19-Day Individual TourTurkmenistan, Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan

Turkmenistan

General

For centuries, fabric was transported from Xi'an in China to Constantinople in Turkey. Caravans traversed Central Asia through dry deserts and high mountains. This rich past and the developments Turkmenistan has experienced since the collapse of the Soviet Union form the basis of an impressive journey through this country. The country likely possesses the world's largest gas reserves and also profited handsomely during the rule of former President Turkmenbashi. You will find evidence of this during the trip as well: ruins dating back to the Silk Road and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the beautiful Yangikala Valley, the remarkable marble capital Ashgabat, and the Darwaza gas crater make this country a unique destination.

Location

Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia and was formerly an important hub on the trade routes between East and West. The country covers an area of ​​488,100 km² (comparable to Great Britain & Spain) and consists largely of the Karakum Desert, literally translated as the ‘black sand’ desert. The country is relatively flat, with exceptions along the border with Iran where the Kopetdag Mountains are located, and the Karabil Plateau along the border with Afghanistan. The country borders the Caspian Sea to the west, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to the north, Afghanistan to the east, and Iran to the south. The city of Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea is the country's most important port city, and it is also home to the largest oil refinery. Turkmenistan is rich in natural gas and oil, which constitute the main export products. With the exception of the Caspian Sea, there is little water. The Murgab and Hari Rud rivers end in the desert. The main source of water is the Amu Darya river in the border region with Uzbekistan. Several canals dug from this river irrigate the land and provide the drinking water supply.

Climate

Turkmenistan has a continental climate. Summers are extremely hot and winters are cold. Precipitation is generally low throughout the year. The best time to travel through Turkmenistan is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October).

Religion

Although Turkmenistan is a secular state, a large part of the population is spiritually inclined. Their animistic beliefs have blended with Islam, and this is reflected, for example, in the mosques and mausoleums, which are often decorated with animistic symbols such as snakes and ram's horns. Pilgrims sometimes wear a small cradle around their necks as a sign that they wish for a child. In addition to a vast majority of Muslims, a minority is Russian Orthodox.

Food and Drink

As in other Central Asian countries, plov (rice, mutton, onions, carrots, and raisins) and shashlik are often on the menu. Plov is prepared with cottonseed oil. That is why it smells so special. Shashlik tastes best when cooked on the branches of the saxaul shrub that grows in the desert. Other favorite snacks include samsa (samosa, meatballs in dough) and a variant of a meat patty, but larger and round, called fitchi.

Specialties in Turkmenistan

A typical Turkmen meal is dograma, made from bread, boiled meat, and onions. A soup that is often eaten is chorba, a soup of boiled mutton with potato, carrots, and turnip, also known as shorpa elsewhere in the region. Manti, steamed noodles, is also a popular dish. Bread, cörek, is round and flat and tastes best when it comes fresh out of the oven.

Drinks in Turkmenistan

Mineral water is available everywhere in Turkmenistan. Beer and vodka are widely consumed. Regarding beer, the brands Berk and Zip are the most popular. It is not recommended to drink tap water. If you are unable to buy bottled water, boil the water for 5 minutes. After the water has cooled, you can safely use it for drinking and for purposes such as brushing your teeth, cleaning contact lenses, and washing vegetables and/or fruit.

Electricity

The mains voltage in Turkmenistan is 220 volts; an adapter/world plug is not necessary.

Time difference

In the summer, it is 3 hours later in Turkmenistan than in the Benelux.

Language

The official language is Turkmen, a language belonging to the Turkic language group. In Turkmenistan, almost everyone also speaks Russian. People working in tourism often speak English.

Luggage and clothing

For traveling through Turkmenistan, we recommend practical clothing that is easy to combine in layers. Although it can get very hot during the day, the temperature drops significantly at night / early morning. Shorts, skirts, and tank tops are rarely, if ever, worn by the local population, but they are not prohibited. In the evening hours, people like to dress smartly.

Wearing a head covering is advisable against the bright sun. A scarf may sometimes be desirable when entering a shrine. Turkmenistan consists largely of desert. Please bring sturdy shoes. When packing your luggage, remember to bring sufficient photographic equipment (not readily available locally), flip-flops, a pocket knife, and a flashlight.

For all our trips, you are allowed to bring one suitcase per person with a maximum weight of 20 kilos in the coach/jeep. This regulation may therefore differ from the rules of the airline operating your flight. Nowadays, the rules and dimensions for checked baggage and hand luggage vary by airline and by destination. You can find the current rules per airline on the website of the operating airline(s). If you are using a domestic flight, different baggage conditions apply. Check the current rules of the relevant airline.

