Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide

This travel guide for Kyrgyzstan, highlights the top places to visit, how to get around, safety, scams, logistics, and more to help you plan an independent visit to this remarkable country.

Under-the-radar Kyrgyzstan, which is amazingly rich in natural beauty, provides a surprisingly endless list of sites to see and things to do. From hiking the stunning snow-capped Tien Shan mountains which thread throughout 80% of the country, exploring amazing alpine lakes, captivating canyons, gorges, valleys, waterfalls, and more, this country, once an important stretch on the ancient Silk Road, is full of breathtaking beauty. Plus, it’s inhabited by the extremely kind and warm-hearted Kyrgyz people.

Stan means land, so Kyrgyzstan is the land of the Kyrgyz. Up until the early 20th century, the Kyrgyz were nomadic people. And today, it’s one of the few countries where some still continue their historical semi-nomadic lifestyle. One that you can also experience by staying in yurts on summer pasturelands.

It may not be a popular tourist destination, in fact many people I shared my adventures with knew nothing about it, but Kyryzstan is well worth the effort, providing lasting memories and many interesting things to do. So much, that you probably will want to visit more than once.

Note: All the information in this travel guide and posts on Kyrgyzstan are updated as of July 2023.

Contents

• Top Attractions
• Best Time To Visit
• Languages
• Money Matters
• Safety
• Scams
• What Not To Do
• Getting In & Around
• Where To Stay
• Visa Information
• Blog Posts

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: Top Attractions

Bishkek

Bishkek, located in northern Kyrgyzstan, bordering the Tian Shan Mountain range, is the capital of Kyrgyzstan. This bustling city of about a million people makes a great place to stay and explore nearby sites. There’s plenty of things to explore in town here too while enjoying the amenities the city offers.

Visit Ala-Too Square, it’s main square, and the nearby White House, with supposed underground tunnels between the two, stroll beautiful parks, a remnant from its Soviet days, enjoy the surprisingly western-style cafe culture here, visit museums to learn history and see art, stop at Victory Park to honor those that died fighting against German fascism, shop at local markets, try traditional banyas, or bathhouses, and much more.

Kyrgyzstan is also a great place to meet other travelers to share adventures with, whether you’re traveling solo (like I did) or as a group.

Ala Archa Park National Park

Visiting Ala Archa National Park is one of the top day trips in Kyrgyzstan, popular with both locals and tourists. This park starts at about 5,000’ (1,500 m) and soars to peaks as high as 16,000’ (4,895 m)! There’s hiking here for everyone, whether you just do an easy trek down by the Ala Archa River, hike to Ak-Say waterfall, or up to the base camp where serious hikers start their day. If you make it to the base camp, stop at Ratsek Hut and order a vodka to celebrate your amazing climb!

This stunning, must-see park is about a 40-minute drive southwest of Bishkek. For more details on the park and how to get here, see my post Ala Archa National Park | How To Get Here & What To Expect.

Burana Tower

If you’re looking for the historical side of Kyrgyzstan, visit Burana Tower. This tower, originally a minaret of a mosque, once acted as a beacon for thousands of caravans on the Silk Road when this city was called Balasagun, the capital of the Karakhanid Empire that ruled Central Asia. Of course, it also served as a call to prayer.

Unfortunately, not much is left of this once booming city, but the stark remains at this UNESCO listed site, against the backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains. It’s the perfect place to imagine Kyrgyzstan’s key role in Silk Road trade.

You can, however, climb to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view of this valley. And if you wander the grounds, you’ll see balbals strewn about. These ancient stones, with faces carved into them, were created to honor the dead.

Located between Tokmok and Issyk Kul Lake, this site is about an hour and 20-minutes east of Bishkek. For more details and how to get here, see my post Guide To Burana Tower | Monument To A Lost City.

Alamedin Valley

Alamedin valley, about 35-minutes southeast of Bishkek, is a stunning valley nestled in the mountains. I drove down here to see the mountainscapes and swim at an old Soviet thermal radon pool called Teplie Klyuchi (Теплые ключи). The pool is a bit dated and crumbly, but it felt cool to enjoy this historic relic and I was awed by the beauty of the Alamedin Valley. There’s trekking here, including a relatively easy hike to a waterfall that many recommend.

