freeride touring in kyrgyzstan
FREERIDE TOURING IN KYRGYZSTAN WITH IFMGA GUIDES

Kyrgyzstan Getting In and Out information

Air

  Russia's Aeroflot, S7, Ural Airlines, Azimut operate direct flights from Russia's major cities. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Asia also fly to Bishkek from London, Paris, Brusseles, Amsterdam with a stopover in Istanbul. Fly Dubai operates flights from Dubai Airport. There are also direct flights to Tashkent (Uzbekistan) operated by Uzbekistan Airlines and Urumqi in China operated by China Southern Airlines. In addition, there is a number of direct flights from Europe to Almaty and Nur Sultan, in neighbouring Kazakhstan. The connection from there to Kyrgyzstan is via frequent flights of Air Astana - Kazakstan's national flagman airline or bus or taxi services to Bishkek (travel time -5 hours). Other European airlines flying directly to Almaty include Lufthansa from Frankfurt on Main and KLM from Amsterdam. Transit visa may be required to cross Kazakhstan so please check in visa section before you travel.

International airports

  Bishkek Manas Airport (FRU) is 40km (24 miles) north of Bishkek. Facilities here open 24 hours and include exchange offices, duty-free shops, a number of cafes and bars. There is a minibus shuttle service to the city centre at day time (travel time - 60 minutes). Taxis are readily available, travel time is 20-25 minutes. A few taxi companies have their offices in customs area and international arrival lounge. Please be aware of private taxi drivers - fraud may occur!!

  Osh International Airport (OSS) is 15 mins drive from Osh downtown and is more comfortable entry point for those heading Arslnabob. Local minibuses link city with airport as well as private unlicensed taxis.

Rail

  There are rail connections with the Russian Federation (travel time to Moscow is three days) and with other Central Asian republics. It is possible to connect to China through Almaty in Kazakhstan; and to Iran and the Middle East via Turkmenistan. Railroad services are cheap comparing to Western standards but not exactly reliable and comfortable.

Road

  Kyrgyzstan has road connections to all its neighbours. The main international road links are with Kazakhstan and there are presently two crossing points into China, Torugart and Irkeshtam; visitors should note that the Chinese authorities normally require proof of an invitation by a Chinese tour operator as a condition of entry. Generally, main roads have good conditions. Note that the road to Osh can be affected by landslides during spring in the mountain areas, while winter may cause hazardous conditions on a number of roads crossing over mountain passes, some of which may be closed during certain periods; visitors should also note that garage services are very limited outside the cities and towns. If you are going to travel with your own car, please contact your local Embassy first to get further information and additional details you might need to know crossing the borders in Central Asia.

Travel times (by car) and distances from Bishkek
Destination
Distance in km
Travel time
Almaty 250 km
2-3 hours
Balykchi (Issyk-Kul) 175 km
1.5-2 hours
Djalal-Abad 576 km
8-10 hours
Karakol 392 km
5-6 hours
Maida-Adyr 570 km
10-12 hours
Naryn 348 km
5-6 hours
Osh 710 km
10-12 hours
Song-Kul 360 km
6-7 hours
Talas 300 km
5-6 hours
Tashkent 585 km
8-9 hours
Tash-Rabat 467 km
8-9 hours
Torugart pass 550 km
10-11 hours

Bus

  There are coach services to all of the neighbouring countries. There are regular bus links from Bishkek to Tashkent (Uzbekistan) (travel time - 10-12 hours), Almaty (Kazakhstan) (travel time - 6 hours), Kashgar in China (travel time 20-24 hours), Moscow, Ekaterinburg and a number of Siberia destinations; services leave the long-distance West bus station in Bishkek.

On skis

  Please note that the only legal places where you can cross the border is at a designated post - which means that now it is not possible to follow the trekking routes over the mountains from Issyk-Kul to Almaty in Kazakhstan which were popular in Soviet times.

Car rental

  It is possible to hire the car with driver for long journeys from us or to look for these is at the west bus stations for Tashkent, Issyk-Kul and Almaty Area. The car to Kyrgyz-China border can be hired in travel agencies only as they require special border permit for drivers. 4x4 self drive options available from our friends at Iron Horse Nomads.

Duty Free

  The following goods may be imported into Kyrgyzstan by travellers of 16 years or over without incurring customs duty: 1000 cigarettes or 1000g of tobacco products; 1.5l of alcoholic beverages and 2l of wine; a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.

Prohibited imports: Firearms, military weapons, ammunition, drugs, photographs and printed matter directed against the country, live animals, fruits and vegetables.

Prohibited exports: All prohibited imports, Items more than 100 years old and those of special cultural importance require special permission for export. When buying items that may be more than 100 years old, ask for a certificate stating the age of the items. Precious metals, stones, furs, saiga horns, Siberian stag, red deer antlers and deer skins, arms and ammunition are also prohibited unless on organised hunting trip.

Cash: Ammounts exceeding 10000 USD must be declared both for Import and Export. Fill out two custom declarations and make sure you got your copy stamped by custom officer. Retain it until departure if you plan to export the cash. Cash Import and Export are not limited.


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FREERIDE TOURING IN KYRGYZSTAN WITH IFMGA GUIDES
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