SONUN Travel
WHAT DO TOURISTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KYRGYZSTAN?
If you are planning to visit Kyrgyzstan this year (and we hope, you do), better read this article to make your stay comfortable, safe and easy, and of course full of adventures
WHERE IS LOCATED KYRGYZSTAN?
First of all, you need to know that Kyrgyzstan is a small mountain country located in the heart of Central Asia bordering with China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Kyrgyzstan has no access to the sea. More than 80% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains. The north-eastern part is located in the part of the Tien-Shan mountain range, the south-western part is located within the Pamir-Alai Mountains. The Victory Peak, with a height of 7, 439 m is the highest point of the country and the most famous northen seven-thousand-square meter on earth. More than half of the territory of Kyrgyzstna lies at an altitude of 1,000 to 3,000 meters and about a third lies above 3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level. The country is devided into 7 regions: Chui, Talas, Issyk-Kul, Naryn, Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken. The capital is Bishkek. The population is abour 6 million people, which implies that the population density in the country is not large.
Kyrgyzstan has no access to the sea. More than 80% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains. The north-eastern part is located in the part of the Tien-Shan mountain range, the south-western part is located within the Pamir-Alai Mountains. The Victory Peak, with a height of 7, 439 m is the highest point of the country and the most famous northen seven-thousand-square meter on earth. More than half of the territory of Kyrgyzstna lies at an altitude of 1,000 to 3,000 meters and about a third lies above 3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level. The country is devided into 7 regions: Chui, Talas, Issyk-Kul, Naryn, Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken. The capital is Bishkek. The population is abour 6 million people, which implies that the population density in the country is not large.
How safe is to travel in Kyrgyzstan?
Perhaps, this is the most frequently asked question, which travelers interested. You might do not know, that in 2015 Kyrgyzstan entered the list of countries safe for travel according to the British edition of "Telegraph". In addition, the Kyrgyz people are quite friendly and always ready to help any tourist, if you need to specify the road or ask for advice. Of course, in spite of the fact that Kyrgyzstan is considered a hospitable country you need to observe the basic rules of safety while you are there.
WHAT ABOUT VISA?
Travelling to Kyrgyzstan is easier, than you think. Kyrgyzstan borders are open to 45 countries all around the world including UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Quwait, Saudi Arabia. You can check your country here.
In September, 2017 Kyrgyzstan launched e-visa portal to facilitate visa issuance process for genuine travellers at www.evisa.e-gov.kg/. Travelers have possibility now to obtain a short-term visa in 3 days without visiting еmbassy or consular office of the Kyrgyz Republic, following two simple steps: applying and making online payment.
Moreover simplified visa regime in Kyrgyzstan applies to citizens of the following countries: Bulgaria, Israel, Cyprus, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Thailand, Mexico, San Marino, the Philippines, Albania, Brazil, Indonesia, the Republic of South Africa, Turkey, Chile, Venezuela and Oman.
In September, 2017 Kyrgyzstan launched e-visa portal to facilitate visa issuance process for genuine travellers at www.evisa.e-gov.kg/. Travelers have possibility now to obtain a short-term visa in 3 days without visiting еmbassy or consular office of the Kyrgyz Republic, following two simple steps: applying and making online payment.
Moreover simplified visa regime in Kyrgyzstan applies to citizens of the following countries: Bulgaria, Israel, Cyprus, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Thailand, Mexico, San Marino, the Philippines, Albania, Brazil, Indonesia, the Republic of South Africa, Turkey, Chile, Venezuela and Oman.
WEATHER IN KYRGYZSTAN WILL PLEASANTLY SURPRISE YOU
Did we mention, that Kyrgyzstan is an ideal place for travelling? Well, it really is. As a rule, sunny, clear weather is established in the country in early spring and lasts until late autumn. The annual number of warm days is 247. Howeever in summer, showers and rains are quite rare. The best time for tourism is from beginning of May to the end of September.
The climate of Kyrgyzstan is shrply continental and is caused by three factors - mountain terrain, remoteness of the country from the sea and its location in the center of Eurasia.
The climate of Kyrgyzstan is shrply continental and is caused by three factors - mountain terrain, remoteness of the country from the sea and its location in the center of Eurasia.
tRADITIONAL CUISINE AND DRINKS
The national cuisine of the country is characterized by an abundance of meat dishes, whih can be enjoyed at dinner, in any chaikhana, snack bar, cafe or restaurant, where you will be offered a traditional beshbarmack, kuurdak, manty (steamed meat), lagman (uigur national dish with noodles, meat and vegetables). Choosing from exotic dishes it is better to stop your choice on an incredibly tasty dish of hunters - tash-kordo and horse meat snack - chuchuk.
