Why Visit Kyrgyzstan?
First off, within Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan has one of the easiest entry procedures of all the Stan countries, with many nationalities being exempt from the visa requirement. And even if you are not exempt, you can easily obtain one at Manas International Airport with options ranging from 30 to 90 days for single or multiple entries. Additionally, you can use Bishkek as a base to obtain visas for surrounding countries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.
Secondly, Kyrgyzstan has some of the best mountains and countless alpine lakes in Central Asia. You can trek, ride horses, or spend some time with nomadic families in traditional yurts. There is something for all types of travelers here.
When To Visit Kyrgyzstan?
Summer (July-August) is, hands down, the best time to visit Kyrgyzstan. Most of the hiking trails are open during this time, with some trails having locals providing supplies and tents along the way, so you don't have to carry your own stuff. Additionally, during the high season, there is a higher chance for you to join up with other travelers, rent a jeep, and go somewhere remote without having to pay for the entire jeep by yourself.
How to Get to Kyrgyzstan?
There are plenty of flights via Aeroflot or Air Astana that fly into Bishkek from Europe and Asia. Be sure to browse through Skyscanner or Expedia before comparing prices so that you will get the cheapest flight possible.
How To Get Around Kyrgyzstan?
Like with all other post-Soviet states, a marshrutka (minivan) is the cheapest way to get around the city or between cities. You can easily go to a bus station in Bishkek, and there will be people shouting the name of the city you want to go to. Just tell one of the people there, and you will be on your way. However, keep in mind that they will leave only when the van is filled up, and some roads are terrible, so expect to spend a full day traveling somewhere.
Within cities like Bishkek or Osh, you can easily find a shared taxi or private taxi on the streets, but make sure to negotiate the price.
For traveling from Bishkek to Osh, you have two options. One is a $30 flight, which takes around 30 minutes. The other option is a $15 bus that takes approximately 15 hours. If you are short on time, I suggest going with the plane. However, if you have time to spare and want to see the countryside, a bus is a better option for you.
Daily Budget
This place is quite affordable compared to all the other countries in the world. If you are planning a trip here, you can expect to spend around $25 - $45 USD per day per person, which should include accommodation and three meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Kyrgyzstan?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Kyrgyzstan:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.