6-Day Issyk-Kul Horseback Adventure

Kyrgyzstan, once part of the Soviet Union, is in Central Asia. It’s a country surrounded by land, known for its stunning landscapes, including tall mountains and beautiful alpine lakes. Most of Kyrgyzstan is covered by mountains, especially the Tian Shan range, which is in the central area. This makes it an amazing place for activities like hiking, climbing, and enjoying nature. Although Kyrgyzstan doesn’t have access to the sea, Lake Issyk-Kul’s beaches are great for a beach holiday. The country has a dry climate, with hot summers in the cities where temperatures average about 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). This weather makes it perfect to cool off by swimming or heading to the mountains. In winter, the temperature drops to around freezing, ideal for skiing and other winter activities.

Official name: Kyrgyz Republic
Government: Republic
Population: Approximately 7 million
Climate: Continental
Geography: Mountains
Highest point: Peak Pobedy 7,439m
Time zone: KGT (UTC+6)
Dialing code: +996
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, European plug
Religion: Islam and Christianity

It really depends on what activities you like and what you’re looking for. There are two great times to visit Kyrgyzstan: summer and winter.
During summer, you can enjoy hiking, trekking, climbing, driving off-road, riding horses, swimming, and going on cultural tours, among other things. In winter, you can go skiing, freeriding, paragliding, take off-road tours, and visit hot springs.
All year round, you can also relax at health resorts and stay in guesthouses.

The official language is Kyrgyz, and Russian is also widely spoken across the country. Many locals are bilingual, switching between both. In tourist areas and among younger people, you may find some English speakers — but don’t worry, our team is always here to help with communication when needed.

Kyrgyzstan is very welcoming to tourists and allows citizens from 60 countries to enter without a visa. The time you can stay without a visa varies from 30 to 90 days, depending on your country. The visa requirements differ by country, so it depends on where you’re from. People from many European countries, the United States, Australia, Japan, and others can visit Kyrgyzstan visa-free for a certain period.
To find out if you need a visa and how to apply for one, check the official e-visa website: www.evisa.e-gov.kg. For more information, visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic at www.mfa.gov.kg.

Kyrgyz food is a mix of Russian, Turkish, and a little bit of Chinese cooking. You’ll find meat in almost every meal, along with many dairy products. Tourists can usually find something they like to eat.

You can bring everything you need. Remember that in the summer, Osh can get as hot as 40 degrees Celsius, and it can be as cold as minus 5 degrees Celsius in the mountains. Be ready for sudden changes in the weather.
Recommended:

• Rain-coat
• Waterproof pants
• Sweater/fleece
• Wind-stopper
• Enough t-shirts and other underwear (think of taking smth with long sleeves to avoid sunburns)
• Power bank (to charge devices)
• Hat (remember – the sun can be violent)
• Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)
• Insect repellent (skin + clothes)
• Good, waterproof trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains.
• Walking shoes (don’t need heavy ones) for the city walks
• Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhoea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions).
• Personal hygiene kit (disinfection gel is highly recommended) + some toilet paper.
• A small towel
• Sunglasses
• A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase.
• Flash light (torch)
• Walking poles if needed