Kyrgyzstan is a small mountain country in the heart of Central Asia, stretched across the ranges and valleys of the Tien Shan. Almost 90% of its land lies above 1,500 m — a country of alpine lakes, summer pastures, glaciers and nomad yurts, crossed for centuries by the caravans of the Great Silk Road.
This guide brings together what we have learned over many years of guiding travellers here: where to go, when to come, how the Kyrgyz live and what to know before you arrive.
Kyrgyzstan at a glance
| Capital | Bishkek |
|---|---|
| Neighbours | Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China |
| Area | 199,900 km² — about 40% above 3,000 m |
| Population | About 7.4 million (2026), more than 80 ethnic groups |
| Languages | Kyrgyz (state language) and Russian (official) |
| Currency | Kyrgyz som (KGS) |
| Time zone | UTC+6 |
| Highest peak | Jengish Chokusu (Pobeda peak), 7,439 m |
| Largest lake | Issyk-Kul — 6,236 km², 668 m deep |
| Independence | 31 August 1991 |
| Electricity | 220 V, 50 Hz, European two-pin sockets |
| Phone code / domain | +996 / .kg |
Pick a topic below to dive in, or browse our tours and send us your dates — we will suggest a route that fits.
