independence from the USSR on August 31, 1991.

Kyrgyzstan in Modern Times

Since the fall of the USSR, Kyrgyzstan has slowly been finding its way in the world. Modern life in Kyrgyzstan seems to be headed in an overall positive direction, though some areas do suffer from high rates of unemployment and poor education.

The  Kyrgyz Revolution of 2010 , also known as the  Second Kyrgyz Revolution , the  Melon Revolution , the  April Events or officially as the  People’s April Revolution , began on April 2010 with the ousting of Kyrgyz president Kurmanbek Bakiyev in the capital Bishkek.

It was followed by increased ethnic tension involving Kyrgyz people and Uzbeks in the south of the country, which escalated in June 2010. The violence ultimately led to the consolidation of a new parliamentary system in Kyrgyzstan.

During the general mayhem, exiles from the Uzbek minority claim they were assaulted and driven to Uzbekistan, with some 400,000 Kyrgyzstani citizens becoming internally displaced.

Victims interviewed by media and aid workers testify to mass killing, gang rape, and torture. Then-head of the Interim government Roza Otunbayeva indicated that the death toll is tenfold higher than was previously reported, which brings the number of the dead to 2,000 people.

On 9 June violence erupted in the southern city of Osh with ethnic Kyrgyz rioting, attacking minority Uzbeks and lighting their property ablaze. By the 12th the violence had spread to the city of Jalal-Abad.

The spreading of the violence required the Russian-endorsed interim government led by Roza Otunbayeva to declare a state of emergency on 12 June, in an attempt to take control of the situation. Uzbekistan launched a limited troop incursion early on, but withdrew and opened its borders to Uzbek refugees. The clashes killed up to 2,000 people, mostly Uzbeks, and another 100,000 were displaced.

As of 2019, Kyrgyzstan is experiencing a period of calm, though as I said before, the ethnic tensions between the various groups will probably always exist. For the sake of all of the people involved, I hope that peace lasts and that the country continues to prosper.

Trekking in Kyrgyzstan

When it comes to trekking, you should know by now that Kyrgyzstan is a hiker’s paradise. To be honest with you, there is a lifetime worth of noteworthy trekking experiences in Kyrgyzstan .

But, since you likely do not have a lifetime to spend in the country, here are a few of my personal favorites:

• Ala Kul/Celestial Mountains trek : This trek is probably the most famous multi-day hike in Kyrgyzstan. One can tackle this hike in 4 days (by starting around Jeit Orguz) or it can be done in three days (starting from the Karakol Gorge). The obvious highlight is the landscape around Ala Kul, a very impressive alpine lake set against jagged mountain peaks. Plus the hike finishes at Altyn-Arashan where you will find hot spring pools (and wine). If you only do one trek in Kyrgyzstan, then this is the one for you. Note: you do NOT need a guide to do this trek.
• Kyzart Village to Song Kol Lake trek: If you want another classic Kgryz trek with far fewer crowds, the hike from Kyzart village to Song Kol Lake is where it’s at. This trek combines stunning alpine scenery, mountain passes, rolling green pasture land, and a cultural yurt stay all in one sweet package. This trek can also be done as a combination horse/hiking trek. 
• The Patagonia of Central Asia trek : I have already described this trek in the Batken/Karavshin valley region of the south, but alas here it is again. This challenging 9-12 day trek is NOT for beginners, but those with some experience will find this hike one of the best adventures experiences to had anywhere. If numerous alpine passes, desert landscapes, raging rivers, juniper forests, and towering granite walls sounds like your idea of a good time, go to the Batken.
• Ala Archa National Park treks: You do not have to stray far from the capital Bishkek to get into some awesome mountains. Several marked trails run throughout the park, offering access to some fine day hikes. The Ak-Sai waterfall trek (7km) makes for a good warmup to other more demanding hikes in the area. 
• Lenin Peak Summit : You may hear people say that Lenin Peak is the easiest 7,000-meter mountain to climb in the world. Whilst this may be true to a degree, let’s be clear: 7,000 meters is 7,000 meters. To climb Lenin Peak is not so much a technical challenge as it is a physical and mental one. If you are an experienced hiker with a decent level of fitness, climbing Lenin Peak could be very rewarding. Climbing the peak takes roughly three weeks and will cost you a pretty penny as you do need to be on a guided trip. If Lenin Peak is in your future, best of luck!

Final Thoughts on Backpacking Kyrgyzstan – Being Respectful

Go to Kyrgyzstan, trek your ass off and have the time of your life, do the things you’ve dreamed of, but be respectful  along the way.  Traveling the world makes you an ambassador for your country , which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country…

Always be respectful when entering churches, mosques, or conservative communities.

Climbing on ancient shrines or mosques, national monuments of martyrs (or Lenin), or other historical artifacts should be avoided. Duh! Learn to appreciate the cultural treasures Kyrgyzstan and don’t be that dickhead who adds to their demise.

Responsible travel is the best kind of travel. Be kind to the planet that we all love to explore so that the people in the future will still have a planet worth exploring.

Well there you have it, amigos, we have come to the final act of this epic Kyrgyzstan travel guide.

I hope you have found this guide inspiring and helpful! Kyrgyzstan is an amazing country and I had the time of my life exploring it with my brother in arms, Ralph Cope.

I hope you also have an amazing time traveling in Kyrgyzstan. Have a nice shot of kumis on me (the joke is on you)!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Will Hatton

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Looks amazing. I and with my friend we visited Kyrgyzstan 2019 July for 2 weeks. I think is the best Song Kol lake and Karakol. We booked tour with Pegas Adventure. If yiu have time more than 2 weeks need.

Hey Carlos! Indeed Kyrgyzstan is one of my favorite countries I have ever been to! Glad you enjoyed it as well.

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52 Tips for Travelling in Kyrgyzstan (Backpacker’s Guide)

April 1, 2020.

Everything you need to know about travelling in Kyrgyzstan. Where to visit, how to get around, safety and more are covered in this comprehensive travel guide.

Thinking of a trip to Central Asia? You can’t miss Kyrgyzstan – it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and it’s still undiscovered by most travellers.

I’ve spent over three months backpacking around Kyrgyzstan, and have fallen in love with its snowy mountains, nomadic culture, blue lakes, and friendly locals.

In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know about travelling in Kyrgyzstan based on my experience.

After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to head out and experience Kyrgyzstan for yourself.

• 1 Backpacking Kyrgyzstan
• 2 Visas For Travelling To Kyrgyzstan
• 3 Safety in Kyrgyzstan
• 4 Travel Insurance for Kyrgyzstan
• 5 Money in Kyrgyzstan
• 6 Communication in Kyrgyzstan
• 7 Getting to Kyrgyzstan
• 8 People & Culture of Kyrgyzstan
• 9.1 Northern Kyrgyzstan
• 9.2 Issyk-Kul Region
• 9.3 Central Kyrgyzstan
• 9.4 Southern Kyrgyzstan
• 10 Getting Around Kyrgyzstan
• 11 Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan
• 12 Best Time to Visit Kyrgyzstan
• 13 Internet & SIM Cards in Kyrgyzstan
• 14 Solo Travel in Kyrgyzstan
• 15 Budget for Backpacking Kyrgyzstan
• 16 Kyrgyzstan Backpacking Guide Wrap-up

Backpacking Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is the best Central Asian country for backpackers, in my opinion. It’s beautiful, cheap, and has a ton of stuff to see and do. If you like mountains, hiking, history, and unique culture, then Kyrgyzstan is the destination for you.

Kyrgyzstan is still a bit off the radar to most backpackers (much like Central Asia as a whole), but trust me, this is quite possibly the most incredible travel region in the world. You’ll fall in love with Central Asia, and will definitely want to get back soon.

Visas For Travelling To Kyrgyzstan

1 – You likely don’t need a visa to visit Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan has the most liberal visa policy in all of Central Asia, making it a great place for first-timers to the region. Citizens of most developed countries are able to visit Kyrgyzstan visa-free for stays of up to 60-days.

For those not eligible for visa-free entry, you can easily apply for an e-visa.

To check visa eligibility, check out the official government e-visa site .

Safety in Kyrgyzstan

2 – Is it safe to travel to Kyrgyzstan? Kyrgyzstan is a perfectly safe travel destination, despite the fact that the countries name ends in ‘stan. I’ve never been shown anything but friendliness by the locals.

Of course, you should still exercise normal precautions when visiting Kyrgyzstan. Don’t walk down dark streets, watch your pockets in crowded areas, avoid talking about religion, and just be respectful to people.

Travel Insurance for Kyrgyzstan

3 – Travel Insurance for Kyrgyzstan: No matter where you go, you should always have travel insurance – Kyrgyzstan is no exception. Even though Kyrgyzstan is quite safe, accidents can still happen.

I personally use and recommend World Nomads. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities (important if you plan on doing any hiking while in Kyrgyzstan!).

