TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
U.S
Driving Permit and International Driving Permit required |
| Currency |
(KGS)
Kyrgyzstani som |
| Electrical |
220 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 996, City Code Bishkek 312+6D, Belovodskoe 3131+5D, Kant
3132+5D |
Landlocked
Kyrgyzstan is slightly larger than Austria and Hungary put together.
It borders Kazakstan in the north, China in the east, Tajikistan
in the south and Uzbekistan in the west. Nearly 95% of the country
is mountainous: almost half of it at an elevation of over 3000m
(9840ft) and three-quarters of it under permanent snow and glaciers.
The dominant feature is the Tian Shan range in the south-east.
Its crest, the dramatic Kakshaal-Too range, forms a stunning natural
border with China, culminating at Pik Pobedy (7439m/24,400ft),
Kyrgyzstan's highest point. The southern border with Tajikistan
lies along the Pamir Alay Range. Lake Issyk-Kul, almost 700m (2300ft)
deep, lies in a vast indentation on the fringes of the Tian Shan
in eastern Kyrgyzstan.
Though
environmental pressures are as bad in Central Asia as anywhere,
there's a reasonably good chance of seeing memorable beasts and
plants, especially since Cannabis indica grows thick and wild
by the roadsides. The mountains of Kyrgyzstan are the setting
for high, grassy meadows - it's not unheard of to look out a train
or bus window on the open steppe and see a rushing herd of antelope.
Marmots and pikas are preyed upon by eagles and lammergeiers while
the elusive snow leopard hunts the ibex amongst the crags and
rocky slopes. Forests of Tian Shan spruce, larch and juniper provide
cover for lynx, wolf, wild boar and brown bear. In summer, the
wildflowers are a riot of colour.
The
climate of this mountainous region is influenced by its distance
from the sea and the sharp change of elevation from neighbouring
plains. Conditions vary from permanent snow in high-altitude cold
deserts to hot deserts in the lowlands. From the end of June through
mid-August most afternoons reach 32°C (90°F) or higher,
with an average annual maximum of 40°C (104°F). During
the winter months, temperatures remain below freezing for about
40 days. The coldest month is January when winds blow in from
Siberia.