Passport, visas, and customs regulations

If you are traveling to Turkmenistan, you need a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months upon departure from Turkmenistan. In addition, a visa is required. You purchase this upon arrival at Ashgabat Airport, upon presenting your invitation. Calaio Viajes y Turismo can arrange this for you.

You arrive at the new Ashgabat Airport. You pass the hall where visa, immigration tax, and passport checks are carried out. Uniformed staff separate travelers into two lines. First, you must scan your passport in the “scanner” before the check. Next, you must pay your visa and immigration tax. At the visa counter, you show your invitation; subsequently, you are directed to another counter where you can make the first payment of approximately US$99, to then be sent to another counter where you must make another payment of approximately US$35. With the payment receipt for this, you return to the visa counter, where the visa is now affixed to your passport and stamped. It is therefore important that you bring US dollars that are fresh and undamaged. After obtaining your visa, you can join the passport control line. Next, you can collect your luggage and must show your luggage tag to a man at the exit of the baggage hall. Both checked and hand luggage will be scanned in the presence of the traveler and may be opened. It is prohibited to take negative material into the country; a travel guide is not a problem. When leaving Turkmenistan by land, you will be asked to fill out a declaration form. This last point does not apply when departing from Ashgabat. Additionally, a tourist tax of USD 2 per person/per night must be paid at the hotel.

Photography and Filming

Taking photos is a way for many people to create holiday memories. Photographing / filming in Turkmenistan is subject to rules:

- It is strictly forbidden to photograph the presidential palace. This also applies to buildings displaying the image of the president.

- The local population looks beautiful and makes for a great subject for photography. For various reasons, photos are not appreciated. Therefore, please always ask for permission first and respect the response. In general, people may not be photographed at the bazaar.

- Subjects featuring the current president or the first president (Turkmenbashi) may not be photographed. Sometimes the guide indicates that this is permitted from a (great) distance. This applies, for example, to the Neutrality Monument. We ask you to listen to the guide, as he/she may be held accountable for this.

- A photo fee applies to various sights. For Merw & Konya Urgench, this amounts to

TMT 7.- per camera (September 2019). For the National Museum and the Carpet Museum, you pay a fee per photo.

Money Matters

The Turkmen currency is the new manat (TMT). For one euro, you receive approximately 3.87 manat.

(01-04-25).

In practice, you can only exchange US dollars printed after 2004. The banknotes must be in good condition; damaged banknotes are not accepted. Turkmenistan uses a fixed exchange rate, so there is no difference when exchanging at hotels, banks, and exchange offices. We advise you to bring sufficient cash dollars in small denominations. Euro banknotes are not accepted.

Credit Cards:

Although various credit cards are slowly being introduced, the country is primarily based on cash payments. You cannot (yet) pay with your debit and credit cards.

Tips

Hotel staff, drivers, and guides in Turkmenistan will appreciate a small tip. In restaurants, the amount can be rounded up. Sometimes, more expensive restaurants add a ten to fifteen percent service charge to the bill. A guideline for drivers and guides is approximately €2 per person per day. Naturally, you are free to choose how much tip you wish to give.

Health

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required for Turkmenistan, although they may be recommended (e.g., DTP and Hepatitis A). We advise you to contact your GP regarding this.

If you use medication, we recommend the European Medical Passport. This document is available in eleven languages, allowing healthcare providers (abroad) to easily look up the patient's details, illnesses, conditions, and medication use.

Take a small travel first-aid kit with you on your holiday to Turkmenistan, containing items such as iodine, plasters, antiseptic wipes, and remedies for fever, diarrhea, constipation, insect bites, sunburn, and possibly a remedy for motion sickness. Also consider a tick remover, a thermometer (unbreakable), ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts, for dehydration), and vitamin tablets. For hygiene while traveling, bring a bottle of disinfectant gel and antiseptic wipes, among other things. (Moist) toilet paper is also recommended, as it is sometimes missing.

The sun shines abundantly in Turkmenistan, and it can get very hot during the summer months. Good sun protection is highly recommended. Due to the dry heat, one loses a lot of fluids unnoticed, so drinking plenty of fluids and adding extra salt is important. Hot drinks (tea) are less taxing on the stomach and intestines than strongly chilled drinks. Tap water is not drinkable.

There is a general smoking ban in public spaces (including on the street) in Turkmenistan.