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM WORLD NOMADS HERE

Money in Kyrgyzstan

4 – The Kyrgyz Som is the official currency of Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan’s official currency is the som or KGS. The current exchange rate is $1 = 70 som as of March 2020. Check XE.com  for the latest rates.

5 – ATM machines can be found in major towns: As a tourist, you’ll typically need to use cash unless you’re at a higher-end supermarket, hotel, or cafe that accepts credit cards.

Banks and ATMs (Bankomat in Russian) are common in Kyrgyzstan, and the ATMs from most large banks accept foreign cards (both VISA and MasterCard), so you can simply withdraw cash after you’ve arrived in Kyrgyzstan.

I’ve successfully withdrawn cash from ATMs including Demir Bank, Kazkommerzbank, and KICB. You will be able to find ATMs in the following cities: Bishkek, Osh, Naryn, Cholpon Ata, Kochkor, Jalal-Abad, and Karakol.

Some ATM machines can even dispense USD instead of KGS if you happen to need it.

6 – You can also convert USD to KGS: If for whatever reason you don’t want to use a Kyrgyz ATM, you can bring USD and convert it to som when you arrive in Kyrgyzstan. However, be careful if you’re travelling with large amounts of cash! Other major currencies are also exchangeable in Kyrgyzstan. Try to bring crisp bills.

I’ve found exchange rates to be very fair in Central Asia, but always double-check to make sure that they’re giving you a good rate.

Planning to visit Uzbekistan as well? Be sure to check out my 2-week Uzbekistan itinerary to help plan your trip!

Communication in Kyrgyzstan

7 – Russian and Kyrgyz are the most prominent languages in Kyrgyzstan: Due to Kyrgyzstan’s history as part of the Soviet Union, Russian is spoken throughout the country.

Russian is used as an inter-ethnic common tongue in Kyrgyzstan (and other former Soviet Central Asian countries). In Bishkek, you’ll hear Russian as the most common language.

Kyrgyz is a Turkic language and is spoken by almost all Kyrgyz people (some Bishkek-born Kyrgyz have never learned it).

8 – Kyrgyzstan has a few minority languages: While Russian and Kyrgyz are by far the most common, there are a few other languages spoken in certain parts of Kyrgyzstan.

In Southern Kyrgyzstan, there are a number of ethnic Uzbek people who speak Uzbek, which is another Turkic language.

Other minority languages include Uyghur and Dungan.

9 – Do you need to know Russian to visit Kyrgyzstan?: No, you don’t need to know Russian (or Kyrgyz) to travel around Kyrgystan. While knowing the local language of a country can provide much deeper experiences, it’s never 100% necessary.

You should try to learn the basics, though. Purchase a  Russian phrasebook and you’ll be set. Google Translate is another lifesaver, especially with its offline option in case you don’t have internet access.

Plenty of people in Bishkek speak English, especially young university students. I found that people were always eager to practice their English with me! Also, most people working in the tourism industry (tour guides, hostel owners, etc) speak great English.

When all else fails, awkward hand gestures are usually able to save the day.

10 – Learn a few words in Kyrgyz to impress the locals!: It’s not very common for foreigners to know any Kyrgyz, so if you can learn a few basic words in Kyrgyz, you’ll make someone’s day. Easy ones are “ rakhmat ” (thank you) and “a s-salaam-alaikum ” (hello).

Getting to Kyrgyzstan

11 – Overlanding into Kyrgyzstan is possible:  Kyrgyzstan shares land borders with China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. There are land borders between all of those countries, and they are open to foreigners.

Popular crossings that travellers use are the Irkeshtam Pass between Kashgar and Osh, the Kyzylart Pass between Sary-Tash and Murghab on the Pamir Highway , the Kordai crossing between Bishkek and Almaty, the Dostyk crossing between Osh and Andijan, and the Batken/Isfara crossing from Osh to Khujand .

12 – Flying to Kyrgyzstan can be a bit expensive:  Kyrgyzstan isn’t the most well-connected by air, so flying to it (especially from North America) can be pricey.

When searching for flights, consider flying into Almaty or Tashkent if it is too expensive to fly into Bishkek.

Bishkek has direct international flights from Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai, Nur-Sultan, Tashkent, Dushanbe, Urumqi, and a number of other cities in Russia.

I recommend using  Google Flights to find the cheapest flights to Kyrgyzstan.

13 – Kyrgyzstan’s flag carrier is Air Kyrgyzstan: Unfortunately, Air Kyrgyzstan doesn’t have many routes and is only really useful for people travelling to or from Russia. It also happens to be on the list of airlines banned in the EU .

People & Culture of Kyrgyzstan

14 – Kyrgyzstan is a majority Muslim country: 88% of Kyrgyzstan’s population is Muslim, with 85% of them being Sunni Muslims. Most of the remainder of the population is Christian (usually the Russians).

While many people are Muslim, they’re not nearly as religious as in places such as Pakistan or Saudi Arabia . Due to the long Soviet rule over Kyrgyzstan, many religious practices were wiped out and are only just now starting to gain any sort of traction again.

Most Kyrgyz people drink alcohol, and in the northern part of the country, hijabs are not very popular.

15 – Southern Kyrgyzstan is more religious than the north: The Ferghana Valley region of Kyrgyzstan (around the city of Osh) is the most religious part of the country. People here follow their religion much more closely than those in Bishkek, so you should be careful to dress appropriately when travelling in this part of the country.

16 – Kyrgyz people are proud of their traditions: Alongside their religious traditions, Kyrgyz people have plenty of other cultural traditions.

Kyrgyz society is very family-oriented, and events such as childbirth and weddings end up resulting in large celebrations. In the countryside, you’ll still see plenty of traditional Kyrgyz clothes and people living nomadic lives in yurts.

Where to visit in Kyrgyzstan

17 – You could spend months in Kyrgyzstan: While it looks tiny on a map, Kyrgyzstan has an endless amount of things to do. There are countless 5+ day treks to go on, plenty of 6,000-meter peaks to climb, and hundreds of little villages to discover.

Trust me, I’ve spent months in Kyrgyzstan and still feel as though I haven’t even scratched the surface of what this country has to offer.

Northern Kyrgyzstan

18 – Bishkek is Kyrgyzstan’s cool capital: While some people consider Bishkek to be a bit of a boring city, I really like it! The city has an interesting Russian-Kyrgyz vibe and is full of awesome little cafes, bars, and restaurants. It makes for a great place to spend some relaxation time after roughing it in the mountains.

19 – Ala Archa National Park – mountains right next to the city!: Another thing I like about Bishkek is it’s proximity to the mountains. Ala Archa National Park is located only an hour south of the city and is perfect for day or weekend trips. It’s got mountains nearly 5,000 meters tall and plenty of hiking trails.

20 – Burana Tower is one of Kyrgyzstan’s best historical sights: Burana Tower is an ancient Silk Road era minaret located only an hour and a half east of Bishkek. It’s easy to visit it using public transport as a day trip from Bishkek.

Check out my guide to visiting Burana Tower for more info!

Issyk-Kul Region

21 – Karakol is a paradise for hikers: Karakol is a medium-sized city located near the eastern end of Issy-Kul, and just south town are the massive peaks of the Tien Shan mountains. Karakol is the perfect place to base yourself and go hiking in the mountains. There are quite a few different trekking options around here – you could do a 2/3-day Ala Kul hike or even the longer 5-day Ak-Suu trek.

For more info on hiking options near Karakol, see the official Destination Karakol site.

22 – Like beaches? Head to the Issy-Kul!: After wrapping up a challenging hike, why not head to the beach? Issy-Kul has a number of different beach towns surrounding it. Cholpon-Ata is where Kyrgyz and Russians go for beach parties, whereas Tosor is a nice quiet place for a relaxing beach experience.

23 – Jyrgalan is a great off-the-beaten-path hiking destination: If you’re up for even more hiking, consider Jyrgalan. This small town near the Kazakh border is Kyrgyzstan’s fastest growing hiking destination – so check it out before everyone else does! See their official site for more info.

Central Kyrgyzstan

24 – Nomadic traditions are strong here: Central Kyrgyzstan is the land of mountains and yurts. It’s very sparsely populated and is a great place to get off-the-beaten-path. In these highlands, many Kyrgyz people still live traditional nomadic lives living in yurt camps and surviving off of the land.

25 – Song Kul is the most popular destination: Song Kul is a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by green pastures. Song Kul is surrounded by a number of different yurt camps where tourists can stay, and the area around the lake is wonderful for hiking and horseback riding.

26 – Endless hiking opportunities: There are plenty of places to go hiking in Central Kyrgyzstan, from the beautiful Kol-Suu lake to the mountains near Toktogul. If you want to get away from everybody else, this is your place.

Southern Kyrgyzstan

27 – Osh is Kyrgyzstan’s southern capital: Osh is the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan and a place you’ll definitely pass through if you want to explore the south of the country. It’s a nice place to eat some decent food, although it can get extremely hot in the summertime.

