Kyrgyzstan FAQ
General information:
1. In order to travel in Kyrgyzstan what documents I need to have?
If you're a citizen of visa free country you need to have passport.
2. Is it necessary to have copies of documents?
It is important to have copies of documents as well as on a virtual disk. If you don't have them it will be difficult with further stay in a foreign country and with returning home. Having copies of driver's licenses, tickets, hotel reservations, insurance will save your time.
3. In case of having problems who I should contact?
You will meet guide at the airport where he will give you his contact. During the whole tour he will be with you and if there are any problems, say it to him.
4. What actions do I need to take in case of loss of a passport?
At first you need to contact local police here you will get certificate with which you must go to the embassy or consulate of your country. There you will be interviewed and received a temporary certificate by which you can return home. To receive it you will take a photo and confirm your identity with an "internal" passport, driver's license or any other document with your photo. Copies are also allowed.
5. Where can I exchange money in Kyrgyzstan?
You can do it at exchange points or at banks which opened until 5. Furthermore you can change it at bazaars and village but the rate will be lower.
6. Can I use credit cards and ATMs?
You can use MasterCard and Visa in restaurants, shops and hotels. In regions it is better to bring cash. ATMs can be found easily in big cities but not in villages.
7. What is a transfer?
Travel delivery of a passenger (tourist or business traveler) to pre-agreed place.
8. How much time it will take to drive from the airport to hotel or vice versa?
It will take 30 km or 40 - 50 minutes if there is no traffic jam. Otherwise the road will take 1- 1:30 hour.
9. What amount of money is better to take?
It is up to you. But it is better to have 50 - 100 $ or euros. If you have money with a small value the exchange rate will be lower.
10. Is it possible to replace one tourist with another one?
It depends of what tour you have. If it multi-day or involves relaxing in a guesthouse, hotel and recreation center, the price includes travel tickets (railway, air), due to it you need to inform tour operator who confirmed the application will try to solve this issue. Please note: there are some one-day tour that require filling full name and passport details. In this case, replacing of the traveler can be done until the moment the lists of travelers are sent to the receiving party. If you are interested in whether this can be done, consult with the manager.
11. Is it necessary to be vaccinated?
There are some recommendations from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) for vaccination against: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
12. What currency is used in Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan has national currency - som.
13. What is the official religion of Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan is a secular country but the majority of people are Muslim (85 %).
14. What languages do Kyrgyz speak?
Kyrgyz - national language
Russian - official language
Mostly people here speak Russian, but in the countryside the Kyrgyz language prevails.
15. What is an individual tour?
It is a tour organized by custom's preference.
16. What is a homestay?
It is the house of host family in remote areas where you can experience the life of local people. The conditions at such houses are poorer but it cheaper. Usually the host families are members of CBT (Community Based Tourism) or Destinations (USAID project) so they try to correspond to all the needed requirements.
17. What is Single supplement?
It is the option of having room without sharing.
18. What is the meaning of following abbreviations: ROH, SGL, DBL, TRPL, QDPL, Ex. Bed, CHD, RO, RR, BB, HB, FB, ALL, Al, UAL, UAI?
ROH (run of the house) - accommodation in a room of any category at the discretion of the hotel.
SGL (single) - single accommodation.
DBL (double) - double accommodation; by default, a room can have either one double bed or two separate single (sometimes half) beds (twin).
TRPL (triple) - triple accommodation; a room can be both one double bed and one single bed, or three separate single beds (rarely).
QDPL (quadruple) - quad accommodation.
Ex. Bed (extra bed) - extra bed: folding bed or, more rarely, stationary.
CHD (child) - a child (usually up to 12 years old).
RO (room only) - accommodation without meals.
RR (room rate) - only accommodation without meals.
BB (Bed and Breakfast) - only breakfast is included.
HB (half board) - the price includes breakfast and dinner (sometimes breakfast and lunch).
FB (full board) - the price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
ALL, Al (all inclusive) - breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, snacks, drinks, various additional services.
UAL, UAI (ultra all inclusive) - an extended version of "All Inclusive": breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, snacks, drinks, various additional services, an additional assortment of dishes and desserts, additional free food in a la carte restaurants.
Food:
19. I am vegetarian. Is it possible to find vegetarian food in Kyrgyzstan?
You won't have any problems in Bishkek but it will be difficult to find it at the remote areas.
20. Can you arrange a special diet?
You need to inform us beforehand or tell about it to your guide upon arrival. Please, keep in mind the fact that it will be difficult to arrange entire menu.
21. What do Half Board and Full Board mean?
Half board - dinners all along your tour
Full board - all lunches and dinners during your trip
It is possible to choose days when you want FB or HB.
Entertainments:
22. Where can I become familiar with the traditional way of Kyrgyz life?
Kyrgyzstan is the country with wonderful culture that you can witness even nowadays. Such places can be found everywhere. The most interesting places are: Kochkor village, Bokonbaevo village, Kyzyl Tuu village. Kochkor village is famous for the creating traditional felt carpets, where it is possible to join of creating it. In Bokonbaevo village you can meet local eagle hunter that hunts with the help of eagle. It is the traditional way of hunting for such prey as hares and foxes. And Kyzyl Tuu village is popular due to the yurt workshop. It is the nomadic dwelling covered with felt coverings.
23. Where can I see horse riding games?
You can see them at different places for example: near Burana tower, at the Song- Kul lake, in Kyzyl Oi, in Chon Kemin gorge.
