Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Trip Planner
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Kyrgyzstan Overview
The country of Kyrgyzstan has a 2,000-year-old recorded history. A stopover point on the famous Silk Route for travelers from and to the Far East, this region had mostly been under foreign rule, until its independence in 1991. This Central Asian mountainous country is landlocked, bordered by Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and China. The Tian Shan Mountain Range is the prominent geological feature, which surrounds the ancient Silk Route. So, your Kyrgyzstan travel guide will be full of trips through rugged mountains and valleys of this region.
Visa Procedures for Entry into Kyrgyzstan
As per current policy of the country, the citizens of 45 countries can travel to Kyrgyzstan without a visa and stay for 30 days. A further 20 countries’ citizens are allowed to acquire Kyrgyzstan visa upon arrival. In case the duration of stay is more than a month, standard visa application procedure needs to be followed. Travelers from the rest of the world need to obtain a Visa Support letter from the Consular Department of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Kyrgyzstan before they apply for a visa at the Embassy.
Best Time of Travel to Kyrgyzstan
The months from April to October are the best time to visit Kyrgyzstan to enjoy the various hiking trails and ‘jailoos’ (grassy pastures) of the mountainous country. Specifically, the months of June to September are ideal as the weather is mild and warm and there is little snow on the mountain passes. The winter season receives heavy snowfalls; it becomes difficult to travel in the region which also encounters landslides and avalanches. The winter sports enthusiasts may enjoy the Kyrgyzstan winter, though, with the deep snows, virgin slopes and fewer crowds.
Some Places You Must Visit in Kyrgyzstan
You may enjoy hiking and horse-riding during your visit here; these are two of the top things to do in Kyrgyzstan. A stay in the traditional ‘yurt’ (removable mountain tents made of felt) is another experience you may indulge in. The ancient city of Osh, which also contains Mount Sulayman, a revered religious site for Muslims, will definitely feature in best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan. Also, do not forget to visit Lake IssykKul, the 2nd biggest Alpine lake in the world.
Transportation Mediums in Kyrgyzstan
You may decide on the solution of how to reach Kyrgyzstan by traveling to Bishkek city’s Manas airport. Domestic flights are also available within the regions of Batken, Osh and Jalalabad. Land transport is best enjoyed through a journey by bus, which will be comparatively slower but more enjoyable with multiple stops along the way. Private and shared taxis are also freely available.
What to Eat and Where to Stay in Kyrgyzstan
‘Besbarmak’ is a typical Kyrgyz dish, which consists of horse meat or mutton boiled in its own broth, then served with noodles and eaten by hand. Laghman is thick handmade noodles served with soup made of onions, carrots, pepper, meat and herbs. Good Accommodation options include the Tes Guesthouse or StaryGorod Hostel in Osh, Asia Mountains 1 hotel or Sabyrbek’s Hostel in Bishkek.
The country of Kyrgyzstan is fast becoming an alternative, off-the-beaten-track tourist destination with its pristine, ruggedly beautiful mountains and ancient, nomadic people.