Kyrgyzstan is all wide-open valleys, wild horses and some of the warmest hospitality you’ll ever find. Here’s everything we’d tell a friend before she goes.
Looking for what to bring? That’s all in our Kyrgyzstan packing list.
Money and tipping
Cards work in Bishkek’s hotels and bigger restaurants, but cash runs everything else, from bazaars to roadside honey stands. ATMs are easy to find in Bishkek and Karakol, so stock up on som there before heading to the lakes and mountains.
Tipping your guide is a lovely way to say thank you, and it’s the one we leave to you. Most travelers give $10 to $12 a day. Your driver’s tip is already taken care of on this trip.
Out on your own, many restaurants add a 10% to 15% service charge to the bill. If they don’t, rounding up or leaving around 10% is a kind gesture.
Culture and etiquette
Kyrgyz hospitality is legendary, and tea is how it starts. If you’re offered tea or bread, it’s polite to accept, even just a little. Bread is treated with real respect here, so never leave it upside down or toss it away.
Take your shoes off when you enter a home or a yurt. In villages, covered shoulders and knees help you feel at ease, and a scarf is handy if you visit a mosque. A simple salamatsyzby (hello) or rakhmat (thank you) will earn you big smiles.
Staying healthy and safe
Song-Kul sits at about 3,000 meters, so take it easy on the first day up there and drink plenty of water. Stick to bottled or filtered water throughout the trip.
Kyrgyzstan is a very safe country for travelers. In Bishkek’s busy Osh Bazaar, keep your bag zipped and in front of you, the same as any big market. For data, an eSIM is easiest, though you’ll have little or no signal at the yurt camps.
Yurt camp life
Nights in a yurt are a highlight, and they come with their own rhythm. The yurts have stoves and plenty of thick blankets, while bathrooms are simple and a short walk away, so keep a headlamp handy.
Step over the doorway rather than on it, leave your shoes at the entrance and accept the tea that’s offered. Then head outside after dark. The stars at Song-Kul are something else.
FAQ: Kyrgyzstan
Is Kyrgyzstan safe for women?
Yes. It’s one of the friendliest, safest countries in Central Asia, and you’ll be with your group and guide the whole way.
Do I need a visa?
Many nationalities can visit visa-free for a set number of days. Check the requirements for your passport before you go.
Will I have wifi?
In most hotels in towns, yes. At the yurt camps, expect little or none. Most travelers end up loving the break.
The bottom line
Accept the tea, respect the bread and look up at night. Kyrgyzstan will do the rest.
Want to go? See our Kyrgyzstan trip, and read how we travel together.