28 – Visit the walnut forests of Arslanbob: One of the most popular destinations in Southern Kyrgyzstan is the town of Arslanbob. It’s located just a few hours away from Osh, and is easily reached by public transport. Spending a few days here and relaxing in the walnut forests should be on everyone’s Kyrgyzstan itinerary.

Community-based tourism in Arslanbob is a fantastic way to stay in a homestay and experience local life, and I recommend looking into it if you’re planning on visiting!

29 – The Alay Valley is incredibly beautiful: The Alay Valley is my favourite place in Kyrgyzstan – it’s a wide valley full of green grass surrounded by massive 7,000-meter peaks. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Consider spending a couple of days in the towns of Sary-Tash or Sary-Mogul to take in the views here.

30 – If you’re into mountaineering, consider climbing Lenin Peak: Kyrgyzstan is a paradise for mountaineers, and one of it’s most popular climbs is the 7,134 meter Lenin Peak. It’s not an easy climb, but for climbers looking to get into high-altitude mountaineering, it is an accessible and affordable option.

Check out my guide to learn more about climbing Lenin Peak .

Getting Around Kyrgyzstan

31 – Marshrutkas go almost everywhere: Marshrutkas (minibus) are the backbone of transportation in Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries. They connect almost all cities and towns and are usually the cheapest mode of transport when there isn’t a train available.

Marshrutkas are cheap – for example, a 7-hour marshrutka ride from Bishkek to Karakol costs 350 som ($4.5). They operate on a fixed-price system, so you don’t need to worry about haggling with the driver.

The main downside to marshrutkas is that they can sometimes be a bit hot and cramped, which can be quite uncomfortable in the summer months.

32 – Here are some of the most useful marshrutka routes:

• Bishkek to Karakol – 7 hours, 350 som
• Bishkek to Naryn – 5 hours, 350 som
• Karakol to Naryn – 7 hours, 450 som
• Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata – 3.5 hours, 250 som
• Osh to Sary-Mogul – 3.5 hours, 240 som
• Osh to Jalal-Abad -2 hours, 120 som

33 – Shared taxis are a more comfortable alternative to marshrutkas: If you’re looking to travel in a bit more luxury, you can opt for a shared taxi.

You can usually find a shared taxi to the same destinations that marshrutkas run (and sometimes even smaller destinations), but you will need to wait until all seats in the car are filled before it departs (unless you want to pay for them all).

Shared taxis are typically a bit more expensive than a marshrutka, but are much more comfortable. You can often pay the driver a bit extra to sit in the front seat so that you’ve got a great window view.

34 – Bishkek to Osh takes an entire day: The journey from Bishkek to Osh is a long one. While just 670 kilometers, the trip can take up to 14 hours due to the windy mountain road that connects the two cities.

Try to travel this route during the daytime – it’s absolutely stunning. There are cheap domestic flights between the two cities if you don’t have enough time to spend an entire day in a car.

35 – There aren’t any useful train routes: Bishkek has a train station, but it is of little use for most travellers. There is a direct train from Bishkek to Moscow that takes 3-days, which could be useful if you want to get back to Europe overland.

There’s only one domestic train route in all of Kyrgyzstan, and it is the Bishkek – Balykchy line that takes about 5 hours. This train takes much longer than a marshrutka on the same route but it would be a nice experience if you’re into rail travel.

36 – Within Bishkek, use Yandex Taxi to get around: I’m sure you’re familiar with ride-sharing apps like Uber at this point. Yandex Taxi is a  Russian ridesharing app that works in Bishkek, and I highly recommend you use it to get around the city. Rides are typically just 70 – 150 som and you can choose your pickup and dropoff locations on the app. It has an English setting, so no need to know Russian.

37 – Domestic flights are cheap: The busiest domestic flight route is between Bishkek and Osh, and one-way tickets are typically around $35 between the two cities.

Consider taking this flight if you’ve already seen the overland route between Bishkek and Osh and want to save some time.

Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan

38 – There are hostels in all of the major touristy towns: Kyrgyzstan has a well-developed network of backpacker-style hostels in all of its main cities. They’re a great place to meet other travellers, and they’re also very cheap.

Here are my favourite ones:

• Interhouse Bishkek – A modern and popular hostel located right in the center of Bishkek, this is the perfect place to relax when you’re in Bishkek.
• TES Hotel Osh – I’ve stayed at TES Hotel four times now. It has both private rooms and dormitories, and even a large outdoor area where you can pitch a tent. Breakfast is a tasty buffet. This is by far my favourite place to stay in Osh.
• KbH Karakol Based Hostel – A medium-sized hostel right in central Karakol that’s run by friendly staff. They can help you with any trekking or transportation info that you need. Highly recommend this hostel!

39 – Homestays in Kyrgyzstan are great: There are a ton of fantastic homestays throughout Kyrgyzstan. Do some searching on your destinations and you’ll come across some well-reviewed ones.

One homestay that I really liked was the “Hotel Tatina” in Sary-Tash – 500 som per night including dinner and breakfast, and it was run by a super friendly family.

40 – Stay in a yurt at least once: Yurts are circular white tents that dot the countryside of Kyrgyzstan. They’re the traditional home of the nomadic people across Central Asia, and staying in one is a must-have experience if you’re in Kyrgyzstan.

41 – Airbnb is another good option in Bishkek: Airbnb isn’t super popular yet in Kyrgyzstan, but Bishkek does have a few decent options available. If it is your first time using Airbnb, you can use my referral link to get up to $65 off of your first booking!

GET $65 OFF YOUR FIRST AIRBNB BOOKING

Best Time to Visit Kyrgyzstan

42 – Kyrgyzstan can be visited year-round: No matter what time of year it is, you can visit Kyrgyzstan. The country is always beautiful, and each season brings a new look to its incredible landscapes. However, depending on your interests, there are certain seasons that are better than others.

43 – Summer is definitely the best time to visit if you’re into outdoor activities: If you want to do any sort of mountaineering or high-altitude hiking when you’re in Kyrgyzstan, then summer is the best time to visit.

Kyrgyzstan has a short hiking season – high-altitude yurt camps are only usually open in July, August, and early September. Outside of these times, conditions will be harsher and you’ll need to bring your own tent.

44 – In Autumn, Kyrgyzstan turns beautiful shades of orange and yellow: Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Kyrgyzstan, as the green mountains turn golden and the temperatures in the cities drop a bit.

If you’re into photography, you’ll love it at this time of year.

45 – Spring is a good time to visit, although many hikes will still be snow-covered: Spring in Kyrgyzstan is fairly warm in the cities, but still cold in the mountains. It’s a nice and quiet time of year to visit.

46 – If you’re into skiing, consider visiting Kyrgyzstan in the winter: Winter in Kyrgyzstan can be cold, especially in the mountains. However, the country has some awesome skiing near Bishkek and Karakol, so consider a winter visit if you want to hit the slopes. There aren’t many other tourists around in the winter, so you’ll likely have the whole place to yourself!

Internet & SIM Cards in Kyrgyzstan

47 – Internet access in Kyrgyzstan is very good: Kyrgyzstan has some pretty amazing internet when you consider that it is a mountainous developing country.

It’s about on par with Kazakhstan in terms of pricing and speeds, and far better than in neighbouring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

48 – SIM cards are cheap: One of the first things you should do when you arrive in Kyrgyzstan is pick up a SIM card. There are a few major telecom companies, including Beeline, O!, and MegaCom.

My preference is O!, as I’ve found them to have the best signal in mountainous areas (even at Lenin Peak Base Camp!). They have a 40GB data plan available for 350 som – should be enough even for heavy users.

There are telecom branches selling SIM cards all over Bishkek and Osh – just be sure to bring your passport.

49 – WiFi is everywhere: If you don’t want to bother with a SIM card, don’t worry. You won’t have any issues finding WiFi in Kyrgyzstan. Even the tiny homestay I stayed at in Sary-Tash (3,000 meters above sea level) had great WiFi.

Solo Travel in Kyrgyzstan

50 – Kyrgyzstan is a great solo-travel destination: My two months in Kyrgyzstan was spent solo-travelling, and I found it to be a great destination for solo backpackers. It’s easy to meet other people in hostels, and locals are super friendly to foreigners as well.

Budget for Backpacking Kyrgyzstan

51 – Kyrgyzstan is a cheap country to travel in: Typical travel costs in Kyrgyzstan are around $20 – $40 per day , depending on what type of accommodation you choose and what mode of transport you opt for.