24. What are the best places to buy souvenirs?
You can find souvenirs practically everywhere but there are some well-known places: Kochkor where you will see masters and can buy souvenirs from them, Osh bazaar in Bishkek or in ZUM but it is more expensive though.
25. Do you have any rules for visiting bazaars?
Bazaar is place where you can experience life of the Eastern culture. But you also should pay attention to your surroundings because there is a chance to meet a pickpocket. Due to it put your documents and wallet to the safe place. It is also important remember that bazaar is the best place to create colorful photos, but before taking photo of people it is better to ask permission.
26. What are the national holidays in Kyrgyzstan?
14 holidays in Kyrgyzstan were approved:
January 1 - New Year;
January 7 - Christmas (Orthodox Christmas);
February 23 - Defenders of the Fatherland Day;
March 8 - International Women's Day;
March 21 - Nooruz;
April 7 - April Revolution Day;
May 1 - Labor Day;
May 5 - Constitution Day of the Kyrgyz Republic;
May 9 - Victory Day;
August 31 - Independence Day of Kyrgyzstan;
November 7 and 8 - Days of history and memory of ancestors;
Muslim holidays Orozo Ait and Kurman Ait set according to the lunar calendar.
Transport:
27. What kind of cars do you provide?
It is important to travel in comfort. That's why we are glad to notify you that our cars will be bring you it through whole tour. All our cars are air-conditioned and have very comfortable seats. Our drivers are experts with driving skills and wide knowledge.
Transport:
02-03 pax - Mitsubishi Delica
04-11 pax - 1 Mercedes Sprinter
12-22 pax - 2 Mercedes Sprinters
23-33 pax - 3 Mercedes Sprinters or big bus
34-44 pax - 4 Mercedes Sprinters or big bus
28. Can I bring a pet with me?
You must have a veterinarian health certificate with the seal of the local Board of Health that was issued maximum ten days before to arrival. Pets must have been vaccinated against rabies within 12 months and 30 days prior arrival.
Other:
29. Can I bring alcoholic drinks to any of Stans?
Yes, you can according your airline rules.
30. What is the age limit for buying alcohol?
It is allowed to buy alcohol if you are older 18 years old.
31. What kind of rosette is used in Kyrgyzstan?
European type - C which has two round parallel contacts and does not have a third ground pin. The voltage here is 220 V.
32. Is it allowed to take photos in Kyrgyzstan?
Is it allowed but there are some places where you need to pay or it is forbidden at all. If you are not sure about it, ask a guide.
33. Is it dangerous to walk in the evening?
It is safe, but try to avoid deserted and unlit streets.
34. Is it safe to drink tap water?
Yes, but if you not sure you can boil it or buy bottled water.
35. Is it possible to take money as a souvenir?
Yes, it is or you can exchange them.
36. What should I avoid to do in Kyrgyzstan?
There are many people that want to travel in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia.
Winter
Winter is rather cold and snowy, severely at high elevations. The average temperature in the winter is about + 1 °C (34 °F). In the middle of December and in the second half of February there are first frosts. One of the coldest months is January when the minimal average temperature is -10 °C. The temperature becomes colder at high altitudes. Precipitations like heavy snowfalls are typical for highlands not in lowlands. During winter it's impossible to pass mountains treks and paths, as most local boarding houses are closed. But, winter is the season of winter sports. Near Karakol town in Tian Shan Mountains one of the largest resorts is located.
Spring
Spring climate is rather mild with the first hot days of May. March starts with thawing, April and May with rainfalls that cause the threat of flood from snow melting in different areas and before setting off for a tour you are advised to bear that in mind. With heavy rains most of local paths can be passed. Spring is known for temperature to be about + 16 °C (60 °F), it is the season of new fresh buds bloom, animals awaken and the earth seems to be rebirthing. In Spring farmers and gardeners plant the seeds, than temperatures slowly rise. All these vary on the location, but in mountains it happens rather slowly.
Summer
Summer is the time of warm temperatures that rise above 35 °C (95°F). In the summer temperature can even rise at about 45° C (113° F). It is rather cooler in mountains, in the dependence with altitudes, during summer in mountains it can be rather freezing. Summer is the time when Kyrgyzstan should be investigated.
You are free to visit mountain lakes, green pastures and panoramic view peaks during a tour. Nomadic Kyrgyz people are glad to give a stay in yurts - nomadic timber homes. In summer it is high time to ride a horse, to hike and trek. Small and big mountain lakes, as Issyk Kul are open for swimming for those who travel.
To have a convenient boarding house you should take care of it beforehand, as booking during summer period is a complex process.
Autumn
Autumn is the time of bright colors of trees and plants. September is a month, when weather is still warm and hot like in the summer. In case you don't want to travel in crowded places in hot weather, autumn is a perfect time to avoid all it. Mountain gorges are overwhelmingly beautiful during this time, as the trees become yellow, orange and red, with fir trees still green. Mountain tops are white, that give us a view of fascinating weather. The average temperature is + 16 °C (60 °F), maximum of which is + 3 °C (37.5 °F). With every high altitude it becomes cooler.
Autumn is a period for taking photo tours. A remarkable background is made with great yellow fields, people and tractors working on it, and white-topped mountains of course. And you can view all these in the course of a tour. In November it becomes colder and rainy, and roads are closed.
Please, find out more information here:
History of Tien Shan Mountains
Holidays of Kyrgyzstan
Sights and highlights Issyk Kul lake
Traditional drinks of Kyrgyz people
