The ancient Scyths inhabited much of present-day Kyrgyzstan. With their disappearance the Kyrgyz people moved from Siberia. The Kyrgyz are descendants of tribes from the Tuvan region of Russia, which migrated to the area now known as Kyrgyzstan in the 13th century, during the rise of the Mongol empire.

In 1876, with the destruction of the Khanate of Kokand, the area of today's Kyrgyzstan was incorporated into the Russian Empire. The natives of the region were known to the Russians (and, through them, to the Westerners) as the "Kara Kirghiz", the name "Kirghiz" being used to refer to the people who are now known as the Kazakhs. At about the same time, a widespread Muslim Rebellion against the Qing rule failed in the northwestern China, and a number of Uighur and Dungan people (Chinese Muslims) fled to the Russian Empire, finding new homes in what is now Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

With the tsarist annexation came numerous Slavic immigrants that displaced many of the Kyrgyz and planted crops on their pasture lands. During World War I, many Kyrgyz refused to support the tsarist troops and many were massacred.

Following the creation of the Soviet Union, the Kara-Kirghiz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was established within the Russian Soviet Federative Republic. A small town, earlier known as Pishkek, was chosen as the capital of the republic, and renamed Frunze in honor of a Red Army commander. (This was not a name easy to pronounce, as there is no “f” sound in native Kyrgyz words)

Two years later (1926), the Soviets tried to sort out the names of their ethnic groups: the Kara-Kirghiz Republic became the Kirghiz Republic (and the erstwhile Kirghiz Republic became the Kazakh Republic). In 1936, the Kirghiz Republic was split off from the Russian republic, and became one of the member states of the USSR, as the Kirghiz SSR.

Kyrgyzstan changed dramatically as industrialization took over and brought factories, mines, and universities. A Latin- and, later, Cyrillic-based alphabet was developed to elevate the Kyrgyz language to written form; compulsory schooling was introduced, and the famous Epic of Manas was written down and published in a book form.

The Soviet influence on Kyrgyzstan was strongly felt and many of the pre-Soviet traditions and cultures were lost and have been rediscovered since independence. In addition, ethnic minorities were deported to Kyrgyzstan, including Germans, Kurds, Chechens, Poles and Jews. This mix of populations makes Kyrgyzstan one of the most ethnically diverse populations in Asia.

On 31 August 1991, after unrest in various regions throughout the Soviet Union, a coup in Moscow against the regime of Mikhail Gorbachev failed. This move against the central government motivated the Kyrgyz power structure to declare independence from the Soviet Union. Also during that time a physicist named Askar Akayev was elected president of Kyrgyzstan, the only one in Central Asia not backed by the local communist party.

To assert its independence, the new country changed the spelling of its name in Russian and English (from "Kirghizstan Киргизстан" or "Kirghizia Киргизия" to "Kyrgyzstan Кыргызстан", to be more in line with the Kyrgyz spelling), and returned (sort of) the indigenous name to the capital (although it now became Bishkek, rather than Pishpek).

As for President Akayev, it became evident that non-party affiliation did not guarantee honesty. The executive branch’s power increased through suppression of opposition, and the President secured immunity from prosecution for himself and his family. After several years of questionable elections, in March 2005, massive groups of protesters from around the country converged on the capital, causing Akayev to flee into exile in Russia.

The leader of the Tulip Revolution, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, formed an interim government and served as president and prime minister until later that July when emergency elections were held. Bakiyev ran for the office of President and won, but was unable to gain parliamentary approval of his cabinet until five months later. After several attempts to resolve a constitution, Bakiyev declared in 2007 that all previous versions of the constitution were illegal, and instituted a modified constitution from the Akayev era. He then dissolved parliament and called for an early election to reform the parliamentary structure. The President’s own party gained the majority and the U.S. State Department expressed deep concern about the conduct of the elections, citing several issues including widespread vote count irregularities and exaggerations in voter turnout. Some of the problems that Kyrgyzstan faces today are universal throughout the Commonwealth of Independent States, namely lack of political freedom, widespread corruption and negative influences on democracy.

