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Associated with the Khan Tengri Mountains and the Epic of Manas, Kyrgyzstan is one of the Turkic republics in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked and mountainous country. Kyrgyzstan, located at the intersection of different civilizations throughout history, has a very colorful culture. Being located on trade routes such as the historical Silk Road is an important factor in having such a culture. Kyrgyzstan hosts many visitors every year with its unique nomadic culture, historical texture, and natural beauties.

Kyrgyzstan General Information

Language	Kyrgyz, Russian
Capital City	Bishkek
Continent	Central Asia
Population	6,2 million
Local Time	GMT+6
Currency	Kyrgyzstani Som
Plug Type	C, F
Mean Yearly Temperature	11.7°C
Climate	Continental
Area	199.951 km²
Government	Parliamentary Republic
Vegetation	Meadow
Livelihood	Tourism, Agriculture
Phone Code	+996

Official Language

The official language in Kyrgyzstan is Kyrgyz. However, Russian is widely spoken, especially in the northern regions. English is also one of the most spoken languages.

Climate

The fact that Kyrgyzstan is far from the sea and has a high range affects the climate to a great extent. The foothills of the mountains are influenced by hot desert winds. In the highlands, a cold climate prevails. There is a rainy climate in the region. The mountain ranges in the west and north receive average annual precipitation of 600-900 mm, southern slopes of 200-335 mm, and high valleys of 100-150 mm. The temperature difference between summer and winter, day and night is very high.

Local Time

Kyrgyzstan uses GMT+6 time zone.

Currency

The currency of Kyrgyzstan is Kyrgyzstani Som.

Area

Most of the country's territory is covered with mountains. Mountains up to 3000 meters cover more than half of the land. The Kokpaalatau Mountain Range, which is part of the God Mountains, forms the natural border with China. The peaks of the high mountains are covered with snow in four seasons. Numerous short rivers flow from the mountains down. Its main streams are Narin, Tar, Kubash and Kyzyl Su. Issyk Lake, the second-largest crater lake in the world, is located in the territory of Kyrgyzstan.

Livelihood

The country's economy is based on agriculture and mining. It has an agricultural economy which is mainly dominated by the livestock sector. The main agricultural products are wheat, cotton, sugar beet, corn, tobacco, vegetables, and fruit. Racehorses are raised in the mountainous regions, rabbits are fed, beekeeping is done. Ovine breeding is most common in the country. In Kyrgyzstan, when various materials were started to be extracted in the 1970s, the financial sector developed rapidly. Machinery, automotive, food, cement, glass and canning factories are the main industrial enterprises. The hydroelectric power plants installed on the rivers contribute significantly to the economy. There are around 600 industrial establishments in the country.

Where is Kyrgyzstan?

Located in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country. The country's neighbors are Uzbekistan in the west, Kazakhstan in the north, Tajikistan in the southeast and China in the southwest.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the northern part of Kyrgyzstan is from June to September. March-October is perfect for Southern Kyrgyzstan. Summer is great for climbing in lower altitudes- mountain slopes are washed with flowers blooming between April and June.

How to Get to Kyrgyzstan?

The fastest and most practical way to get to Kyrgyzstan is by air travel. Bishkek Airport and Osh Airportare two important airports in Kyrgyzstan. Pegasus has direct and indirect flights to these airports. Direct flights from Istanbul are available. You can also make connecting flights from cities such as Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya. Direct flights from Istanbul take about 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Public Transportation in Kyrgyzstan

It is possible to travel in Kyrgyzstan by minibus, bus, taxi, car rental, and trolleybus. The most commonly used transportation method called minibus called Marshrutka. The marshrutka, which runs from 06.00 to 21.00, is one of the economical ways to travel. Trolleybuses are also a means of transportation which is a mix of tram and bus used in all cities. The trolleybus is the most economical way to travel. Trolleybus tickets are approximately 10 Som. Buses are also an economical alternative. There is no card in the country for public transport. Tickets can also be paid in cash.

Transportation from Bishkek Airport to City Center

The distance between Bishkek Airport and the city center is approximately 25 km. There is no public transport from the airport to the city center. Therefore, you have to take a taxi or rent a car. It is possible to reach the city center within 40 minutes by licensed taxis outside the airport terminal. Renting a car is often preferred. Before you travel, you can take advantage of Pegasus car rental service and travel with your vehicle waiting for you at the airport.

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Transportation from Osh Airport to City Center

The distance between the city center and Osh Airport is about 10 km. The most economical and easy way to reach the city center is public transportation. You can reach the city center in a short time by bus or marshrutkas. The marshrutka number 142 and buses number 10 operate between 07.00 and 19.00. Vehicles depart every 10 minutes and reach the city center in about 25 minutes. Taxi is one of the alternatives you can use. You can reach the city center in a short time with taxis at the exit of Terminal 2.

Places to Visit in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek

Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek is also the largest city in the country. The city has a different culture with statues of Lenin from the USSR era, the Russians making up 20% of the population and with the fact that Russian is widely spoken on the street. There is even a Putin bar in the city. With its unique city planning, wide boulevards and a park that crosses the entire city, it looks more like Europe than a Central Asian country. With its national parks, monuments, squares, and museums, the city has a lot of places to see.