Travelers' fitness

To participate in our group tours, it is necessary that you are in good mental and physical condition and that you are fully self-reliant. Regular walks are taken over mostly uneven terrain.

Opening hours

Shops, post offices, and offices in Turkmenistan are open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Most businesses are closed during lunchtime. Bazaars and department stores in the larger cities are usually open longer. The Tolchuka Bazaar in Ashgabat is open on weekends from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Museums are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Post, Internet, and Telephone

Every form of communication in Turkmenistan is controlled by the government. This applies, for example, to telephone traffic, the internet, and postcards, which are inspected before being made available for further transport.

Making Phone Calls in Turkmenistan

In all major cities in Turkmenistan, you can make national and international calls and send faxes at the Telegraph Station, also known as Glavny Telegraf.

Internet in Turkmenistan

There is one service provider in Turkmenistan: www.online.tm. Although you see many smartphones on the street, the internet is not easily accessible for foreign visitors. The number of accessible websites is limited. The best place to go online during your Turkmenistan tour is in the top hotels of Ashgabat. Hotel President, as well as the Nissa and Grand Turkmen hotels, have internet. As a non-guest, you are best off at the latter two hotels.

Mail

The postal service takes about 2 weeks to send postcards but is not always reliable.

Culture

Turkmen are originally a nomadic people and, despite urbanization, they remain so at heart, certainly in the area of ​​hospitality. When you visit a home during your tour of Turkmenistan, you will receive a lot of attention. You are sometimes assigned a younger family member who is responsible for ensuring that you have a pleasant stay. It is also important that there is always plenty of food on the table. Clothing is also often still traditional: both in modern Ashgabat and outside of it, many women walk around in beautiful, colorful dresses. At the same time, young men often wear Western clothing, whether or not combined with a telpek, the traditional headgear made of sheep's wool.

Safety

Turkmenistan is a safe country for travelers; crime is rare. Nevertheless, it remains important to keep an eye on your personal belongings. In Ashgabat, you should assume that there is a police officer, often undercover, on every street corner closely monitoring what tourists are doing. Be especially careful when taking photos here, particularly of government buildings or photos of posters of the president.

Travel advice for Turkmenistan

Current information regarding safety in Turkmenistan can be found on www.minbuza.nl, the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can also find useful travel advice on http://diplomatie.belgium.be, the website of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cultural Heritage and UNESCO

- Kunya Urgench

- Nisa

- Merw

National Holidays

National holidays in Turkmenistan are: New Year's Day (January 1), Remembrance Day (January 12), Flag Day (February 19), President's Birthday, International Women's Day (March 8), Horse Day (April 27), Victory Day (May 9), Day of ‘Revival & Unity’ (May 18), Day of the Poem Magtymguly (May 19), Carpet Day (May 25 or the last Sunday in May), Day of the Election of the First President (June 21), Melon Day (July 10), Turkmenbashi Day (July 14), Day of Remembrance of the 1948 Earthquake ( October 6), Independence Day (October 27-28), Student Youth Day (November 17), Bread Day (November 30), Good Neighbors Day (December 7), and Neutrality Day (December 12).

Religious holidays in Turkmenistan

Additionally, there are Islamic holidays in Turkmenistan such as Eid al-Fitr following Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha. During the fasting month of Ramadan, public life continues to function, and a large part of the population does not participate. Nowruz is a widespread festival celebrated primarily in Iran, but also in Central Asia. It is the festival of the beginning of spring (in Iran also the beginning of the new year). A few days before Nowruz, it is time for khashar; ensuring that all homes, cities, and villages look tidy.

Turkmen Embassy in Belgium

Reyerslaan 106, 1030 Brussels, tel: 0032-26481874

E Turkmenistan@skynet.be

Uzbekistan

General

Uzbekistan has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries. However, many travelers never go there, even though Uzbekistan has so much beauty to offer, such as the richly decorated mosques, Quranic schools, and caravanserais. Once you have seen the Registan Square in Samarkand, it will be etched in your memory and never forgotten. Visit the lively markets of Khiva, Bukhara, or Samarkand, where you will meet the friendly people, Uzbek spices and flavors, and the rich colors of the country. Experience the ancient Silk Road! But also get to know the capital, Tashkent, with its Soviet architecture and impressive metro stations.

Location

Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Turkmenistan to the south, and Tajikistan to the east. The Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan borders Kyrgyzstan. Uzbekistan consists mainly of desert and semi-desert. The vast lowlands in the west consist of the Kyzylkum Desert (red sand) and the Khoresm oasis on the lower course of the Amu Darya river. In the far west lie the Aral Sea and the Ustyrt Plateau. The Amu Darya and Syr Darya are the two largest rivers of Uzbekistan and originate in the mountain ranges to the east of Uzbekistan. In the east, the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains can be found near the Fergana Valley.