The climate varies regionally. The south-western Fergana Valley is subtropical and extremely hot in summer, with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F). The northern foothills are temperate and the Tian Shan varies from dry continental to polar climate, depending on elevation. In the coldest areas temperatures are sub-zero for around 40 days in winter, and even some desert areas experience constant snowfall in this period. The best time to visit northern Kyrgyzstan is from June to September, though the foothill cities like Bishkek are very hot (up to 35°C). Most beautiful for hiking in the low mountain areas is between April and June, when the mountain slopes are flushed with blooming flowers. March to October is ideal for southern Kyrgyzstan. From October high mountains passes can be closed.

Entirely mountainous, dominated by the Tien Shan range; many tall peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes. Highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m. The mountains are beautiful for hiking.

Kyrgyzstan has a wide mix of ethnic groups and traditional cultures, with the Kyrgyz being the majority group. It is considered there are 40 clans that represent the 40 rays symbolized by the 40-rayed sun on its national flag. The traditional poem is the Epic of Manas, the name of the epic's eponymous hero, and is longer with 500,000 lines. The Kyrgyz share close cultural ties with the Kazakhs, being a traditionally nomadic people living on horseback, and with the tradition of hunting with eagles and carpet weaving.

• Discover Kyrgyzstan^{[dead link]} website

The main hub for Kyrgyzstan is the Manas airport in Bishkek (FRU ^IATA), but Osh Airport (OSS ^IATA) is increasingly well linked with great flight offers. Both airports have regular services to the international hubs in Istanbul and Moscow. In addition there are several flights a week to regional hubs in Tashkent, Ürümqi and a weekly service to Dubai. Other destinations close to border include Almaty in Kazakhstan or Tashkent in Uzbekistan, each a 5-hour drive away.

Note that since 2018, a Russian transit visa is needed if changing plane in Russia, when traveling to or from Kyrgyzstan.

Trains to Bishkek depart from Moscow and other stations in Russia a few times a week (3714 km, trip takes more than 3 days). This train goes through western Kazakhstan (Kazakh transit visa is required for those who need it), and is useful as such, as you can use it to get Turkestan or Aral. Details can be found at poezda.net or rzd.ru (you can also buy the tickets on the latter). The journey all the way from Moscow cost around 150€ in the third class. On the train it is forbidden to carry portable stove fuel cans.

	Note: In 2021, hostilities between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan erupted over border disputes. While there is no active conflict as of 2024, the land and air borders between the two countries are closed until further notice. Travelers wanting to visit both countries will have to go through a third country to do so.
	(Information last updated 15 May 2024)

The highway from Osh to the Chinese border at Irkeshtam and from the village of Sary Tash to the Tajikistan border is being reconstructed in stages to international standards. Many other highways are likewise being rehabilitated as funding permits.

From Kazakhstan, the road from Almaty to Bishkek is the busiest. The border at Kegen may be more difficult to get across. Frequent and obvious smuggling happens in this border, and it's quite obvious that the immigration and the border guards are in cahoots with the smugglers. Visa on arrival is not possible here, and if coming from Kazakhstan, make sure you have a double-entry or multiple entry visa for Kazakhstan in case of troubles with Kyrgyz border officials.

Journey times:

• From Kazakhstan to Bishkek - from Almaty which takes 5 hours, and from Taraz which takes 5 hours.
• From Uzbekistan to Bishkek, the road goes through Kazakhstan and drive would take more than 10 hours, and to Osh in the south
• From Tajikistan to Osh the road from Khujand (Tajikistan) and through Batken (Kyrgyzstan) further to Osh. The main road goes through the Uzbek enclaves but there is also an alternative way around the enclaves. If taking a taxi, remind the driver to go around the small bit of Uzbekistan. The road from Khorugh to Osh, when open, is one of the world's great drives. The Pamir Highway snakes through steep river valleys and high-altitude plateaus over a 14-hour drive between the cities.
• From China there are two passes - Irkeshtam leading to Osh and Torugart leading further to Naryn.

