Transfer over the Torugart to China in this week

Hi,
I gather two more people to share a cost for transportation from Naryn (Kyrgyzstan) to Kashgar to (China) untill 21th of June. There are 2 Spanish people.

With regards,
Kubat

Buying Gas (canisters) for hiking/camping stove in Bishkek

Hi,

I'm planning a 3-week trip with focus on trekking and hiking in Kyrgyzstan. As I can't take gas canisters on the plane, I would like to buy some in Bishkek.
I believe Kovea screw is the standard, but are there also piercable Butane/Propane gas canisters for sale of this type?:
http://www.tooled-up.com/Artwork/ProdZoom/PRM2210.jpg
http://www.campingaz.com/benelux/images/Product/medium/23186.jpg
That would safe me from buying another stove type.

Furthermore, are shops like Red Fox/ Alex.kg open on sunday? Or are they available on markets?

Thanks in advance

Pamir Highway in late June/early July

Hello,
I am traveling solo and looking to go from Osh in Kyrgyzstan to Dushanbe via the Pamir Highway. I'm not into hitching so I've been looking at organized tours and there are several categories of expenses. I'm really keen to do this from Osh to Dushanbe and not in reverse. I am wondering if someone else here is organizing a similar trip? I'd like to leave in late June. June 20 is the earliest that I can enter Tajikistan per my visa which is 30 days. Any suggestions? Anyone want to join in? if so contact me at sjk373 at gmail. Happy travels!

also posted in Tajikistan forum... so apologies for doubling up.

Itinerary plan, any thoughts??

After a long research I think that I have now a rather detaied plan of visit in Kyrgystan.
I will arrive there beginning of september.
This is myb tentative travel plan.

Day 1:
arrival before sunrise at Manas-Bishkek airport. spend the day visiting Bishkek
Days 2, 3, 4, 5.
Spend four days visiting Issyk kul area. plan to go from Bishkek to Chopon Alta (one night), Karakol area (two night) and south bank (one night, Tamga?).
Days 6, 7, 8, 9:
Spend four days visiting Song kol area and Naryn area, including the Tash Rabat karavansarai. possibly spend nights at Song kol, Kochkor, and Naryn.
Day 9. Travel to Bishkek, take plane to Osh. Night at Osh.
Days 11 and 12.
Visit Osh and Arslanbob.
Day 13. Travel by road from Arslanbob to Bishkek.

I travel with a friend.
If you have any thoughts about my itinerary please tell me.
thanks in advance,
Anastas more »

Proof of onward travel required for Kyrgyzstan?

I have a really quick question. I've been traveling - mostly overland - for about 8 months now and will be headed to central asia next, flying into Kyrgyzstan. I then plan to get some visas and travel to other countries in the region, mostly over land, and so am flying in only on a one way ticket, and traveling on an American passport and therefore do not require a visa upon arrival at the airport. My question is whether at the airport Manas, I will be required to show proof of onward travel. I do not currently have a flight ticket out since my itinerary is somewhat dependent on what I find. Has anyone had any recent experience with the arrivals at Manas if you don't require visas? I don't mind getting a flight ticket out of Kyrgyzstan that is refundable and exchanging it at a later date, but would rather not go through the hassle and expense if I don't have to.

Thank you! more »

Osh region safety

Hi there!

A friend and I are travelling from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan this June. However, our governments recent travel advice is to avoid the regions of Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken. Can anyone tell us how serious we should take this warning since I haven't read about any negative experiences on this forum.

The only alternative crossing seems to be through Kazakhstan which requires additional transit visa or a flight from Tashkent to Bishkek. Both options seem quite expensive..

Any up-to-date advice on the Uzbekistan/Kyrgyzstan border crossing and information on the Osh situation is welcome.
Our thanks in advance.

LVK

Recommendations for spectacular nature

Hi y'all!

I recently stumblede upon the great nature of Kyrgyzstan and also some exeptional cheep airline tickets and am seriously considering a trip this summer with my boyfriend. We are looking in to going mid august to mid september for 4-5 weeks but are a little bewildered about what to do and choose in what seem to be a magnificent country of natural beauty...

We are absolutely budget travellers, and we prefer to travel independently (i.e. without tour operators, prebooking and stuff). We love couch surfing, dorms and our tent :) And public transport. And meeting the locals.

Questions:

1)
We dont speek any russian - would a couple of days in a language class in Bishkek make any sense? How many days at least?

2)
Where should we go for the most stunning nature? We have a passion for high altitudes/rough mountains - so preferably we would be doing several treks (f... more »