Climate

Uzbekistan has a continental desert climate. Temperatures range from around 0 to 10 degrees in the winter months and from around 25 to 35 degrees in the summer months. The best time to travel is in April, May, and early June, and in the autumn, September and October.

Religion

In Uzbekistan, approximately 90% of the population is Muslim, the majority of whom are Sunnis. The remaining 10% of Uzbeks are Russian Orthodox. Religious freedom only increased after independence. Over time, madrasas and mosques were renovated and built everywhere. Minorities can attend their own church or synagogue. Islamic fundamentalist groups are officially banned in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek population is generally not strict with their religion. For instance, you hear few to no calls to prayer, and the Uzbek population drinks alcohol freely. Wearing a headscarf is not mandatory for women.

Food and drink

The Uzbeks generally make a few exceptions to Islamic rules, primarily regarding alcohol, which flows freely as in other former Soviet republics. Sometimes a glass of vodka is raised as early as lunch. Beer is also readily available. Furthermore, Uzbekistan has an excellent climate for grape cultivation, so local white and red wines are also produced.

In the hotels, you can have breakfast in the morning with Uzbek bread, tea or coffee, various spreads, and sometimes an egg, and – usually – a glass of kefir (plant-based, but it resembles yogurt).

Lunch is hot, as is dinner. The menus are generally the same for both lunch and dinner: very hearty, nutritious soup (Laghman or Borscht) with bread, a main course with meat and vegetables, and always a salad of lettuce, cucumber, and tomato.

Tap water

It is not recommended to drink tap water. If you are unable to buy bottled water, boil the water for 5 minutes. After the water has cooled down, you can safely use it for drinking and for things like brushing your teeth, cleaning contact lenses, and washing vegetables and/or fruit.

Electricity

In Uzbekistan, the same types of plugs are used as at home (220 volts).

Time difference

In Uzbekistan, it is 3 hours ahead of us. Uzbekistan does not observe daylight saving time, so during our summer time, it is 3 hours ahead in Uzbekistan.

Language

Uzbek is the official national language, a language belonging to the Turkic language family. Originally, the Uzbek language used the Arabic script, the Latin alphabet from 1929 to 1940, and subsequently the Cyrillic script. In 1993, a law was passed regulating the transition to the Latin script. In official Uzbek texts, common Russian terms were replaced by newly created Uzbek words. In everyday spoken language, many people use Uzbek mixed with Russian. After fifteen years of independence, knowledge of Russian has declined; a new generation has grown up with the Uzbek language as well as English. Only the older generation still speaks Russian, and of course, the few Russians who remained.

Luggage and clothing

We advise you to bring some extra toilet paper. Toilets and toilet paper are always available in the hotels. However, during travel, we may occasionally pass a rest stop where there is no toilet paper. For hygienic reasons, it is recommended to bring your own wet toilet paper to clean your hands where no water is available. Disinfectant lotion is also recommended.

For visits to the sights, a covered shoulder is sometimes mandatory. Headscarves are not used at religious sites and are therefore not necessary. You may bring your swimwear; if there is a swimming pool, you may use it.

For all our trips, you are allowed to bring one suitcase per person with a maximum weight of 20 kilos in the coach/jeep. This regulation may therefore differ from the rules of the airline operating your flight. Nowadays, the rules and dimensions for checked baggage and hand luggage vary by airline and destination. You can find the current rules per airline on the website of the operating airline(s). If you are using a domestic flight, different baggage conditions apply. Check the current rules of the relevant airline.

Passport and customs regulations.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Uzbekistan.

Take a photocopy of the photo page of your passport with you on your trip and keep it separate from this travel document, so that the procedure for obtaining a new passport in the event of loss or theft is facilitated.

Antiquities from before 1945 may not be exported. If you wish to export something that looks somewhat old, ensure that you have proof of purchase and a statement that it is not from before 1945.

