Kyrgyzstan
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Travel blog: Cycling into Kyrgyzstan
After we passed the Tajikistan border post and into Kyrgyzstan we descended slowly down the Kizil Art pass, which was in a terrible state – muddy, rocky and steep.
FCO Kyrgyzstan travel advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has changed its travel advice for Kyrgyzstan as violent political unrest continues and the opposition is reported to have seized power.
England football fan shot in Kyrgyzstan
An England football fan has been shot in the leg during the build up to an England World Cup qualifying game against Kazakhstan. The Foreign Office said the man had been shot in the leg while in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan earthquake kills at least 60
Kyrgyzstan earthquake kills at least 60
Top five Kyrgyzstan holiday adventures
Kyrgyzstan is the perfect off-the-beaten-track adventure holiday destination with stunning scenery and hospitable people. Here are the top five holiday adventure activities recommended by travelbite.co.uk for a great holiday in Kyrgyzstan:
Kyrgyzstan is off the beaten track for most tourists but offers a great deal for the adventurous traveller.
With 93 per cent of this central Asian country sitting at a height of 1,000m above sea level, the stunning scenery, combined with the kind and welcoming people, make this an unforgettable place to visit.
Wander the leafy avenues of the capital, Bishkek, before going horse-trekking in the mountains, weaving through glistening lakes of central Kyrgyzstan. Or, take in the views from the majestic Tian Shan Mountains, which offers fantastic hiking.
An essential feature of any holiday in Kyrgyzstan must be a stay with the semi-nomadic herds-people in a yurt. A well-run community-based tourism scheme makes it possible to stay with local families, with the knowledge that you’re benefiting the people.
Kyrgyzstan Essential Information:
Capital: Bishkek
Other major towns: Osh, Karakol, Naryn, Sary Tash
Time Zone: GMT +6
Language: Official languages are Kyrgyz (written in modified Cyrillic script) and Russian.
Currency: Kyrgyzstan uses the som (KGS). For up-to-date exchange rates see: www.xe.com/ucc. There are a few ATMs in Bishkek but outside the capital it is essentially a cash-only economy.
International dialling code: +996
British Embassy: visit the website for more information
