Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is more than ninety percent mountain, with summer pastures where herding families still move to yurt camps, high alpine lakes and long trekking routes that need little permitting. Visa-free entry for many nationalities and low costs make it one of Central Asia's most accessible trekking countries. Almost everything worth reaching is a summer proposition.

Cities

Karakol

Karakol sits at the eastern end of Issyk-Kul below the Terskey Alatau range and works as the country's trekking hub, with guides, gear and shared transport to the trailheads. Its Dungan community built a wooden mosque in Chinese temple style, and a Russian Orthodox wooden cathedral stands nearby. Winter turns it into a small ski town.

When to go

See all seasons

• Spring: Green lowlands, high routes still under snow.
• Summer: Passes open, yurt camps running, warm days and cold nights.
• Autumn: Clear and cold, camps closing, first snow on the passes.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.