Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide - Getting Around

There are internal connections from Bishkek to Cholpan-Ata, Kara-Kol, Naryn and Osh. Travellers should note that maintenance procedures for aircraft operating internally may not conform to internationally accepted standards. Access to the Central Tien-Shan region is via helicopter, which takes climbers up the Inylchek Valley.

There is only one railway line, which runs from Bishkek to Balikchi at the western end of Lake Issyk-Kul. Osh, in the south of the country, can be reached by rail via Tashkent (Uzbekistan). A new North–South railway is currently planned. Travellers are advised that robberies on trains have been reported.

Traffic drives on the right. Visitors should note that roads are poorly maintained and badly signposted.

Bus: There are regular bus connections to all parts of Kyrgyzstan. Buses are crowded. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently advises against the use of local buses/minibuses due to their commonly poor maintenance.

Taxi: Taxis can be found in all major towns. Many are unlicensed, and fares should be agreed in advance. As many of the street names, particularly in the capital, have changed since independence, visitors are advised to ask for both the old and the new names when seeking directions.

Car hire: Car hire is not available. It is possible to hire cars with drivers for long-distance journeys, but because of the shortage of petrol, it is generally an expensive option. Foreigners are generally expected to pay in US Dollars.

Documentation: Licences for long-stay residents intending to buy or import a car can be obtained from the Protocol Department of the Foreign Ministry. An International Driving Permit and two photos are required.

There are bus and trolleybus services around the capital.

The following chart gives approximate journey times from Bishkek (in hours and minutes) to other towns in Kyrgyzstan.

	Road
Osh	12.00
Tokmak	1.00
Balikchi	2.30
Kara-Kol	5.30