Brief information
Until now, Kyrgyzstan remains a little-known country for most foreigners. However, this country has an ancient nomadic history, picturesque Tien Shan mountains, Issyk-Kul lake, mineral and thermal springs, medieval caravanserais, and even ski resorts.
Geography
Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia. In the north, Kyrgyzstan borders on Kazakhstan, in the east – on China, in the west – on Uzbekistan, and in the southwest – on Tajikistan. There is no access to the sea. The total area of this country is 198,500 sq. km., and the total length of the state border is 3,878 km.
More than 80% of the territory of Kyrgyzstan is located in the Tien Shan mountain system. In the southwest of the country there is the Pamir-Alay mountain system, and in the north and southwest there are the fertile Fergana and Chui valleys. The highest point is Pobeda Peak, whose height reaches 7,439 meters.
In the northeast in the Tien Shan mountains is Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world (Lake Titicaca is in first place).
Capital of Kyrgyzstan
According to itypemba.com, the capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek, which is now home to more than 900 thousand people. According to archeology, people lived on the territory of modern Bishkek from about the 7th century AD.
Official language
There are two official languages in Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz (has the status of the state language), belonging to the Kypchak group of Turkic languages, and Russian (has the status of an official language).
Religion
About 80% of the population of Kyrgyzstan profess Islam, and about 17% are Orthodox Christians.
State structure of Kyrgyzstan
According to equzhou.net, Kyrgyzstan is a parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected for 6 years.
The unicameral parliament in Kyrgyzstan is called the Supreme Council, it consists of 120 deputies elected for 5 years.
The main political parties in Kyrgyzstan are Ata-Jurt, SDPK, Ar-Namys, Respublika and Ata-Meken.
Climate and weather
The climate in Kyrgyzstan is very diverse, from sharply continental to maritime, due to the presence of mountains. The maritime climate is typical for the north-east of the country, where Issyk-Kul Lake is located. In the foothill towns in summer the average air temperature is +30-35C.
It is best to travel in the north of Kyrgyzstan from June to September, and in the south – from March to October. Traveling through the small mountains is best from April to June, when numerous flowers bloom there.
Mountain passes are blocked by snow from November to April (sometimes even May). The ski season starts in November and lasts until April.
Rivers and lakes
Several thousand rivers flow through the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Most of them are not big. The longest of them is the Naryn River, whose sources are in the Tien Shan mountains.
In the northeast of Kyrgyzstan in the Tien Shan mountains is Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world.
Culture
The culture of Kyrgyzstan is traditional for nomads. Islam had a significant influence on it, because. Kirghiz are Muslims. Until now, the Kyrgyz retain their ancient customs, especially in rural areas.
In order to really get to know the Kyrgyz culture, we recommend tourists to visit the jailoo in the summer (this is the name of the high mountain pasture in Kyrgyzstan, it is located at an altitude of 2500-3000 meters above sea level).
Kyrgyz celebrate Muslim holidays – Navrus, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha. All these and other holidays are accompanied by traditional Kyrgyz games, music, dance and theatrical performances.
Cuisine of Kyrgyzstan
The cuisine of Kyrgyzstan was formed under the influence of Uzbek, Russian, Chinese culinary traditions. The main food products are meat, rice, noodles, dairy products, vegetables. Meat occupies a central place in Kyrgyz cuisine. The fact is that the Kyrgyz used to be nomads, and therefore they did not grow vegetables and fruits (now the situation has changed, of course).
In Kyrgyzstan, we recommend tourists to try plov, shorpa soup, beshbarmak (lamb meat with noodles), Kuiruk-boor (boiled lamb), Kuurdak (small pieces of fried lamb or veal with onions and spices), Lagman (spicy stew with vegetables), “Manty” (steamed dumplings with lamb), “Oromo” (roll with meat or vegetables).
Traditional non-alcoholic drinks – tea, coffee, koumiss from mare’s milk. Koumiss can be easily bought by travelers between May and August right on the side of the road.
