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If mountains are your thing, then Kyrgyzstan is your place.

Tucked into the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan’s skyline is dominated by craggy peaks and alpine lakes. Pull on your boots and get trekking to really experience its spectacular beauty. You’re likely to come across spectacular glaciers, be invited into a yurt for some yoghurt or ushered to the sidelines of a ferocious game of goat polo.

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Kyrgyzstan travel highlights

Issyk-Köl

Kick back on the shore at the second largest alpine lake in the world.

Yurt hut on a large beach of a lake with snowcapped mountains in the background

Son-Köl

Live the life of a nomad with an overnight yurt stay.

Karakol

Beautiful hiking opportunities abound around the peaceful mountain town of Karakol.

Kyrgyzstan holiday information

At a glance

Best time to visit Kyrgyzstan

Geography and environment

Nature Places in Kyrgyzstan

Health and Safety

Further reading

Kyrgyzstan travel FAQs

Most nationalities do not require a visa to travel to Kyrgyzstan for up to 60 days, including Australia, Belgium, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, USA and Switzerland. Other nationalities should check with their nearest embassy and obtain a visa in advance if required. Please contact us should you need any supporting documents for your visa application. If you do require a visa you will need to obtain one through your closest consulate.

Tipping is becoming more common in Kyrgyzstan. Rounding up the bill by 10% should be sufficient.

Internet access is available in the main towns and cities. 

Mobile phone coverage is fairly limited, even in major centres. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.

Toilet facilities may be very basic. Expect drop toilets outside of hotels and bring your own toilet paper as there may be none.

Bottle of soft drink = 25 KGS
Beer in a bar or restaurant = 40 KGS
Cup of coffee = 45 KGS
Three-course meal = 1000 KGS
Short taxi ride = 80 KGS

Drinking tap water in Kyrgyzstan isn’t recommended. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Credit cards are accepted in major shops and hotels in Bishkek and Osh, but rarely elsewhere.

ATMs are available in Bishkek and Osh but harder to find outside of these cities.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey. 

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

For a current list of public holidays in Kyrgyzstan go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/kyrgyzstan/public-holidays

Responsible Travel

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

bottled water

Top responsible travel tips for Kyrgyzstan

1. Be considerate of Kyrgyzstan’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.

2. Dress modestly and respectfully. Shoulders to knees should be covered when entering places of worship.

3. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

4. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully.

5. Smoking is banned in public places.

6. When bargaining at markets, stay calm, be reasonable and keep a smile on your face. It's meant to be fun!

7. Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.

8. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.

9. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.

10. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.