52 – This is what typical costs while travelling in Kyrgyzstan will look like:

• Accommodation  – $5 to $10 per night for a hostel dorm or homestay is a typical price. This usually includes breakfast as well. Airbnb and hotels will be a bit more expensive.
• Food  – $5 to $10 per day. Local street food is very cheap, but it’s easy to splurge a bit when you’re in Osh or Karakol. Coffee in a cafe is usually around $2, and a beer at a bar is $2-3.
• Taxis – Taxis around Bishkek don’t usually cost more than $2 for normal trips. Use Yandex Taxi so you don’t need to negotiate with the driver.
• Flights – Flights between Bishkek and Osh start at around $35 one-way.
• Entrance tickets – As most sights in Kyrgyzstan are based around nature, they’re usually free or have a low park entrance fee (just a couple of dollars)
• Visas & Permits – Most nationalities don’t need a visa to visit Kyrgyzstan, so this will be $0 for most people. Certain border regions of Kyrgyzstan require permits (easily arranged), and they tend to cost around $10 or $15.

Kyrgyzstan Backpacking Guide Wrap-up

I hope that this backpacker’s guide has helped you plan your trip to Kyrgyzstan! It’s a fantastic country, and I really hope that more people start visiting it.

If you’ve got any questions about Kyrgyzstan, feel free to ask in the comments below this post.

In the meantime, why not check out some of my other posts about travelling in Central Asia?

• 10-Day Pamir Highway Itinerary: A Backpacker’s Guide
• The Perfect 2-Week Uzbekistan Itinerary
• How To Visit Burana Tower From Bishkek
• Useful Tips for Travelling the Silk Road (Backpacker’s Guide)
• The Ultimate Guide to Climbing Lenin Peak
• A Guide To Visiting Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor
• Travel in Afghanistan: The Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide

Yay transparency!  There are affiliate links in this guide. If you book or buy something using my links, I’ll make a bit of money at no extra cost to you.

21-year old Canadian dude who loves to visit off-the-beaten-path places, climb tall mountains, and try delicious foods.

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Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide

Updated October 2023,  The Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide was originally written in April 2018

Kyrgyzstan is a highlight for many travelers that head to Central Asia with its alpine sceneries, fascinating culture, and its relaxed visa policies for many countries. Not to mention Kyrgyzstan is an easy and fairly inexpensive destination to visit thanks to  community based tourism  projects.

The Kyrgyz Republic sits smack in the middle of Central Asia at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road. The entire country is pretty mountainous with nearly 90% of its land being dotted with the Tien Shan Mountains. So if you want a taste of nomadic life, high altitude peaks, and warm traditions, Kyrgyzstan is the perfect trip for you.

Here is what you’ll find in this Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide:

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Kyrgyzstan?

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Need some visual inspiration?  34 Photos That Will Make You Book a Ticket to Kyrgyzstan

Practical Information

The official currency of Kyrgyzstan is the  Kyrgyz Som  ( KGS ). The current exchange rate ( April 2024 ) is:

$1 USD = 89.30 KGS

ATMs are widely available in Osh and Bishkek. Many ATMs dispense both KGS and USD.

Tipping isn’t something that’s widely taken off in Kyrgyzstan, although people who work in the tourism sector will probably expect a tip. Restaurant bills will typically add a 10-15% service charge onto the bill as well, so tipping in restaurants is not usual.

Kyrgyz and Russian are the official languages of Kyrgyzstan. Uzbek and Tajik are spoken in the Fergana Valley. You can find Dungan speakers scattered about the country in Sokuluk, Ivanovka, Karakol, Osh, and Bishkek. 

I highly recommend learning some basic Russian and/or Kyrgyz phrases, as well as learning to read the Cyrillic alphabet. Grab the  Lonely Planet Central Asia Phrasebook  to help you learn some useful phrases on the road.

Islam is the dominant religion in Kyrgyzstan with 80% of the population practicing the religion. Christians, of mostly Russian Orthodox faith, make up 17% of the population and 3% of the country’s people practice all other religions. The majority of Kyrgyzstan’s Muslims are non-denominational.

Plan the perfect trip: A two week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan itinerary

What To Wear

As Kyrgyzstan is mostly an Islamic country, conservative dress is the best practice especially in rural parts of the country. Women do not have to cover their hair, and you will see many Kyrgyz women without any sort of head covering out and about. The only time you need to cover hair is when entering a mosque.

In cities like Bishkek and Osh people wear clothing seen in many other western cities.

How long to spend in Kyrgyzstan is largely up to you and what your plans are. Many nationalities get 60 days visa-free giving you roughly two months to explore.

One of the nice things about Kyrgyzstan is that it’s not huge and many of the hotspots most who visit Kyrgyzstan want to see are easily reached by public transport (shared taxi or marshrutka).

Summer is by and far the most popular time to visit. From June to September is when alpine treks are the most accessible. Kyrgyzstan can also make for a great winter destination with several ski resorts around the country.

The most common way for getting around in Kyrgyzstan is by shared taxi (marshrutka). These are 15 passenger minibuses that leave when full and pick up people along the way, so sometimes they get quite crowded. There are some shared taxis and 4×4’s that will act as shared taxis as well.

Hitchhiking is simple in Kyrgyzstan, however, you’ll probably have difficulty finding a free ride as most anyone with a car in Kyrgyzstan is a taxi driver. So do expect to pay something if hitchhiking.

Most enter the country by plane through  Osh  or  Bishkek , or by land from  Kazakhstan ,  Uzbekistan ,  Tajikistan , or  China . You can read up on Kyrgyz border crossings (as well as the whole of Central Asia) on  Caravanistan . Make sure to check the  forums  for information from recent travelers.

Note that as of 2022 all Tajik-Kyrgyz border crossings are still closed to foreign travelers owing to the Vorukh Conflict.

Kyrgyzstan has the most relaxed visa policy of all of Central Asia with many visitors being able to visit visa-free.

Check out the  Central Asia Visa Guide  for more info

Kyrgyz food is similar to its Central Asian neighbors, very meat-centric, and can be somewhat bland in taste to some. Generally, food isn’t a highlight of traveling Kyrgyzstan or the region, but that isn’t to say that there’s no good food in Kyrgyzstan.

A great way to introduce yourself to Kyrgyz food is at the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek, where you can find just about any Kyrgyz food being served up.

The best meal I ever had in Kyrgyzstan was a  feast put on by a Dungan family in Karakol  (you can also find great Dungan dishes at Dordoi Bazaar, just outside Bishkek).

In Bishkek and Osh, you can expect to find Kyrgyz dishes as well as International food served up at restaurants. Outside cities you can expect to find a lot of the following foods.

For the best food in all of Kyrgyzstan read why  Foodies Should Flock to Karakol

• Plov – Essentially a plate of greasy fried rice that is dished up all over Central Asia. Typically will have mutton or beef, shredded carrot, and garlic fried up in it. Sometimes you’ll see it with onions, peppers, garbanzo beans, and more.
• Non – Non is a flatbread that accompanies just about every meal in Kyrgyzstan. You can buy fresh non with pretty designs in bazaars in the cities and towns.
• Baursok – Delicious little fried pieces of bread commonly served as an appetizer.
• Manti – Manti are dumplings served up all over Central Asia, Russia, Caucasus, and Western China. Typically they are stuffed with spiced meat and onion, sometimes even some other vegetables. Sometimes you can find manti being served with mashed potato or even pumpkin for a change and for those vegetarians and vegans wanting to visit this corner of the world.
• Besbarmak – boiled meat and noodles with an oniony sauce served over it that is typically eaten with your hands.
• Shashlik – Skewers of meat, typically mutton or beef cooked over a grill. Widely available throughout Central Asia. Sometimes you can find chicken or even veggie shashliks.
• Kuurdak – Usually made of mutton, mutton fat, and onions. Kuurdak translates out to ‘roasted fried’ in Kyrgyz.
• Shorpo – A Central Asian soup of meat broth from mutton or beef, spices, and various vegetables- usually potato and onion.
• Lagman – A Chinese noodle dish that is very popular in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Xinxiang, and Kazakhstan and considered a national dish of the Uyghur and Dungan peoples.
• Ashlan Fu — A spicy, cold noodle soup brought to Kyrgyzstan by the waves of Dungan people who escaped over the mountains from China over the years.
• Kurut – Dried yogurt balls you’ll find sold all over the country.
• Kumis – An alcoholic drink of fermented milk.
• Fruits – In summer try melons, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, apricot, plum, and nectarine.

*If you’re a vegetarian plan to eat A LOT of potatoes, non, tomatoes and cucumbers. Kyrgyz eat a lot of meat, actually more than almost anywhere else on Earth. With that said, it’s not impossible to travel to Kyrgyzstan as a vegetarian or vegan but it will be difficult at times. I traveled Kyrgyzstan with a vegan and a vegetarian on my first trip, they survived.

Where To Go In Kyrgyzstan

The most popular places to visit in Kyrgyzstan are Bishkek, Osh, Issykul, and Song Kul. There are tons of trekking ( and horse-trekking ) opportunities in the country that you could easily stay the entire 60 days of your entry and still have more to do.

Bishkek & Around

If you are only visiting Bishkek on a brief trip to Kyrgyzstan there are several things you can go do around Bishkek to fill up your time. Naturally with Bishkek being the capital city, it is also the largest in the country.