Photography and filming

Uzbekistan is a photogenic country, not only because of its nature but especially because of its people. In general, the local population does not mind being photographed. Children will even push their way to the foreground just to get into the frame. You will often receive apples, pears, or nuts as a thank you, especially at markets. If you photograph people, do so with respect. After all, people are not waiting to serve merely as photo subjects. Therefore, take the time to take a photo and show interest, for example by greeting someone first and having a chat. It is also often disarming if the digital photographer shows what is visible on the screen. Always ask people for permission first if you want to photograph them. This can sometimes be done without words: by holding up the camera and using gestures to make it clear that you would like to take a photo. A positive or a dismissive reaction is usually easy to recognize. Respect it if people prefer not to be photographed and remain friendly. People may have very good reasons for not wanting to be photographed. People may wonder what happens to their image. Sometimes religious motives play a role: people believe that a piece of the soul is taken away with a photograph. Others prefer not to be photographed while working, unwashed, or in dirty clothes. Some women do not like being photographed by strange men. It can also happen that people only want to be photographed for payment. Respect this condition and do not take photos secretly from a distance in such a case. This can lead to aggressive reactions.

In museums and at tourist attractions, you sometimes have to purchase a separate ticket to take photos or video recordings. These can be considerably more expensive than the entrance ticket. Be sure to exercise restraint when photographing religious sites and events. It is forbidden to photograph military installations, border posts, and airports.

Financial matters

In Uzbekistan, payments are made in Uzbek sum (UZS). The exchange rate is subject to significant fluctuations.

1 Euro (EUR) = 14,600 Uzbekistani sum (UZS)

(01-05-25)

There are a few ATMs in the capital. In the cities, you can exchange cash euros and dollars at banks, exchange offices, and many hotels. In Tashkent, you can withdraw dollars with your debit card, but not sum.

Credit cards are accepted in a number of large hotels. There are a number of ATMs in Tashkent, some of which are located in the large hotels. Mastercard users must go to the Asaka Bank in the province, and Visa users must go to the National Bank of Uzbekistan (NBU).

You can only exchange sum back into euros/dollars if you possess an original exchange certificate that you received when exchanging at a currency exchange office/bank. There are two versions of these certificates that are difficult to distinguish. The original certificate states: This certificate gives a right to reexchange foreign currency. You can easily pay for souvenirs with euros.

Tips

It is customary in Uzbekistan to leave a tip in restaurants; the guideline for this is 10% of the bill amount. Usually, the tip is listed separately on the bill as “service charge 10%”.

The guide, driver, and tour leader in Uzbekistan also expect a tip at the end. It is customary

€ 2 per day for the guide, € 2 per day for the driver, and € 2 per day for the tour leader.

This amounts to € 6 per day x the number of days.

Health

Information regarding vaccinations may change. Furthermore, what you need depends on previous vaccinations, potential sensitivity to certain medications, pregnancy, age, etc. Therefore, always contact your GP in good time for advice.

We would like to advise you to include an anti-diarrheal medication, such as Immodium, in your travel first-aid kit. The food is different in Uzbekistan, so it is possible that some intestinal problems may arise.

Travelers' Fitness

To participate in our group tours, it is necessary that you are in good mental and physical condition and that you are fully self-reliant. Regular walks are taken over mostly uneven terrain.

Opening Hours

Shops, post offices, and offices are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. From 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, most businesses are closed for the lunch break. Department stores in the larger cities are usually open longer. In Tashkent, you see more and more 24-hour supermarkets appearing where practically everything is for sale.

Bazaars start early, around 6:00 AM.

Mail, internet, and telephone

Mail to the Benelux takes one to two weeks and is not equally reliable everywhere. Internet cafes are available in the major cities and tourist areas. Most hotels have Wi-Fi.

Making phone calls from Uzbekistan involves high costs. You can inquire with your mobile provider about the costs of making and receiving calls abroad. Sometimes calling from the hotel room is cheaper. Uzbekistan has the international country code 00998.

Safety

Uzbekistan is a very safe country to travel in. You can certainly walk on the street without any problems, especially during the day. Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and street robberies occur all over the world. It is therefore wise to keep an eye on your belongings and not give people the opportunity to steal things. It certainly does no harm to pay extra attention to your belongings at busy markets, stations, and when getting on and off public transport, although the chance of something happening to you is small.

It is better to carry money and important papers on your person, for example in pockets on the inside of your clothing or in a money pouch. Put a small amount of money in your wallet so that you do not lose all your money if you get pickpocketed. Carry photo and video equipment in a bag or backpack, and do not flaunt jewelry. Make copies of important travel documents such as your passport, visa, airline tickets, and insurance papers. You can also scan these documents and send them to your own email address so that you can access them at any internet café. Do not leave valuable items in the hotel room.

