Usually a particular spot, on a particular hike where a combination of exhaustion and snow-capped mountains combine to leave you in awe. If you have large luggage that cannot be stored in the back you may be charged extra as they may need to put your luggage on the seat. A detailed experience of our visit to Altyn Arashan in Kyrgyzstan. For horse treks and 4WD trips expect to spend between $40-70 per person, per day. Compare CBT with other options – The CBT network is awesome for sure but sometimes other companies may have something available that is more in line with your interests. Do be aware that July and August are peak months to travel to Kyrgyzstan so whilst it may be slightly riskier weather-wise to visit in June or early September you can expect to see fewer travellers and enjoy cheaper accommodation. Big Almaty Lake in Kazakhstan in Pictures, Tamgaly Tas: How to Visit Kazakhstan’s Enchanting Buddhist Rock Art Sanctuary, Visiting Nomad’s Land: The Abandoned Movie Set in the Kazakhstan Steppe, Learn Cyrillic ahead of time. To minimize the risk of becoming a victim of crime: 1. do not walk or travel alone, especially a… If you’re going up to higher altitudes, you’ll need to make sure your clothes can handle the cold temperatures, but you’ll still want some cold-weather layers even if you’re not going too high. Even if they cannot understand you people are extremely accommodating and will often go out of their way to help you. The Pamir Highway is one of the best road trips you can do in your life and it begins in Osh, Kyrgyzstan and ends in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Prices for accommodation in Bishkek is usually more expensive than other parts of the country. This price includes yurt accommodation options and is based on 4 people. any place that is beautiful, interesting, or weird. Travelling in Kyrgyzstan is reasonably easy on your wallet, however doing horse treks, rafting and 4×4 trips out into the wilderness can rack up the costs quicker than you may imagine. Kyrgyzstan Specific Advice. They are definitely worth the pain though! The things to do, where to stay, how to get there and travel tips! Dumplings and samsa can also be found, as can the ubiquitous shashlyk. The vast majority of international flight will land in Bishkek. Yurts and a nomadic lifestyle are still central to Kyrgyz culture. Jyrgalan was once…, Jyrgalan – Our Favourite Place in Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan is already the next big thing in adventure tourism, and after our fourth visit there, we have finally found our favourite place in the…, The Ultimate Guide to the Truly Nomadic Land Trek in Kyrgyzstan, Everything you need to know about the fantastic Truly Nomadic Land trek in the Alay Mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Level 2: COVID-19 Moderate Updated COVID-19 in Kyrgyzstan February 08, 2021 Travelers at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid all nonessential travel to Kyrgyzstan. It’s certainly an acquired taste. Additionally, some E-visas will require citizens to register within 48 hours of arriving in Kyrgyzstan. Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Speak with your accommodations staff, the local CBT (who can also help to arranged a private taxi) and check online to keep up to date. Some nationalities will be granted E-visas that will have specific entry and exit requirements. Travel advice and restrictions for Kyrgyzstan. Mountains cover 80% of the country – Get ready hiking, camping and breath taking scenery. However, my trip, while freaking fantastic, was not without a few boneheaded mistakes. Converter; 8. Regional Situation: 3.8 / 5. Copyright 2018 History Fangirl We advise caution when travelling to Kyrgyzstan Local Situation: 3.5 / 5. Everyone there has WhatsApp and often this is how they prefer to communicate. Subscribe. Your guesthouse or hotel should be able to register you directly. An amateur historian and travel enthusiast, I travel around the world full-time visiting historic sites: hidden chapels, Communist monuments, ancient cities, religious relics, or My advice: take the time to really get to know a place instead of just passing through on a whirlwind tour. However Soviet-era hotels are not uncommon, but may not be what you’re looking for. Kyrgyzstan shares a land border with 4 neighbouring states. If you find a flight on a site like Skyscanner or Kayak check the cost of booking the flight directly with the airline. A convenient and affordable way of travelling between Bishkek and Osh, but outside of the two main cities, it’s not really a viable option. Get a local SIM card – This will make it easier to contact drivers and guesthouses in advance. Everything you need to know to travel to Kyrgyzstan, from the best things to do, places to visit, budgeting, travel itineraries and plenty more! These are often excellent value for money and give you the opportunity to build up a great relationship with the owner. If you are planning your Kyrgyzstan holidays, below is our Kyrgyzstan travel guide on how to solo travel Kyrgyzstan including the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan, where to stay, what to do in Kyrgyzstan, travelling