KYRGYZSTAN

As of 2024 citizens of 77 countries do not need a visa to travel to Kyrgyzstan.
You can find the whole list of the countries here:
https://embassies.net/kyrgyzstan-visa-exemption#:~:text=As%20of%202024%2C%20regular%20passport,short%2Dterm%20stay%20on%20arrival

In general the season lasts from April to October, however the high season is in summer months. Only in summer all the passes are open and travellers can fully enjoy all the remote but popular tourist spots. 

In general water in KG is clean and safe, in the mountains one can drink water even from rivers. However due to micro flora of foreign travellers is different we recommend to drink bottled water at hotels and guesthouses although for washing up and brushing teeth the local tap water is absolutely safe.

The local cuisine is a mixture of cousins of different ethnic groups although the traditional Kyrgyz cuisine that has a lot of meat, dough and potatoes is the dominant one. Along with the traditional Kyrgyz dishes such dishes like manty, lagman, plov and samsy are also very popular. In the modern Kyrgyz cuisine there are many vegetables and rice so vegetarians will always have something to eat.

The level of safety in KG is high due to low level of crime and hospitable and friendly mentality of local people.

We have fast and cheap internet in KG and in most hotels and guest houses there is free Wi-Fi. For instance, 40 GB of internet data costs 5-6 USD a month.

Unfortunately one should not count on easily getting around with English language in KG as level of English especially in rural areas is low. The situation is slightly better in Bishkek. The most common international language is Russian, which is spoken by more than 80% of the local population.

The capital – Bishkek - is 700-800 m high above the sea level, the pearl of Central Asia – the lake Issyk-Kul – is 1600 m above the sea level, Songkul lake is 3000 m high. Many mountainous passes in KG are on average around 3300 m high. There are 3 peaks higher than 7000 m in KG. 

It is better to bring USD or euro as one can exchange them in all cities and towns of KG. The best is to have 50 or 100-dollar notes as you get the best rate for them. ATMs are also available in all the cities and towns of KG.

Although the main religion in KG is Islam and more than 90% of the population is considered to be Muslims in fact not more than 30% of the local people are really religious. Yes, we do have halal restaurants where alcohol is not served however we still have many places with alcohol drinks available.

As said above despite most population is considered to be Muslims in KG according to the constitution we are a secular country and people are free to wear any clothes they like.