From Kazakhstan there are frequent marshrutkas between Bishkek and Almaty (4-5 hr) —see Bishkek#Get in. Furthermore, there are regular connections between Kegen in Kazakhstan and Karakol. The Kegen border crossing is open during summer (May to Sep/Oct)—see Karakol#Get in. Also, some connections exist from Taraz.

From China there is a regular bus between Osh and Kashgar (18 hr)—see Osh#Get in.

From Tajikistan There are shared taxis (jeeps) between Osh and Murghab—see Osh#Get in.

Minibuses, called marshrutka, in Kyrgyzstan are basically cargo vans (like Mercedes Sprinter) converted into buses with windows and seats. They are amazingly inexpensive and congregate at every village center or bus station. The prices for them are set and straightforward, but sometimes they will not leave until full. However, nowadays it seems that timetable are much more reliable and enforced than in the past.

Always get your ticket at the kassa (if possible), where you will pay a fixed and pre-determined fare independently of the season, mood of the driver, or fact that you are a tourist. If there is no kassa, ask some (uninvolved) locals to determine the proper fare for your destination and hand the driver the exact amount when paying. Often the drivers stack up the price a little when they see you are a tourist. Sometimes they say that it is extra for the luggage and so on. Do not believe them, just pay the normal fare and say njet or jok. Also, always demand your change right away. Sometimes they take your money, believing you do not know the right fare, or pretend to give the change later, just to make you forget about asking for it. Either way, if not starting from a bus station with kassa, always give the fare to the driver directly and no intermediate pretending to "help" you.

Marshrutkas can be hailed anywhere but in Bishkek it makes sense to stick to the bus stop where everyone is waiting.

For connections checkout the 2GIS app and website, which is great for finding the right marshrutka or bus number in Bishkek and all over Kyrgyzstan. The service is used extensively by locals.

Hitch-hiking, commonly called autostop in Kyrgyzstan, is the most undervalued form of travel in this country. It is the most efficient and authentic way to see Kyrgyzstan, equally popular with locals and visitors. You can see many locals, often traditionally clothed babushkas hitch-hiking without any fear. Almost everyone who has free space in his car will pick you up, even if you are a group which would never be picked up in western country, like four guys. Truck drivers will even try to fit up to five people in their cars, just for the sake of helping out. It shows the great attitude and friendliness of the Kyrgyz people. Also, it is faster and more economical than any other kind of land transport.

Contrary to Europe or other western countries, in Kyrgyzstan one does not hold up the thumb, which apparently has a different and less friendly meaning. Instead, you straighten your arm and point towards the road with 2 or 3 fingers, at about an angle of 45 degrees.

Often the concept melds with that of shared taxis. Thus, the fare (if required) is generally what you would pay for a marshrutka or shared taxi, depending on the region and the general availability of marshrutkas. Nevertheless, many locals are happy with taking a tourist for free. But it is always customary to offer to pay for the ride, which they will decline in case they are happy with taking you for free. Truck drivers for instance seem to often reject this offer. Thus, about 50% of the time, you will not have to pay for a ride. Either way, always have lots of 20 notes ready, especially for shorter distances.

Drivers negotiating at the start of the trip will most likely overcharge you, trying to make money out of the fact that you are a tourist. Bargain hard, or avoid them. If you feel you a being ripped off (at the end of a ride), stand your ground—other locals will most likely help you if you explain the situation. Any demanded price 50% beyond the marshrutka or shared taxi fare is a rip-off, and you should not pay it.

If you really intend to go completely free, you can try to explain that you do not want to pay; the Russian phrase Bez deneg can be used. This will cause the taxi drivers to go away. Otherwise, taxi drivers will tell you how much they want—you have to haggle this price down, especially if there is someone already in the car. When haggling, it is often sufficient just to say ochen mnogo (too much), so the driver will see you are not stupid and will offer you a better price. Because of this, it is better to reject offers to places that are only on your way and wait for a car that will take you directly to your destination instead. This does not apply to more deserted roads, which see only a few cars in a day.

