Kyrgyzstan

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Quick Facts

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Capital

Bishkek

Population

4,893,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Islam, Christianity (Russian Orthodox)

Languages

Kyrgyz, Russian

Calling Code

+996

Nationality

Kyrgyzstani

Local name

Kyrgyz: Кыргызстан; Russian: Киргизия

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Introduction

Karakol Valley

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Kyrgyzstanis are a warm, inviting sort of people: it's likely that you'll be welcomed into homes with as little as an introduction to acquaint you. That said, most travellers' first reason for coming to Kyrgyzstan is not to sit and chat with the locals. Kyrgyzstan is a place of stunning natural beauty, chiefly due to the mountainous terrain which occupies it. The snow-covered peaks of Tian Shan march along the southeastern border, delivering breathtaking views and great opportunities for adventure. Though few people are aware of it, Kyrgyzstan has skiing and mountaineering possibilities to match the best of 'em - the only difference is that there are fewer tourists (and, understandably, less tourist facilities). But the country's on the rise: with desperately little to sell the outside world, Kyrgyzstan is actively promoting itself as one of Central Asia's best destinations.

Brief History

Geography

Regions/Provinces

Kyrgyzstan is made up of 7 provinces. The capital, Bishkek, is an independent city with the status of a province.

• Batken Province
• Chui Province
• Jalal-Abad Province
• Naryn Province
• Osh Province
• Talas Province
• Issyk-Kul Province

Cities

• Bishkek - The capital
• Osh
• Karakol
• Karabalta
• Jalalabad
• Uzgen

Sights and Activities

Lake Issyk Kul

Lake Issyk Kul is a beautiful lake, and the largest in the country, located in the northwest of the country. In fact, it is the second largest alpine lake in the world and the surrouding area comprises snow-capped Tien Shan mountains at an elevation of 3000 to 4000 meters above sea level. The lake itself is at 1300 to 1600 meters. There are many activities here and it is one of the most favorite places in Kyrgyzstan to go hiking into the mountains surrounding the lake. There are also many beaches along its shore which are popular for swimming and sunning, although the water is cold, even in summer. Karakol is one of the most popular places along the shores of the lake and there are many things to explore from here.

Ala-Archa National Park

This beautiful national park is only about an hour away from the capital Bishkek. The park has many things to offer travellers, including walking, trekking and climbing. There are magnificent hikes to glaciers and waterfalls and experienced hikers even can climb to the Ak-Sai Canyon and Ak-Sai Glacier which are surrounded by fantastic hih peaks.

Altyn Arashan

Altyn Arashan is located a short drive east of Karakol and is located in the extreme east of the country. Altyun Arashan is a beautiful mountain gorge with very spectacular roads which are only navigatable by four-wheel drive trucks. The area is at 3000 metres above sea level and known for its curative hot springs as well. The valley is a very popular place amongst trekkers and climbers but there are more easy day walks to offer travelles as well.

Other sights and activities

• Lake Song Kul
• Burana Tower
• Torugart Pass - the famous pass between China and Kyrgyzstan, on the road between Bishkek and Kashgar.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Kyrgyzstan has a bitter climate, with harsh conditions, especially during the long and cold wintermonths of November to March. Much of the country is at higher altitude so much of the country has got summers which are not overly hot. Rain or snow is possible year round but on average it is a dry country. Spring and autumn are wetter than the rest of the year when sunny and dry conditions rule the country. In the lower parts of Kyrgyzstan, summers are around 27 degrees maximum, and around 15 degrees at night. During winter, temperatures are between -5 and -15 degrees but also here temperatures can drop well below -30 degrees sometimes.

Getting there

Plane

Kyrgyzstan Airlines is the national airline of Kyrgyzstan with its base at Manas International Airport (FRU) near the capital Bishkek. It operates a limited number of international flights to Delhi, Ürümqi, Karachi, Dushanbe and Incheon (Seoul). Connections with Europe are directly with another airline Kyrgyzstanwhich has charter flights to and from Frankfurt. BMI has flights to London while Istanbul is served by Turkish Airlines. There are also several flights to Moscow from another smaller international at Osh (OSS).

Train

Kyrgyzstan - Kazakhstan/Russia vv
Two trains a week link the capitals of Russia and Kyrgyzstan. From Moscow, trains leave on Thursdays and Sundays at 11.15pm, arriving in Bishkek on Mondays and Thursdays at 2.30 at night. Trains leave Bishkek around 10 in the morning on Mondays and Thursdays, arriving in Moscow on Thursdays and Sundays just after 3 in the afternoon.
Trains go via Almaty in Kazakhstan.

By Car

There are many border crossings to get to and from Kyrgyzstan, including the one mentioned below but several more if you have a 4wd, especially crossing into Kazakhstan or Tajikistan. Arrange your visa and documentation (international driving permit, insurance, green card) and you won't face more problems than a long row or so.

By Bus

There are many daily bus and minibus connections between Bishkek and Almaty in Kazakhstan.
Buses also go about three times daily to Tashkent in Uzbekistan. Note that these buses travel through Kazakhstan and you have to arrange a transit visa for this route. From the east, you can take a taxi or minibus from Osh to Dustlyk/Dostyk and then get a shared taxi to Andijon. Direct cars to Tashkent are available from Osh Guesthouse. To China, you can take the Torugart Pass (3752 meters) but you need to arrange Chinese transport before you leave as well. The newer and easier border crossing is the Irkeshtam Pass linking Kashgar with Osh and the Fergana Valley. There are no restrictions like at the Torugart and you can take taxis, hitch on trucks etc.
To Tajikistan, the main border crossing for travellers is at the Bor Döbo checkpoint on the Pamir Hwy, between Murgab district and Sary Tash. To travel on the Pamir Hwy you need a permit. From the Fergana Valley it’s possible to cross from Batken to Isfara in Tajikistan.

Getting Around

By Plane

Several airlines offer domestic connections from Bishkek to Cholpan-Ata, Kara-Kol, Naryn and Osh. Planes and maintenance are not the international standard type and although accidents these days are rare, there have been problems very recently with Itek Air for example. If you can, travel overland.

By Train

There is only one railway line offering regular passenger services. It runs from Bishkek to Balikchi at the western end of Lake Issyk-Kul. You can reach Osh from Uzbekistan. There are plans for a north-south line in the future.

By Car

You can only rent cars with a driver and prices are relatively high. Petrol shortages are a thing to bear in mind as well. For temporary residents it is possible to get a licence and drive yourself. You need an international driving permit and a few photos.

By Bus

Buses and minibuses go to most major cities and towns, but services are slow, crowded, uncomfortable and can be dangerous as well. Shared taxis are a much better way to get around. Prices are higher but it is much more reliable and faster as well.

By Boat

Other than an organised trip on Lake Issyk-Kul, there are no means to travel around by boat in this highland country.

Red Tape

The following nationalities can enter without a visa;
Azerbaijan, Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Cuba, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Poland, Russia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Vietnam, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Croatia, Czech Republic, Serbia and Japan.

Tourist visas can be obtained at the airport or without and LOI (Letter of Invitation) at the country of origin (or nearest embassy) and visas are valid for a month, extended for two is possible:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Israel, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Cyprus, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Moncao, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, United States, Finland, France, Switzerland and Sweden.

Money

See also: Money Matters

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also: Travel Health

Safety

See also: Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

See also: International Telephone Calls

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