The local currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). It is hard to get outside Kyrgyzstan, so bring US dollars and exchange them on arrival. Notes issued before 2007 are usually refused.

ATMs work in the main cities, often with a limit of around 10,000 KGS per withdrawal. Visa is widely accepted, Mastercard not always.

Bring cash for the villages, guesthouses and yurt camps, where ATMs and card payments may not be available. On this tour you will need money for souvenirs and tips.

Kyrgyzstan is a welcoming country, and we plan every day of your trip with a local team. In Bishkek, take the usual care: watch out for pickpockets at Osh Bazaar and use pre-booked taxis at night.

In the mountains the weather can change quickly and phone coverage is very limited, so please follow your guide’s advice.

Taking photos or flying drones near border checkpoints, military sites and police stations is illegal.

Citizens of many countries, including the US, the UK and the EU, can stay in Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 30 days within any 60-day period. These rules changed at the end of 2025, so please check them for your passport before you book.

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival. If you need a visa, you can apply for an e-visa at evisa.e-gov.kg. We can advise you and take care of it for you.

This tour runs from June to mid-September, the best season for the mountains and lakes. In summer you can swim in Issyk-Kul Lake, where the water reaches about 22°C.

Nights are cold at Son-Kul Lake, at 3,000 meters, and snow is possible at high altitude even in summer. Bring warm layers and a rain jacket as well as summer clothes.

Please check which vaccinations you need with a travel clinic at least 8 weeks before your trip.

This tour reaches about 3,000 meters at Son-Kul Lake and 3,400 meters at the 33 Parrots Pass, where altitude sickness is possible. Tell your guide straight away if you feel unwell.

Medical care outside the main cities is basic. Your travel insurance must cover treatment and emergency evacuation. Bring any personal medicines with you, as some are hard to find.