PEOPLE AND HISTORY

The earliest descendents of the Kyrgyz people, who are believed to be of mixed Mongol, Turkic, and Kypchak descent, probably settled until the 10th century around what is now the Tyva region of the Russian Federation. With the rise of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, the Kyrgyz migrated south. They did not emerge as a distinct ethnic group until the 15th century. Various Turkic peoples ruled them until 1685, when they came under the control of the Mongol Oirots. Islam is the predominant religion in the region, and most of the Kyrgyz are Sunni Muslims of the Hanafi school.

In the early 19th century, the southern territory of Kyrgyzstan came under the control of the Khanate of Kokand, and the territory was formally incorporated into the Russian Empire in 1876. The Russian takeover instigated numerous revolts against tsarist authority, and many of the Kyrgyz opted to move to the Pamirs and Afghanistan. In addition, the suppression of the 1916 rebellion in Central Asia caused many Kyrgyz to migrate to China.

Soviet power was initially established in the region in 1919, and the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast was created within the RFSR (the term Kara-Kyrgyz was used until the mid-1920s by the Russians to distinguish them from the Kazakhs, who were also referred to as Kyrgyz). On December 5, 1936, the Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) was established as a full Union Republic of the USSR.

During the 1920s, Kyrgyzstan developed considerably in cultural, educational, and social life. Literacy was greatly improved, and a standard literary language was introduced. Economic and social development also was notable. Many aspects of the Kyrgyz national culture were retained despite the suppression of nationalist activity under Stalin, and, therefore, tensions with the all-Union authorities were constant.

The early years of glasnost had little effect on the political climate in Kyrgyzstan. However, the Republic's press was permitted to adopt a more liberal stance and to establish a new publication, Literaturny Kirghizstan, by the Union of Writers. Unofficial political groups were forbidden, but several groups that emerged in 1989 to deal with the acute housing crisis were permitted to function.

In June 1990, ethnic tensions between Uzbeks and Kyrgyz surfaced in the Osh Oblast, where Uzbeks form a majority of the population. Violent confrontations ensued, and a state of emergency and curfew were introduced. Order was not restored until August.

The early 1990s brought measurable change to Kyrgyzstan. By then, the Kyrgyzstan Democratic Movement (KDM) had developed into a significant political force with support in Parliament. In an upset victory, Askar Akayev, the liberal President of the Kyrgyz Academy of Sciences, was elected to the Presidency in October 1990. The following January, Akayev introduced new government structures and appointed a new government comprised mainly of younger, reform-oriented politicians.

In December 1990 the Supreme Soviet voted to change the republic's name to the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. (In 1993, it became the Kyrgyz Republic.) In February 1991, the name of the capital, Frunze, was changed back to its prerevolutionary name of Bishkek. Kyrgyz replaced Russian as the official language in September 1991. (Kyrgyz is a member of the Southern Turkic group of languages and was written in Arabic until the 20th century. Latin script was introduced and adopted in 1928, and was subsequently replaced by Cyrillic in 1941.) Despite these aesthetic moves toward independence, economic realities seemed to work against secession from the U.S.S.R. In a referendum on the preservation of the U.S.S.R. in March 1991, 88.7% of the voters approved the proposal to retain the U.S.S.R. as a "renewed federation."

On August 19, 1991, when the State Committee for the State of Emergency (SCSE) assumed power in Moscow, there was an attempt to depose Akayev in Kyrgyzstan. After the coup had collapsed the following week, Akayev and Vice President German Kuznetsov announced their resignations from the Communist Party Soviet Union (CPSU), and the entire bureau and secretariat resigned. This was followed by the Supreme Soviet vote declaring independence from the USSR on August 31, 1991.

In October 1991, Akayev ran unopposed and was elected president of the new independent Republic by direct ballot, receiving 95% of the votes cast. Together with the representatives of seven other Republics that same month, he signed the Treaty of the New Economic Community. Finally, on December 21, 1991, Kyrgyzstan joined with the other four Central Asian Republics to formally enter the new Commonwealth.

