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Osh Bazaar in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

© Creative Commons / neiljs

Getting around in Kyrgyzstan

Air: 

There are internal connections from Bishkek to Batken, Kerben, Jalal-Abad and Osh. The two domestic airlines that operate are Kyrgyzstan Aircompany (www.air.kg) and Avia Traffic Company (www.aero.kg). Flying between Bishkek and Osh, Jalal-Abad or Batken is much faster than travelling by road and not much more expensive (but see warning below). Access to the Central Tien-Shan region is via helicopter, which takes climbers up the Inylchek Valley.

Air notes: 

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against using any domestic Kyrgyz airline as they are banned within the EU because they do not meet international safety standards.

Road: 

Visitors should note that roads are poorly maintained and badly signposted in Cyrillic script. Many are badly pot-holed.

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

The main north-south route between Bishkek and Jalal-Abad is in poor condition in places and involves passing over the 3,000m-high Too-Ashuu Pass and through a claustrophobic 3km-long tunnel south of Kara-Balta. The road that goes around Lake Issyk-Kul is mostly in reasonable condition. Many minor roads are really best suited to 4x4s.

Road classification: 

The main routes run east and west from Bishkek along the Chui Valley; around the shoreline of Lake Issyk-Kul; south from Kara Balta to Jalal-Abad and Osh, and south from Balykchy to Naryn and the Torugart Pass.

Car hire: 

Car hire is available at Bishkek airport but outside Bishkek car hire is not easy to find. It is possible to hire cars with drivers for long-distance journeys and this can be good value if the other seats are filled. Foreigners may be expected to pay in US Dollars.

Taxi: 

Taxis are generally cheap and can be found in all major towns and even some small villages. 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. In the major cities, dial-up taxi services tend to be a little more expensive but safer and more reliable.

Bike: 

Travelling by bike in Kyrgyzstan is only for the adventurous: the terrain is mountainous, distances are great, roads are bad and drivers sometimes reckless. Nevertheless, it can be highly rewarding for those with determination and stamina. There is no bike hire in the country.

Coach: 

Generally, roads can be affected by landslides (especially during spring in the mountain areas), while winter may cause hazardous conditions on a number of roads (especially on mountain passes, some of which may be closed during certain periods); visitors should also note that garage services are very limited. Regular bus services operate between Bishkek and Karakol, and between Bishkek and other towns in the Chui valley. Otherwise, the main type of long distance travel is by minibus or shared taxi.

Regulations: 

Drive on the right. Seat belts should be worn. The legal blood alcohol level for driving is zero. Speed limits are generally 60km (37 miles) per hour in cities and 90km (56 miles) per hour in the countryside. Foreign drivers may face harassment from traffic police. Avoid driving at night.

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.

Getting around towns and cities: 

There are bus and trolleybus services around the capital. Minibuses cost slightly more but are still very cheap and charge a flat fare. All urban transport is invariably crowded and routes are often hard to follow. Both buses and minibuses are reasonably safe although there can be problems with theft.

Rail: 

There is only one railway line, an unreliable and slow, summer-only service that runs from Bishkek to Balykchy at the western end of Lake Issyk-Kul.

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