Accommodation, Transport and Guides
Transport.
The best way to get from Airport Manas to Bishek is to take a taxi. Approximate price is 550-600 som. You should take a service of official taxi only (they have a special label on the roof). Private taxi can be more expensive.
You can also use a service of "Marshrutka 380" minibus. Minibusses go every 20-30 mitnutes from 6:00 AM to 21:00 PM.
Pay your attention that you should pay only in local currency - som. There are exchage offices in Airport.
It will take about 40 minutes to get from Airport to Bishkek.
Public transport in Bishkek: buses, trolleybuses and minibuses. Bus and trolleybus fare is 8 som, in minibus you will pay 10 som.
But if you want to go to the nearest mountain resorts you should take a taxi. It will be better to use official taxi service. Here are some short telephone numbers of taxi service:
Namba - 9797
1200 Taxi - 1200, 1452
Super Taxi - 1522
Udacha Taxi - 5454
Bars Taxi - 7080
Alpha Taxi - 1530
Every summer in June and July train from Bishkek to Balykchi goes every Friday, Saturday and Sunday early in the morning. In August train goes every day early in the morning. More detailed information about time schedule will be closer to summer season.
If you plan to use car for a long distance you should go to "Western Bus Station" and find a taxi or rout taxis (marshrutka). There are a lot of tourist drivers and transport companies on the market of Kyrgyzstan. The prices for professional driver services are relatively low and it is much safer, because most of them have a lot of experience working with tourist agencies.
Prices for transfer are very different and depend on type of transport, direction and final destination. Approximate price for one km is 25-30 som.
Information below is given only for reference. Prices can be changed.
| Direction: | Price KGS: |
| Bishkek - Son-Kul Lake | 5000 - 6500 |
| Bishkek - Balykchi (Issyk-Kul) | 2500 - 3000 |
| Bishkek - Karakol (Issyk-Kul) | 4500 - 5500 |
| Bishkek - Kochkor | 2500 - 3000 |
| Bishkek - Kyzyl-Oy | 3500 - 4000 |
| Bishkek - Chaek | 4000 - 5000 |
| Bishkek - Too-Ashuu Pass (Suusamyr) | 3000 - 4000 |
Driving experience: 37 years
Telephone number/whatsApp: +996 555 270055
Quantity of passangers: 4
Quantity of bikes: 4
| Direction: | Price KGS: |
| Bishkek - Son-Kul Lake | 7000 |
| Bishkek - Balykchi (Issyk-Kul) | 3000 |
| Bishkek - Karakol (Issyk-Kul) | 5000 |
| Bishkek - Kochkorka | 4000 |
| Bishkek - Kyzyl-Oy | 5000 |
| Bishkek - Chaek | 7000 |
| Bishkek - Suusamyr | 5000 |
| Bishkek Cholpon-Ata | 4000 |
| Bishkek - Tup | 5000 |
| Bishkek - Airport Manas | 1000 |
You can contact with this driver via WhatsApp to book transport.
Guides.
1. Lidiia Zvoznikova
Age: 32 years oldLanguage knowledge: English language
Telephone/WhatsApp: +996 555 62 18 41
FaceBook: Lidiia Zvoznikova
Instagram: Lidiia Zvoznikova
Experience: Experience: cycling guide from 2014 year.
Qualification АМА (trekking guide), Certificate of Pass Hand on Tourist Guiding Course (WFTGA).
2. Vadim Karaulnyh
Age: 32 years old
Telephone/WhatsApp: +996 777753357
FaceBook: Vadim Karaulnyh
You can contact with Vadim to book him like a guide.
3. Agafonov Mikhail
Age: 26 years old
You can contact with Mikhail to book him like a guide.
4. Kirill Kazancev
Age: 34Language knowledge: English, German languages
Telephone: +77778032613
e-mail: kazan86@bk.ru
Instagram: Kirill Kazancev
Accommodation.
If you still do not have any ideas about hotel or hostel in Bishkek, we will recommend you hostel which is situated not far from our office: "Tunduk" hostel - (5-10 minutes from our office). Anyway please find and book hotel or hostel before arriving in Kyrgyzstan.
Guest houses in Bishkek:
Asia Mountains Hotels
Hotel “Asia Mountains 1” was built in 2001 with a special project. The main idea of it was to create a home-like atmosphere with combination of west architecture and philosophy of east.Friendly and attentive staff of the “Asia Mountains 1” hotel will make your stay here enjoyable.
Hotel “Asia Mountains 2” was built in 2009, according an individual project in order to create an atmosphere of comfort, combined with eastern philosophy and western architecture.