Kyrgyzstan, and which Kyrgyzstan tour to take. Check with your country’s foreign office to find out if you qualify. Maybe you want a guide for your entire time, or want to horse trek across the country. Swimming in lake Issyk Kul – Swimming in one of the world’s highest alpine lakes is an awesome thing to tick off your bucket list. Flying from the west the choices are far more varied. Reconsider travel to Kyrgyzstan due to COVID-19. This wasn’t a case of them being prescription-only, but just a situation where they didn’t have pretty common medicines available at all. This is probably the main accommodation option in Bishkek. It wasn’t until I left the country and settled down in Almaty for a week that I took proper care of my ankle and got the swelling to go down and the pain to subside. By far the most convenient way to travel in Kyrgyzstan and indeed Central Asia and the Caucasus. Kyrgyzstan's national cuisine revolves around lamb or horse meat and vegetables. This can be as expensive as you want it to be. The best places to carve the slopes are at Karakol Ski Resort, and in the backcountry of Jyrgalan, Boz Uchuk and Jalpak Tash. Sary Mogol: If you head to the southern part of the country past Osh you’ll enter the Alay Mountains, which are some of the wildest, most untouched peaks in the entire country. Travelling to Kyrgyzstan is limited to the warmer months if trekking is your goal. However, if you’re heading straight to a village (especially if you’re being picked up and transferred directly), this might be the only easy chance you have to get cash. We advise caution when travelling to Kyrgyzstan. I was running low on few meds, and so I popped into a Kyrgyzstan pharmacy to fill up. Avoid unlit streets and parks at night if possible. My body basically shut down in Kazakhstan and forced me to take care of it, but I wonder if I had paid better attention and care to some of these issues on the front end if I wouldn’t have crashed so hard at the end of my two weeks. If you require an E-visa to visit Kyrgyzstan make sure you check the requirements carefully. It’s best to bring some additional US dollars in cash just in case. There were plenty of times when I visited that our marshrutka left full to bursting leaving a large crowd behind. Samsa – More often than not they are wrapped in crispy, flaky pastry and have a taste similar to that of a cornish pasty (for those that know this delicious English snack). Travelers should be very cautious at night and avoid taking public transport or walking outside alone in dark areas. From knowing which are the best ski resorts, backcountry options, unique experiences and whether it’s worth…, Hiking and Hot Springs in Altyn Arashan, Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan and Coronavirus. Generally speaking, Kyrgyzstan is quite safe, however, normal precautions should be taken. I’ve been able to read Cyrillic since college, and it makes it so much easier to travel around parts of Eastern Europe and the former USSR. This little village just outside of Karakol is a trekker’s paradise, and is worth spending a few days in town anyway. Once you have your eyes on the prize, stunning mountain scenery will unravel in front of you. You’ll need to register it with a local number (unless you register it ahead of time), but you can easily pick up a Kyrgyz sim card as long as your phone is unlocked. After trying two more pharmacies, I gave up trying to get them, knowing that I could grab them in Almaty. Sometimes they may be the only option you have. Hikers marvel at stunning treks from Karakol, Kochor, Arslanbob and even the countries capital Bishkek. Taking a dip surrounded by stunning mountain vistas is fantastic, if a very chilly, experience. With everything from day hikes to multi-day treks available, there is something for every hiker. British nationals are able to enter Kyrgyzstan. Every driver I had (except one), was extremely kind, polite, and thorough. These can be found in restaurants, bazaars and from carts on the street. I got lucky, and I was given a baseball hat after I arrived, but if not I would have needed to purchase one. Travel Advice Kyrgyzstan | Travel Tips Kyrgyzstan Money issues In Kyrgyzstan, the best thing to do is to take Euros or US dollars and exchange at exchange officed that can be found everywhere. You can pick up anything you’re missing at one of the magazines or other stores, provided you’re not going to be completely off-the-grid immediately. You won’t spend more than a few dollars for local classics like manti, shashlik and Lagman. Another thing to bear and in mind is the challenges of travelling across the centre of the country, for example from Kochkor to Osh, can be unreliable. Anyone … The route across the centre of country springs to mind. A lot of people skip Bishkek in order to spend more time hiking and doing outdoor adventure sports. Here are ten pieces of Kyrgyzstan travel advice I wish I could go back and tell myself before my trip. This is a 4WD road that is closed in winter, however, do not be surprised to see some old Ladas taking on the terrain. However, do be aware that you are likely to be charged the full fare. Vaccinations For Your Itinerary. These converted