Group trips to Kyrgyzstan

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Kyrgyzstan, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Kyrgyzstan – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Kyrgyzstan is in the Kyrgyzstan Time Zone, which is 6 hours ahead of the UK. So, if it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 6pm in Kyrgyzstan. If you are in the USA, the time difference will depend on your specific location. If it is 12pm Eastern Time, it will be 10pm in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains consistent throughout the year.

The currency used in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS). The exchange rate can vary, but as a rough guide:

• 1 GBP is approximately 115 KGS
• 1 USD is around 87 KGS
• 1 EUR is about 100 KGS

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, or at the airport for convenience.

Cash and card payments are both widely accepted in Kyrgyzstan. Credit and debit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are commonly used in larger cities like Bishkek. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, you might find that cash is still preferred. ATMs are available in urban areas for you to withdraw local currency if needed. Always have some cash on hand for markets or small vendors.

Tipping in Kyrgyzstan is not a common practice, but it's appreciated if you receive excellent service. In restaurants, you might want to leave a small tip around 5 to 10 percent of the bill if you feel satisfied with the service. In taxis, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture, but not necessary. For tour guides and hotel staff, a small tip is appreciated but not expected. Always tip in the local currency, Kyrgyzstani Som, and hand it directly to the person you're tipping.

In Kyrgyzstan, buying a local SIM card is a good idea if you want to stay connected. You can purchase a SIM card from major providers like Beeline, O!, or Megacom at the airport or in the city. They offer affordable data plans.

Wi-Fi is available in most urban areas, especially in cafes, restaurants, and hotels, but it might be less reliable in rural regions. For consistent internet access, a local SIM card is recommended.

In Kyrgyzstan, the primary languages spoken are Kyrgyz and Russian. Kyrgyz is the official state language, while Russian is widely used in government and business. You might find these colloquial expressions useful:

• Hello: "Салам" (Salam)
• Thank you: "Рахмат" (Rakhmat)
• Please: "Суранам" (Suranam)
• Yes: "Ооба" (Ooba)
• No: "Жок" (Zhok)

In Kyrgyzstan, the electrical plugs are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. These plugs are similar to the ones used in many European countries, but they are different from those in the UK and USA. We recommend you bring a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug type to ensure all your electronics can be charged without any issues.

In Kyrgyzstan, the main religion is Islam, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. When visiting, especially in rural areas or during religious holidays, we recommend you dress modestly, particularly women.

Important religious holidays include:

• Ramadan, which is a month of fasting
• Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of Ramadan

Keep in mind that during Ramadan, some restaurants may have reduced hours.

Kyrgyzstan offers stunning landscapes and diverse weather, so packing smart is key. Here's a handy list to help you get your backpack ready:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight layers for varying temperatures
  • Warm jacket for chilly nights
  • Comfortable hiking pants
  • T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts
  • A hat for sun protection
• Shoes:
  • Sturdy hiking boots for mountain trails
  • Comfortable sneakers for city exploration
  • Sandals for relaxing days
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses for bright days
  • Portable charger for devices
  • Camera to capture beautiful scenery
  • Power bank
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo)
  • Sunscreen for sun protection
  • Insect repellent for outdoor activities
  • Common travel medication like motion sickness pills, pain relievers, and anti-diarrheal tablets

Prepare for a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences with this packing list!

Kyrgyzstan's weather can vary significantly depending on the region:

• Bishkek and the Chuy Valley: Mild winters with temperatures around freezing, and hot, dry summers reaching up to 35°C. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant.
• Issyk-Kul Lake: The lake moderates the climate, with milder winters and cooler summers, making it a popular year-round destination.
• Naryn and At-Bashi: These areas are colder, with long, harsh winters and cool, short summers.
• High Mountain Regions: Expect cold conditions year-round, with snow in the winter and cool temperatures in the summer.

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is from June to September when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities.