Kyrgyzstan
Central Asia, Caucasus & Mongolia - Self-drive or with driver
Itinerary idea: Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, Karakol, Song-Kol, Naryn, Tash Rabat, Arslanbob, Sary-Chelek, Suusamyr
Strengths: Mountains and lakes, nights in yurts, very cheap
Weaknesses: Dirt roads, high altitude, little medical assistance
Children and safety: Passes above 3,000 m, nights in yurts, little medical assistance
Weather: Warm valleys, cool mountains, days 15-28 °C
Book ahead: 4-6 months
Key facts
- Best time to go: June to September
- Flight from Milan: about 8 hours
- Rain days in August: 4
- Daylight hours in August: 13.5
- Driving: on the right
- Malaria: none
- Visa (EU citizens): No visa (60 days)
- International licence: Yes
- Currency: Som (KGS)
- Language: Kyrgyz and Russian, little English
- Roads: Gravel passes, river crossings
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, typhoid; consider rabies
Ratings (1 to 5)
- Ease of getting around: 2
- Child friendly: 4
- Scenery and wildlife: 5
- August weather: 5
- Logistics ease: 2