transits ferry people all over the country. Check with an embassy or consulate of the Kyrgyz Republic before you travel. I was able to pick them up in Almaty, but don’t get stuck in Kyrgyzstan worried about having access to your medicine. And the only sunblock I could find outside of Bishkek had a whitening agent in it that destroyed the top layer of skin on my arms (rendering me ghostlike and covered in a layer of extra-thick sunblock sweat). If you’re planning to travel to Kyrgyzstan make sure to read this guide to prepare you for visiting one of the world’s stunning countries. Drink driving in Kyrgyzstan is a problem, particularly at night. Check your countries visa policy to be sure. Here's a 3 weeks itinerary and a complete travel guide on things to do, how to get around and where to stay in Kyrgyzstan. Travel Advices for Kyrgyzstan. A safe bet is to budget a journey from one town to another to be an all-day affair. Negotiating with taxi drivers is a necessary evil in Kyrgyzstan. General travel advice: Most travellers encounter no problems — but occasionally things do happen to upset your plans — but that doesn’t mean to say that they will be a disaster. If this happens to you try and offer them a copy of your passport and do not sign anything that you do not understand. These rates may go up in depending on location and time of year. Spend time with locals and make the effort to learn a bit of the Kyrgyz and/or Russian languages. Also, data in Kyrgyzstan is super cheap. Nationwide Travel Health Services. For example, expect it to take between 6 and 8 hours to get from Bishkek to Karakul by marshrutka. Don’t ONLY see Bishkek! Many families have taken advantage of the increased tourism to Kyrgyzstan by renting rooms in their homes to weary travellers. If skiing is your game, February and March are particularly good months to travel to Kyrgyzstan. are the main companies. Do your research and find out which organisation offers what you are looking for. I wrapped up my first trip to Kyrgyzstan earlier this week. However, it is important to remember that English is not widely spoken, save for tour agents and some guesthouse staff (certainly not all). Home. If taking a taxi, be sure that the person driving is not drunk. Even in Bishkek, you’ll be happy when you’re able to replace your stuff if it’s lost or stolen. Horse milk, “kumyz,” is the national drink. Expect delays at border crossings. Taking a Horse Trek – Horse treks are a highlight when travelling Kyrgyzstan. Usually lamb, although chicken and beef can also be found here and there. Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Kyrgyzstan. As for your hat, it needs to protect your face, and your scarf should be light enough that you can wear it over your mouth comfortably. Seasons – Even in early summer, some hiking trails may still be closed if the winter was a particularly long one. However, you should only avoid using a guide if you are sure the trails are clearly marked and you are a confident hiker. The current general travel advice is to be aware, as political unrest is rife throughout the country. Mudslides are a risk, but not as much as in Tajikistan. ), and manti, but after two weeks I needed to mix it up. More often than not the price includes dinner and breakfast the next morning. Whilst your legs get a break, your backside will certainly feel the pain. It’s a reference to the 40 clans of the great Manas. The travel advice is Do not travel to Kyrgyzstan. The mornings and evenings were cool to chilly, while the days were very hot (especially in direct sunlight). I would recommend getting to the station a bit earlier to make sure you can get a seat. I’m not saying that there aren’t tampons in Kyrgyzstan. Your email address will not be published. These are a great place to connect with other travellers and get travel tips from the staff and other guests. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to: the whole of Kyrgyzstan based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks. Find out how to get from the airports and where to go in Kyrgyzstan as a solo. Kyrgyzstan Travel Advice: 10 Things to Know Before You Go to the Kyrgyz Republic Bring Your Own Sun and Dust Protection. Kyrgyzstan is known for its mountains and one of the best trek you can do is the Ala Kul trek. Here are my top 5 places to visit in Kyrgyzstan. The latest news, travel advice, and information for Kyrgyzstan, updated regularly for all British travellers by the UK Foreign Office. If you're in Kyrgyz Republic and wish to leave, do so as soon as possible while commercial options are available. I’m not saying you’ll never run into an ATM out in the wild, I’m just saying that I wish I’d grabbed cash at the airport. For the majority of people who do not need an e-visa though, then Airbnbs are cheap and plentiful in Bishkek. Strict border controls apply on the road between Bishkek and Almaty in Kazakhstan. That small, landlocked country in Central Asia that people seem to have no idea how to pronounce (hint: Keer-Giz-Stan). COVID-19 Global Notice - Very High Updated Cruise Ship Travel and COVID-19 December 02, 2020 CDC recommends that travelers defer all cruise travel worldwide. Kyrgyzstan's