Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know for an unforgettable journey to Kyrgyzstan
Capital
Bishkek
Population
~7 million
Area
199,951 km²
Language
Kyrgyz, Russian
Currency
Som (KGS)
Time Zone
UTC+6
Electricity
220V, Type C/F plugs
Calling Code
+996
Visa
60+ countries visa-free
Best Time
June-September
Visa Requirements
Kyrgyzstan has a liberal visa policy, welcoming visitors from over 60 countries visa-free.
Visa-Free Countries
Europe
All EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway
Americas
USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico
Asia-Pacific
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia
Middle East
UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia
CIS
Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other CIS states
Duration: 30-60 days depending on nationality
E-Visa & Requirements
E-Visa Available
Available for citizens of most other countries via evisa.e-gov.kg
What You Need
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return or onward ticket (sometimes requested)
- Sufficient funds for stay
- No visa required for stays under 60 days for most nationalities
Best Time to Visit
Each season offers unique experiences in Kyrgyzstan
Summer
June - August
Peak season with warm weather, accessible mountain passes, and vibrant nomadic culture.
Temperature
20-35°C in valleys, 10-20°C in mountains
Autumn
September - October
Golden landscapes, fewer tourists, and pleasant temperatures. Great for photography.
Temperature
10-25°C, cooling towards November
Winter
December - February
Snow-covered landscapes and ski season. Many mountain areas inaccessible.
Temperature
-5 to 5°C in valleys, -20°C in mountains
Spring
March - May
Awakening nature, blooming flowers, and melting snow. Variable weather.
Temperature
10-20°C, variable
Transportation
How to get to and around Kyrgyzstan
Getting to Kyrgyzstan
By Air
Manas International Airport (FRU) near Bishkek is the main gateway.
- •Direct flights from Istanbul, Dubai, Moscow, Delhi, and other hubs
- •Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, flydubai, Aeroflot, Air Astana
- •Airport is 25km from Bishkek city center
- •Osh has smaller international airport with regional flights
By Land
Multiple border crossings from neighboring countries.
- •From Kazakhstan: Multiple crossings, easiest via Bishkek-Almaty road
- •From Uzbekistan: Osh-Andijan and Jalal-Abad crossings
- •From Tajikistan: Several crossings in south (check current status)
- •From China: Torugart and Irkeshtam passes (permits required)
Getting Around Kyrgyzstan
Shared Taxis (Marshrutkas)
Most common and affordable transport between cities.
- •Depart when full from designated stands
- •Negotiate price before departure
- •Carry small bills in local currency
- •Can be cramped but authentic experience
Private Driver/4WD
Best option for remote areas and flexible itineraries.
- •Essential for Song-Kul, Tash Rabat, Batken region
- •Book through guesthouses or CBT
- •Expect $50-100/day depending on distance
- •Drivers often double as guides
Domestic Flights
Quick connections between Bishkek and Osh/Batken.
- •Multiple daily flights to Osh (1 hour vs 10+ by road)
- •Book in advance during peak season
- •Relatively affordable ($30-60 one way)
- •Small planes - limited luggage
Car Rental
Available in Bishkek for independent travelers.
- •International license required
- •Roads vary from excellent to very rough
- •4WD recommended for mountain areas
- •Limited rental options - book ahead
Accommodation
From traditional yurts to modern hotels
Yurt Camps
$15-40/nightTraditional felt tents, authentic nomadic experience.
- Traditional bedding
- Home-cooked meals
- Cultural immersion
- Usually shared facilities
Best for: Song-Kul, Tash Rabat, remote mountain areas
Guesthouses & Homestays
$20-50/nightFamily-run accommodations with local hospitality.
- Home-cooked meals included
- Cultural exchange
- Local tips and guidance
- Variable quality
Best for: Everywhere, arranged through CBT network
Hotels
$30-150/nightStandard hotels in cities and tourist towns.
- Private rooms
- Modern amenities
- Restaurant on-site
- Wi-Fi available
Best for: Bishkek, Karakol, Cholpon-Ata, Osh
Camping
Free-$10/nightWild camping is legal almost everywhere.
- Complete freedom
- Stunning locations
- Minimal facilities
- Bring all equipment
Best for: Trekking routes, remote areas, adventure travelers
Before You Go
Important practical information for your trip
Kyrgyz Som (KGS)
Approximately 88-90 KGS = 1 USD
- •ATMs available in cities (Visa/Mastercard)
- •Cash essential for rural areas
- •USD and EUR easily exchanged
- •Always carry small bills for transport and markets
Language
Official: Kyrgyz and Russian
Useful Phrases
Safety & Health
Generally safe for tourists
- •Register with your embassy for remote travel
- •Inform someone of your itinerary in mountains
- •Hire guides for high-altitude and border areas
- •Be cautious near Tajik enclaves in Batken
- •Altitude sickness is real - acclimatize properly
Health Tips
- •Altitude sickness possible above 2,500m
- •Drink bottled or boiled water outside cities
- •Travel insurance essential (including evacuation)
- •Basic medical facilities in cities, limited in rural areas
- •Bring personal medications and first aid kit
Packing Essentials
Be prepared for Kyrgyzstan's diverse conditions
Essential Items
- Layers - temperature varies dramatically
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (high UV)
- Rain jacket or windbreaker
- Headlamp/flashlight
- First aid kit
- Water purification tablets
- Power bank
- Cash in small denominations
Optional Items
- Sleeping bag for yurt stays
- Trekking poles
- Binoculars for wildlife
- Camping gear if trekking
Ready to Explore?
Now that you know the essentials, it's time to discover the incredible destinations waiting for you in Kyrgyzstan.
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