Political System

The political system of the Kyrgyz Republic is defined in the Constitution. According to separation of powers principle set forth in the Constitution, the state power of the Kyrgyz Republic is represented by legislative, executive, and judicial branches. 

The President is the head of state and the top official of the Kyrgyz Republic elected for a period of 6 years. Jogorku Kenesh – Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic – is a representative body in charge of legislature.

The executive power of the Kyrgyz Republic is represented by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, line ministries, state committees, other executive authorities and bodies of local state administration subordinate to the Government.

Judicial System

The judicial system of the Kyrgyz Republic is represented by the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic, and local courts. The Constitutional Chamber operates within the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic. Judicial power is executed through constitutional, civil, criminal, administrative, and other forms of proceeding.

How to travel to Kyrgyzstan?

The most convenient way to travel to Kyrgyzstan is by air. The Kyrgyzstan capital, Bishkek, is served by several international airlines, and direct flights to Bishkek currently fly in and out of Russia, Turkey, the UAE, Delhi and the surrounding Central Asian nations. The southern city of Osh also has an international airport that can be reached via Dubai, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

In addition, there are approximately 12 land border crossings into Kyrgyzstan from its neighboring countries - Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China and Tajikistan. Depending upon the crossing, these can be reached by car, bus, train or marshrutka (minivan).

When to visit Kyrgyzstan

The best time of year to travel to Kyrgyzstan really depends on what you wish to see and do.

Ski season in Karakol lasts from mid-November to the end of March, when the whole country experiences a fair amount of snowfall. Keep in mind that during this time of year many mountain passes could also be closed.

Spring is the preferred time to visit for most travelers. It’s a generally mild, colorful time of year when nature comes to life with blooming mountain slopes and pasturelands dotted with horses, sheep and camels.

Unless you’re planning to ski, a trip to the mountains is best planned in July or August, although even in this hot season the mountain air can be cool, with sporadic showers. While summer can be sweltering in the cities, the bazaars are filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, and mountain travel is significantly easier.

The autumn season, apart from scattered rainy days, has cooler weather and gorgeous fall colors, yet a copious amount of fresh produce is still available.

What to wear in Kyrgyzstan

There’s no specific dress code for Kyrgyzstan. In summer you’ll want cool, light clothing, with a couple of warm outfits for your mountain excursions. A hat, sunglasses and trekking shoes are highly recommended. If you’re visiting in spring or autumn, layered clothing is a good idea, along with a raincoat or umbrella.

Winter travelers will want to bring attire suitable for potentially thick snow and frigid temperatures.

When visiting religious sites, loose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended (sometimes required for entrance) and women should cover their heads.

When visiting a private home, remove your shoes before entering.

How to get a visa for Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is one of the easiest countries to visit in Central Asia. Visa-free entry for an unlimited time is valid for citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Georgia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, North Korea, Russia, Tajikistan and Vietnam.

A visa-free regime for up to 60 days is valid for citizens of over 50 countries. 

Kyrgyzstan Customs Regulations

The import of alcohol to Kyrgyzstan is limited to 1.5 liters, and cigarettes to 1000 pieces.

Antiques, national artwork and other objects of significant historical, scientific, artistic or cultural value can be exported only with the special permission of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and with payment of a customs duty to the amount of 100 percent of the mark indicated on the export permit.

Kyrgyzstan Registration Guidelines

Citizens of 92 countries are exempt from registration in Kyrgyzstan for up to 90 days. Visit our Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide: Visa Requirements Page for a complete list of countries exempt from registration. Citizens of countries not listed as being exempt from registration on the Kyrgyzstan Visa Requirements Page must register within 5 days after arriving to Kyrgyzstan. Registration can be made at any public service center, and usually your hotel or guest house can easily register you.

Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek has every type of accommodation available: luxury hotels, budget hotels, guest houses, hostels, AirBnB and bed and breakfasts. The popular tourist destinations of Lake Issyk-Kul, Cholpon-Ata and Karakol also boast of a decent selection of guest houses, recreation centers and health resorts for all price ranges.Traditional yurt

Kyrgyzstan has the best selection of yurt stays in Central Asia, with the main yurt camps scattered around Son-Kul Lake, Dzhety-Oguz, Tash-Rabat and the southern coast of Lake Issyk-Kul (notably Bel-Tam and Tosor).