borders can close without notice. Shashlyk – One of the meals that define the region – grilled meat kebabs. If you’re staying in an AirBnB or apartment then you will not be registered with the government and will definitely need to head to the Public Security Bureau. This picturesque country is located on the Silk Road, surrounded by China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. However, be sure to check fares directly with the airline as there may be unspecified fees and regulations not listed in the Google Flights results. In addition, utilising marshrutkas (shared minivans) as opposed to private taxis can lead to some substantial savings on the transport front. Kyrgyzstan is serviced by two main airports; Bishkek and Osh. It consists of horse meat (occasionally beef or lamb) boiled it’s own broth and served over boiled noodles. Strangely enough, this would usually end with some of your money disappearing or maybe even a fine for some unknown reason. Before you leave: Study your destination : learn a little about where you are going and plan your visit. Only 36% of the country’s residents live in an urban location. Alcohol: Cheap, but stick to beer as spirits can sometimes contain fake alcohol and there have even been stories of anti-freeze being used in some vodkas (not too dissimilar to parts of Russia). © 2021 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, Packing list for Kyrgyzstan (Men and Women), Check out our incredible small group Kyrgyzstan tours, Check your countries visa policy to be sure, Click here to see why they love it so much, awesome hiking trails all over the country, using this link to get USD$35 off your first stay on Airbnb. Check out our incredible small group Kyrgyzstan tours! Travel advice is Moderate for travel. Accommodation: Guesthouses and Yurts are the name of the game in Kyrgyzstan. Beshbarmak – This literally translates as 5 fingers, since that’s what you eat it with. If you’re looking at flying into Osh from overseas then you will either have to transfer in Bishkek or the regional hubs of Almaty in Kazakhstan or Tashkent in Uzbekistan. It’s not uncommon for the flight to be much cheaper when booking directly through the airline. Internal flights are most reliable between Bishkek and Osh and there is a limited train service but it’s unreliable and inconvenient and in truth is best avoided. One of the best things about marshrutkas is that they are cheap, sometimes a tenth of the price of a private taxi. In addition, you may have to take two taxis to get all the way along this stretch of road. From before the Silk Road…, DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsGear. If you go trekking or spending time outside, make sure to wear appropriate. Kyrgyzstan. Manti – These steamed dumplings come in a variety of styles with fillings both meat and vegetarian options available. Remember it is always better to budget slightly more than you need to cover for accidents and emergencies, so I would recommend budgeting for slightly more than this. With plenty of off-the-beaten-path destinations, treks and trails the opportunities to explore are limitless. Staying in family-run guesthouses, your own tent or yurts will certainly save you plenty of money. Although the latter is not luxury, the price will certainly be. Golden grains whiplash against…, The Ultimate Guide to the Boz Uchuk Trek in Jyrgalan, Everything you need to know about the Jyrgalan trek, known as the Boz Uchuk trek, found in the newest adventure destination in Kyrgyzstan! Kol-Ukok: This awesome two-day hike from Kochkor offers spectacular views, but you certainly have work for it. Local authorities have implemented enhanced screening procedures and entry restrictions due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The dry roads (and diesel engines) meant I was constantly coughing. If you do end up going in June do be aware that there is a good chance that some trails will still be closed. Sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first stay on Airbnb. But in the villages, you’ll be eating more traditional food. If you sprain your ankles easily, you’ll be glad to pay attention to where you’re stepping. Target locations include: 1. bars 2. parks 3. areas near major hotels 4. public transportation, including stations 5. currency exchange booths 6. shopping centres and markets The capacity of police to respond to crimes and other incidents is limited. I found Bishkek a great place to relax after the craziness of the. KYRGYZSTAN TRANSPORTATION / HOW TO GET AROUND. One of the reasons that travel to Kyrgyzstan has developed so quickly is because of the community-based tourism network in existence throughout the country. The team behind the World Nomad Games thoughtfully gave the members of the press an extra vest, baseball hat, blanket, and glasses cleaner, which helped me add a few layers of clothing and tackle the sun and dust, but I gladly would have purchased each of these as I ended up using them every single day in the country. I loved Lagman, borsht (technically Ukrainian, but who doesn’t love borsht? This allows you to access to the best weather in each country. Knowing a little bit of Russian is extremely