There are no mandatory immunisations that travelers must take to Kyrgyzstan but you must be current on Typhoid, Tetanus Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend that you seek out advice from your local GP or travel centre for the right immunisations and preventative treatments.
Drinks and food
Kyrgyzstan’s food is usually based on meat and rice. There are plenty of other choices in terms of salads and vegetables. As you travel you will be able to taste local cuisines of the region, which often overlap with the different cultures that have existed and moved around over the years.
The alcohol selection is restricted to vodka or beers. Anyone wanting to try something else , such as Scotch or Gin – must purchase it at no cost and bring it along. However, it is important to know that mixers, such as tonic water, are incredibly difficult to find in Central Asia!
Cultural Sensitivity
You will often interact with locals, each with their particular customs and practices. It is your responsibility to be respectful and considerate to local people. You can always rely on your tour guide or tour leader to assist you.
The first thing you should know about visiting Central Asia is that most areas, particularly the cities and towns are characterized by a more laidback attitude to Islam than their neighbours to the south in Afghanistan and Pakistan. You’ll be amazed at how long skirts of women are in areas like Bishkek! However, it needs to be remembered that it is technically considered to be a Muslim area and it is recommended that a bit of caution must be taken in certain places. Women and men can both wear T-shirts and shorts. When visiting mosques, women must cover their shoulders with pants or skirts. Men should not wear shorts.
With less than 15% of people converting to Islam, 80% of the population is Islamic.
Russian Orthodoxia.
Language & Religion
Kyrgyzstan is among two former Soviet Republics in Central Asia to retain Russian as their official language. The early 90’s saw Kyrgyzstan became an official bilingual country adding Kyrgyz as an additional official language. Because of Soviet policies, you can find ethnic Uzbeks or Tajiks in some parts of Kyrgyzstan.
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