Where marshrutkas become scarce due to region or time of day, shared taxis are the preferred mode of transport for locals. With shared taxis you will be quoted a price for one seat. If you have significant luggage you should expect to pay for an extra or partial seat. Nevertheless, you should always negotiate prices, as a foreigner you will likely be asked to pay more than a local. But of course, there is never the need to go with anyone. Just take a different driver or mode of transport if unsatisfied.

Taxis are abundant all over Kyrgyzstan, and are especially keen to transport tourists, due to high margins involved. They are relatively expensive for Kyrgyz standards, and if you are travelling on a light budget, they are mostly never worth the money—marshrutka and autostop are the better and more authentic options.

As in most other countries, if relying on the service of a taxi, never trust any taxi driver, solely use them for their taxi service, and always agree on a price (all incl.) upon entering. Taxi drivers will overcharge tourists without hesitation. It might not seem like much money, but you would not do the same thing at home, and it also corrupts the local system.

You can also purchasing all the seats of a shared taxi at the bus station for a specific destination, in case you do not want to wait for the taxi to fill up with people before leaving.

The only domestic rail link is the summer-only train between Balykchy (Western edge of Issyk Kul) to Tokmok through to Bishkek. It's a scenic route but the train takes at least twice as long as a taxi and it's half the price. You may meet a lot of interesting folks, mostly pensioners, that need the 40-80 soms they would save by taking a mini-bus or taxi. Otherwise, there is ca one train per day to the Kazakh border (and onward to Russia).

There are several daily flights between Bishkek and Osh. There are also a few flights a week between Bishkek and Jalal-abad and Batken. The flights are operated on local airlines using 30- to 40-year-old Soviet planes. On the other hand, the mechanics and pilots are well trained how to operate these old beasts.

Kyrgyzstan is popular with long distance bike treks, particularly around Issyk Kul and passes through the southern mountains to Tajikistan.

The tunnel at the Too Ashuu (Тео-Ашуу) pass on the highway between Bishkek and Osh isn't at 2,500 m as it is mentioned on most maps—the tunnel is at 3,100 m.

Tourists renting a private car and driving in Kyrgyzstan is virtually unheard of and not recommended. The roads are in poor shape, police is highly corrupt (If you are stopped by the police, it's likely to cost some money.), auto insurance doesn't exist, and hitch-hiking or hiring a taxi is too easy and cheap to make rental an option. Long-term foreign residents frequently drive, but many opt to use a driver.

The traffic culture is very different from that in the West. Traffic is dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers. Overall, there are many road accidents in Kyrgyzstan, especially in the summer on the Bishkek-Issyk-Kul road.

Most Kyrgyz people have bought their driving licences without attending driving school, which explains the chaotic traffic culture. Traffic rules are not always respected and speeding is common. Cars, including public transport buses, are often in poor condition and may not be insured. In many cases, cars are not equipped with seat belts (at least in the back seat) or are not used.

Roads are in fairly poor condition, but some have been renewed. For example, the motorway from Bishkek to Lake Issyk-Kul was partially rehabilitated in the late 2010s/early 2020s. Also, the principal highway from Bishkek to Osh is an engineering marvel through the mountainous region.

It is best to avoid driving after dark. In general, only the main streets in urban areas are lit and street drains may be missing covers on both pavements and roads. Urban areas, street lights and traffic lights may also be without electricity from time to time.

Watch out for mini buses pulling out too.

In winter, roads are often unploughed and in spring, roads may be blocked by snow and landslides. Pedestrians and animals, including herds of cattle and horses, may be on the roads.

When driving, please note that there are few petrol stations outside the towns of Bishkek and Osh. It is advisable to fill up only at known petrol stations and to use spare cisterns, as petrol from unknown stations is often of poor quality.

