From the horse’s mouth
All trips
Visa & Health
Formalities
Visas are not required by nationals referred to above for stays of up to 60 days except:
1. Nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania, who do require a visa.
Nationals not referred to are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan.
For up to date advice please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kyrgyzstan/entry-requirements
Addresses of consulates
- Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the UK
Ascot House, 119 Crawford Street
W1U 6BJ London
Tél. : (020) 7935 1462
Fax :
mail@kyrgyz-embassy.org.uk - British Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
21 Erkindik Boulevard
Office 404
720040 Bishkek
Tél. : +996 (312) 303637
Fax :
ukin.kyrgyzrepublic@fco.gov.uk - Ambassade de France au Kirghizstan
32, rue Orozbékova apt. 2
720040 Bichkek
Tél. : +(996) 312 97 97 14
Fax :
cad.bichkek-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr - AMBASSADE DU KIRGHIZSTAN
47, Rue de l'Abbaye / Abdjistraat
B-1050 BRUXELLES
Tél. : 00322 640 18 68
Fax : 00322 640 01 31
kyrgyz.embassy@skynet.be
Health
If you are staying longer than 3 months or have a particular risk (travelling by bike, handling of animals and visits to caves) you might consider a rabies vaccination. Vaccination against Tuberculosis as well as hepatitis B is also sometimes recommended for stays longer than 3 months. It is also recommended to have a vaccination against tick borne encephalitis when you go hiking and/or camping for several days or more in the period of March to November.
Malaria does, but only at lower elevations in the south and in Bishkek from June to October. Pills are not necessary; buy repellent (preferably with 50% DEET), and sleep under a net.
Finally, other possible health issues include diarrhea and other general travellers' diseases like motion sickness. Watch what you eat and drink and in case you get it, drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration) and bring ORS.
Insurance
Our recommendation:
Cancellation and travel insurances are not included. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend to take out an insurance policy as soon as your travel is booked in case of cancellation.
Voltage
Budget and money
Credit cards:
Credit cards are accepted in some of the larger hotels and restaurants in Bishkek and can also be used at banks to withdraw cash from the counter. They are of little value outside the main cities. ATMs exist but are hardly commonplace in Bishkek or Osh and even less so elsewhere.
ATM:
ATMs are easy enough to find in Bishkek, although smaller cities like Jalal-Abad and Osh have far fewer. Some ATMs issue US dollars as well as Kyrgyz Som.
Telephone and jetlag
Kyrgyzstan Country Code 996
Choosing the right riding holiday
Choosing the right riding holiday
The Kyrgyz people come from a proud tradition of nomadic horsemen and warriors of the Central Asian steppe. Even though they were once the rulers of a vast empire in the middle of Central Asia, the people from Kyrgysztan have been under the rule of foreigners for many centuries, ever since the time of Genghis Khan.
One of the most celebrated warriors of the country is Manas. This warrior is known as the leader who unified the country and therefore became the most important figure in the Kyrgyz culture. Statues of Manas can be found across the country, in Bishkek you will be able to find a statue of this warrior on his magical horse, slaying a dragon in front of the Phillharmonia.
A trail riding in Kyrgyzstan is the opportunity to explore intoxicating landscapes on horseback, but also to discover a unique culture, steeped in equestrian traditions.