Travelling to Kyrgyzstan: the guide for an authentic stay in Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan, nestled in the heart of Central Asia, captivates visitors with the raw beauty of its mountainous landscapes, the richness of its nomadic culture, and the warm hospitality of its people.

Still relatively unknown to the general public, this country is a top destination for travelers seeking adventure, authenticity, and wide-open spaces.

Its capital, Bishkek, is often the starting point for explorations, offering a lively glimpse of contemporary Kyrgyz culture and a gateway to the country's natural wonders.

Here is a practical guide to help you prepare for your trip to Kyrgyzstan.

The challenges of planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is still relatively unknown as a tourist destination outside of its neighboring countries, yet those countries could tell you why it deserves to be among your next destinations in Central Asia!

Although it is developing more and more to welcome foreign tourists, organizing a trip to Kyrgyzstan from afar is still complex.

You may encounter a few obstacles:

• English-speaking services are rare
• There is little quality accommodation available for tourists
• It is difficult to book activities, accommodation, and transportation online
• Etc.

For all these reasons, traveling to Kyrgyzstan on your own will require a certain amount of improvisation.

But here are a few tips to help make your stay as enjoyable as possible!

When to go?

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is from June to September. The summer months offer ideal conditions for hiking, horseback trekking, and yurt stays. Mountain passes are accessible and temperatures are pleasant, even at high altitudes. But every season has something to offer for a wonderful stay—it all depends on your favorite activities!

How long should you plan for a trip to Kyrgyzstan?

The longer, the better! Kyrgyzstan, with its vast mountain ranges, high-altitude lakes, green valleys, and deeply rooted nomadic culture, deserves your time.

For a balanced overview of nature, culture, and adventure, we recommend planning at least two weeks.

Getting around the country

Traveling through Kyrgyzstan can be an enriching experience, but it requires a certain amount of flexibility.

✈️ Air travel

The country has two main international airports in Bishkek and Osh, which are well connected to other countries and to each other, as well as a smaller airport in Issyk-Kul, which is convenient for quick access to the famous lake of the same name.

🚌 Public transportation

The public transportation network in the city, mainly consisting of minibuses (marshrutkas), is dense, inexpensive, but basic. For longer trips, trains connect major cities and allow you to enjoy the scenery.

⚠️ Il est recommandé d’acheter ses billets de train à l’avance, en gare ou en ligne. Attention, la plupart des plateformes ne sont pas traduites en anglais et ne prennent pas toujours les cartes étrangères. Passez par une agence de voyage locale qui fera toutes ces démarches à votre place.

🚗 Car

Once you arrive, you can choose between a car or taxis. The main roads are generally well maintained, but in remote mountainous areas, an off-road vehicle is often essential.

Accommodation

Enjoy traditional yurts, especially in rural areas, guesthouses, or modern hotels in major cities. Youth hostels are also available, especially in Bishkek, Karakol, and Osh, at low prices.

What to visit in Kyrgyzstan?

There are many sites to visit in Kyrgyzstan. Between the impressive Tien Shan mountains, high-altitude lakes, and villages that bear witness to the region's nomadic culture, there are a few must-see places to discover on your first trip.

The capital: Bishkek

Why not start your trip in the capital, where you will probably land by plane? Bishkek, a dynamic capital city, will immerse you in Kyrgyzstan's Soviet history thanks to its architecture and wide avenues. With its many green parks and Osh bazaar, the city is worth spending at least a day exploring.

Lake Issyk-Kul‍

Nestled in northeastern Kyrgyzstan at an altitude of 1,600 meters, Lake Issyk-Kul is a natural gem surrounded by mountains, renowned for its clear waters and pleasant climate. Second largest mountain lake in Central Asia, it remains surprisingly warm in winter thanks to its slight salinity, earning it the name “hot lake.”

Once a crossroads on the Silk Road, Issyk-Kul is now a popular tourist destination, combining tranquil beaches on the north shore, wild treks on the south and east shores, and nomadic traditions in yurt camps. Accessible in 3 to 4 hours by car from Bishkek, it offers an ideal getaway combining nature, culture, and relaxation.

Ala-Archa National Park

Located 40 km from Bishkek and accessible by taxi, car, or minibus, Ala-Archa National Park is a spectacular natural setting nestled in the Tien Shan mountains, between wooded valleys, glaciers, and peaks reaching nearly 4,900 m. This site, popular with hikers, mountaineers, and nature lovers, offers trails for all levels, including access to the Ak Sai glacier for the more experienced.

Created in 1976 to protect its rich biodiversity—marmots, deer, and sometimes even snow leopards—the park is an ideal destination for a wild and rejuvenating immersion.

The Jety-Oguz site

The Jety-Oguz Valley, 25 km southwest of the city of Karakol, is one of Kyrgyzstan's natural gems. Renowned for its iconic red rock formations – the “7 Bulls” and the “Broken Heart” – it combines spectacular landscapes, ancient legends, and natural riches.

A national zoological reserve, it is home to many species of animals and birds, as well as historical remains such as burial mounds dating back to the 7th century BC.

Very popular with hikers, photographers, and wellness enthusiasts, the valley is also known for its spa resort built in 1932, fed by geothermal springs.

The Tien Shan Mountains

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker or mountaineer, you are sure to find something to suit you in the Tien Shan Mountains.

⚠️ Even if you are an experienced hiker, never venture into the mountains alone or in a group without supervision. They are very poorly marked. Contact a local guide or sign up for an expedition group. You can find some of them on Instagram.

Local cuisine

Kyrgyz cuisine is a traditional Central Asian cuisine that is simple, nourishing, and deeply rooted in the nomadic way of life. It is based mainly on meat (especially mutton, beef, and sometimes horse meat), dairy products (yogurt, cheese, fermented milk), and flour (bread, pasta, fritters). Some of the most iconic dishes include beshbarmak (boiled meat with flat noodles), plov (fried rice with meat and carrots), mantis (large steamed meat ravioli), and laghman (homemade noodles served with a meat and vegetable stew).

🥦 Kyrgyz cuisine is often meat-based, so it can be difficult to find vegetarian options, especially in rural areas.

Kyrgyzstan: practical advice for travelers

• Language: Learn a few words in Kyrgyz or Russian, the two official languages. English is not widely spoken, even in tourist areas.
• ‍Currency: The currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). Currency exchange is easy in major cities. Bring cash with you when traveling outside urban centers.
• ‍Safety: Kyrgyzstan is generally safe for travelers. As everywhere else, remain vigilant in large cities.‍
• Health: No vaccinations are required. Take out insurance covering medical care and possible repatriation.
• ‍Budget: Prices are much more affordable than in Western Europe, both for food and activities. If you travel a lot or stay in the city for a long time, plan for a larger budget.
• ‍Activities: Find out about local activities. Depending on the dates of your stay, you may have the chance to attend local festivals. Plan your trip accordingly to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
• ‍Visa: Citizens of the European Union, Canada, and many other countries can stay up to 60 days without a visa. A passport valid for at least six months after the date of entry is required. Check before you leave!

We do not yet organize trips to Kyrgyzstan. But if you are interested in an adventure in Central Asia, check out our upcoming expeditions to Kazakhstan! Or contact us directly via Instagram or WhatsApp to stay up to date with our news or for any questions.

📚 You may be interested in these readings:

Travelling to Kazakhstan as a single woman

Do you need a visa to go to Kazakhstan?

Is Kazakhstan dangerous?

Travel guide to Kazakhstan