There are no mandatory immunisations for travelers to Kyrgyzstan although you should be up-to-date on Typhoid Tetanus Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek guidance from your local GP or travel center on the proper immunisations and preventative measures.

Food and beverages

The food offered in Kyrgyzstan tends to be based around meat and rice however the vegetables and salads offered are varied. You can sample local cuisines while you travel, and often overlap with those of other cultures.

Regarding alcohol, the choice is usually limited to vodka and beer. Anyone looking for something different – Scotch , or Gin for instance – ought to buy it duty free and then bring it to the bar. Mixers such as tonic water are very difficult to find in Central Asia.

Cultural Sensitivity

On our tours you will frequently meet local people who have their own unique customs and traditions. We ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to give you advice accordingly.

The first thing you should know about travelling in Central Asia is that most areas, including the cities and towns, take a more relaxed view of Islam as compared to their counterparts to the south in Afghanistan as well as Pakistan. You won’t believe the length of skirts that women are in places like Bishkek! However, it should be kept in mind that this is technically an Muslim area, so an extra dose of caution should be used at certain locations. T-shirts and shorts are acceptable for both genders, but when going to mosques, women must be sure to cover their shoulders, and wear trousers or skirts with a length that falls to the knee. men should not wear shorts.

With only a little over 15% of the population following Islam, 80% of the population is Islamic.

Russian Orthodox Church.

Language & Religion

Kyrgyzstan is one of two former Soviet Republics located in Central Asia to retain Russian as an official language. Kyrgyzstan was declared an official bilingual nation in the late 1990’s, and added Kyrgyz to its official language. Because of Soviet policies, you can find ethnic Uzbeks or Tajiks in certain parts of Kyrgyzstan.

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