Issyk Kul Lake

Snow-capped, mountain-rimmed, Issyk Kul lake is about 2 hours southeast of Bishkek. This massive, but beautiful, lake is like a country in itself, at 113 miles long x 37 miles wide (181 km x 59 km), with many sites and things to do in the area. It’s the second
largest saline lake in the world after Caspian Sea. And since it’s saline, it never freezes.

Stay a few days in one of the many towns along its rim, or stay in a traditional yurt camp by the lake, a great way to experience authentic Kygyz food and culture. Key sites in the area include: Fairy Tale Canyon, also known as Skazka Canyon, Konorchek Canyon, and the Seven Bulls of Jeti Oguz (below).

Konorchek Canyon

Konorchek Canyon is a red rock canyon about a 2 hour drive south east of Bishkek, on the way to Issyk Kul lake. It’s fascinating to spend a few hours hiking here, a slice of Arizona’s Grand Canyon nestled in the Tian Shan mountains.

It’s free to hike, and if you’re here on a weekday, you’ll probably be the only one here.

For more details and how to get here, see my post Konorchek (Red Rock Canyon) How To Visit And Hike.

Fairy Tale Canyon

This little canyon is located on the south side of Issyk Kul lake. It’s located between the towns of Kaji-say and Tosor, about mid-way between the east and west side of Issyk Kul. It’s fun to explore the remarkable shapes created by centuries of wind and water in the red sandstone.

To learn more about it, and how to get here, see my post of Fairy Tale (Skazka) Canyon.

The Seven Bulls Of Jeti Oguz

Another remarkable canyon near Issyk Kul Lake is the Seven Bulls of Jeti Oguz. This canyon, named after the seven large cliffs here, is close to Karakol, on the far eastern side of the lake.

Karakol Valley

Karakol, on Issyk Kul lake’s southeast side, is a popular area for tourists to stay. It offers fabulous trekking in Jyrgalan Valley, and around Ala-Kul lake and Atlyn Arashan hot springs. This town is also one of the largest towns near Issyk Kul Lake, so there’s also local sightseeing here if you plan to spend a few days. This area is at a higher elevation, so perfect during the heat of summer.

Lake Kol-Tor

Another beautiful lake here is Kol-Tor lake in Kegety Valley. This alpine lake is about a 3-4 hour hike to see its brilliant turquoise hue, caused by glacial sediment. The trailhead is about 90-minutes southeast of Bishkek and 40-minutes south of Tokmok. You can find more details on this on my post on Bishkek The Top 22 Things To Do In Bishkek.

Song Kul Lake

One more stunning, high altitude lake is Song Kul lake, which sits at about 9,800’ (3,000 m). This lake is a several hour drive south of Bishkek and remote enough that you need a 4 x 4 to get here. Stay in a traditional yurt, ride horses, trek, or just wander in amazement of the stunning landscape and take photos.

As this lake is high altitude, it’s also ideal in hot summer months.

Best Time To Visit Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has hot, dry summers and bitterly cold winters. The best time, weather-wise, to visit is June to September. If trekking in elevation, July and August are ideal.

Yurt camps are only open in summer, as this is when semi-nomadic Kyrgyz live in their yurts.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: Languages

Although Kyrgyz (a Turkic language) is spoken in most homes, Russian is spoken in the streets of this former Soviet republic. I’ve heard there is a nationalist movement here to speak more Kyrgyz, but I heard Russian everywhere when I visited.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: Money Matters

Currency: The Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS) is the official currency. Exchange currency at commercial banks and authorized bureaux de change. The US dollar and Euro are the easiest to exchange. Conversion rates as of January 1, 2024 are as follows:

• USD (1)=89.09 KGS
• Euro (1)=98.21 KGS
• CNY (1)=12.50 KGS

Credit and Debit Cards: Credit and Debit Cards, like Visa and Mastercard, may be accepted at larger establishments in Bishkek. In most places, however, and definitely outside of Bishkek, cash is king.

ATMs: ATMs are relatively easy to find in Bishkek, with a few in other large cities, like Osh and Karakol. Some ATMs dispense US dollars (although I did not run into this). Try to determine how much cash you will need for a few days, but don’t carry too much at once for pickpocket issues (I didn’t have this problem either though).