The official legal limit in the country is zero. However, driving under the influence of alcohol is an unfortunate occurrence. The same applies to fleeing from a car accident.

Kyrgyzstan is an excellent place for hiking and trekking, providing many interesting and picturesque trails in the mountains or around its lakes. However, due to the often remote nature of these trails, it is important that you are well prepared and have a proper and reliable map with you. In addition, using GPS navigation adds an extra layer of safety, both in cities as well as the countryside. For reliable (offline) maps and comprehensive trails and map information, consult OpenStreetMap, which is also used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz. Or just download the according GPX or KML files through Waymarked Trails for such trails on OpenStreetMap. (Note, you just need to change the OpenStreetMap relation ID to download the GPX or KML files through the same link.)

There are many great hiking opportunities in Kyrgyzstan, ranging from easy walks to proper mountain climbing. The most popular destinations are Ala Kul near Karakol, peak Lenin (7,134 m) south of Osh, the Grigorievskoe Trail near Cholpon-Ata, the Alamedin Gorge high routes, the Kyzyl Suu River Valley high routes, and the eastern border region towards Kazakhstan near Jyrgalan.

The Trekking Union of Kyrgyzstan^{[dead link]} organizes one day or longer public treks or hikes, e.g. in the mountains around Bishkek, for just few hundreds som a day, including transport to/from the start of the trek and guide. Usually size of the group is 10 people or more, both locals and expats. They mostly have treks on weekends or holidays. Sometimes they have other outdoor activities like rafting. Their website has events schedule in English.

Likewise the Community Based Tourism (CBT) office will also gladly organise guides and treks for you. But you can also just rely on them for information. The maps of CBT are not very detailed and often out of date. So, it is important that you have a good map like OpenStreetMap, which has up to date trails and supports contour-lines, hillshades and GPS—see #On foot and navigation.

The classic way to see Kyrgyzstan is on the saddle of a horse, as the Kyrgyz are famous horsemen dating back to the days of Genghis Khan. There are several tourist agencies that arrange horse trekking. It is said that all Kyrgyz are born on a horse, although with growing urbanisation that seems to be less common. If you are hiking some trail which is also frequented by horseback riding tours and tired of walking, you can easily "hitch-hike" guides with empty horses for much less money that a tour costs. Before paying for a ten days horseback riding tour, it is better to try it for a few hours or a day—if you are not used to ride a horse, a longer ride might cause your body to be in pain for several days during and after a long ride. Many people complain about a painful experience even after just one day of riding.

Popular destinations include Toktogul for 3 days of adventure on a horseback, or Kochkor for a several day ride to Song Kul lake.

The national currency is the Kyrgyzstani som (written as 'сом' in the Kyrgyz Cyrillic alphabet or sometimes abbreviated as с). The ISO international symbolisation is KGS. Wikivoyage articles will use som to denote the currency.

Banknotes are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 5,000 som. There is also a 2,000 som banknote, but it is worth more as a numismatic piece than as circulating money. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 3, 5 and 10 som.

Bargaining in markets or for food is neither necessary nor common. Prices are often fixed and signposted. Only in places where mostly tourists shop or are around, you should be cautious, especially with taxi drivers. Either way, it is always best to have an approximate feeling for the prices and fares (see #Get around).

When offered tea, you might be asked how strong you want it. Traditionally, Kyrgyz tea is brewed strong in a small pot and mixed with boiling hot water to your desired taste. If you want light tea, say 'jengil chai'. If you want your tea strong and red, 'kyzyl chai'. You might notice that they don't fill the tea cup all the way. This is so that they can be hospitable and serve you lots of tea. To ask for more tea, 'Daga chai, beringizchi' (Please give tea again). Your host will happily serve you tea until you burst. So once you've truly had your fill and don't want to drink any more, cover your cup and say, 'Ichtym' (I've drunk). Your host will offer a few more times (and sometimes will pout if you say no), this is to make sure that you are truly satisfied. Once everyone at table has finished drinking tea, it is time to say, 'Omen', and hold your hands out palms up and then brush the open palms down your face.