The important thing you need to know is that drinking tap water is safe, almost all over Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz people themselves are proud of this and believe that there is not such a clean and tasty water in almot any other country.
As for food, Kyrgyzstan is a real oasis of a wide variety of culinary offerings. Here you will find cafes and restaurants offering not only national cuisine, but also dishes: Italian, European, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Uighur, Turkish, Georgian, Armenian and Uzbek quisine. At the same time, you can be absolutely sure, that all dishes will be made from fresh and natural products, since it is not customary in Kyrgyzstan to use GMO.
The important thing you need to know is that drinking tap water is safe, almost all over Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz people themselves are proud of this and believe that there is not such a clean and tasty water in almot any other country.
As for food, Kyrgyzstan is a real oasis of a wide variety of culinary offerings. Here you will find cafes and restaurants offering not only national cuisine, but also dishes: Italian, European, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Uighur, Turkish, Georgian, Armenian and Uzbek quisine. At the same time, you can be absolutely sure, that all dishes will be made from fresh and natural products, since it is not customary in Kyrgyzstan to use GMO.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
You will be surprised, but in Kyrgyzstan you can exchange currency almost anywhere and at any time of the day. Credit cards (VISA and MasterCard are the most popular) are accepted almost everywhere: hotels, hypermarkets, restaurants and cafes. ATMs are also widely available an Bishkek and other regions.
The national currency in Kyrgyzstan is the som.
The tipping systems in Kyrgyzstan extends to the services of guides, waiters in bars and restaurantts and is 10-15% of the order value.
The national currency in Kyrgyzstan is the som.
The tipping systems in Kyrgyzstan extends to the services of guides, waiters in bars and restaurantts and is 10-15% of the order value.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Kyrgyz. For 80% of the population, Kyrgyz is a native or second language. At the same time most residents, as in all post-Soviet countries, are fluent in Russian, which also has the status of an official language in Kyrgyzstan. Unfortunately, English is no so widely distributed among the population.
WI-FI AND MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
Free wi-fi in Bishkek is available in almost all hotels, restaurants, cafes and shopping centers. You can also connect to the Wi-Fi network in the main square of the capital of Ala-Too and other public places.
As for mobile communications, the most popular mobile operators are "Megacom", "Beeline", "O". The first two has the best coverage all over the country, so that even in the most remote regions you can easily stay in touch.
As for mobile communications, the most popular mobile operators are "Megacom", "Beeline", "O". The first two has the best coverage all over the country, so that even in the most remote regions you can easily stay in touch.
RELIGION
Kyrgyzstan is a secular state. The dominant religion in the country is Islam. More than 80% of the population profess it. Also in the country there are small groups of Christians, Baptists, Adventists and Buddhists.
MOving around kyrgyzstan
The possibilities for moving around Kyrgyzstan are very diverse, and you yourself can choose how you want to travel around the country.
Travel by public transport in Kyrgyzstan is economical and convenient. A single trip on a minibus within the city will cost you only 0.14 USD. Transfer to remote provinces will cost you depending on the distance of the region where you go.
Taxi is very popular in Kyrgyzstan. Taxi-meter is common. On average, the cost of one trip within the city can be about 2-3 USD.
You can also rent a car, prices ranges from 20 to 110 USD per day, depending on the brand of the car. Minimum age for renting is 21-23 years and driveing experience should be more than 1.5 years.
Travelling by air is also available. There are 4 airports in Kyrgyzstan, 3 of them are performing both international and domestic flights. Main airport is Manar international airport, which is located in 50 minites drive from capital city.
Travel by public transport in Kyrgyzstan is economical and convenient. A single trip on a minibus within the city will cost you only 0.14 USD. Transfer to remote provinces will cost you depending on the distance of the region where you go.
Taxi is very popular in Kyrgyzstan. Taxi-meter is common. On average, the cost of one trip within the city can be about 2-3 USD.
You can also rent a car, prices ranges from 20 to 110 USD per day, depending on the brand of the car. Minimum age for renting is 21-23 years and driveing experience should be more than 1.5 years.
Travelling by air is also available. There are 4 airports in Kyrgyzstan, 3 of them are performing both international and domestic flights. Main airport is Manar international airport, which is located in 50 minites drive from capital city.
We assure you, you will definately like Kyrgyzstan. No, we think you will absolutely love it!
And if you want not to miss all incredible sites we are ready to make your stay easy, comfortable, safe and planned.