Many names of this country are in people’s heads: Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyz Republic or Kyrgyzstan – all these names refer to this hospitable country, located in central Asia defined by COUNTRYAAH. The capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek, where around 1 million of the 6 million inhabitants live. Traditionally, the Kyrgyz are nomadic people who sleep in yurts. The landscape of Kyrgyzstan captivates with fantastic mountain backdrops, steppes, rivers, forests and meadows. The Tian Shan Mountains shape the country. 94% of the country is above 1,000 m, the highest mountain is 7,439 m high. The huge lake Issykköl (182 km long and 60 km wide) in the east of the country offers wonderful bathing bays for a little refreshment in the warm summers. Lonely hiking trails make the hearts of nature lovers beat faster. If you don’t want to walk, you can choose the most typical form of transport in the country besides the car: the horse. Interesting travel destinations in Kyrgyzstan are, in addition to the capital Bishkek, the areas around Lake Issyk Kul and the cities of Karakol and Osh.
Entry requirements
To enter Kyrgyzstan, German citizens need a passport with sufficient validity (planned length of stay + three months). The passport should be as undamaged as possible. A visa is not necessary for German citizens (and many other EU citizens). However, on-site registration is required within five days of entry.
Currency
In Kyrgyzstan, the Kyrgyz Som (KGS) is used to pay.
ATMs can be found in the larger cities. To be able to withdraw money you need a credit card. International credit cards are rarely accepted in retail stores. It is therefore advisable to always have enough cash with you.
You can also change money in the larger cities, but often only banknotes in very good condition are accepted. It is best to use larger notes.
Time zone
CET + 4 hours (summer)
CET + 5 hours (winter)
Climate
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country and is shaped by the continental climate. The short summers are hot and dry, temperatures can rise to 45 degrees at peak times. The winters, on the other hand, are long and very cold with minus temperatures in the double-digit range.
In the mountain regions, the winters are even longer and colder. In spring and autumn there is more rain. Melting glaciers can lead to landslides and floods, especially in spring.
Language
Kyrgyzstan has two official languages: Kyrgyz and Russian. In contrast to Uzbekistan, only Cyrillic letters are used in Kyrgyzstan. English is only spoken by some of those employed in tourism. However, the people are very hospitable and, if necessary, communicate with hands and feet to help guests of the country.
Telephone / Internet
The international dialing code for Kyrgyzstan is +996 according to ALLCITYCODES.
Cell phone reception is good in most of the populated parts of the country. Some hotels offer their guests WiFi – often free of charge.
Electricity & mains voltage
The voltage is 220 to 240 volts, 50 Hz, so that all devices can be used without any problems. As a rule, two-pin plugs are used.
Emergency numbers
Fire Brigade 101
Police 102
Ambulance 103
Arrival by flight
There are currently no direct flights from Germany to Kyrgyzstan. There are connections to Bishkek with Aeroflot via Moscow and with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus via Istanbul.
Best travel time
April and May, as well as September and October are considered the best travel time for Kyrgyzstan. Even in early and late summer the sun can shine intensely, please think of sun protection! The evenings and nights can be significantly cooler than the days.
You should be prepared for the fact that rains can also occur in spring and autumn.
Health
Health care in Kyrgyzstan is by no means up to European standards. Hence, you should be well prepared. In addition to the common travel medication, according to the Federal Foreign Office, it is recommended that you bring bandages and disposable syringes with you. Vacationers who are dependent on medication should stock up on essentials in advance.
There is no compulsory vaccination, but you should check the standard vaccinations and seek advice from a doctor about additional preventive vaccinations, as well as against the tick-borne disease TBE (early summer meningoencephalitis). In addition, good sun protection as well as mosquito and tick protection belong in the first aid kit.
Good foreign health insurance (with repatriation insurance) is strongly recommended!
Holidays and memorial
days In addition to Orthodox Christmas in January, New Year and Muslim holidays, the following holidays apply:
March 21, National
Day “Nooruz” May 05, Constitution Day
August 31, Independence Day
Embassies & Consulates General
German Representation
Erkindik Boulevard 21
720040 Bishkek
Tel .: + 996 312 627100
Austrian Representation
Ulitsa Moskovskaya 187, Office No. 4
720010 Bishkek
Tel .: +996 312 90 04 90; +996 312 35 33 33
Swiss representation
21 Erkindik blvrd.
720040 Bishkek
Tel .: +996 312 30 10 36