Bishkek  isn’t the most exciting city, but that’s a part of its charm. Traveling extensively in Central Asia can be exhausting, so the fact that Bishkek doesn’t have 1,001 attractions makes it a great city to relax in.

A few things to check out while in Bishkek include Osh Bazaar, Ala-Too Square, Dubovy Park, and the State Historical Museum (whenever it opens up again). If you haven’t gotten your fill of Lenin Statues in Central Asia there is one located right behind the State Museum (he used to reside in Ala-Too Square until 2003). There are several other parks within the city, as well as a couple of western-style shopping malls.

Check out:  10 Things to do in Bishkek

Make sure and pay a visit to Osh Bazaar while you’re in Bishkek as it’s a great place to try out local Kyrgyz dishes. Popular Central Asian restaurants to try in Bishkek are  Navat  and Chaikhana Jalalabad. If you’re tired of the typical Central Asian fare, grab some great Korean food and coffee at  Chicken Star , a pizza from  Dolce Vita , or Pur-Pur for Georgian food.

For places to stay in Bishkek I can personally recommend Viva Hotel, and Hotel Asia Mountains 1.  Hotel Asia Mountains 1 , is located a bit south of Chuy Avenue but is in a quiet neighborhood near the train tracks. The same owners have another similar hotel called  Hotel Asia  nearby. Another highly recommended hostel in Bishkek is the  Apple Hostel .

Where To Stay In Bishkek

Budget Apple Hostel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Midrange Salut Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Splurge Hotel Asia Mountains 1 |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Just a quick 30 km drive south of Bishkek will take you to Ala Archa National Park. There are several treks that can be done ranging from day trips or longer. There is an 80 KGS entry fee for foreigners at the park gate.

There are marshrutka that leave from  Osh Bazaar , look for  Marshrutka #265 . It will take you to the park gate in the summertime (outside summer it usually stops about 7 km before in Kashka-Suu). Marshrutka #265 to Kashka-Suu will set you back 30 KGS (each way), but if you are wanting to go to the park gate and it doesn’t appear that the marshrutka will continue on, you can usually talk the driver into taking you there for another 50 KGS.

The first marshrutka from Osh Bazaar departs around 8 am, and the final one returning from Ala Archa departs at 5:30 pm. You can also arrange a taxi for 2000 KGS, which can be split amongst other travelers.

Alamedin Valley & Tyoplye Klyuchi

A great alpine valley perfect for a day or overnight trip from Bishkek. There is no entry fee to visit the valley. On the walk out to Alamedin Valley just after the end of the road, you can make a stop for Tyoplye Klyuchi for a soak in the mineral baths (150 KGS pp).

Sokuluk Canyon

Take  Marshruka #367  from the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek (25 KGS), and then find a taxi in Belogorka Village (750-1,000 KGS) to reach Sokuluk Canyon. The canyon is known for its 60 meter waterfall.

The not-so-famous leaning tower. Burana Tower is an 11th-century minaret that stands (leans) about 24m high. Originally Burana (then Balasagun) was the ancient Sogdian capital.

Take  Marshrutka #353  from the Bishkek’s East Bus Station to Tokmok Village for 40 KGS. Once in Tokmok, find a taxi driver to take you to/from Burana (plan to pay no more than 300 KGS roundtrip).

The entrance fee is 150 KGS for Burana Tower, open 9 am-5 pm. Don’t miss the field of balbals from the 6th-10th centuries. Balbals are ancient Turkic gravestones that bear some similarity to North American Totem Poles. Burana can be easily visited as a day trip from Bishkek, or as a stop en route to Issykul.

Plan a day trip to  Burana Tower & The Sunday Tokmok Animal Market

Northern Issykul

Issykul is the second largest alpine lake in the world behind Lake Titicaca. The Lake never freezes due to its small percentage of salinity and thermal activity underneath, which is why it was given the name Issykul, meaning ‘hot lake’ in Kyrgyz. The northern coast of Issykul has numerous places of interest for most tourists.

Chong-Kemin Valley

With great trekking and beautiful sceneries, Chong Kemin Valley will be well worth the visit. Chong Kemin is one of Kyrgyzstan’s national parks and runs 80 km in length. Several treks can be done in Chong Kemin ranging from day hikes to 6+ days.

Activities to do in Chong Kemin Valley include trekking to Jasy Kul, Kul Kanur, or Kul-Tor; white water rafting, bicycling, horseback riding, and steaming it up in an old Soviet-style banya.

You can take a marshrutka from the East Bus Station in Bishkek to the village of Kaindy in Chong Kemin Valley for 120 KGS. You can book homestays in Chong Kemin Valley through  CBT  (Community-based Tourism in Kyrgyzstan). There are guesthouses available in  Tar Suu  starting at 1,780 KGS per night per person.

There is a 3 day, 2 night trek that can be done from Baikishi-Jailuu to Kul Kanur and Kul Tor lakes up through 3400m Tamchy Pass to Achyk Tash Jailoo and finally to end at Tamchy Village, just 35 km west of Cholpon Ata.

Cholpon Ata

By summer Cholpon Ata is Kyrgyzstan’s premier beach resort. The main activities to do around Cholpon Ata is swimming in Lake Issykul, jet skiing, and relaxing.

The main attraction for most tourists are the petroglyphs dating back to the late Bronze age. From Cholpon Ata center walk up Akmatbay Ata to the end of the asphalt and veer left onto Almakuchov and walk past the iron gate.

Marshrutka in the summer connect Cholpon Ata with Bishkek several times per day from Bishkek’s East Bus Station to the Avtovokzal in Cholpon Ata for 250 KGS. Marshrutka bound for Karakol leave from the Karakol Bus Stand for 120 KGS.

There is a wide range of accommodation choices in Cholpon Ata,  shop them here .

The first three  World Nomad Games  took place just outside of Cholpon Ata in 2014, 2016, and 2018. This biennial event is basically the olympics of Central Asian nomads. The first  World Nomad Games  took place in 2014 and has grown in popularity over time.

The 2020 games (now postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic) will be held in Turkey, location TBA. But, if the World Nomad Games ever return to Cholpon Ata, its a spectacle not to be missed. I was blown away by the 2018 games.

Where To Stay In Cholpon Ata

Budget Issykul Visit |  Booking.com  |

Midrange Sunny Beach Hotel |  Booking.com  |

Splurge Kapriz Issykul Resort |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Chong Ak-Suu Valley

35 km east of Cholpon Ata is village of Grigorievka. The main highlight here is to leave north from the village to Chong Ak-Suu Valley. In the summertime you will find yurtstays along the valley and horse trekking is a popular activity.

Karakol itself isn’t the most exciting town, but it is a great place to base yourself between trekking or skiing destinations in the area. If you happen to be in Karakol on a Sunday, do pay a visit to the Animal Market that takes place from dawn until 10 am with locals selling livestock.

Other popular spots around Karakol to check out are the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Dungan Mosque, and the Ak-Tilek Bazaar.

Make sure and sample some Dungan foods at the Ak-Tilek Bazaar, and if you’d like to go to a Dungan house to experience a family dinner definitely opt to set up a dinner tour with  Destination Karakol here . Trust me, the 1,400 KGS per person is well worth the experience as I found Dungan food to be the absolute best dishes I had in Central Asia.

Plan your visit:  The Karakol Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Karakol

Drool over  Karakol’s Best Dishes  & plan your food tour of the city

From my own personal experience, I can recommend  Hotel Amir  and  Memo’s Guesthouse for accommodations. You can shop for additional Karakol accommodations  here .

Karakol is a transport hub on Lake Issykul. Several buses, minibusses, and shared taxis per day depart Karakol along the northern shore to Bishkek (300-600 KGS) and stopping in Cholpon Ata (100-300 KGS).

From Karakol along the southern shore to Balykchy buses, minibusses, and shared taxis stopping in/near Bokonbayevo, Barskoon and Tamga depart a few times per day.

Transport to Balykchy should cost between 200-400 KGS, Barskoon (80-200 KGS), and Tamga (80-200 KGS).

Karkara Valley

A visit to Karkara Valley is a perfect stop for those traveling between Karakol and Almaty via the border post at Kegen. There’s no public transport, so you will need to arrange drivers (on either side of the border).

Karkara Valley can be used as a base camp to visit South and North Inylchek Glaciers, Khan Tengri Peak, and Pobeda Peak.

Activities include trekking, horseback riding, watching migratory birds, mountain biking, and more. If you happen to be in the valley in late August, definitely check out the Shepherd’s Festival near Char-Kurduk village where you can watch eagle hunting and horse sports. Note that the area is usually open from May until late October.

Read about how you can cross the Karkara Border between Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan  here

Altyn Arashan & Ala-Kul Nature Reserve

Altyn Arashan is a settlement set in the stunningly beautiful Anyior Valley that is easily accessed from Karakol. There are numerous hot springs developments in the valley that can be used for 200 KGS.

