Kyrgyzstan- Switzerland of Central Asia
High mountains, Issyk Kul, nomad culture and more!
Why is it worth going to Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country in Central Asia, boasting rich culture and history that make it an attractive destination for tourists. Here are some reasons why Kyrgyzstan is worth visiting:
Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country in Central Asia, boasting rich culture and history that make it an attractive destination for tourists. Here are some reasons why Kyrgyzstan is worth visiting:
- Mountain Scenery: Kyrgyzstan is nestled in the mountains, and there are many stunning mountain ranges and national parks to explore. Visitors can take horseback rides or hike through the mountains to enjoy scenic views and witness the breathtaking natural landscapes.
- Cultural heritage: Kyrgyzstan has a wealth of culture and history, with many museums, ancient cities, and ruins to visit. These attractions offer visitors a chance to learn more about the country's fascinating past and traditions.
- Local hospitality: Kyrgyzstan is renowned for its warm and welcoming people, and many tourists remark on the kindness and friendliness of the locals. Visitors can expect to receive a warm reception and assistance from the locals during their stay.
- National Cuisine: Kyrgyz cuisine is renowned for its delicious and unique flavors. Visitors can indulge in traditional dishes such as lagman, manti, and plov, which are prepared according to authentic recipes.
- Ecotourism: Kyrgyzstan is a prime destination for ecotourism in Central Asia. Many tourists come to the country to rent kayaks, go kayaking on the lakes and rivers, or ride bikes to explore the beautiful natural surroundings.
- Alternative tourism: Kyrgyzstan also offers a range of alternative tourism options, including mountaineering, paragliding, caving, and other extreme sports. These activities offer visitors an unforgettable experience and a chance to explore the country's adventurous side.
--- actual tours
--- Actual excursions
--- Travel Information
The map of Kyrgyzstan shows the main tourist destinations and the main attractions of the country. To better plan your trip around Kyrgyzstan, study the map.
Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to visit Kyrgyzstan for up to 30 days. You can get a visa yourself through the government's official website https://www.evisa.e-gov.kg/. If you book a trip to Kyrgyzstan with us, we will arrange a visa for you.
Kyrgyzstan is basically a safe country for tourists. But, like any other country, it has its own unique security challenges. There are some things to keep in mind to make your trip enjoyable and safe.
One important factor is following local laws and regulations.
You should also be careful when traveling to remote areas of the country and at night.
It is also important to adhere to the customs and traditions of the local population, especially with regard to clothing and behavior. This will help avoid misunderstandings or resentment.
You should also keep in mind that there may be a risk of petty theft in crowded places such as bazaars and train stations, so you should be careful with personal belongings.
But at the same time, the centuries-old traditions of hospitality of the Kyrgyz people create conditions for a comfortable and safe stay of guests in the country.
One important factor is following local laws and regulations.
You should also be careful when traveling to remote areas of the country and at night.
It is also important to adhere to the customs and traditions of the local population, especially with regard to clothing and behavior. This will help avoid misunderstandings or resentment.
You should also keep in mind that there may be a risk of petty theft in crowded places such as bazaars and train stations, so you should be careful with personal belongings.
But at the same time, the centuries-old traditions of hospitality of the Kyrgyz people create conditions for a comfortable and safe stay of guests in the country.
Kyrgyzstan has a transport system that includes roads, railways, airports, and buses. Here is an overview of each of these modes of transport:
- Roads: The road network in Kyrgyzstan is not very extensive, and most of the roads are single-lane dual carriageways. However, the government has made significant investments in recent years to improve the road infrastructure, especially in urban areas. Large cities such as Bishkek have a well-developed network of buses and minibuses that connect them with other cities.
- Railways: Kyrgyzstan's railway system is still in its early stages of development. The main railway line connects Bishkek with Russian, Kazakh, and Uzbek cities. However, there are plans to expand the railway network and to establish new connections with neighboring countries.
- Airports: Air travel is the fastest and most convenient way to travel within Kyrgyzstan. The country's main airport is Manas Airport, located near Bishkek. There are also several small airports throughout the country that serve domestic flights.
- Buses: Buses and minibuses are the most common form of public transport in Kyrgyzstan. They are relatively inexpensive and provide a convenient way to travel within and between cities.
According to weather statistics, the warmest month in the country of Kyrgyzstan is July with an average temperature of +22.5°С. The second in a row is August (+20.7°C), the third is June (+19.5°C). Accordingly, the coldest month in the country of Kyrgyzstan is January. The average monthly temperature in January is only −4.5°C.
Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating destination that offers something unique to travelers throughout the year. While the summer season is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit, each season in Kyrgyzstan has its own advantages and offers its own range of activities and experiences.
In the summer months, the weather is generally warm and sunny, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and camping. The mountains and lakes of Kyrgyzstan are particularly beautiful during this time, and the wildflowers are in full bloom.
In the autumn, the landscapes of Kyrgyzstan transform into a stunning palette of golden hues as the leaves on the trees change color. This is also a great time to sample some of the local produce such as apples, grapes, and nuts, which are harvested during this season.
In the winter, the mountains of Kyrgyzstan become a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are all popular activities, and there are several ski resorts that cater to visitors. The frozen waterfalls and stunning winter landscapes are also worth exploring.
In the spring, Kyrgyzstan comes alive with a burst of color as the wildflowers begin to bloom. This is also the time when the nomads start moving their herds to the high pastures in the mountains, offering a fascinating glimpse into the traditional way of life in Kyrgyzstan.
While it's possible to see many of the highlights of Kyrgyzstan in a shorter timeframe, we recommend planning for at least 2 weeks to fully explore the country in one direction. This will allow you to experience the diversity of the landscape and culture, and to immerse yourself in the unique hospitality of the Kyrgyz people.
In the summer months, the weather is generally warm and sunny, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and camping. The mountains and lakes of Kyrgyzstan are particularly beautiful during this time, and the wildflowers are in full bloom.
In the autumn, the landscapes of Kyrgyzstan transform into a stunning palette of golden hues as the leaves on the trees change color. This is also a great time to sample some of the local produce such as apples, grapes, and nuts, which are harvested during this season.
In the winter, the mountains of Kyrgyzstan become a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are all popular activities, and there are several ski resorts that cater to visitors. The frozen waterfalls and stunning winter landscapes are also worth exploring.
In the spring, Kyrgyzstan comes alive with a burst of color as the wildflowers begin to bloom. This is also the time when the nomads start moving their herds to the high pastures in the mountains, offering a fascinating glimpse into the traditional way of life in Kyrgyzstan.
While it's possible to see many of the highlights of Kyrgyzstan in a shorter timeframe, we recommend planning for at least 2 weeks to fully explore the country in one direction. This will allow you to experience the diversity of the landscape and culture, and to immerse yourself in the unique hospitality of the Kyrgyz people.
The beauties of Kyrgyzstan are, first of all, natural beauties. At the service of foreigners are virgin forests, mountain rivers and lakes, waterfalls and hot springs, unattainable mountain peaks, desert territories and areas completely covered with ice. It is difficult to describe all the wonders that can be seen in Kyrgyzstan in one review, but we tried to talk about the most fascinating of them, adding to the list no less interesting sights of history, culture and architecture. Please note that in order to view some of them, you will need to sacrifice the usual comfort and / or time, because some of the objects are located far from settlements.
Traveling doesn't require advanced mathematical skills, and the rules of how to behave in a foreign culture aren't overly complicated. However, there are several useful tips that can help you better understand and assimilate the local culture. To make the most of your travel experience, it's important to be open to new ways of life, take an interest in other cultures, and, above all, behave respectfully as you would at home.
In the countries of Central Asia, there are specific cultural rules or "do's and don'ts" that are important to keep in mind. While these social rules are not mandatory or written down anywhere, they can serve as a useful guide to good behavior in Central Asia.
The cultural differences between the states of Central Asia are relatively small, so this general guide is applicable to the entire region. In the cities of Central Asia, you will typically sleep in hotels or dormitories and eat in cafes, and you may not notice many differences compared to Western culture.
However, the local culture can be experienced more intensely in rural areas. People in Central Asia are generally very hospitable and kind, and while there are numerous social norms that locals strictly adhere to, they do not expect visitors to know all the rules. By following the rules listed in this article and behaving accordingly, you can make a positive impression on the locals.
Do's
Greeting Customs:
In many cultures, men typically shake hands when meeting other men and say "Salam alaikum". However, in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, people express sincerity by placing their hand on their chest and nodding their heads slightly while greeting, saying "please" and "thank you".
Women in these cultures usually either kiss each other on the cheeks if they know each other well or nod to each other. However, when it comes to business meetings or first-time acquaintances, women may shake hands. It's important to note that eye contact is not as significant as in Western countries, especially in everyday life. Therefore, maintaining prolonged eye contact or staring could be perceived as disrespectful or disobedient.
