We use cookies. Privacy Policy

🎒 NEW 39 Backpacker Guides Live — SE Asia, South America, Europe & more · From £12/day
← All Backpacker Guides
🎒 Backpacker Guide
🏔️
Central AsiaMountainsTrekkingNomadic Culture

Kyrgyzstan

The Tian Shan mountains, nomadic yurt culture and trekking that rivals Nepal at a fraction of the price and crowds.

Central Asia
🏕️ Yurt Stays🐴 Horse Trekking❄️ Tian Shan Mountains🌿 Nomadic Culture

Backpacking Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is the most spectacular and most underrated trekking destination in the world. The Tian Shan mountain range rivals the Himalayas for drama, the summer jailoos (high-altitude meadows) are extraordinary, and the nomadic culture is genuine and accessible through the CBT (Community-Based Tourism) network of yurt stays. Most Western passports get 30 days visa-free.

£20–£40/day avg daily budget
Key Info
Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS)Kyrgyz, Russian (some English in cities)Type C/FDrive Right
Tips appreciated — CBT yurt stays often work on a donation basis
Weather
Best: Jun–Sep
Summer (Jun–Sep) — mountain passes open, trekking season
June–September is the only realistic window for mountain trekking. High passes close October–May.
Health
⚠️Treat all water in Kyrgyzstan — boil or use a filter for mountain streams
Hepatitis Arecommended
Typhoidrecommended
Transport
Shared taxiMarshrutkaHired 4WD
✈️ FRU Manas International, Bishkek (30 min to city)
Shared taxis (faster than buses) for inter-city. 4WD for mountain areas. CBT network for yurt stays.
Emergency
👮 Police102
🚑 Ambulance103
🔥 Fire101
The Highlights

8 Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan

01
Trek the Ala-Kul circuit — the turquoise high-altitude lake in the Tian Shan is extraordinary
02
Stay in a CBT yurt on Son-Kul Lake — the high-altitude nomadic lake is one of Central Asia's most beautiful
03
Horse trek with a local guide through the Terskey Alatau range above Karakol
04
Visit the Sunday animal market in Karakol — one of the last genuine livestock trading markets in Central Asia
05
Trek to the South Inylchek glacier — one of the world's largest non-polar glaciers
06
Burana Tower and the valley of the ancient Silk Road — the solitary 11th-century minaret in the steppe
07
Osh Bazaar — the largest bazaar in Central Asia, operating since at least the 10th century
08
Arslanbob walnut forest — the world's largest wild walnut forest with homestay network
Want It All Planned?

Get a free Kyrgyzstan itinerary

Tell us how long you have and we'll build a complete trip plan.

// Book Activities

Book before you go

Curated via GetYourGuide — sorted by quality not commission.

Affiliate link — same price for you. Disclosure →

Insider Knowledge

What Most Guides Don't Tell You About Kyrgyzstan