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Travel Kyrgyzstan

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In brief+

Weekly budget
£unconfirmed
Flight budget
£unconfirmed
Flight duration
 
Time difference
Summer/Winter
Visa
Yes
Vaccinations
No
Currency
Som du Kirghizistan
Language(s)
kyrgyiz,
russian,
usbek

Overview

Kyrgyzstan

Don't bother arguing for hours, Kyrgyzstan is also called Kyrgyzistan or Kyrgyz. Like most of its neighbours, this Central Asian country is a former Soviet republic. It became independent in 1991. The Kyrgyz population, traditionally nomadic, is made of several minority groups: Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians. This small community lives in a varying climate with changing temperatures. Three quarters of the territory is 4,920 feet above sea level, measuring 24,400 feet at Pobieda's peak. Stop under its snowy mantle and listen to a Kyrgyz storyteller praising the exploits of Batyr, the young warrior who saved the country.

pros

  •  Ride along the mountainous landscapes and steppes, the view is splendid.
  •  The population is extremely welcoming.

cons

  •  The constant political instability.
  •  Sightseeing periods are short due to the harsh climate in the mountains.
  •  There is still a lot of corruption.

map

map Kyrgyzstan

Country Guide

Our Editorial team's advice

Kyrgyzstan, like all other Central Asian countries is worth visiting. If you are a bit of a coward and "paranoiac", don't go there, for the journey is full of obstacles (administrative hassles, slow transportation network, constant insecurity, etc). This should however not stop you from going out of the capital to explore the countryside, discover its splendid landscapes and the legendary hospitality of the people. Other tip: Kyrgyz, like all other central Asian nations, are sometimes too hospitable that they can land someone in a fine mess. Alcohol consumption is a good example. A good lie could save you from drinking a bottle of vodka in one night! The same apllies for typical dishes: the head of a nanny goat for a starter (dish served to guests in Kyrgyz mountainous regions), you can have better!
To avoid hassles in obtaining your visa and, concomitantly, meet a Kyrgyz family, Espace CATIA offers an interesting programme "the Kyrgyz friend" through which you can obtain an entry visa. This formula costs abouts 45 euros/day (36 pounds sterling) and per person excluding flights (meals and transport inclusive).

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Weather Kyrgyzstan

  • Bishkek -9°C | -5°C 4 day weather forecast -5°C -11°C -10°C -9°C
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