There are no compulsory immunisations that travelers must take to Kyrgyzstan but you must be up-to-date on Typhoid Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. It is recommended that you seek guidance from your local GP or travel specialist regarding the appropriate vaccinations and preventative therapies.
Food and drink
The cuisine in Kyrgyzstan is usually centered around meat and rice however the selection of vegetables and salads on offer are very varied. As you travel you will be able to taste local specialities of the region that often cross-pollinate with the cultures that have lived and changed over the millennia.
The options for alcohol are restricted to vodka or beer. Anyone who wants to sample something else , such as Scotch or Gin is advised to purchase the alcohol duty-free and carry it with them. Mixers like tonic water are extremely difficult to locate in Central Asia.
Cultural Sensitivity
You will often interact with localswho have their own particular customs and practices. We therefore ask you to be courteous and treat them with respect. You can always rely on your tour guide or tour leader to help you.
The first thing to mention about traveling in Central Asia is that most areas, including the cities and towns, are characterized by a more relaxed view of Islam as compared to their counterparts to the south of Afghanistan as well as Pakistan. In some areas, like Bishkek you won’t believe the length of some women’s skirts! However, it should also be remembered that Bishkek is technically considered to be a Muslim area and a little bit of caution should be used at certain locations. Both genders are allowed to wear shorts and T-shirts. But, when going to mosques women should cover their shoulders with trousers or skirts. Men should stay away from wearing shorts.
With around 15% of the population embracing Islam, the majority of the population is Islamic.
Russian Orthodoxy
Language and Religion
Kyrgyzstan is among two former Soviet Republics located in Central Asia to retain Russian as an official language. Kyrgyzstan was declared an official bilingual state in the late 1990’s, and added Kyrgyz to the official language. Also, there are Uzbeks of ethnic origin and Tajiks in certain areas of Kyrgyzstan due to the prior Soviet policy.
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