Tipping: Tipping in not expected, but appreciated, although more expected in touristy areas. What, and when, you tip is at to your discretion.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: Safety

Kyrgyzstan is relatively safe, but pick-pocketing and petty theft do occur. Especially in touristy areas. Take normal precautions, always being vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Don’t carry too much cash and keep a close eye on your purse or wallet. Avoid walking around late at night, especially if traveling solo. Super especially if leaving bar areas late, as this has historically been a target area.

Always carry your passport or a certified copy of it. It is required by law.

From time to time, civic unrest can be a problem here. Steer clear of crowds and demonstrations and follow the advice of police authority. Especially in border areas, like the Kyrgyz-Uzbek and Kyrgyz-Tajik borders. Always check the latest situation on your government website. Sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), or a similar program in your country. They will alert you if able and necessary.

Kyrgyzstan is also prone to earthquakes, which can also cause landslides and avalanches if hiking in the mountains. Refer to the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination site to see warnings in advance.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: Scams

Generally Kyrgyzstan is safe, but there are always a few people trying to take advantage of tourists. Especially unofficial taxi drivers at Manas airport. Common scams in Kyrgyzstan are:

Taxi Scams

Taxi scams are a top issue in just about every country I’ve written about and, unfortunately, Kyrgyzstan is not different. Scammy taxi drivers will hang around Manas airport and try to negotiate a price with you. When you get into the vehicle or at your location, they will demand more money. It’s best to arrange transport with your accommodation in advance, use the bus from the airport (see below), or use a ride hailing app, like Yandex.

Fake Police

Fake police may try to ask for your paperwork and demand a bribe. Ask for their credentials if stopped or request to pay the fine at the station. It’s best to keep a few small bills separate from any other money you have so you can give this if really pressed.

Spiked Drinks

Always watch to see your drink opened (or made) and keep an eye on it so it does not get spiked. It’s best if you can open it yourself and keep a close watch on it. Never leave your drink (or food) unattended.

Altered ATMs

Use ATMs connected to banks or inside malls to minimize the chance that they have been altered. Visually scan the ATM machine before using. Especially scrutinizing the slot where you insert you card to make sure nothing has been added and look for cameras above the keypad where you enter your pin. Never accept help from a stranger at an ATM.

Kyrgyztsan Travel Guide: What Not To Do

• Carrying or using drugs is illegal in Kyrgyzstan, with a possible prison sentence and high fines.
• Drinking and driving is not tolerated in Kyrgyzstan. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve had any alcohol.
• It’s illegal to take photos of military buildings or security areas.
• Kyrgyzstan is a conservative country, so it’s respectful to dress and act conservatively here.

Getting Into And Around Kyrgyzstan

Fly In

International flights arrive at Manas International airport (FRU) in Bishkek.

Airport To Bishkek

Bishkek is located 25-minutes south of Manas airport with several options for transportation.

Private Driver

The easiest way to get to Bishkek is to arrange a driver to pick you up (your accommodation will help you arrange this). Although this will likely be the most expensive option, it should still be reasonable.

Taxi

Taxi offices are in the arrival hall to book an official taxi. Avoid the ‘unofficial’ taxi drivers all vying for your attention in the arrival hall (see taxi scams above). There are rise hailing apps (see below), and there is wifi in the airport, so if can can, book a taxi on your phone.

Mini Bus, or Marshrutka

Mini bus is the least expensive way to get to Bishkek. Use marshrutka 380, which takes you to the corner of Chuy and Gvardiya Boulevard. The cost is about 50 SOM. To see the drop-off location on maps.me, type in Marshrutka 380 after downloading the map of Bishkek. Ask at the airport where to find marshrutka 380.

There are several hostels nearby that are within walking distance of the drop off point.

Traveling Between Towns

Marshrutka

Marshrutka are Soviet mini buses with about 14 seats, usually leaving from bus stations, but also at the airport and select locations. The destination will be on a sign, usually in Russian, so make sure to translate your location in advance. They are not the most comfortable, but it’s a very inexpensive way to get around Kyrgyzstan (you can also take them up to Kazakhstan, another ex Soviet republic).

