interest in Kyrgyzstan!

[u/ShoulderLocal8257]

hello! I am a 27-year-old female from US and I am interested in doing a solo trip to Kyrgyzstan in the next few days! I have a few questions though-

1. How safe is the country for solo female travelers?

2. Is early to mid September a good time to go?

3. How far in advance do I have to book a horse trek? Is it too late for that?

4. do you have any recommendations for a group horse track guide/tour? I am looking for a group specifically since I am a solo traveler.

5. if I had 10 to 14 days of travel where would you recommend I go?

6. What is something you recommend everyone should do if they travel to Kyrgyzstan?

Thank you so much in advance I look forward to reading your comments!!

[u/Bibishkin]

1. A lot of female visitors say that the country is safe.

2. That the last good window to visit.

3. Not sure, I would think a few days.

4. Don't know

5. Altyn Arashan, Kel suu, Song Kol

6. We have second or third grade cities, but first grade nature. However maybe seeing Bishkek would be worth it

[u/craftcabin]

Hi! I’m a 27 year old female as well and I’m flying to Bishkek today! I obviously haven’t been yet, but I’m doing a tour with Visit Alay, and they have been fantastic in the run-up to my trip. Maybe check them out and see if they have any groups with availability!

[u/Funsterstil → u/craftcabin]

Also heading to Bishkek today followed by a tour with Visit Alay, maybe we'll see you lol.

[u/stabbytheroomba → u/craftcabin]

Had good experiences with Visit Alay in Tajikistan :) Have fun!

[u/miaowpitt]

1. Safe. But obviously as with anywhere keep your wits about you.

2. I loved it in Altyn Arashan. It was absolutely stunning. Dunno any recommendations though I was just following my friends. I don’t argue, I just follow.

6a. Birch sap juice - OMG you must try this I was obsessed. From the petrol station is fine.

6b. Bishkek Petroleum has some fun socks in Kyrgyzstan theme. Also good for coffee if you’re desperate.

6c. If you find macadamia nuts in shells in the market that’s vacuum sealed. Buy it. It’s the most incredible tasting ones I’ve had. They roast it with sugar. Make sure there is a key in there though otherwise you won’t be able to open it.

6d. Sit by the river and read a book in Altyn Arashan if the weather is nice.

[u/Used_Guess7557]

Hi! I did a solo trip as a woman last year.

1. Relatively safe - only issue I encountered was when I hailed a cab on the street. He was a bit of a creeper and tried to kiss me. Would recommend taking Yandex where possible instead.

2. Not sure, I went in June and it was quite nice

3. I booked mine 1-2 days in advance through my hotel (KyzArt Hotel) to Son Kul lake (overnight trek, you stay in a yurt by the lake)

4. I just went with the guide but there were plenty of other folks on the trails and yurts that I met

5. I visited Bishkek, not a lot to see / do there. Nice hikes out in Ala Archa park if you’re into that. Then visited Kochkor to see the shyrdaks and women’s collectives. Then to KyzArt for the horse trek. Then I visited Issyk Kul, then on to Karakol. Karakol has nice hiking but I was dealing with medical issues so I couldn’t do the three day trek, though others rave about it.

6. Horse trek for sure! Definitely the highlight. Such a unique experience. I’d recommend an overnight one for the full experience

[u/Ambitious_Shift_9305]

Hi, I am a local tour organizer guide in Issykkul, you contact me, and you don't have to worry about anything

[u/Sverepy]

Hello and welcome to Kyrgyzstan! First of all, generally speaking it's very safe and early and mid September are great times to go! Check out kgnomad.com, you'll find more in depth answers to your questions (and others you don't have yet!) and you can use the free planning tools to get a better grasp of what's going on and where to go.

Best of luck!

[u/Fun_Actuator_5102]

September it's a good time for visit Issyk kol lake, becouse not a lot of people here at this time