Cultural heritage and UNESCO

- Historic center of Bukhara

- Historic center of Shakhrisabz

- Itchan Kala in Khiva

- Samarkand

- Western Tien-Shan Mountains

National holidays

The national holidays in Uzbekistan are: New Year's Day on January 1, International Women's Day on March 8, Nowruz – the Persian New Year on March 20, Victory Day on May 9, Children's Day on June 1, Independence Day on September 1, Teachers' Day on October 1, and Constitution Day on December 8. In addition, there are religious holidays such as Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, which fall in a different period every year.

Embassy of Uzbekistan in Brussels

Franklin Rooseveltlaan 99, 1000 Brussels, tel: 02-6728844

http://www.uzbekistan.be/

Embassy

Belgium does not have its own embassy in Uzbekistan. The country falls under the embassy in Russia.

Honorary Consul

C2, building 3, Apartment 74, Kh. Samatavoy Str, 100000 Tashkent

Tel. (+998) 71 150 8595 - nlconsulate.tashkent@gmail.com

Kyrgyzstan

General

Traveling through Kyrgyzstan means traveling through the country's unique nature. Our tours take you past mountain landscapes, colorful valleys, large lakes, and nomadic villages, while you can admire Central Asian architecture. You will frequently stay in guesthouses, where you get to know the local population well and discover that they are very friendly people. Kyrgyzstan has very varied nature, a rugged landscape consisting of mountains, lakes, and many streams. A trip usually starts in Bishkek, where the international airport is located, and typically takes you past Lake Issyk-Kul, which is the second-largest mountain lake in the world. It is not yet a popular holiday destination, making it the ideal destination for peace and vastness.

Location

Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia and borders China to the southeast, Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, and Tajikistan to the southwest. Kyrgyzstan has a surface area of ​​198,500 km² (almost 5 times the Netherlands; 6.5 times Belgium), on which approximately three times as much livestock (mainly sheep) as people live. The country has over 5.4 million inhabitants. Two-thirds of the total population lives in rural areas. The Kyrgyz economy relies mainly on arable farming and livestock breeding. The country is skilled in building hydroelectric power plants, and raw materials such as mercury, lead, and copper, and more recently gold, are mined there. The Kyrgyz people are descended from Turkic nomadic tribes who left Siberia around the tenth century to eventually settle in the Tian Shan mountains.

Kyrgyzstan consists of approximately ninety percent mountains. Almost half of these lie above 3,000 meters, three-quarters of which are covered with eternal snow and ice. Most mountains belong to the Tian Shan 'Heavenly Mountains' in the southeast or are foothills thereof. Peak Pobeda, at 7,439 meters, is the highest mountain. Only a few valleys lie below 1,000 meters, such as the Chuy and Talas valleys and the rim of the Fergana Basin. Kyrgyzstan is dotted with mountain lakes, of which Issyk-Kul is the largest. About eighty larger and smaller rivers flow into this lake. Bears, wild boars, foxes, wolves, badgers, and lynxes live in the forested mountain regions, while trout and carp swim in the lakes and rivers. The country is said to have the second-largest population of snow leopards, a number that is declining drastically due to hunting.

Climate

Kyrgyzstan has a mountain and continental climate with significant differences between the low-lying and high-altitude areas. In the valleys, the average temperature in July is 28 degrees and in January minus 18 degrees. During the summer, the mountain regions enjoy a very pleasant temperature of around 25 degrees. In winter, it is very cold throughout Kyrgyzstan. Most precipitation falls in spring and autumn, but showers can also occur in summer. The best time to travel to Kyrgyzstan is therefore June, July, and August.

Religion

In Kyrgyzstan, 75% of the population is Muslim and 20% is Russian Orthodox. The population converted to Islam relatively late (16th century). This is why Kyrgyz people often adhere to their pre-Islamic, shamanistic rituals. In Kyrgyzstan, you often see strips of cloth tied to branches, with which they try to send their wish to the heavens via the twigs. The Kyrgyz are also a very nomadic people, which is reflected in their structures such as mausoleums and yurts.