There are plenty of trekking opportunities in Altyn Arashan, including the 5 hour trek to reach the face of Palatka Glacier. Another great trek is from Altyn Arashan up and over Ala-Kul Pass to reach Ala-Kul Lake and beyond to the gate of Ala-Kul Nature Reserve.

There is a 250 KGS entrance fee per person for the Ala-Kul Nature Reserve, and a 100 KGS fee per tent per night.

To reach Altyn Arashan you can do so by arranging 4×4 transport to either bring you to Altyn Arashan for 400 KGS, or take the  Marshrutka #350  from Karakol that drops you at Ak-Suu Sanitorium and trek the remaining 14 km between Ak-Suu Sanirotium and Altyn Arashan (the road is one of the worst on Earth and trekking takes about the same amount of time as driving).  Marshrutka #101  runs between Karakol and the gate of Ala-Kul Nature Reserve. There are rooms for rent in Altyn Arashan.

If you want to get off the beaten path when you’re already traveling an off the beaten path country like Kyrgyzstan, then Jyrgalan is the perfect place to explore.

Trekking into the beautiful valley, unique cultural experiences, and Kyrgyz yurtstays all await you here in Jyrgalan. If you want to find out more and arrange treks, tours, and more in the Jyrgalan area, head to  Destination Jyrgalan  to start planning.

Southern Issykul

Southern Issykul is less touristed than the northern side of the saline lake. The south is equally as scenic, but will have a more deserted feel to it, especially in the summer.

This is Switzerland meets  Utah  if that could ever exist. With green alpine forests and burnt red rock cliffs,  Jeti Oguz  is definitely one of the most striking parts of Kyrgyzstan. Visiting Jeti Oguz can easily be visited from Karakol as a day trip, or can be made into a multi-day trek to connect with Altyn Arashan and Ala-Kul.

Don’t miss the ‘Seven Bulls’- the rock formation Jeti Oguz was named after. Broken Heart is another famous sight from Jeti Oguz. Continue from Jeti Oguz to arrive at Kok-Jaiyk, the valley of flowers which will have you thinking you really are in alpine Europe as you trek across the valley of flowers.

If you want to sleep in Jeti Oguz but don’t want to tent it, try  Emir Guesthouse . There is also the Sanatorium that will set you back 800 KGS for a double. 

Marshrutka #371  runs between Jeti Oguz Village and Karakol several times per day for 100 KGS. There is another,  Marshrutka #355  that runs between Korort and Karakol usually leaving in the morning from Korort. Getting a car to take you between Jeti Oguz Village and Korort will only cost 120 KGS for the entire car, and 1,000 KGS between Jeti Oguz Village and Karakol if you don’t want to wait on the marshrutka.

Plan your own visit to Jeti Oguz  here

Barskoon Valley

The little village of Barskoon is a great jumping-off point into the Barskoon Valley, Tamga, and Tosor. If you’d like to arrange horse treks into Barskoon Valley you can easily arrange them from the village.

There is a waterfall worth checking out in Barskoon Valley. The road out here can get quite dusty from the nearby goldmine.

Turn off the main road at the Soviet-era plane (trust me, you won’t miss it) and drive about 2km in to reach Tamga. One of the most fascinating things about Tamga is visiting the cemetery in the town, with a stunning backdrop of the Teskei Ala-Too Mountain Range in the distance.

Tamga is a great jumping-off point for trekking and horse trekking adventures into the Teskei Ala-Too Range. You can arrange 1-3 day treks to Ochincheck Lake and Tamga Gorge, and even a 4 day trek to Chakury Kul. A good option to sleep as well as arrange horse and trekking trips from is the  Teremok .

Skazka Canyon

Red and orange eroded spiny rocks with Issykul in the distance is the attraction to Skazka Canyon, nicknamed Fairytale Canyon. You can easily walk back from Skazka Canyon to nearby Tosor as they’re only about 3.5 km apart, but walking from Tosor to Skazka without a local guide isn’t recommended.

For those wanting to stay beachfront, Tosor is an alternative to Tamga, and just a few km apart. Try  Eldos-Ata Eco Hotel .

Bokonbayevo

Bokonbayevo is southern Issykul’s largest town, but the main reason most tourists pay a visit is to meet an eagle hunter ( the same can be said about nearby Kaji-Sai).If you happen to be around the area in mid-August it would be worth it to make the stop for the Birds of Prey Festival at the yurt camp. Try  Meiman Ordo Yurt Camp  if planning to spend the night. Treks can be arranged from  Bokonbayevo  into the nearby mountains as well.

Central Kyrgyzstan

Central Kyrgyzstan is one of the best regions for exploring Kyrgyzstan’s Central Tien Shan and Teskei Ala-Too Mountains. Tourism in the area is centered around Lake Song Kul, which is a highlight for many traveling in Kyrgyzstan.

Kochkor isn’t much to look at itself but is a great jumping-off point to the nearby mountains as well as Song Kul.

Do make a stop in at Altyn-Kul to purchase felt and handmade crafts from around the Naryn Oblast. You can even get a demonstration of how the women make the felt and even try your hand at it. Altyn-Kul is located right next to  Kochkor’s CBT office .

A mirror-like lake surrounded by green summer pastures, yurt camps, Kyrgyz horse riders, and jagged peaks. Song Kul is the postcard picture that people know of Kyrgyzstan. The yurt camps are around Song Kul from mid-July to mid-September and outside that time the lake is a ghost town.

Be aware that snow can fall any time of year at Song Kul. There are several routes into Song Kul, so you should choose according to your plans and what you’d like to do out there.

The easiest access to the lake is from Kochkor by car. If planning to trek in independently arriving from Kyzart Tuz-Ashu, and from Klemche. Other hikers will opt to trek in from Kyzart and Jumgal, but a local trekking guide is recommended through here. If planning to stay in Kochkor try  Gues thouse B&B , the family is very friendly and makes good meals.

You can shop other  Kochkor  accommodations here.

If you happen to be in the region in July or August and you’re looking for an alternative to Song Kul, Kul Ukok is a great option. The trek to Kul Ukok can be done on horseback or on foot if wanting to arrange a guide you can set one up through CBT in Kochkor.

The trek begins from Kupke which can be reached by taxi from Kochkor for 150-200 KGS to arrive at the trailhead, which is just past Isakaev Village. You can expect to reach the beautiful glacial lake in 6-8 hours depending on your speed and fitness level.

Kyzyl-Oi is a Kyrgyz mountain village of red clay homes surrounded by jagged peaks. It’s a good jumping-off point for trekking, horseback riding, and river rafting in the Ala-Too Mountains.

Kumbel Pass, Balyk Kul, and Char Valley are a few of the excursions you could go on from here. Check out  CBT Kyzyl Oi  for more information and to set up homestays. Elvira’s Homestay in Kyzyl Oi is recommended.

There’s not much in way of must-see sites in Naryn, but it’s a good place to arrange adventures into the mountains and lakes nearby. It’s also a good place to meet other travelers to split costs on activities or transportation as it is a hub for those headed for Osh via Kazarman, Tash-Rabat, and the Tourugart Pass into China.  Search Naryn homestays and hotels here .

To get out of Naryn you’ll find minibus and shared taxi headed for Bishkek (400-600 KGS), Karakol ( 400-600 KGS ), and Kazarman (800-1100 KGS). If you plan to head to Tash-Rabat you’ll need to charter your own taxi (which can obviously be split amongst a group of travelers) for about 3,500 KGS. There is a  CBT office in Naryn  where you can arrange tours, treks, homestays, and cultural experiences.

Kazarman is set with a picturesque backdrop around the not-so-picturesque buildings in town. The main reason most stop in through Kazarman are those getting between Naryn and the Fergana Valley, as well as those headed to Salimaluu Tash.

Usually, Kazarman is only reachable in the summer months as heavy snow blocks both passes connecting it to Naryn and Jalalabad.

A couple shared taxis depart in the morning for Jalalabad on most days taking about 4 hours for 600 KGS. Shared taxis to Bishkek leave in the mornings for 1200-1500 KGS, taking about 12 hours. Cars bound for Naryn don’t leave every day, usually only 1-3 per week. A seat in a shared taxi will usually go for around 800 KGS and take about 5 hours.

If you don’t have time to spare and it looks like the shared taxi isn’t going to fill you can always pay the full 3200 KGS to charter the entire car. You can arrange homestays in Kazarman via  CBT Kazarman .

Sailmaluu Tash

Sailmaluu Tash is one of Central Asia’s best collections of petroglyphs. You will need to buy an entrance ticket to the park from the Sailmaluu Park office in Kazarman for 100 KGS.

Usually, the trip to Sailmaluu Tash is done as a long day trip from Kazarman with a two hour 4×4 ride (each way) and then a steep 6-hour hike to reach the petroglyphs. You can arrange a guide as well as transport through  CBT in Kazarman , Guides typically go for 1,000 KGS for the trip.

