Kyrgyrzstan

Kyrgyrzstan is a landlocked country bordering China and three of the other ‘stan countries (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan).

The nation is distinctive for having the world’s largest expanses of walnut forest (there’s a trivial pursuit question for you!), and from a visitor point of view, is perhaps best known for the world’s second largest alpine lake (Issyk Kul) and the Ala Too mountain range (also known by their Chinese name as the Tian Shan mountains), complete with glaciers and (of course) snow.

Another distinctive side to Kyrgyzstan is its national sport of kok-boru or ulak-tartysh.  Players on horses compete to have possession of a – we kid you not – a headless goat which they must take to the other teams goal area.  There is an annual national competition in late August with a prize of about US$40,000 (an enormous sum in not very affluent Kyrgyzstan) being awarded to the winning team.

Travel Information about Kyrgyzstan

Choose from these four helpful sections, or select the information about tours, accommodation, day tours and other travel services from the menu above.

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Essential Visitor Info

Visit this page for a helpful guide to the key information that will help you plan and prepare for a visit to Kyrgyzstan.
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Visa Requirements

Will you need a visa to visit Kyrgyzstan? The short answer – it depends. The longer answer? Visit this page to find out.

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Where to Go & What to See

In this section we introduce you to the main tourism considerations, sights, and attractions in Kyrgyzstan.
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History & General Info

If you’d like to know a bit more about the country you’re planning to visit, this is the section for you.

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Almaty City Tour

Almaty is simultaneously ancient and modern, and always an interesting city.

Our tour of the city will show you 19th century architecture, monuments, and magnificent street art, large distinctive modern buildings, and smaller historic structures.

The tour is a great opportunity to understand the history of the city and to see the magnificent landscapes of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range immediately outside the city!

During this tour you will reach a height of 10,000 ft (3200 m) above sea level, where you can take unforgettable photos over the city and beyond.

The guided tour is available in a selection of languages and typically starts between 9-10am when you are collected from your hotel, and you’re returned back at the end of the tour, usually between 5-6pm.  The tour is a mix of walking and being driven.

Among highlights are traveling a short distance out of town to the Medeo ice skating rink and Shymbulak ski resort (both fascinating all year round), and within the city, visiting Republic Square, the Panfilovsky Park of 28 Heroes, and the Green Bazaar.

Tour Details

All day (8 hours)

Activity Level

Easy/moderate

Tour Price

$70-120 per person