Food and drink

The standard meal in Kyrgyzstan is spicy laghman, a noodle dish. Beshbarmak, literally ‘five fingers’, is eaten by hand and is a feast. It consists of large flat noodles topped with lamb or horse meat, cooked in a vegetable soup. Kesme is a thick noodle soup with pieces of potato, vegetables, and meat. Jarkop is braised meat with vegetables and noodles. Hoshan are fried or steamed noodles, comparable to manti. Horse meat sausages – kazy, karta, or chuchuk – are preferably eaten in combination with vodka. In the Dungan region, in Bishkek and the surrounding area, and in Karakol, you will find ashlyanfu, a dish made of cold noodles, jelly, vinegar, and eggs. Also ask there for steamed buns with jusai, a type of mountain grass related to the onion, and fyntyozi, spicy cold rice noodles. Gyanfan is rice with meat and vegetable sauce. The national drink is koumis, a lightly alcoholic mare's milk available in the spring and early summer. It is usually sold by nomads along the roadside and tastes a bit like watery buttermilk. Bozo is a thick sparkling drink made from boiled, fermented millet or other grains. Jarma and maksym are fermented barley drinks, made from yogurt and yeast. In Bishkek, you can buy it under the name Shoro. Boorsok, fried dough pastries, are eaten with these drinks. A favorite is kurut, small balls of dried yogurt. Issyk-köl honey is the best honey in Central Asia. Locally made blackcurrant jam tastes fantastic.

Electricity

The mains voltage in Kyrgyzstan is 220 volts, but you often need an adapter to connect. Power outages do not occur often. Spare batteries and a flashlight are handy to bring along.

Time difference

In the summer, it is 4 hours later in Kyrgyzstan than in our country.

Language

The country has two official state languages: Russian and Kyrgyz. The Kyrgyz language is a Turkic language with a Cyrillic alphabet. Kyrgyzstan is in the process of switching to the Latin script.

Luggage and clothing

We recommend bringing practical clothing for your trip through Kyrgyzstan that is easy to combine (layering). We ask you to show respect for the local culture in your choice of clothing. For example, shorts, short skirts, and tank tops are taboo in Islamic countries. However, wearing these is not a problem in the major cities of Central Asia.

It is advisable to bring sturdy walking shoes for any hikes you may wish to take in Kyrgyzstan.

For all our trips, you are allowed to bring one suitcase per person on the coach with a maximum weight of 20 kilos. This regulation may therefore differ from the rules of the airline operating your flight. Nowadays, the rules and dimensions for checked baggage and hand luggage vary by airline and destination. You can find the current rules per airline on the website of the operating airline(s). If you are taking a domestic flight, different baggage conditions apply. Please check the current rules of the relevant airline.

Passport, visa and customs regulations

You need a valid passport to travel to Kyrgyzstan. It must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival in the country. A visa is not required.

Import Regulations

Antiques dating from before 1945 may not be exported from Kyrgyzstan. If you wish to export something that looks somewhat old, ensure you have proof of purchase and a statement confirming that it is not from before 1945.

Photography and Filming

In general, Kyrgyz people have few objections to being photographed or filmed, but always ask for permission to be sure. Pointing at your device and looking questioningly is enough to make clear what you want. Military objects and airports may not be photographed. It is also best not to photograph guards.

Financial Matters

The Kyrgyz currency is the sum (KGS), which is subdivided into tiyin. There are banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 sum in circulation. For one euro, you receive approximately 98 sum (01-05-25).

Exchange can be made at banks and official exchange offices (obmen balyot). It is easiest to exchange US dollars. Credit cards are accepted in some of the larger hotels in Bishkek. There are ATMs on a limited scale in Bishkek, Osh, and Jalal-Abad. Please note that an ATM may be out of order! Please ensure that your bank card has worldwide coverage when you wish to withdraw cash.

Tips

For most group tours, your tour leader will suggest setting up a joint tip fund so that you do not have to worry about anything during the trip. In countries where we use local tour guides and drivers, it is customary to show your appreciation for the services provided by giving a tip. Guides, drivers, and service staff appreciate a tip. On average, you give a tip of about 10%. Although they often won't ask for it, guides, drivers, and hotel staff count on a tip. For the guide and driver, we recommend giving about €2 per person per day.

Health

Vaccinations are recommended for Kyrgyzstan but are not mandatory. For the current status, we refer you to your doctor.

Take a small travel first-aid kit with you containing, among other things, iodine, plasters, antiseptic wipes, and remedies for fever, diarrhea, constipation, insect bites, sunburn, and possibly a remedy for motion sickness. Also consider a tick remover, a thermometer (unbreakable), ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts, for dehydration), and vitamin tablets. For hygiene while traveling, include a bottle of disinfectant gel (allowing you to wash your hands without soap and water) and antiseptic wipes.

Make sure you have your vaccination booklet and blood type information with you during the trip. It is also useful to bring along the European Medical Passport, a document that can help you prevent many problems in urgent situations. The passport is written in eleven languages, allowing the healthcare provider (abroad) to easily look up the patient's details, illnesses, conditions, and medication use. It also states who the treating physician is and who can be notified in urgent cases. The medical passport is available from general practitioners and pharmacies, among others.