useful as it is very unlikely anyone will speak English. The main hub for this network is the CBT office that exists in almost every major town in the country. It would have saved me a lot of time. Travel Vaccines and Advice for Kyrgyzstan. Up-to-date information on the security situation, possible risks and recommended precautionary measures for people travelling to Kyrgyzstan Swiss representation in Kyrgyzstan. Click here to see why they love it so much. Robbery, mugging and pickpocketing occur frequently. —. Kyrgyzstan travel advice. Sometimes guesthouses may offer their own tours and guided horse treks so they are definitely worth consulting as well. Here it’s as much about the journey as it is the destination. Read the site’s full Privacy & Disclosure policy here. Once part of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan is an ethnically diverse country descended from nomads. Here we cover Visa, Safety & Security, local Laws and Insurance in our Kyrgyzstan Traveler Information guide. Solo Female Travel. Kyrgyzstan has amazing mountain lakes, great hospitality, and beautiful sunsets. If you’re stopping off at a smaller destination, then take a marshrutka that passes it and let the driver know where you want to get off. Travelling in Kyrgyzstan does not have the same language challenges as travelling in China for example. The cars were packed in like jigsaw pieces, honking and…, How to Trek to Peak Lenin Base Camp in Kyrgyzstan, A firsthand experience at what it is like to climb and hike to Peak Lenin base camp, one of the highest mountains in Kyrgyzstan We…, The Art of Hanging Out in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, There’s definitely an art to hanging out in Kyrgyzstan, and it starts with enjoying the best cafes in Bishkek and kicking back in style. Usually served with a scattering of red onions on a huge skewer. Bring a sunblock that you know works well with your skin, but if you do end up picking one up in one of the smaller villages try to see if they have any without a whitening agent. It all started with a Soviet-era Russian army truck and a change of plans…. The Bradt Travel Guide and Lonely Planet’s book on Central Asia are a good place to start and provide detailed Kyrgyzstan travel advice. You might also want to make sure you have other basic toiletries with you since some hotels don’t provide shampoo or soap. If skiing is your game, February and March are particularly good months to travel to Kyrgyzstan. This is a very new market, so you will need to do some very detailed research. If you are looking to take some of the tours mentioned above then you will need budget a little more than I’ve suggested here. Travels to Kyrgyzstan has increased dramatically in recent years as travellers come to hike, camp and horse trek through Kyrgyzstan’s stunning scenery. Those planning longer trips to Central Asia may want to spend the hotter summer months travelling in Kyrgyzstan and its mountainous neighbour, Tajikistan and spring or autumn in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan or Uzbekistan. However, there are a few little tips to help you save a few pennies here and there. Last updated: January 19, 2021. Required fields are marked *. Kyrgyzstan Traveler Information - Travel Advice Travel Advice with a Travel Advisory overview from the US State Department. Politely inform them if you don’t need one. It’s a lovely town. While there are ATMs (bankomats in Russian) in the “bigger cities” like Cholpon Ata and in places like the Narodny supermarkets, there weren’t any in the smaller places I stayed like Bosteri or any at the Hippodrome where some of the major events of the World Nomad Games were held. You’ll need a converter if you want to use North American plugs. The vast majority will include breakfast and in some more rural areas, they will also offer dinner, however, do be aware that this is usually an additional charge. If negotiating stresses you out, then get the app ahead of time. I was always thankful whenever I could make adjustments by adding or subtracting a layer of clothing. Like manti, they come in both meat and vegetarian varieties. This travel guide for Kyrgyzstan includes all recommended vaccines and medications to travel to Kyrgyzstan, safety advice and in-country recommendations for medical care in Kyrgyzstan. A private room in a guesthouse is usually between $19-25 which usually includes breakfast. The vast majority are family-run BnB’s and guesthouses. These meds are things that are prescription-only in the US, but over-the-counter in most countries I’ve been to, so I never worry too much about getting refills while on the road. Kyrgyzstan is probably one of the easiest country to travel to in Central Asia with many things to do and places to see. So if you want a break from the local delicacies then this will be the place to get your fill. Travel to Kyrgyzstan is subject to entry restrictions . In major towns, prices are usually clearly printed on a sign and the money will be collected by a driver or there will be a ticket office with a price list. Flights to Kyrgyzstan can be pricey depending on where you’re flying from.
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