There are no mandatory immunisations that travelers must take to Kyrgyzstan however you must be up-to-date on Typhoid Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend that you seek out guidance from your local GP or travel specialist regarding the appropriate vaccinations and preventative treatment.

Drinks and food

The cuisine in Kyrgyzstan is typically based on rice and meats however the variety of salads and other vegetables offered are varied. If you travel around, you’ll be able to taste regional specialties, which often overlap with the diverse cultures that have lived and moved around over the millennia.

Regarding alcohol, options are typically limited to vodka or beer. Anyone looking for something different, like Scotch or Gin for instance – ought to buy it duty free and bring it out. Mixers such as tonic water are difficult to find in Central Asia.

Cultural Sensitivity

When you travel with us, you’ll often interact with locals, each with their own unique traditions and customs. We therefore ask you to be courteous and treat them with respect. You can always count on your tour guide or tour leader to assist you.

The first thing to say about visiting Central Asia is that most regions, especially the cities and towns, take a more laid-back approach to Islam as compared to their counterparts to the south in Afghanistan as well as Pakistan. In places such as Bishkek you won’t believe the length of some women’s skirts! However, it should also be kept in mind that this is technically classified as a Muslim area, so an extra dose of caution should be applied at certain locations. T-shirts and shorts are suitable for both sexes but if visiting mosques, women should be sure to cover their shoulders, and wear pants or skirts with a length that falls just below the knee, while men should not wear shorts.

With around 15% of the population embracing Islam, more than 80% of the population is Islamic.

Russian Orthodoxy

Language & Religion

Kyrgyzstan was one of two former Soviet Republics located in Central Asia that retained Russian as their official language. Kyrgyzstan became an official bilingual country in the 1990’sand was able to add Kyrgyz to its official language. Because of Soviet policies, you’ll find ethnic Uzbeks or Tajiks in some areas of Kyrgyzstan.

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