Kyrgyzstan

Dominated by towering mountains and breathtaking natural beauty, the Kyrgyz Republic in Central Asia is not a well known travel destination, despite the fact that it is one of the most welcoming republics in the region.

Kyrgyzstan boasts some of the highest mountains in the world with 23 peaks over 19,685 feet (6,000m), and is often referred to as the 'Switzerland of Central Asia'. The challenge of climbing these remote giants of nature has long been an irresistible lure for mountaineers, although for most of the 20th century the area was off-limits to foreigners outside of the Soviet Union. Ala-Archa National Park includes approximately 20 glaciers and 50 peaks and offers dozens of horse trekking, hiking, climbing and skiing possibilities. The mountains are also home to lakes, including Lake Issyk-Kul, which at 105 miles (170km) long and 43 miles (70km) wide is the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America; the less touristy Song Kul; and Jeti Oguz, which has some spectacular mountain formations and thermal springs. Another popular attraction in Kyrgyzstan is the walnut forests of Arslanbob.

Among this abundance of natural splendour lies the attractive capital city of Bishkek, famous for being one of the greenest cities in the world thanks to its profusion of trees and parks, while the ancient city of Osh near the Uzbekistan border is allegedly 3,000 years old and is full of historical interest. Osh is also famous for its lively market, which is reputedly one of the most colourful in all of Central Asia.

The Kyrgyz, the country's largest ethnic group, are traditionally nomadic herders having originated from Siberia in the 13th century. Their nomadic habits continue today as families herd their sheep, yaks and horses back up to the mountain pastures (jailoo) every summer where they live in round hide tents known as yurts. The tradition of horse riding is part and parcel of the Kyrgyz culture and numerous festivals and games are centred on this activity. Hospitality is another key function of their way of life and visitors will find it difficult to pass by without an invitation to share in a drink of fermented horse milk, or kumys, an acquired taste by anybody's standards.

Climate

Kyrgyzstan's climate is extremely diverse due largely to its mountainous landscape. Most of the country is temperate with little rainfall and lots of sunshine, but the south-western Ferghana Valley area is subtropical with very hot summers. Generally the lowlands average 21-24°F (-6°C to -4°C) in January and 61-75°F (16-24°C) in July, while the highland mountainous areas range from 46-54°F (8-12°C) in summer and 7°F to -4°F (-14°C to -20°C) in winter. Snowfall in winter is heavy.

Money

The official currency is the Som (KGS), which is divided into 100 tyiyn. US dollars are the easiest foreign currency to exchange at banks and official exchange offices. Major hotels in Bishkek usually accept credit cards, but Kyrgyzstan is predominantly a cash economy. Few ATMs are often hard to come by: Bishkek has plenty, while tehre are a few in Osh and Issyk-Kul. Travellers exchanging money in Kyrgyzstan should note that they'll get a better exchange rate by changing larger bills, and that many counters will not accept dirty or or wrinkled notes.

Passport Visa

Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Kyrgyzstan. This visa is valid for one month, and costs between USD 40 and USD 100. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. British passport holders endorsed British Citizen can obtain a visa on arrival (see note, below). British passport holders with other endorsement can also obtain a visa on arrival, PROVIDED THAT they are holding confirmation of a pre-arranged visa.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival, PROVIDED THAT travellers are holding confirmation of a pre-arranged visa.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Health

There is a risk of malaria from June to November in Kyrgyzstan, mainly in the areas bordering Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, but most cases are in areas rarely frequented by tourists and a generous amount of bug spray should be sufficient to ward off the disease. Visitors are recommended to drink bottled water only. Medical care and medical supplies are limited and it may be difficult to find someone who speaks English. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised, which should include air evacuation.

Embassy Consulates

• Kyrgyzstan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 449 9822.
• Kyrgyzstan Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7935 1462.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Bishkek: +996 (0)312 551 241.
• British Honorary Consul, Bishkek: +996 (0)312 584 245.
• Canadian Honorary Consulate, Astana, Kazakhstan (also responsible for Kyrgyzstan): +7 (7172) 790 364.
• Australian Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Kyrgyzstan): +7 (495) 956 6070.
• South African Embassy, Astana, Kazakhstan (also responsible for Kyrgyzstan): + 7 7172 925 326.
• Irish Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Kyrgyzstan): +7 (495) 937 5911.
• New Zealand Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Kyrgyzstan): +7 (495) 956 3579.