The Kyrgyz Fergana Valley

The Kyrgyz Fergana Valley will feel like a completely different country from Bishkek and Issykul for those that have begun their Kyrgyz travels in the north or east. The Fergana Valley can be a bit tumultuous at times when tensions rise between the Kyrgyz, Uzbek, and Tajiks that all inhabit this region with haphazardly drawn borders.

You’ll likely notice that the Kyrgyz Fergana Valley is much hotter than the remainder of the country and has a less Russified feeling and appearance.

Osh  is mainly a jumping-off point for travelers headed to take on the  Pamir Highway  south into  Tajikistan , those headed toward either China or  Uzbekistan , or for further trekking adventures south into the Alay Valley, or into the Fergana Valley. With that said there are a few sites of interest around Osh to keep you occupied for a couple of days.

Osh is Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city and has over 3,000 years of history. A few things not to miss while in Osh are: Suleiman Too- the impossible to miss craggy mountain smack in the middle of the city with a museum, the Dom Babura, and giving panoramic views of Osh from the top.

The Bazaar, one of the largest in all of Central Asia and the best place to pick up just about anything. The Lenin Statue in the middle of the city is one of the largest in all of Central Asia. And of course, there is the Sunday Animal Market where shepherds bring sheep, goats, cows, and donkeys to sell.

If you’ve been traveling Central Asia for some time and want something different, try Izyum. They have a huge international menu, my favorite is the butter paneer. If you’re looking for a good Central Asian restaurant try Ala-Too. It’s more of a chaikhana style restaurant, I recommend ordering the laghman. You won’t be disappointed.

Plan your stay in Osh with my  Osh Travel Guide

Where To Stay In Osh

Budget Sunny Hostel |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Midrange Silk Way Boutique Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Splurge Jannat Resort Osh |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

For cheap accommodations with a friendly and helpful staff stay over at  Sunny Hostel . For those with a slightly higher budget, you can opt for the comfortable  Silk Way Boutique Hotel . Shop more  Osh accommodations here .

Note that when leaving Osh there are several bus stations and taxi stands that transport departs from. To read a more thorough guide to transport in Osh, and the rest of Kyrgyzstan,  head here .

Jalalabad is Kyrgyzstan’s third-largest city. The only reason that brings most to Jalalabad is a stopover between Kazarman and Osh, Osh and Arslanbob, or Osh and Sary Chelek. You can shop  Jalalabad accommodations here .

The draw to Arslanbob for most tourists is trekking and horseback riding into the Babash-Ata mountains, as well as being home to the largest walnut forest in the world. Arslanbob is mostly an overgrown Uzbek village giving you the opportunity to experience shepherding and rural life.

You can arrange different activities and homestays through  CBT Arslanbob . You can reach Arslanbob by marshrutka from Osh directly for 200 KGS, they depart at 8:30 am and 2:10 pm, but I would recommend arriving at the bus station early. They leave from the new bus station on the northern outskirts of Osh.

If you are coming from Jalalabad you will need to take a marshrutka to Bazarkurgan, and then another from Bazarkurgan to Arslanbob, the entire joinery shouldn’t cost more than 120 KGS.

Sary Chelek

Sary Chelek  is a beautiful mountain lake in the Kyrgyz Fergana Valley that can be reached in about a day from Osh. There is an Osh to Arkit  direct marshrutka  that leaves from Osh’s new bus station on the northern outskirts of the city at 7:45 am every day for 370 KGS. I recommend arriving at the bus station by 7 am, because the day I went the bus did leave early.

You will need to either pay an extortionate amount of money for a taxi from Arkit to Sary Chelek, hitch a ride on one of the passing UAZ dump trucks, or hike the road to the shore of the lake. There are CBT homestays in Sary Chelek, or you can plan to camp at the lake (there is a fee). From Sary Chelek it is possible to do trekking further into the nature reserve.

Read: How to  Visit Sary Chelek

There’s not much to note about Batken, aside from it being the border for the Kyrgyz/Tajik Fergana Valley where you’ll cross to reach Khujand.  Minibus #537  departs Osh for Batken for 300 KGS from the Batken minibus stand at 7:15 am, 8:30 am, 10 am, and 12 pm typically.

Southeastern Kyrgyzstan

The corner of Kyrgyzstan nearing the Chinese border.

Koshoykurgan

Usually is only visited as a quick stop en route between Naryn and Tash Rabat. Koshoykurgan is home to what remains of the walls from the powerful 10th-century city.

Tash Rabat is a small 15th-century caravanserai that was once an important stop along the Silk Road. Tash Rabat can be used as a base for treks into Chatyr-Kul and Kul-Suu, although a border zone permit will need to be arranged through CBT Naryn at least 5 days in advance to trek to both these locations.

There is a yurt camp in Tash Rabat that you can usually sleep at. It is possible to rent horses and ride to Chatyr-Kul and Kul-Suu.

Chatyr-Kul is an alpine lake located near the Chinese border.

A 6-hour hike from Tash Rabat will bring you to the top of the ridgeline overlooking the lake, and another 2 hours down will bring you to the Chatyr-Kul Yurt Camp at the shores of the lake. You can arrange to stay at the yurts at the lake by speaking to the owners of the yurts in Tash Rabat. 

In order to visit Chatyr-Kul, you must obtain a border permit from CBT Naryn , which takes about 5 business days (1,000 KGS) for them to process. All you will need to do is contact  CBT Naryn  and send a copy of your passport info page and they will arrange the permit and have it waiting for you at CBT you arrive. It is possible for 1,700 KGS to get a permit issued in about 1 business day.

Kul-Suu is a lovely turquoise lake set in a rocky canyon near the border with China, that is fairly off the beaten path.  

In order to visit Kul-Suu, you must obtain a border permit from CBT Naryn , which takes about 5 business days (1,000 KGS) for them to process. All you will need to do is contact  CBT Naryn  and send a copy of your passport info page and they will arrange the permit and have it waiting for you at CBT when you arrive. It is possible for 1,700 KGS to get a permit issued in about 1 business day.

The best way to get to Kul-Suu is by getting a taxi to Tash Rabat, then combining a trip to Chatyr-Kul Pass and Kul-Suu, using the Tash Rabat Yurt Camp as a base. You can make a day trip up to Chatyr-Kul Pass and back to Tash Rabat one day and then another day trip to Kul-Suu and back. To arrange trips and tours to Kul-Suu contact  CBT Naryn .

Alay Valley

The Alay Valley is the last bit of Kyrgyzstan before the Tajik border and onto the  Pamir Highway  with views of the ominous Peak Lenin situated right on the border between the two countries. Using Sary Tash as a jumping-off point into the region there are plenty of opportunities for yurt stays, camping, trekking, horseback riding, and more.

Sary Tash is a small village with great views of the mountains all abound and sits at the crossroads of the Irkeshtam Pass into  China , the  Kyzyl-Art Pass  into  Tajikistan , and the road north onto  Osh  and  Bishkek . There isn’t much in Sary Tash per se, but there is a decent trucker style cafe as you pass through town that will take payment in Chinese Yuan and Tajik Somoni (sometimes they can even exchange money).

Shared taxis bound for Osh depart most days for 350 KGS, the Irkeshtam border for 300 KGS, and taxis toward Sary Mogul for 700 KGS.

Head to Sary Mogul, just 30 km west of Sary Tash to take in views of Peak Lenin and around, as well as organize trekking to Tolpur Kul, and trips to Peak Lenin base camp, and more. If going beyond Lake Tolpur, you are supposed to get a border zone permit for 2,054 KGS, which can be arranged by  CBT  or trekking agencies.

Much like the Chinese border zone permit, these can take time to process, so best to get in contact well in advance so that you can pick up the necessary permit.

Peak Lenin is the highest peak in the Pamir-Alai Range, and one of the most accessible and popular 7,000 meter summits in the world. Most who do summit Peak Lenin do so from the Kyrgyz side of the border because it is more straightforward and there aren’t the fees you’d incur if climbing the Tajik side.

Note that you are supposed to have the border zone permit to visit Peak Lenin or the base camp at Achik Tash, so arrange that with  CBT  to avoid any troubles.

Trekking Kyrgyzstan

The trekking opportunities in Kyrgyzstan are endless. Here are just a few of the treks that can be taken in the country and links to more information on them.

Around Bishkek

• Ala Archa National Park  1-2 day treks.
• Alamedin Valley  1-2 day treks.
• Altyn Arashan to Ala Kul  3-5 day trek.
• Archa Tor Pass  3-5 day trek.
• Keskenkija Loop in Jyrgalan  4 day trek. There are also other treks to take on  Jyrgalan .
• Chong Kemin Valley  1-6 day treks
• Karkara Valley to Inylchek Glacier  10 day trek.
• Ak-Suu Traverse  6+ day trek that starts near to Jeti Oghuz.
• Jeti Oguz  Several 1-7 day treks.
• Tamga Gorge & Ochinchek Lake  1-3 day trek,  Tamga Guesthouse  can arrange horse trek or local guide.
• Tamga to Chakury Kul  4 day trek,  Tamga Guesthouse  can arrange horse trek or local guide.
• Kyzart to Song Kul  2-4 day trek.
• Kyzart-Tuz-Ashu to Song Kul   1-2 day trek.
• Klemche to Song Kul  2 day trek.
• Jumgal to Song Kul  2 day trek.
• Kochkor to Kul Ukok  2-3 day trek.
• Kyzyl Oi to Balyk Kul  1-2 day trek.