Hotel “Asia Mountains-2” located in the city center. There are cafés, restaurants, shopping center, bookstore in a short walking distance.
Tunduk Hostel
We offer private rooms, dorms, and a kyrgyz-style decorated room, “The Yurt”, where you can make your first experience sleeping on the traditional Toshok. In front of the big panorama window, you will find yourself in a beautyful private garden where you can read books in the hammock or refresh yourself in the swimming pool during hot summer days. Every now and then, we will organize a grill party for our guests.
Crocus Guest House
Guest house Crocus located in the east part of Bishkek city offers his guests hospitality, calmness and homely comfort. It is decorated by paintings of landscapes of Kyrgyzstan and art works of local craftsmen as well as interesting and unusual wood items. Guest house Crocus can offer you different active tours in the mountains during summer and winter time.Centre Hostel
The “Center” hostel is located in the quiet center of Bishkek, a 3-minute walk from Vefa Shopping Center and one minute from the main street Abdrakhmanov, from where it is very convenient to get to any part of the city.
The bright rooms are air-conditioned and have the necessary furniture, and the bathrooms are shared. For your peace of mind, the rooms feature individual lockers. In the cold season, we are warm and comfortable, and in the hot season it is cool and comfortable. Hostel Center offers guests a shared kitchen where you can prepare your own meals, as well as the opportunity to order dishes of Eastern and European cuisine. There are common relaxation areas where you can play various board games and watch TV. There is a gift shop at the lobby.
Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association “Hospitality Kyrgyzstan” (KCBTA), (the country’s driving force behind CBT best practices and innovation) is leading the charge. The association’s objective is to improve living conditions in remote mountain regions by developing a sustainable and wholesome ecotourism model that utilizes local natural and recreational resources. Located in the capital Bishkek, KCBTA is an umbrella association uniting 14 diverse destination communities (“CBT groups”). The CBT association was registered on January 3, 2003 with support from Helvetas Kyrgyzstan Programme’s Community Based Tourism Support Project (CBT SP) with operations throughout the country
58 Gor’kiy St. (intersection with Matrosov St.), Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
phone: +996 312 54 00 69, +996 312 443331
CBT Alay
The wise regent of Alay, Kurmanjan Datka, loved her motherland. She lived about a century and was permanently delighted by the nature of the Great Alay : the wide and fertile Alay Valley, celestial mountains of Alay Range and healing thermal springs. If you would like to visit Alay, the group of CBT Alay would be more than glad to welcome you and offer you various tours and programs. Here you can see the geographical peculiarities of these places-combinations of high mounts, small hills – adyrs and submontane trough. The unique beauty of Alay Valley will be revealed when you will go up to the Chiyrchyk Pass on the back of the horse (80 km from Osh town). In the Jyluu Suu area hot mineral springs, famous with its curative properties are found. You can visit Jailoo – high altitude summer pastures – Kara-Bulak, Chyirchyk, Taldy-Suu. Nearly every family has members that are handicraft workers; they make “kurak” (patchworks), “terme” (wicker-work) and “saima” (embroidery). Silver works masters would show you their fine works. In Gulcho you can stay in cozy guesthouses along the way to Erkechtam (Chinese border). You will feel very comfortable in our guesthouses and the hosts will be looking forward your visit. They will certainly welcome you and your family with Kyrgyz hospitality.
280 Kurmanjan Datka St. (2nd floor, hotel “Alay”), Osh Oblast, Kyrgyzstan
phone: ++ 996 555 077621 (Whatsapp)
e-mail: oshtours@gmail.com
Mr. Talant Toksonbaev, coordinator
CBT Arstanbab
phone: ++996 773 342476 (mobile)
e-mail: cbtarslanbob@gmail.com
Mr. Hayat Tarikov, coordinator
CBT Bokonbaev
This much overlooked town on the south shore of Lake Yssyk-Köl offers various eco-treks into the nearby Terskei Ala-Too Mountains for 2-7 days. You will be able to visit various scenic spots including wild hot springs, a small Salt Lake, or Chasha Manasa, the longest waterfall in Kyrgyzstan. You can even trek all the way to Naryn from Bokonbaevo. Aside from trekking, CBT Bokonbaevo has four yurt camps situated from right on the lake up to the foot of the mountains. Whether you want to swim, fish, go horseback riding or just relax, here you can experience the traditional life of the Kyrgyz.
