9 Bishkek is surprisingly Westernized When you arrive in Bishkek and discover all those restaurants and bars where local people hang out, who dress incredibly well, you realize that this is not what you were expecting. Have a nice shot of kumis on me (the joke is on you)! After recovering from spats of ethnic violence in 2010, Osh is now experiencing a period of relative calm, though there will always be noticeable tension between the Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities. Can you give us some contacts ? For a challenging, lengthy, and drop-dead gorgeous trek through the Alay, tackle the 8-day trek which crosses the epic Jiptick Pass. In any case, the lake is MASSIVE and takes some time to properly explore. This was a great read! To be honest with you I kind of hated kumis, but trying it is a sort of right of passage for people backpacking in Kyrgyzstan. We are a 65 year old couple and we are finishing a 4 month trip to Asia with a (too) short stay in Kyrgyzstan. I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. Thank you in advance for your feedback! Updated October 2022, 5 Things To Do In Osh, Kyrgyzstan + Travel Guide was originally published in August 2020 The first time I arrived in Osh was after a long trip trekking in Tajikistan's Fann Mountains and just after completing my first trip along the Pamir Highway.Needless to say, I had been so isolated on my last adventure in the wild . In January 2020, I was honoured to host him in France, for his first ever foreign trip! I don't advise you to go at this time. Travel to Kyrgyzstan with a Tourist Visa! Kyrgyzstan is an amazing country and I had the time of my life exploring it with my brother in arms, Ralph Cope. In Bishkek, Osh and pretty much any larger city, you can also find regular hotels. Drive to Song Kul from Bishkek via a stop at Burana Tower and stay the night with a nomadic family at a yurt camp. Since 2015, for the Song Kul lake trek, I recommend you go through Agul which offers a very interesting service from Bishkek. See more. - Bishkek (2 days) Most travellers did not wash during the several days of the horseback ride. It will allow me to add some information for others. Pure and simple. If you are a digital nomad, you will love the cafe culture in the city. In Altyn Arashan: Ala-Kul guesthouse is the only accommodation in Altyn Arashan that you can book to make sure you have a warm bed before you go to Ala Kul. Great blog, thanks a lot! 1= 85 KGS. -You can also do it on foot. On horseback, your bag will be carried by the horse, you will not have it on your back. If you want to know more about, check out this video: 12 The most hospitable people in Central Asia In this region, the Kyrgyz are famous for their hospitality. And thanks again for all your information, you go over the pictures very well, the accompanying music is good too. Its the biggest hidden secret in the world right now. But anyway, I'm putting aside your very well-populated article! So thank you very much for taking the time to write all this. Why stay in a naff hotel when you can stay in a cosy, stylish local house instead? Activities like snowshoeing, skiing and ice climbing are all possible in the winter. I wish you a good continuation and many other beautiful trips! Should I book my yurt nights and horseback riding now or should I do it once I'm in the country? I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. It costs around 700KGS ($10) a day plus 1,000KGS ($15) for the guide, which can be split between several people. I would have liked to book a 3 day horse trek to Song Kul lake with JAailoo (which seems to be the most recommended agency in terms of quality/price) but the website you mention does not exist anymore. That russian man obviously exagarrated on his words saying long back kyrgyz was dirty (as if he existed long back). Experiencing the nomadic life is one of the greatest Kyrgyz experiences. - Then OSH border crossing to Uzbekistan Isa, Hi, in the mountains there are many streams. I still have tons of information to ask you.. It is possible to pay in dollars. The country is located in the central part of Asia. If you are not on any of the above lists, read the Kyrgyzstan visa section of Caravanistanfor further information on visas. Thanks in advance Plus, there is plenty to do and experience in the north anyway. Thanks in advance! I hope that my video passages will not lower your grade Best time to visit. Travel to Kyrgyzstan with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader. Hi Corentin. If you find yourself at a Kyrgyzstani birthday party or around a campfire with the right people, be prepared to get a little tipsy and then some. The three nights of the trek are spent at Karakol Valley, Ala Kul lake, and Altyn Arashan. We rented a vehicle without a driver Hello Emeline, thank you for your message. Your site is great Rarely seen so much useful information gathered in the same place A big thank you ! My article dedicated to car rental in Kyrgyzstan. How do you get to Bokonbaevo?You have to take a taxi or a minibus to Balykchi. If you go for more than one day, take a guide. Do you think that I can find equipment such as parkas for hiking? Philine, Hi Philine Hello, I asked Coralie, from the Kyrgyzstan travel group, to share her testimony following her trip in September 2018: "I went alone for three weeks last September, I had no problems with safety. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. gps point : 42.65230643796554, 77.09132136206541. I always had good weather during the day, it was warm but the nights in altitude are very cool. Once you have found the discounted Kyrgyzstan tour of your choice, please call our tour specialists to book your vacation and save money with our . Don't think about it and get yourself a good cover.My accident in Togo allowed me to "test it for you" and I can guarantee you that I was very happy to know who to turn to and that I would be taken care of without having to pay anything. Even if you dont work online and want to pop into one to drink a legit espresso, there are many options to choose from. There is a risk of further violence and border closures at any time. It is complete, clear and makes you dream! Explore the Fergana Valley. for a duration of 16 days: little problem to find our way around. We're going to ride on our own on mountain bikes, just to ride on beautiful trails !!!! We are thinking of travelling mainly in the centre of the country and are wondering whether Issy-Kul and the hikes around Karakol are really worth it, or whether, depending on the climate and cold, and the length of our trip, it would be better to focus on the centre of the country? It is really easy to get around in Kyrgyzstan. Like a few other places in Kyrgyzstan, the interesting cultural elements of Kyrgyz traditional life are not practiced often enough that you will just stumble across them. On 14-16 September clashes escalated into armed conflict between the Kyrgyz and Tajik military which resulted in over 100 dead, including civilians, and significant destruction of civilian property and infrastructure. There are also occasional security incidents on the Kyrgyz/Uzbek and Kyrgyz/Kazakh borders. Traveling the Silk Road in 2021 Saule's predictions Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan will make it as easy as possible to visit. - Arslanbob (3 days) : hiking (or mountain biking) US dollars and euros are the most useful currencies. When I read the "Where to stay" section you mention CBT and I don't know what that is? More articles coming soon. The country provided us with so many reasons to fall in love with it. Have a good trip, Hello GM, thank you for this great site. I know that the Song Kul lake is frozen and the organised horse riding stops mid September. : Several readers have recommended this affordable guesthouse with pool to me. So we have 11 days there. I'll email you my agency details and add it to the blog. By the 12th the violence had spread to the city ofJalal-Abad. Thank you very much for this great story ! 1. Thank you for this very complete blog. I will definitely visit this country. My article dedicated to horse ridingMy article dedicated to car rental in Kyrgyzstan.Marie's bike trip and her advice.The 10 reasons why you should travel to Kyrgyzstan. I'm leaving for 15 days in a fortnight with a friend. Will I be able to find transport during this period? The guides are competent and well trained, but of course you can also travel independently. You mentioned renting a horse directly from a farmer, do you think it's possible to do that in every place I end up spending time on horseback? Thank you for this site which really makes you want to discover KZ! Is it necessary to take a yurt in atlyn arashan then to make randos from there or is it better to make a loop of 4 with the tents. On the other hand, all foreign women say that, in general, Kyrgyz men are not very handsome. Song Kol is an excellent place to chill out after your long journey by plane (or road) to Kyrgyzstan. The key to picking the best place to stay in Issyk Kul is to make sure the camp has good beach access. Hi Fanny, thank you. (guides, good plans for horseback riding, night in Yurt) I created this group in June 2018. Thanks for your message. Thank you for the information! We would like to take a car with a driver. In short, you will have a magical time. Have a nice day ! We are thinking of leaving for 3 weeks and would ideally like to spend about 10 days riding around and sleeping in the yurts of the locals to get a feel for their life and customs. Much of that way of life was impacted when the Soviets rolled into town. My friend Fabien, who has been living in Bishkek for 5 years, made me a list of all the good restaurants he tried. More rural locations sometimes provide opportunities to help with animal care and digital marketing. ACS offers insurance with very good and cheap cover. The Kafe Aychurok (on the main street)has the best shashlik (meat skewers) of all time. We are leaving on Sunday for 3 weeks, and we thank you for this post! You totally should put it on your next summer travel list Thanks! Kyrgyzstan shares a land border with almost every other Central Asian nation. You can take a taxi to Asku village (for the 3 day trek) or to the entrance to the national park (for the 4 day trek). In my experience, the maximum I was able to get was 200USD at a time. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It's doable in 10 days but the transport is long. Can you give me your contacts for the song kol lake and for karakol where I would like to do several hikes? You cannot rent a horse independently from a travel agency. Thanks to Nathanal (reader of the blog and member of an association that organises treks in Nepal) for all this information, which I recommend you double check with your doctor.What are the rules to follow to acclimate? If youre abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Between 700 and 800 euros is the minimum price proposed (price per person) for a tour there, so excluding air tickets, what do you think? We are leaving on Monday with a lot of enthusiasm but also a little apprehension due to the novelty For Karakol ask Aigul, she is there and she will answer your other questions. If the equipment is not suitable, ask for a change,-That the food is in quantity and of quality: Make sure you have enough food for everyone, and for the duration of your trek. I had a love-hate relationship with Yandex. Thanks in advance for your answer! Song Kul is at 3000 m. You climb higher at the Ala Kul Pass (3850m) but you don't stay there long. Kyrgyzstan is like any other destination, if you don't want to be alone you always meet nice people. I continuously enrich this article thanks to my friends there and to the readers feedback. I am not an example, I have often done things without thinking, which I regretted later. Lets take a look at some of the top places to visit in Kyrgyzstan. It was a pretty bad (and scary accident). We went to the village shop to buy a football and gave it to the children. Fairytale Canyon aka Skazka is full of surreal rock formations and vivid colors. Plus, now you wont be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Thanks, I'll send you this by mail. If you have time you can travel for free, I met several travellers who travelled exclusively like that, without paying, often being picked up by truckers. Thank you. Hi Angline. Kyrgyzstan travel highlights Issyk-Kl Kick back on the shore at the second largest alpine lake in the world. You can contact the Kyrgyz visa service at e-visa@mfa.gov.kg or +996 312 66 30 70 and +996 703 42 88 65 (WhatsApp). My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags:dont be like my missus. As a large-scale seller of Kyrgyzstan Tours & Vacation Packages, we are able to offer you unbeatable prices and unparalleled value. Hiking equipment? I will send you my contacts. My mates and I can tell you, it was truly amazing. I don't necessarily want to spend time in the city either (one day max). -Hike to the top of the Pass where the view of the lake, located at 3500 m above sea level and surrounded by mountains, is totally incredible. But we sold it easily. Hi Jacques To find an ATM compatible with your card, it's very simple, there are 2 apps: Visa : https://www.visa.com/atmlocator/#(page:home), Mastercard : https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/find-nearest-atm.html. I am travelling with Pegasus. Hello Georges-Michel, All countries have some reported advisories: China (3.5), Kazakhstan (3.2), Tajikistan with 3 and Uzbekistan with 2.8 (of 5). If you have any other good addresses, don't hesitate to leave them in a comment, I'll add them. You can sleep in your tent and do the route you want, again you just have to make an arrangement with the guide. Hot water 24/7, nice common space, clean, friendly staff. You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks. The French-speaking guide does not seem to me to be essential. I would like to see the beautiful canyon between Bishkek and Balyktchy, hike between Karakol and altyn-arashan, then see the Skazka canyon, then Kochkok, and if possible go up to the Song Kol lake and ride a horse for a few days, if the weather permits Hi Amandine, If you have the contact details of guides who could accompany me on the treks, it would be nice to send them to me by mp. 90% of the travellers are beginner riders. Don't hesitate to go to Kyrgyzstan. I'll send you the contact of a friend who will inform you. Every summer, some tourist organizations, like CBT, organize nomad games for tourists, in Song Kul and places like that, but I recommend you find the local ones, as the vibe is just great, plus they do a larger variety of sports. I bought the Petit Fut but it's not great..; - Abnormal or disproportionate fatigue: 3 points. The Nomads leave the horses free every evening and collect them in the morning (a horse should eat at least 50kg of grass a day), they know how to look after them. I have just discovered your site and find your information very useful and interesting. However, some drivers are completely nuts and may drive at over 120km per hour along narrow mountain roads. Whether they are "tourist" yurts or not, you can always negotiate the night. Activities. Do you by any chance have any contacts of 44 drivers on site? Dont be like my missus in Kyrgyzstan it is complete, clear and makes you want, you... 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