Fergana Valley

• Arslanbob to Kol Mazar  4 day trek.
• Arslanbob Waterfalls  1-2 day trek.

Alai Valley & Southeast Kyrgyzstan

• Tash Rabat to Chatyr Kul  1-2 day trek.
• Tash Rabat to Kul-Suu  1-2 trek.
• Sary Mogul to Tulpar Kul or Peak Lenin Base Camp ( Achik Tash )  1-2 day trek.  Note that you can actually drive to Tulpar Kul and Achik Kul .
• Peak Lenin Base Camp ( Achick Tash ) to Advanced Base Camp 2   2-4 day trek, not including the time needed for acclimatization.
• Summiting Peak Lenin  Roughly 21 days to reach the top of Peak Lenin and return.

Kyrgyz Festivals & Events

• Uzbek Cuisine Festival – Held in mid-July in Jalalabad, celebrating traditional Uzbek cuisine.
• Yak & Horse Games Festival– Held in late July in Sary Mogul. Come watch ulak-tartysh, kyz-kuumai, tyin-enmei, and er-enish games. Sample traditional Kyrgyz cuisine as well.
• National Horse Games– Held in late July in Song Kul. Watch on as athletes compete in Kyrgyz horse games in the high pasture.
• National Horse Games Festival– Held in late July in Kyzyl Oi. Watch on as horse games are competed and learn about Kyrgyz traditions.
• Birds of Prey Festival– Held in mid-August in Bokonbayevo. Watch golden eagle hunting demonstrations, sample Kyrgyz cuisine, and see work from some of Kyrgyzstan’s best artisans.
• World Nomad Games– Held in early September in Cholpon Ata for the last three games (they are held every other year). This was Kyrgyzstan’s largest event celebrating nomadic sport and culture but will be held in Turkey in 2020, location TBA.

These are rough estimates based on different styles of traveling.

1,710 KGS/$25 USD per day

This is assuming you will be staying in hostel dorms and homestays, using marshrutka, eating at local chaikhanas and taking unguided treks.

2,738 KGS/$40 USD per day

Staying in decent double rooms in cities and yurt or homestays in rural areas, traveling by shared taxi, and taking guided treks periodically.

6,845 KGS/$100 USD per day

Sleeping in boutique hotels when possible, eating at finer restuarants, traveling by private car hire, or taking a tour of the country.

Packing List

Here are a few items I recommend for traveling in Kyrgyzstan.

• The  Inreach Explorer+ . A GPS & SOS beacon, that can also send and receive text messages. Can be handy if planning on doing more remote treks and/or mountaineering. Delorme/Garmin offers some good monthly plans when in use.
• A  solar charger  can be a great way to keep your electronics and batteries charged when hiking around in areas where you may go a bit without electricity.
• An  external battery pack  can also help you out in a pinch when batteries are dead and you’re in the middle of nowhere.
• I use the  Osprey Ariel 65L backpack and recommend Osprey’s products because of their guarantee. Shop backpacks  here !
• A tent is handy if you plan to do any trekking, or are planning to cycle or hitchhike the Pamir Highway. I use the  MSR NX Hubba-Hubba solo tent  and love it.
• A sleeping bag can prove useful if you’re going to be doing any camping, especially at higher altitudes and in the fall or spring. I use a  Nemo sleeping bag  cold rated to 20ºF/-7ºC.
• A good pair of hiking boots. My personal favorite is the  La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX  hiking boot.
• If planning on trekking/camping and you like to enjoy a warm meal I recommend a  lightweight cooking camp set .
• I personally use the  Katadyn water filter . Tap water in the entire country is unsafe for drinking and natural water sources can be contaminated.
• A  headlamp  will come in handy!
• Don’t forget the sunscreen! Don’t let the cold fool you.
• Mosquito Repellant can prove handy in springtime at lower elevations, although I’ve personally never run into many bugs out here in my late summer and fall adventures.
• The Bradt Kyrgyzstan Guidebook and the Lonely Planet’s Central Asia Guidebook  can come in handy, as well as their  phrasebook .

Internet & Mobile service

You can expect to find decent working wifi in most hotels and hostels in Kyrgyzstan’s cities. Mobile service is surprisingly good, I use O! when traveling in Kyrgyzstan as they have cheap data plans.

In general, Kyrgyzstan is a safe country to travel in. Likely your biggest dangers will be hazardous driving, being injured while horseback riding, or having an accident in the mountains while on a trek.

Theft does happen, but it’s not an incredibly common occurrence. There is some corruption present in the country and you may be bribed or hassled by border guards or police (although, I’ve not personally ever had a run-in with these problems on either of my trips into Kyrgyzstan).

There are reports of police extorting bribes out of tourists (typically men) at Osh Bazaar in Bishkek.

Have Any Questions About This Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide?

Ask your Kyrgyzstan travel questions in the comments section below.

Planning a visit to the other ‘Stans? Read:  A Beginner’s Guide to Central Asia Travel

More Posts from Kyrgyzstan:

10 Things To Do In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

A Beginner’s Guide To Central Asia Travel: Discover The Silk Road

A Two Week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Crossing Kyzyl Art Pass Between Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan

5 Things To Do In Osh, Kyrgyzstan + Travel Guide

How To Get To Burana Tower & The Tokmok Animal Market

A Quick Guide To Jeti Oguz, Kyrgyzstan

How To Visit Sary Chelek, Kyrgyzstan

34 Photos That Will Make You Book A Ticket To Kyrgyzstan

Karakol Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

The Best Road Trips In The World

A Simple Guide To Central Asia Visas

7 Tips For Solo Female Travel In Central Asia

Why Foodies Should Flock To Karakol, Best Karakol Restaurants & Food

A 10 Day Pamir Highway Itinerary including the Wakhan Valley

The Karkara Border Crossing Between Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

Marco Poloing Around: The Long Way to Italy, Via Afghanistan

12 thoughts on “kyrgyzstan travel guide”.

Hi! Where would you recommend in Kyrgyzstan for a non-hiker (short hikes at most) in October?

Hi Stephanie, I’d recommend Ala Archa National Park as there are some nice little day hikes there if looking to remain closer to Bishkek. Otherwise I would definitely recommend going out to Karakol as there are plenty of day hikes to do in the area that can be reached usually with a short drive.

Kyrgyzstan has the most liberal visa policy of any Central Asian country, making travel to the country easier and more straightforward than ever. Upon arrival, citizens of a number of countries (mostly Western or developed nations) are granted a 30- or 60-day visa. This country, territory, or region should not be visited. Your personal safety and security are jeopardized. If you are already there, consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

Nice article with useful details !!!

Hi I want to Travel this year in September, and Kyrgyzstan is opening borders https://pegas-adventure.com/tours This company informed me anyone crossed border this summer. Please if you’re crossed, please inform me

Hi Alex, I did see an article just this morning stating that Kyrgyzstan had opened its borders to 31 nationalities. It did sound like those trying to get from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan have been turned away at border crossings though from what I read here , but I have not heard yet on others trying to enter, so it is hard to say if you will be able to enter or not (in theory if you’re on the 31-country list you should be able to). I’d also recommend keeping an eye on the Caravanistan Forums for other travelers updates on the matter.

Hi Nicole, Thanks for a great post. I am going to Central Asia in April (to Astana) and I am wondering which countries to visit in 17 days that I have there. I’ve always wanted to go to Kyrgyzstan mountains, but I am aware that this is not the best time. Would you still recommend going and if yes in which area? Alternatively, I was thinking about Uzbekistan and area around Almaty. Many thanks!

Hi Aga, I’d say Uzbekistan is probably a better bet in April (heat isn’t boiling yet). Kyrgyzstan is doable though if you’d like to get into the mountains it could be a bit messy! Almaty and it’s surroundings are beautiful and you can easily spend a week or more exploring around there.

I’m happy I came across your blog. I have wanted to visit Central Asia for quite some time now and I think 2019 will be the year. This page on Kyrgyzstan has been so so helpful.

I hope you enjoy Kyrgyzstan, I actually am about to head back in a couple weeks myself. Let me know if you have any questions

Hey Nicki, Im glad to have stumbled across your blog and photos. Thank you for returning my email so quickly the other day, and directing me to this guide here. Has been very helpful, my only problem is now I need to decide what all I want to do. I plan to go in August, can’t wait!

Hi Trent, I hope you have an amazing time in Kyrgyzstan! Let me know if you have more questions.

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