Current Local Time
Time Zone
Kyrgyzstan Time (KGT)
UTC/GMT +6 hours (No DST)
Current Weather in Bishkek
18°C
Partly Cloudy
Feels like: 16°C
Wind: 12 km/h NE
Humidity: 45%
Visibility: 30 km
Tomorrow
20°C / 10°C
Sunny
Day After
17°C / 9°C
Cloudy
Sunrise
5:45 AM
Sunset
8:30 PM
Pressure
1015 hPa
UV Index
5 (Moderate)
Country Information
Capital
Bishkek
Population
6.7 million (2023 est.)
Area
199,951 km²
Government
Unitary parliamentary republic
President
Sadyr Japarov (since 2021)
Currency
Som (KGS)
GDP
$8.5 billion (2023 est.)
Languages
Kyrgyz (official), Russian
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
Jun-Sep
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for 60 days for most tourists
Electricity
220V/50Hz (Type C/F plugs)
Driving Side
Right
Emergency Number
112
Time Zone
KGT (UTC+6)
Internet TLD
.kg
Calling Code
+996
Famous Landmarks & Attractions
Issyk-Kul Lake
The world's second largest alpine lake, known as the "Pearl of Central Asia" with warm saline waters.
Issyk-Kul Region
Ala-Too Square
Central square of Bishkek featuring the Manas Monument and the State Historical Museum.
Bishkek
Tien Shan Mountains
Stunning mountain ranges offering trekking, skiing, and breathtaking landscapes.
Throughout Kyrgyzstan
Burana Tower
11th-century minaret from the ancient city of Balasagun, part of the Silk Road.
Chuy Valley
Song-Kul Lake
High-altitude alpine lake where nomadic herders bring their livestock in summer.
Naryn Region
Karakol Ski Base
Premier ski resort with excellent powder snow and stunning mountain views.
Karakol
Historical Timeline
8th century
Turkic tribes settle in the region
840
Yenisei Kyrgyz establish the Kyrgyz Khaganate
13th century
Mongol conquest of the region
1864-1876
Russian Empire conquers Kyrgyz lands
1916
Uprising against Russian rule
1924
Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast formed within USSR
1936
Kyrgyz SSR established
1991
Independence from Soviet Union
2005
Tulip Revolution ousts President Akayev
2010
Ethnic violence in southern Kyrgyzstan
Cultural Highlights
Ethnic Groups
Kyrgyz (73.3%)
Uzbeks (14.6%)
Russians (5.6%)
Dungans (1.1%)
Uyghurs (0.9%)
Others (4.5%)
Traditional Cuisine
Beshbarmak
Shashlik
Manti
Kurut
Kumis
Kyrgyz Tea
Major Festivals
Nowruz
March 21 - Persian New Year celebration
World Nomad Games
Biennial - Traditional nomadic sports
Kyrgyzstan Independence Day
August 31 - National celebrations
Kyrgyzstan on the Map
Coordinates
41.2044° N, 74.7661° E
Bordering Countries
Kazakhstan (N), China (E), Tajikistan (S), Uzbekistan (W)
Highest Point
Jengish Chokusu (7,439 m)
Travel Tips & Advice
When to Visit
- Jun-Sep: Best for trekking and outdoor activities
- Apr-May: Spring flowers, fewer tourists
- Dec-Mar: Ski season in Karakol
Getting Around
- Marshrutkas: Shared minibuses between cities
- Shared Taxis: Faster alternative to buses
- Horseback: Traditional way to reach remote areas
- Domestic Flights: Limited but available to Osh
Safety Tips
- Generally safe but be cautious in remote areas
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Carry cash as ATMs can be scarce outside cities
- Learn basic Russian or Kyrgyz phrases
Money Matters
- Som is the official currency (KGS)
- US Dollars widely accepted for large purchases
- Credit cards accepted in major hotels/restaurants
- Bargaining expected in bazaars
Fun Facts About Kyrgyzstan
Land of Nomads
Kyrgyzstan is famous for its yurts, the traditional portable dwellings of nomadic herders.
Land of Lakes
Kyrgyzstan has nearly 2,000 lakes, including the world's second largest alpine lake, Issyk-Kul.
Horse Culture
Horses are central to Kyrgyz culture, with traditional games like Kok-boru (dead goat polo).
Mountainous Terrain
94% of Kyrgyzstan is mountainous, with the Tien Shan range covering most of the country.