Kyrgyzstan

If you're planning to drive there this summer, stash a few bundles of small notes within convenient reach to pay for all the 'fines' you'll incur.

4 thousand militia officers to secure tourist season in Kyrgyzstan

I am applying for a Kyrgyzstan visa through the DC Embassy, but having trouble figuring out the price. I need a 2-week tourism visa.

Here is the website and it is a bit confusing.
http://www.kgembassy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100&Itemid=49

It says $25 for a tourist, $80 for a 2-week, so I do not know if it is a combined price or separate. Also, I called the embassy and some guy who sounded like night security told me he 'thought' it was $100.

Anyone help me out?

Jeff.

Dear travellers

I read on the latest Central Asia LP guidebook that one might have problems if having no visa for Kyrgyzstan when flying to Bishkek. I would be flying from London Gatwick with a European passport on Rossiya. I read that it’s quite easy to get a visa on arrival once in the country, so I’m hoping to be issued with one cause there’s no consulate in my country or in a neighbouring country.

By the way, did anyone ever fly with Rossiya? Are most Russian airlines bad? I know they say…

Hello everyone,

I am looking to do the four day trek from Almaty to the north of Kyrgyzstan. I have heard mixed reports about how easy it is to cross the border in the mountains. Can anyone shed some light on this?

We're looking at a late June/early July crossing.

Many thanks,

Michael

Hi everyone!

My friend and I will be travelling to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for 3 weeks in August.
We're thinking about doing a trekking tour near Karakol, probably Jety-Öghüz to Altyn Arashan via the Karakol Valley.
My questions are:
- Do we need a guide or can we go (and find our way) on our own?
- Can you camp everywhere or are there "must-use" campsites?
- What about water supplies? I saw that you pass by rivers at least at some days, but it would be important to know
if there is water…

The 7 Ones...

***(NOTE that this is different than the KAZAKHSTAN post - I am trying to find specific information on several countries in the region)

This is Jeff from Texas. I'm coming to Kyrgyzstan the first and second weeks of July and one thing I always try to do is get educated on the local scene, the people and the places before arriving: what I call 'the seven ones'. If any of you could give me just one little answer for any or all of the below - your favorites – Kyrgyzstan.

1. …

Anyone been there recently that can give a short breakdown of independent travelling costs? local transport, food, guesthouses/etc? also, what would be the general per-day spending on a country side tour/hike trip?

Last but not least, is it safe to go independent in K-stan? I've been looking around this forum and people say its ok, but maybe somebody has some updated info on that?

Thanks a bunch!

The 7 Ones (Русский перевод ниже)...

This is Jeff from Texas. I'm coming to Kyrgyzstan the first and second weeks of July and one thing I always try to do is get educated on the local scene, the people and the places before arriving: what I call 'the seven ones'. If any of you could give me just one little answer for any or all of the below - your favorites – Kyrgyzstan.

1. ONE Book... something that has soul or historical pieces.

2. ONE Song... any Kyrgyzstan artists that I could…

Dear travellers,

I would be pleased if some of you could confirm me if there is, or there is not, transport by boat at the Issyk Kul, I mean, from Cholpon-Ata or Bosteri to Barskoon or Ysyk Kol for example. I know I could solve the transport issue by land, this is just an alternative way I am thinking on.

Best regards
Ignacio

Could it be a problem travelling in Kyrgystan (mostly on the countryside) during Ramadan?