Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP¨TIP
Kyrgyztan's towns
aren't attractions in
themselves, only bases
for exploring the coun-
tryside, and our sug-
getions are jut initial
pointers. The bet way
to explore is to simply
head out into
jailoos
and hills and ind your
own way. But remem-
ber that everything is
seasonal.
Visas & Permits
At least 60 nationalities can visit Kyrgyzstan without visas,
including citizens of Korea, Japan, most major Western
countries and former Soviet countries. Many visitors who
do need a visa can arrange for one on arrival through an
agency. Border-zone permits are required for visiting some
border zones but this generally only affects mountaineers
climbing in the highest mountain areas. For more informa-
tion on visas, see p309.
COSTS
Relative¨Cot
Marginally the cheapet tate in Central Asia.
Daily¨Expenses
¨
Hostel dorm (Bishkek) 400-900som, midrange
hotel US$30-80
¨
Street snack 15-40som, basic self-service cafeteria
meal 60-100som
¨
Good restaurant meal in Bishkek 400som
¨
1L of petrol 42som
Price¨Ranges
¨
Sleeping
(for two people) $ <2000som, $$ 2000-
5000som, $$$ >5000som
¨
Eating
(main course) $ <100som, $$ 100-300som,
$$$ >300som
Fast Facts
¨
Area
198,500 sq km
¨
Capital
Bishkek
¨
Country¨code
%
996
¨
Languages
Kyrgyz,
Russian
¨
Population
5.6 million
¨
Famous¨for
Yurts, hats,
horsemen
Exchange Rates
COUNTRY UNIT SOM
Australia
A$1
45.6som
Canada
C$1
47.5som
Itineraries
¨
One¨week
Head for Lake Issyk-Köl where Karakol makes an
ideal base for a few days skiing or hiking in the alpine valleys,
depending on the season.
¨
Two¨weeks
If you're heading to Uzbekistan from
Kyrgyzstan, apply for your Uzbek visa in Bishkek. While it's
being processed visit Issyk-Köl and Song-Köl, then return
to Bishkek to collect your visa. From Bishkek, head to the
Fergana Valley via Osh, stopping in pretty Arslanbob en
route.
¨
One¨month
With more time, you can add a two-week pre-
arranged horse-trek, mountaineering or trekking expedition
to the two-week itinerary.
China
Y1
8.0som
Euro zone €1
62.3som
Japan
¥100 49som
NZ
NZ$1 39.6som
Russia
R10
14.9som
UK
UK£1 77.2som
USA
US$1 49.2som
Resources
¨
www.celestial.com.kg
¨
www.cbtkyrgyzstan.kg
¨
www.helvetas.kg
¨
www.kyrgyzstan.orexca.
com
¨
www.timesca-europe.com