These buses do not leave at a set time, only when all seats are sold, so they’re also a bit inefficient timewise. As they are inexpensive, you can buy more than one seat if you are impatient.

The difficulty using these is trying to hail one coming back, especially as they don’t usually go to tourist destinations. For many key spots, you will need to be asked to be dropped off early, or take a taxi to your destination from the drop off point. This is common for tourists, so they will likely accommodate you if you’re nice.

Taxi

Taxis are fairly inexpensive (as long as you get an honest driver). You can use a ride hailing app if you prefer, like Yandex (available in Bishkek and Osh) or Namba, known as Bi Taxi (in Bishkek). There is also Navi Taxi, but their app is not in English.

Hitchhiking

When I planned to come here, I read warnings on US Government websites not to get into cars not marked as official taxis, but if you want independent travel and don’t want to rent a car, frankly, I found hitchhiking unavoidable! Because the marshrutka do not go to tourist locations, often your choices are a taxi or hitchhiking. And taxis are not always around.

If you choose to do this, realize you do it at your own risk, as things can definitely go wrong. What I learned, however, is that locals often act like taxis, picking up hitchhikers for a fee like a taxi would.

At first swearing to myself that I wouldn’t do this, I was in situations where I didn’t think I had a choice and tried it. Because those experiences were positive, I became more adventurous. Once, I put our my hand to gesture I needed a ride at Issyk Kul lake and immediately got a safe ride all 4-5 hours back!

Maybe I got lucky, but I quickly learned that the people here have a high level of integrity and want to help you. You just need to decide if this is right for you.

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Incredible Tours In Kyrgyzstan

If you only have a limited amount of time and want to see all the highlights above without the hassle of figuring out transportation, I recommend this tour, The Heart of Kyrgyzstan. It’s a 9 day tour that includes Bishkek, Burana Tower, Konorchek Canyon, Grigoriev Gorge, Karakol, Jeti Oguz, Fairy Tale Canyon, Song Kul Lake, and more.

Or, stay in Bishkek to enjoy its relaxed pace and take a tour to see the highlights around Issyk Kul Lake. I recommend The ultimate 5 day voyage around Issyk Kul lake. This tour, which picks you up from your hotel includes, Burana Tower, Konorchek Canyon, Grigoriev Gorge, horseback riding in Chen-Kevin National Park, Karakol, Jeti Oguz, Fairy Tale Canyon, a cruise (and possibly a swim) on Issyk-Kul Lake, a stay in a traditional yurt on the coast of the lake, and more. It really hits many the top spots in just 5 days.

Where To Stay In Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek

Bishkek makes the perfect base to see sites within the city, as well as make day trips to the great site nearby.

Shoestring

• Izzzi Hostel gets stellar reviews and is centrally located. There are lockers in the dorms and privacy panels on the beds.
• Nomad Inn is located about a 40-minute walk south of Ala Too Square. This inexpensive Inn is a little farther away. It offers twin beds and a shared kitchen.

Budget

• AURA on Kievskaya, 168 is a simple, but highly rated apartment is centrally located about a 20-minute walk west of Ala Too Square. There’s a full sized bed and kitchen. Also near Sierra Coffee, my favorite cafe here.
• Bishkek Promenade This centrally located apartment with 1 bedroom (full sized bed) and a kitchen, gets great reviews. It’s a 10-minute walk west of Ala Too Square.
• Logvinenko Apartment is a 1 bedroom apartment with a terrace and city views. It also has a kitchen. It gets great reviews and is located about a 10-minute walk north of Ala Too Square.
• Brand New One Bedroom Apartment With Amazing View Cozy 1 bedroom apartment with kitchen and balcony with amazing view. This one does not have many reviews yet, but the few it does have are very positive. It’s located about 10 to 15-minute walk east of Ala Too Square.

Affordable

• Orion Hotel If you want something more grand, Orion Hotel is a 5-star hotel located about  a 15 to 20-minute walk south of Ala Too Square. 

Ala Archa

Although you can visit Ala Archa as a day trip, it’s not easy to get to. This means it may be worth staying in the area a day or two. Especially if you pair it with Alamedin, below. Some places relatively close to Ala Archa National park include the places below. Keep in mind, however, that they all still require a taxi (or car) as the trails start about 7.5 miles (12 km) from the main gate.

