General information:
Capital: Bishkek
Language: Kyrgyz (official state language), Russian (co-official)
Religion: 82,7% Islam, 16% Christianity, 1.3% others
Population: 6 million (2019)
English-friendly: Very few people speak english. It is better to learn a few words of russian to “communicate” with locals
Wi-fi reliability: Poor
Currency: Kyrgyz Som
Average cost per day: 15$ – 20$
Visa: Most of western countries do not need visa to enter Kyrgyzstan
Safety: Good (October 2019)
When to go:
Spring (April-May): Ger camps are normally closed and it may be cold particularly at high passes. There can be heavy spells of rain but, by late April, the spring flowers are in full bloom and you can enjoy a walk or a horse ride at lower altitudes. Average temperature: 5 °C – 15 °C
Summer (June – September): It is the best period to visit Kyrgyzstan but also the most crowded and the most expensive. All the Ger camps will be open and you won’t have any problem organising your trekking. Be aware that some days in September may be cold! Average temperature: 20 °C – 30°C
Autumn (October – November): By mid October most of Ger camps will be dismantled and days grow significantly colder. You can still hike in early October (click here for some destinations) but be prepared for greater chances of rain and more unpredictable weather. Average temperature: 12 °C – 25°C
Winter (December – March): Temperature plummes and the heavy snow makes impossible to reach most of the touristic destinations. Average temperature: -5 °C – 9 °C