Travelers' fitness level

To participate in our group tours, it is necessary that you are in good mental and physical condition and that you are fully self-reliant. Regular walks are taken over mostly uneven terrain.

Opening hours

Bank opening hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30 - 17:30. Bishkek Main Post Office open Mon. to Sat. 7:00 - 18:00, Sunday 8:00 - 17:00. The Bishkek Central Telecom Office is open from 7:00 - 20:30.

Mail, internet and telephone

Sending a letter or postcard to the Benelux takes two to eight weeks. You can buy envelopes with a stamp at the post office. The main post office in Bishkek is open on weekdays from 07:00 to 18:00, and on Sundays from 08:00 to 17:00. There is a separate counter for EMS, Express Mail Service.

In Kyrgyzstan, international calling is possible from telephone offices in the larger cities. Usually, the telephone office is connected to the post office. Additionally, it is possible to make calls from some hotels. All international calls go through an operator. If you want to make an international call, first dial 00 followed by the international code. For the Netherlands, this is 31, and for Belgium, 32. The international country code for Kyrgyzstan is +996. Mobile calling from Kyrgyzstan is difficult because coverage is limited. You can optionally purchase a local SIM card. However, keep in mind that there is no GSM coverage in the mountainous areas. The easiest way to stay in touch with home is via email. There are internet cafes in both Bishkek and Osh.

Customs and Traditions

Kyrgyz people are very hospitable. Tea is the first thing you are offered when you are a guest somewhere. It is a sign of hospitality, and you drink it from tea cups (pyalas). Tea is brewed in large teapots and poured back into the cup three times before it may be drunk. The tea cups are never filled completely, because that signifies that someone is unwelcome and must leave. If the tea is too hot, do not blow on it, but gently swirl the tea in the cup.

For men, shaking hands is a frequent activity in Kyrgyzstan and a sign of warmth and friendship. Many men also place their right hand on their heart and bow forward. Good friends shake hands by placing their palms together with the thumb pointing upwards. There is no pressing or squeezing. Women generally do not shake hands. They touch each other's shoulders with their right hand and gently stroke them. Young women often kiss older women on the cheek as a sign of respect.

In Kyrgyzstan, men wear an alkalpak, a white felt hat, on their heads. In the countryside and mountains, women often wear colorful, loose dresses and a headscarf. You no longer see this in the cities. Time is a relative concept in Kyrgyzstan, and they are not very strict about keeping appointments.

Shyrdak are felt carpets with characteristic motifs such as ibexes.

Public transport

There is limited public transport between the country's major cities. However, it is possible to travel by minibus from Bihskek to Karakol, which takes approximately 5.5 hours. These depart mainly in the morning. The large bus with fixed schedules takes much longer and stops everywhere. Furthermore, you can travel through the country by taxi.

Safety/Crime

Every country has its own laws, rules, and customs. In some countries, you can get into serious trouble if you do not follow local laws, rules, and customs. As a visitor to Kyrgyzstan, you are subject to these, just like the locals themselves, and you must abide by them. Kyrgyzstan is a safe country to travel through. Crime occurs more frequently after sunset, so we advise you to stay around your accommodation. Current information regarding safety in Kyrgyzstan can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cultural Heritage and UNESCO

- Silk Road: the Chang’an – Tian Shan network

- Sulaiman Too Holy Mountain

- Western Tian Shan Mountains

National Holidays

Kyrgyzstan has the following national holidays and commemorative days: New Year's Day (January 1); Russian Orthodox Christmas (January 7); International Women's Day (March 8); Nowruz/Persian New Year (March 19, 20, or 21); Labor Day (May 1); Constitution Day (May 5); Victory Day (May 9), celebrating the end of World War II; Kyrgyz Army Day (May 29); Independence Day (August 31).

In addition, there are Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr following Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. During the fasting month, public life continues to function, and large parts of the population do not participate.

Belgian Honorary Consulate in Bishkek

209-A Tynystanovstreet, 720040 Bishkek, tel: +996-312622161

n.aldashev@lorenz-law.com

Kyrgyz Embassy in Brussels

Abdijstraat 47, 1050 Brussels, tel: 02-6401868

www.kgembassy.org

Dutch Honorary Consulate in Bishkek

175 ”A”, Abdrahmanov Str. Office 402, 407, 720040 Bishkek, tel: +996-312 660 665

n.aldashev@lorenz-law.com