Sights of Kyrgyzstan
According to official data, there are several thousand historical, architectural and archaeological monuments in Kyrgyzstan. So, only in the Issyk-Kul region there are more than 1500 historical monuments. The top 10 best Kyrgyz attractions, in our opinion, may include the following:
- Mausoleum of Kumbez-Manas
- Ken-Kol burial grounds
- Armenian monastery near Issyk-Kul
- “Royal mound” in the Issyk-Kul region
- Caravanserai Tash-Rabat in the mountains of the Tyag-Shan
- Mausoleum of Shah-Fazil near Osh
- Petroglyphs in the Saimaluu-Tash Gorge
- Turkic statues of Kyr-Jol near Song-Kol Lake
- Petroglyphs of Mount Suleiman
- Madrasah of Osh
Cities and resorts
The largest cities in Kyrgyzstan are Jalal-Abad, Karakol, Osh, Naryn, Balykchy, Naryn, and, of course, Bishkek.
Kyrgyzstan has no access to the sea, but in this country there are many rivers and lakes. The largest lake is Issyk-Kul, which is a popular place for the Kyrgyz to relax in the summer. The swimming season lasts from May to October. In summer, the average water temperature in Issyk-Kul is +24C.
There are many sources of mineral and thermal waters in Kyrgyzstan. The most famous of them are the Ak-Suu, Alamudun and Issyk-Ata deposits.
In the Chui valley, there are Lugovskoye and Kamyshanovskoye weakly mineralized hydrogen sulfide deposits of therapeutic mud.
Because Since almost the entire territory of Kyrgyzstan is occupied by mountains, it is not surprising that this country has good opportunities for ski holidays. Good mountain centers are located near Bishkek and near Lake Issyk-Kul. The ski season runs from November to April.
Souvenirs/Shopping
Tourists from Kyrgyzstan usually bring folk art, wood products (for example, chess), children’s felt toys, felt hats, sheep wool carpets, chests, caskets, women’s handbags, scarves, Kyrgyz robes.
Office Hours
Banks:
Mon-Fri: 09:00-16:00
The shops:
Mon-Sat: 09:00-18:00
Visa
Ukrainians do not need to apply for a visa to visit Kyrgyzstan if the trip does not exceed 90 days.
Currency of Kyrgyzstan
The Kyrgyz som is the official currency in Kyrgyzstan (international designation: KGS). One Kyrgyz som = 100 tyiyns. Credit cards are accepted by some restaurants, hotels and shops only in Bishkek and Osh.
Customs restrictions
There are no restrictions on the import of foreign and local currency (and export) in Kyrgyzstan. All money must be included in the declaration.
You can not import literature that is contrary to the norms of Islam. You can not export rare birds, animals, precious stones and gold.
Useful phone numbers and addresses
Address of the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Ukraine:
Index: 01901, Kiev, st. Pavlovskaya 26/41
T: (044)
500-59-34 mail: [email protected]
Address of the Embassy of Ukraine in Kyrgyzstan:
Republic of Kazakhstan, Bishkek, Akhunbaev St., 201
T: (996 312)
25-17-67 mail: [email protected]
Emergency numbers
101 – call the Fire Brigade
102 – call the Police
103 – call the Ambulance
Time
The difference with time in Kyiv is +4 hours. those. if in Bishkek, for example, it is 09:00, then in Kyiv it is only 05:00.
Tips
Tipping is not common in Kyrgyzstan, although many hotels and restaurants where foreigners stay are very happy with it. Within the framework of the Kyrgyz culture, it is appropriate to bring some small gift (fruits, chocolate, souvenirs) to the guests.
The medicine
No special vaccinations are required to enter Kyrgyzstan.
Security
Violent crimes against foreigners in Kyrgyzstan are very rare. The Kyrgyz people are very hospitable. Despite the fact that the Kyrgyz profess Islam, they can be called “secular Muslims” (this statement is true mainly for urban residents).
