How to travel to Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan contains some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on the planet, with enormous peaks and truly wild and remote nature.
It also played an important role on the ancient Silk Road and there is history oozing out of its towns and villages.
The country is a haven for hiking, trekking and horse riding in the summer and skiers in the winter, meanwhile the country is also home to unique nomadic cultures, which you can experience first hand.
If you want to soak up some of the most pristine nature on the planet, then Kyrgyzstan should be high up on your hit list.
Where is Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan is right in the heart of Central Asia, with Kazakhstan to its north, Uzbekistan to its west, Tajikistan to its south and China to its east.
It sits at the crossroads of many different cultures as a result and due to its strategic position, the country played an important role in the ancient Silk Road.
What is it like in Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan is a largely mountainous country, with stunning peaks – some which reach up to 7,439 metres. The mountainous landscape makes large sections of the nation remote and untouched by parts of modern society.
It’s a natural paradise due to these reasons and boasts a number of impressive alpine lakes, including Issyk Kul, one of the deepest and largest in terms of volume on the planet.
The country also contains dense forests and teems with wildlife, making it popular for hikers, horse trekkers and skiers in the colder months (of which there are many).
However, don’t think the country only offers mountains, it also has portions of desert to its northern, western and southeastern borders – providing its own challenges and remote characteristics.
These starkly different climatic areas are intersected by ancient towns and cities, which show signs of their historic past as important trading centres on the old Silk Road, including Osh and the capital Bishkek.
The nation also has a diverse cultural make up of a traditional Kyrgyz population, Slavs, Islamic influences and various nomadic communities, which make it such a vibrant and intriguing destination.
Do you need a visa for Kyrgyzstan?
People from EU nations, the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a number of countries across the Middle East and South America can stay in Kyrgyzstan visa free for 60 days.
Citizens of Ukraine, Serbia and Mongolia can stay up to 90 days visa free and there is a further list of nationalities who can stay for an indefinite period visa free (largely former Soviet nations).
You can find out more information here or email – info@untamedborders.com – for further details.
Can you fly to Kyrgyzstan?
Most flight connections from major international hubs arrive into the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek.
However, there are also good connections to the city of Osh, from other destinations in the wider Central Asian region, along with Turkey.
Can you cross land borders into Kyrgyzstan?
The Kyrgyz have land borders open with all their neighbouring countries – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China and Tajikistan.
However, the process can be slow and chaotic depending what border you are aiming to cross.
Untamed Borders runs both private and group trips to Kyrgyzstan. For more information or advice about travelling to the nation please email – info@untamedborders.com