Restaurants and cafés give free refills of hot water if you want to drain your tea bag once more. You usually pay per tea bag.

When entering a local shop, you might goggle at the amount of vodka on display. Introduced by the Russians, vodka has brought much joy and sorrow to the Kyrgyz over the years. Most vodka for sale is made in Kyrgyzstan and can provide one of the worst hangovers known, mainly if you stupidly buy one of cheaper ones. But for approx. €2 you can have good Kyrgyz vodka, e.g. Ak-sai. Some experienced vodka drinkers say that this is because foreigners don't know how to properly drink vodka. To drink vodka in the right way, you need to have zakuskas (Russian for the meal you eat with vodka). This can consist of anything from simple loaves of bread to full spreads of delicious appetizers. Quite common are sour or fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and meat.

First, find someone to drink with. Second, choose your vodka: the more you spend, the less painful your hangover. Third, choose your zakuska, something salty, dried, or fatty. This is so that the vodka is either absorbed by the food or repelled by the fat. Fourth, open your bottle... but be careful, once you open it you must drink it all (a good vodka bottle doesn't have a cap that can be replaced). Now, pour your shots. Fifth, make a toast: toast your friends, toast their futures, toast their sheep, toast their cars. Sixth, drink! Now chase it with a zakuska and repeat until you can't see the bottle or it is empty.

If you are drinking with locals it's not a problem to skip a round. They would just pour you a symbolic drop and when they are clinking glasses you have to use your right hand and slap sparing partners' glasses slightly instead of your glass.

The Kyrgyz for generations have made their own variety of beverages. At first, these drinks might seem a bit strange, but after a few tries they become quite tasty. Most are mildly alcoholic, but this is just a by-product from their fermentation processes.

In the winter, Kyrgyz wives brew up bozo, a brew made of millet. Best served at room temperature, this drink has a taste somewhere between yogurt and beer. On cold winter days, when you are snowed in, five or six cups gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.

In the spring, it is time to make either jarma or maxim. Jarma, a wheat based brew, has a yeasty beerlike quality but with a gritty finish (it is made from whole grains after all). Maxim, a combination of corn and wheat, has a very sharp and zesty taste. It is best served ice cold and is a great pick me up on hot days.

Summer sees yurts lining the main street selling kumys (Кумыс), fermented mares milk. Ladled out of barrels brought down from the mountains, this traditional drink is one of more difficult to get used to. It has a very strong and pungent foretaste and a smoky finish. Kumys starts off as fresh horses milk (known as samal), the samal is then mixed with a starter made from last year's kumys and heated in a pot. The mixture is brought to just before boiling and then poured into a horse's stomach to ferment for a period. A local grass called 'chi' is then roasted over a fire and cut into small pieces. Once the milk is finished fermenting, the roasted chi and milk are mixed in a barrel and will keep for the summer if kept cool.

Tang is another drink thought to be useful for the health and good for hangovers. It is made from gassed spring water that is mixed with a salted creamy yogurt called souzmu.

Kyrgyz have their own cognac distiller, which produces excellent, albeit highly sweet cognac, with the preferred brand being "Kyrgyzstan Cognac", which the locals sometimes call Nashe Cognac, meaning "our cognac".

You can also find an excellent selection of not so excellent local and imported beers as many Kyrgyz have been taking to drinking beer versus harder spirits. Locally produced beers include Arpa, Nashe Pivo and Karabalta. Arpa is highly recommended by beer connoisseurs. While being considered a common person's beer, its style is somewhat similar to Pale Ale (although less hoppy than IPA). As Kyrgyz prefer more vodka than beer (half litre of each costs the same), beer remains in tubes for longer time, and regular cleaning is uncommon, so bottled beers are better, except their strange habit to pour all the beer into the glass at once.

There are also a multitude of bottled waters (carbonated or still) from various regions of the country. Especially popular with southerners is the slightly saline "Jalalabad Water".