During greetings, people may ask about your health, life, and family. It's customary to reciprocate the same questions, as it's considered a polite formality.
Etiquette for Guests
Eating
Drinking
OTHER CULTURAL PROHIBITIONS
In the countries of Central Asia, there are specific cultural rules or "do's and don'ts" that are important to keep in mind. While these social rules are not mandatory or written down anywhere, they can serve as a useful guide to good behavior in Central Asia.
The cultural differences between the states of Central Asia are relatively small, so this general guide is applicable to the entire region. In the cities of Central Asia, you will typically sleep in hotels or dormitories and eat in cafes, and you may not notice many differences compared to Western culture.
However, the local culture can be experienced more intensely in rural areas. People in Central Asia are generally very hospitable and kind, and while there are numerous social norms that locals strictly adhere to, they do not expect visitors to know all the rules. By following the rules listed in this article and behaving accordingly, you can make a positive impression on the locals.
Do's
Greeting Customs:
In many cultures, men typically shake hands when meeting other men and say "Salam alaikum". However, in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, people express sincerity by placing their hand on their chest and nodding their heads slightly while greeting, saying "please" and "thank you".
Women in these cultures usually either kiss each other on the cheeks if they know each other well or nod to each other. However, when it comes to business meetings or first-time acquaintances, women may shake hands. It's important to note that eye contact is not as significant as in Western countries, especially in everyday life. Therefore, maintaining prolonged eye contact or staring could be perceived as disrespectful or disobedient.
During greetings, people may ask about your health, life, and family. It's customary to reciprocate the same questions, as it's considered a polite formality.
Etiquette for Guests
- Take off your shoes.
- Bring cake, sweets, and something to drink if you are invited to dinner.
- Traditionally, Central Asians ate sitting on the floor or on very low tables. Nowadays, this is still done for honored guests or special cafes with Tapchan.
- A tablecloth (dastarkhan) will be spread out on the floor or a low table, and various dishes of Central Asian cuisine will be displayed on it. Try not to step on this tablecloth or on other people's feet.
- When sitting on the floor, do not point your feet towards food.
- Treat bread with respect. The first thing to taste at a party is a piece of bread. If you are in a hurry and don't want to stay for lunch, you will still be offered a piece of bread. You should break off a small piece with both hands and taste it, as it is rude to refuse it.
- Ask for permission before taking a photo.
Eating
- If you are in a guest house, the hosts will often decide that you want to relax and leave you alone. This means they don't want to take your time or annoy you. The best way to get to know the locals is to ask them to show you how they cook, milk a cow, etc.
- If you are invited as a guest to a local family, they will try to show that you are very welcome by constantly offering you food and drink.
- You don't have to eat all the food on your plate!
- If you are full, just leave the food on your plate, as this will mean that you are already full.
- Hosts will automatically serve full plates of food and you won't be able to choose how much you get.
- Stay calm and don't feel obligated to eat a lot if you're full. Just pretend you're still eating and say thank you.
- Leaving food on your plate is not rude.
- Don't be disgusted by other people's food. The owner could sacrifice a sheep in honor of the guest, and you could get a sheep's head, pure fat or intestines for food. It's all a delicacy for the locals and it's okay if you don't like it. Just leave it on your plate and don't feel compelled to eat it all.
- Don't always expect to get your custom plate. Sometimes in the middle of the table, there may be a large plate from which everyone will eat.
Drinking
- The same principles with food apply to tea. You don't need to finish your cup of tea.
- You will be served tea in a traditional cup (without a handle) and it will only be half full.
- A full cup will mean that they want you to leave as soon as you finish your cup, and you just came to drink tea. A half-full cup is a sign of respect, and they cherish you as a guest.
- It will always be refilled unless you leave some tea in the cup.
- You don't have to drink it, but you should always take a drink.
- These rules do not apply to cafes and restaurants.
OTHER CULTURAL PROHIBITIONS
- Do not whistle inside buildings. There is a superstition that you will have bad finances if you do so.
- Do not sneeze or pick your nose at the table or during any conversation, as this is considered bad manners in Central Asia.
- Do not drop your hat on the floor, step on it or play with it. Hats are very important for the people of Central Asia, and they are treated with great respect and care.
- Don't say hello or goodbye while standing
- - - -
- Our contacts:
- +998 936667626
- office@etca.uz
- Tashkent, st. Amir Temur, 1st passage, building 6
© All Rights Reserved. Agentur Ideebar GmbH
gs@ideebar.ch
gs@ideebar.ch