Travel guide · Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan: what to see and when to go
Kyrgyzstan is a mountain country on the Silk Road where most of the land lies above 1,500 m and herders spend the summer in yurts on high pastures. It is one of the cheapest and most welcoming places in the world for trekking, horse riding and alpine lakes, with a well-organised network of homestays.
What to see and do in Kyrgyzstan
Issyk-Kul
A huge lake that never freezes, with beaches on the north shore and the Tian Shan behind.
Song-Kul
A lake at 3,000 m where you sleep in yurts and ride with herders in summer.
Karakol and Ala-Kul
A trekking base with a wooden Dungan mosque, and a two- to three-day hike to the turquoise Ala-Kul lake.
Jeti-Ögüz
Red sandstone cliffs known as the Seven Bulls and the Broken Heart rock.
Osh Bazaar in Bishkek
The capital's market of dried fruit, felt kalpak hats and plov.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Oct.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 8 hr | ≈ €470 · See flights |
| New York | 13 hr, 45 min | ≈ €620 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 15 hr | ≈ €650 · See flights |
| Dubai | 4 hr, 15 min | ≈ €250 · See flights |
| Singapore | 7 hr, 15 min | ≈ €430 · See flights |
| Sydney | 15 hr | ≈ €650 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €650 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Kyrgyzstan
- Currency
- Kyrgyz Som
- Good for
- mountains · nature · wild
- How long to stay
- 8–14 days
- Where to stay
- Bishkek to arrive, Karakol as a base for treks at the eastern end of Issyk-Kul, and yurt camps around Song-Kul.Find a place to stay in Kyrgyzstan
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Kyrgyzstan, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €470 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Kyrgyzstan (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- CarPick it up at the airport (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Kyrgyzstan and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Oct. Average highs range from -2° in January to 22° in July.
How many days do you need in Kyrgyzstan?
8 to 14 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Kyrgyzstan cost?
Accommodation runs at around €60 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €650 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 8 hr.
Where should you stay in Kyrgyzstan?
Bishkek to arrive, Karakol as a base for treks at the eastern end of Issyk-Kul, and yurt camps around Song-Kul.
