Kyrgyzstan

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Central Asia's mountainous terrain is the focus of a trip here. Bishkek feels distinctly urban, while Karakol by Lake Issyk-Kul serves as a trekking base, and since road conditions vary widely, it's best to allow extra travel time.

Currency: KGS

Kyrgyzstan currency guide — today's rate & payment tips

Visa and entry rules change often. Check your government's travel advisory or the local embassy before you go.

Average temperature by month

Based on Bishkek · 5-year average

-2° Jan

1° Feb

6° Mar

13° Apr

18° May

23° Jun

26° Jul

24° Aug

18° Sep

11° Oct

4° Nov

-2° Dec

Choose a city

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Bishkek

Bishkek is the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan, with a population approaching one million. Home to a range of industries including agricultural machinery and textiles, it truly reflects its role as the country's economic center.

12 sights 9 guides Manas International Airport (BSZ)

Osh

Osh is the capital of Osh Province in southwestern Kyrgyzstan and the country's second-largest city after Bishkek. Here you can explore the largest city in the region firsthand.

2 sights 9 guides Osh Airport (OSS)

Karakol

Karakol is the capital of Issyk-Kul Province in eastern Kyrgyzstan, located about 380 km from Bishkek. It makes a great base for exploring the surrounding area.

4 sights 9 guides Karakol International Airport (IKG)

Manas

A city in southwestern Kyrgyzstan, near the Fergana Valley. It's a great place to take in the natural scenery along the Kögart River.

1 sight 9 guides Osh Airport (OSS)

Naryn

A city in central Kyrgyzstan, situated at an elevation of over 2,000 meters along the Naryn River. With several local museums and places to stay, it makes a good base for travel.

2 sights 9 guides Tamchy Airport (IKU)

Top sights in Kyrgyzstan

Nature

Sulaiman-Too

The only UNESCO World Heritage-listed mountain in Kyrgyzstan, located in Osh. It was regarded as an important pilgrimage site in pre-Islamic times.

Parks & gardens

Ala-Too Square

Ala-Too Square sits at the heart of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and stands as the city's iconic public space. Strolling across its wide plaza is a great way to take in the city's atmosphere.

Temples & religious sites

Bishkek Central Mosque

Located in downtown Bishkek, this is the Imam Sarakhsi Central Mosque, better known simply as Bishkek Central Mosque. It's a great place to view grand Islamic architecture up close.

Museums & galleries

Kyrgyz State Historical Museum

A history museum in central Bishkek, housing thousands of artifacts and sculptures tracing Kyrgyz heritage from ancient times to the 20th century. It's regarded as one of Central Asia's leading museums and is well worth a visit.

Shopping & districts

Dordoy Bazaar

This large wholesale market on the outskirts of Bishkek ranks among the biggest in Asia, alongside Bangkok's Chatuchak Market and Tehran's Grand Bazaar. It's a great place to browse a lively market scene and a huge variety of goods.

Heritage & monuments

Aigyr-Zhal 2

An archaeological site in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, where traces of human habitation from the Mesolithic era through the Turkic period have been found. It's a good place to explore the long history of the Tian Shan region.

Culture & venues

State Academic Russian Drama Theatre "Chinghiz Aitmatov"

A Russian drama theater in Bishkek that has built its reputation since Soviet times. Take in a play here to experience the history of Kyrgyzstan's performing arts.