Bishkek

Burana Castle, Gapar Aitiev Art Museum, Osh Market and Ala-Archa National Park are some of the must-see places. The big square, the heart of the city, Ala-Too is decorated with fountains and cafes and venues. There is a statue of Manas, the legendary hero of the Kyrgyz. Regional points of interest include National Historical Museum and Kyrgyz National Museum of Painting.

Osh

Osh, the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, is located on the historical Silk Road in the southwest of the country. Osh, a 3000-year-old city, is important both for Turkish history and Islamic religion. The city is located in the southwest of Kyrgyzstan and south of the Fergana Valley.

osh

The city is famous for its silks and spices. Süleyman Mountain, Süleyman Mountain Museum, Bara-Koh Summit and the 16th century Rabat Abdullah Khan Mosque are among the must-see places.

Lake Issyk

Lake Issyk is the largest of the lakes in Kyrgyzstan and one of the most important tourist spots in the country. Issyk Lake, the second-largest crater lake in the world, is located in the northern part of Kyrgyzstan, 1609 meters above sea level. The lake does not freeze in winter despite the coldness of the surrounding snowy mountains. With its crystal clear waters shining like silver, the lake is a favorite place for Russians and Kyrgyz people during holiday periods.

Where to Stay in Kyrgyzstan?

Hotels are generally preferred for accommodation in the country. In large cities, hotels can be found for every budget. In smaller cities, it is possible to stay in houses supported by the CBT, the Kyrgyzstan Community Based Tourism Association. You can also experience a different accommodation in a tent named “bozuy”.

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What to Eat in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyz dishes consist mainly of meat and pastries. As in Kyrgyz food, Kyrgyz soups contain dough and meat. Minced meat is never used. Meats are offered as pieces of meat even in soup. The meat is often accompanied by noodles and sometimes diced potatoes. The most famous dish of the country is beshbarmak prepared with sheep or horse meat. Shashlik and soups are also popular foods. In addition to meat dishes, rice is usually served as plov. Kımız (mare milk), which is unique to Central Asia, is among the tastes you should try. Below are some restaurants where you can taste these famous Kyrgyz dishes.

Beshbarmak: Navas/Bishkek
Shashlik: Tsarskiy Dvor/Osh
Plov: Arzu/Bishkek
Regional Dishes: Cafe Faiza/Bishkek

Shopping in Kyrgyzstan: Best Souvenirs to Buy

There are many alternatives for shopping in Bishkek and Osh. On Manas Street in Bishkek, you can find traditional caps and various leather goods. Traditional Kyrgyz clothes and hand-woven carpets and rugs are among the souvenir alternatives. Osh cities are famous for their spices. You can find various spices and local products in Osh. Bayalinova Street and Jayma Bazaar are popular spots for souvenirs.

Things to Know Before Visiting Kyrgyzstan

Shops are usually closed from 13.00 to 14.00 on weekdays and Saturdays. Many markets and shops are open on Sundays.
If you are going to stay in Kazakhstan for more than 5 working days, you must inform the relevant institutions.
Most of the signs are written in Cyrillic alphabet, so you should keep a dictionary with you. You can also download smartphone applications.
Although the currency is Som, Dollar and Euro are also used at touristic shopping points.
You can negotiate even if the taxi prices are reasonable.
Be sure to visit Doldoy Market and Osh Market in Bishkek.

Nightlife in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan's nightlife means Bishkek nightlife. Bishkek has hundreds of bars, cafes, restaurants, and clubs. Some places serve as a bar early in the night. After 11 at night, the bar gradually turns into a club. One of them is the Zavod Pub in Bishkek. Although nightlife is not very active during the week, it is especially lively on Friday and Saturday nights.

Holidays in Kyrgyzstan

1 January – New Year
7 January – Russian/Orthodox Christmas
21 March – Newroz
1 May – Labor Day
5 May – Constitutions Day
31 August – Independence Day

Festivals in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek Jazz Festival (April/Bishkek)
Bicycle Race (May/Arslanbob)
World Nomad Games (July/Bishkek)
Kyrgyz Traditions and Ceremonies (July/Bishkek)
Taigan and Burkut Festival (August/Issyk Lake)

Visa Requirements

Some countries citizens don’t need a visa to get to Kyrgyzstan. However if you need one, it is recommended that you apply in advance to have a stress-free trip. You can check if you need a visa from here.

You can learn the details of the Kyrgyzstan visa application process from the "Kyrgyzstan Visa Guide" article.

FAQ About Kyrgyzstan

What is Kyrgyzstan nomad culture?

Although the Kyrgyz people are now settled, nomadism is an integral part of national identity. Especially in summer, they live in the dormitories called Bozüy on the plateaus and plains. Horse riding and sports activities that require agility are also part of this culture.

How many regions are there in Kyrgyzstan?

The country consists of 8 regions, including the capital Bishkek. The oblasts are named Bishkek, Batken, Chuy, Jalalabad, Narin, Osh, Talak and Issyk Lake.

What are the working hours in Kyrgyzstan?

Institutions are open between 09.00-18.00 on weekdays. They are closed on weekends (Saturday- Sunday). Most markets and shops are open on Sundays.

What does the flag of Kyrgyzstan mean?

The flag has the yellow sun figure on the red background. The 40 rays of the sun represent the 40 Kyrgyz tribes, the red background symbolizes peace and the top view of the sun represents the Kyrgyz tents.