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Travel Guide
Visiting Kyrgyzstan
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Top Attractions in Kyrgyzstan
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Lake Issyk-Kul
One of the world's largest and deepest mountain lakes, Issyk-Kul stretches 182 kilometres across a high-altitude basin encircled by the snow-capped Tian Shan ranges at an elevation of 1,609 metres. Its name means 'hot lake' in Kyrgyz, a reference to the fact that it never freezes despite the surrounding peaks, and its remarkably clear waters warm to a comfortable temperature for swimming in summer. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the lake draws visitors to its beaches, yurt camps along the shore, and boat trips across its luminous blue expanse.
UNESCO World Heritage
Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain
Rising above the city of Osh and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, Sulaiman-Too is considered the most complete example of a sacred mountain in Central Asia, revered continuously for over 1,500 years. Its five peaks hold 101 identified sites with petroglyphs depicting humans, animals, and geometric forms, as well as 17 places of worship still in active use, including a mosque built by the Timurid emperor Babur in the 16th century. The mountain served as a landmark for traders and pilgrims on the Silk Roads and offers an atmospheric walk through layers of pre-Islamic and Islamic spiritual heritage.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Kyrgyzstan. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Kyrgyzstan.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 103 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Kyrgyzstan see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police102
Ambulance103
Fire101
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Kyrgyzstan
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Kyrgyzstan page at Yoogo.
The local currency is the Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS). Cash is the dominant payment method across the country, and while Visa and Mastercard are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants in Bishkek and Osh, carrying local currency is essential for markets, rural guesthouses, and smaller towns. ATMs are readily available in major cities.
Kyrgyzstan is generally considered safe for travellers, with most trips passing without incident, particularly in popular areas such as Issyk-Kul, Bishkek, and Osh. Petty crime such as pickpocketing occurs in crowded places, and travellers are advised to remain aware of their surroundings and to keep copies of important documents separate from originals. Border areas, particularly those adjoining Tajikistan, carry additional risks and should be researched carefully before any travel there.
Shared minibuses known as marshrutkas connect most cities and towns and are the most common and affordable form of intercity transport. Taxis, both metered and negotiated, are widely available in urban areas, and apps such as Yandex Go operate in Bishkek and Osh. For remote mountain destinations and the backcountry, hiring a 4x4 vehicle with a driver or joining an organised tour is the practical choice.
The prime season runs from June to September, when mountain passes are open, the high-altitude jailoos (summer pastures) are dotted with yurt camps, and temperatures are pleasant across the country. July and August offer the best conditions for trekking and lake swimming, while September brings golden landscapes and quieter trails. Winter, from December to February, suits those visiting specifically for skiing at the Karakol resort, though travel to mountain areas can be challenging.
Kyrgyz and Russian are both official languages, with Kyrgyz predominating in rural areas and Russian widely used in cities, business, and between people of different ethnic backgrounds. English is not widely spoken outside the tourism industry, though younger city residents and staff at guesthouses and tour agencies in Bishkek and Osh increasingly have a working knowledge of it. Learning a few words of Kyrgyz or Russian is warmly received by locals.
Vaccinations commonly recommended for Kyrgyzstan include hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine immunisations such as tetanus and diphtheria; hepatitis B is also advised for longer stays or those likely to have close contact with local communities. There is no significant malaria risk in standard tourist areas. Water from taps and streams should be treated or avoided in favour of bottled water, and travellers should consult a travel health clinic well before departure for personalised advice.