Money and Payment in Kyrgyzstan

The official currency of Kyrgyzstan, in which all payments are made in the country, is the Kyrgyz som. Currency exchange can be made at banks, open from 9:00 to 17:00, or in official exchange offices, many which are open around the clock. Exchange rates may vary slightly and in the capital it’s usually higher than in the provinces.

Worn, torn or marked US dollar bills or banknotes will not be accepted for exchange, so if bringing cash into the country with you, we recommend requesting new bills from your bank in higher amounts ($20, $50 or $100).

The use of credit and debit cards is quite limited, but they are accepted at select upscale hotels, restaurants and travel agencies in Bishkek. ATMs are found in Bishkek, Cholpon-Ata and other larger cities and tourist centers. However, as ATMs can often break down, run out of cash or reject your Visa, MasterCard or Maestro, it’s recommended to not wait until the last moment to try and withdraw cash, particularly if you’re outside the capital.

Internet and Phone Service in Kyrgyzstan

There are several mobile operators in Kyrgyzstan, the largest of which are Beeline, O! and Megakom. Beeline has the largest coverage in the country, Megacom the best prices in relation to the coverage provided, and O! the cheapest overall prices and access to 4G.

SIM cards can be obtained at each company’s official stores and at some of the street kiosks. They usually cost around $2, and 1-2-week plans are also offered. You may be asked to show your passport upon purchase, particularly in the official stores. 

Wi-Fi is available at many cafés and coffee shops in the capital but is harder to find the farther you go from Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan is less restrictive than its neighbors but accessing the internet through a reliable VPN, while not necessary, is still recommended.

Kyrgyzstan Healthcare

Travel to Kyrgyzstan does not require any specific vaccinations, but it’s a good idea to be up to date on your immunizations. While most medications (or their Russian variant) can be easily found in country and bought without a prescription, it’s a good idea to bring your standard first-aid kit of essential medications and basic first-aid items. If you plan to bring prescription medications, you’re required to declare them upon entry and exit and to have a doctor's prescription with you, although the likelihood of them checking your medications at customs is quite small.

Internationally accredited healthcare is available in Bishkek, but not outside of the capital. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. The most common concerns faced by travelers to Kyrgyzstan include digestive issues from unwashed produce and heavy foods, and difficult mountain passes made worse by impatient drivers and unexpected potholes.

Is Kyrgyzstan Safe?

Kyrgyzstan is generally a safe country to visit, although travelers should still exercise caution around the border areas. Ethnic tensions continue in the Osh region, and occasional political demonstrations have been held in downtown Bishkek, particularly around Ala-Too Square. Although there have been violent altercations in these areas, they are a rare occurrence.

Beware of petty theft, pickpocketing and scam artists, particularly late at night and in crowded or tourist-heavy areas, such as the bazaars. Violent crimes are much less common, but travelers should be particularly vigilant at night or when traveling alone.

If you’re planning a trek to the mountains, bear in mind the possibility of altitude sickness and take the necessary precautions of packing adequate supplies and warm clothing.

Kyrgyzstan Souvenirs and Gifts

The memory of warm Issyk-Kul, historical monuments, ancient petroglyphs and towering mountain landscapes can be preserved not only in the heart, but also with interesting souvenirs from Kyrgyzstan.

Felt products are quintessentially Kyrgyz and very easy to transport home. Felt hats, slippers, carpets, bags, clothing and accessories, decorated with traditional Kyrgyz motifs, make great gifts. Items made of bone are also popular among tourists, including figurines, key rings, and knives.

Other great gift ideas include dolls in colorful national dresses, genuine leather products, dishes stamped with national patterns and various hand-carved kitchen utensils.

Leaving Kyrgyzstan

For an international flight, we recommend arriving at the airport a couple of hours before your departure. You cannot export perishable food products, unprocessed metals or minerals from Kyrgyzstan.

When passing through customs, you may also be asked to show them the souvenirs you’ve purchased to ensure that you’re not illegally exporting antiques or items of cultural value.