Shoestring

• Guest House NAUKA#81 – about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the Ala Archa main gate. Each room at this inexpensive guesthouse comes with a patio with a garden view and a shared bathroom with a mountain view. 

Budget

• Olive Ala Archa Hotel – about 1.3 miles (2 km) from the main gate, this 3-star hotel offers terraces and mountain views.
• Happy Flower Guest House – about 4.8 miles (7.7 km) from the main gate, this guesthouse is located in Verkhnyaya Alaarcha. It has a shared dining and lounge space with a large woodburning fireplace and big-theater style TV.

Alamedin

If you want to stay in the gorgeous Alamedin area for a night, I recommend the following two options. Also, Guest House NAUKA#81 and Olive Ala Archa Hotel are 6 miles from Alamedin, while Happy Flower Guest House is 7 miles from Alamedin (under Ala Archa above). Staying here is a great way to combine trips to Ala Archa and Almadin (although you will need a car or to hire a taxi).

Budget

• RAHMAT Yurts are in Vorontsovskoye, 2.7 miles from Alamedin. This modern yurt is a great place to stay and enjoy traditional yurt living with a private bath and mountain views. It gets excellent reviews. One part of the yurt even has heated floors for warmth. Breakfast is included.

Affordable to Splurge (depending on room option).

• If you want all the comforts of a nice resort, Jannat Resort offers a restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center, spa, and a sauna. The rooms have mountain views and breakfast is included. Some reviews on this resort are mixed, it seems mainly due to high expectations. Make sure to read all the reviews before booking.

Where To Stay Near Konorchek Canyon

Balykchy is a small town on the western tip of Issyk-Kul lake. Konorchek canyon is only about 30 miles west of Balykchy, making it a great place to spend a night if you want more time to explore the Canyon. Especially if you want to explore more of the area around Issyk Kul Lake. These are both priced at shoestring level.

• I stayed in Tian-Shan Guesthouse, which has a shared lounge, garden, and BBQ area. All rooms feature a kitchen and a shared bathroom. A continental breakfast is available daily at the guesthouse.
• Guesthouse Oimo is another option. It also features a shared lounge, a terrace, a garden, and a continental breakfast.

Where to Stay Near Fairy Tale Canyon

Skazka, or Fairy Tale Canyon is in the center of the southern side of Issyk Kul lake. There are a few places I recommend formatting here, although some require taking a taxi, hitchhiking, or using a car to get to.

Budget

• Bel Tam Yurt Camp is located in the city of Tong, which is about 10 miles (16 km) west of Fairy Tale Canyon. These budget friendly yurts are managed by locals and sit on the beach of Issyk Kul Lake.
• Yurt Camp Skazka is a budget yurt camp in Tosor, not too far from Fairy Tale Canyon, about a 30-minute walk, making it somewhat convenient. This yurt camp looks good, with views of the lake and mountains here, but the few reviews it has are only ‘good’. Make sure to read all reviews before booking.

Affordable

• Glamping Skazka These luxury tents (not yurts), which look like geodomes, are also on Issyk Kul Lake, but in Tosor, very close to the entrance of Fairy Tale Canyon. The tent includes an internal, private bathroom with shower as well as a lake view, and mountain view.

Visa Information for Kyrgyzstan

US citizens and citizens from most EU countries can enter Kyrgyzstan for up to 60 days visa free (unless traveling for religious or business reasons). If you plan to stay longer that 60 days, know that you need to get this visa in advance of arrival. For more details, see Kyrgyzstan Tourism, Visa and Registration Issues.

Note that by law you must carry your passport, or a certified copy of it in Kyrgyzstan at all times, along with your permission, or visa to enter the country.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: Top Destination Blogs & Stories

Click the icons below for more detailed information on the key sites in Kyrgyzstan. Each provides more details on the locations noted, how to get there, how to get back, and more.

Safe travels!

Julie

If this travel guide has been useful in planning, or you’re just dreaming about visiting Kyrgyzstan add a comment or ask a question below.

To learn more about me and my philosophy on travel, see my, about me page.