Bokonbaevo Village, Yssyk-Kol Oblast, Kyrgyzstan
phone: ++ 996 779 455045 (mobile)
e-mail: cbtbokonbaevo@gmail.com
Mrs. Kadyrkulova Saltanat, coordinator
CBT Jalalabad
NGO “South Mountains”
Jalalabat, Kyrgyzstan’s third largest city, sits in a broad plain of the Kugart Valley. Jalalabat is a quiet provincial capital on the edge of the fertile Fergana Valley and gateway to walnut forests and secluded mountain lakes. Jalalabat means “the city of Jalal” and takes its name from the 13th century warrior, Jalal ad Din. Nowadays, squat hills guard the edge of the town. Covered with almond trees, they glow with feathery pink blossoms briefly each spring, shedding their snowy petals within a week of showing them. The hills harbor a natural spring, famous from at least the 10th century for the curative properties of its waters. A Soviet era health resort now stands on the spot where formerly residents of Central Asia, China, Afghanistan and India made their pilgrimage and took their cures. In summer, bottles of Jalalabat water compete for shelf space with the ever-present green and black tea, assuring the weary traveler of certain refreshment on evens the hottest of days.
#3A Sovietskiy Lane St., Jalalabat town, Jalalabat Oblast, Kyrgyzstan
phone: + 996 772 376602 (mobile Ruhsora) and + 996 550 010945 (mobile Abdukodir)
e-mail: cbt_ja@rambler.ru
Ms. Ruhsora Abdullaeva, coordinator (speaks English)
Mr. Abdukodir Abdushukurov, assistant coordinator (speaks English, Turkish)
CBT Chon-Kemin
Cliffy mountains of Boom Gorge conceal colorful shrubs and gorgeous fir tree forests. These forests grow densely and cover all mountain slopes as if covered by velvet. On the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range there are 582 glaciers, with the total area of 520 кm2. Most of them are situated at the central part of the range. The upper reaches of Chong-Kemin river is considered to be the biggest glaciations center. Mountains range on the eastern part forming the mountain junction known as Kemin-Chelek. At the eastern part of Chong-Kemin is situated Kok-Oirok jailoo. Kemin State Reserve aimed at preserving pheasants and hares, and also places of growing ephedra (Bot.: Ephedra intermedia). The nature in Kemin is unique by its own beauty, rich with different trekking routes, horse back riding tours and rafting. Chong-Kemin gorges are also truly attractive by its beauties and conveniences. By the gorges of Kyrgyz Ala-Too there are lots of sparse growths of fir trees, juniper, birch, maple, rowan-tree etc. The friendly group of CBT Chong-Kemin would be glad to welcome you at the land of brave Shabdan Baatyr (Shabdan Hero). Experienced guides can show you track through passes to the azure coasts of Issyk-Kul. During the tour one can see rare species of flora and fauna of Central Tien-Shan, learn more about local inhabitant’s culture, visit Reserve and take part in many other interesting activities.
Address: 9, Bapakov St., Karool-Dobo village, Kemin Region, Chuy Oblast
Tel: ++ 996 772 832065 (mobile)
e-mail: kemin.tur@mail.ru
Mr. Janybek Sariev, coordinator
CBT KaraSuu
The village of Kara-Suu is 600km from Bishkek on the upper reaches of the Kara-Suu River, 1,300m above sea level. The village is 70km from Kerben and 210km from Jalalabat. A distinguishing feature of the area is the variety and multitude of flora and fauna. The Kara-Suu River flows from the southern part of the At-Oynok mountain range and joins the river Naryn at the town of Tash-Komur. You can get to Kara-Suu by taxi or bus (with transfers).
phone: ++ 996 552 410062 (mobile)
e-mail: cbt_sary-chelek@mail.ru
Mr. Bazarkul Jooshbaev, coordinator
CBT Karakol
Karakol is the largest city in Yssyk-Kol Oblast, set among stunning Central Tien Shan looming above on three sides. It is a quiet and calm, provincial site located near the eastern extremity of Yssyk-Kol Lake and at the foot of those high majestic mountains – Pobeda Peak (7,439m) and Khan Tengri (6,995m). Founded by Russian settlers in the 19th century, the city has yet to shed the ambience of that time. In town, a Dungan Mosque and the Russian Orthodox Church are well preserved and architecturally impressive. In the area, a museum and monument to the Russian explorer Nicolai Przhevalskiy draw visitors, while Flowers Valley, hot mineral spring at Altyn-Arashan and Jety-Oguz, the alpine lake of Ala-Kol, and numerous picturesque gorges offer excellent opportunities for more active relaxing in the Tien-Shan.
Karakol is also famed for its Sunday cattle market, starting its brisk trade early in the morning, at dawn. Dashing thoroughbred horses, pedigree cows or well-fed sheep are awaiting their masters. It will be interesting for the town’s guests to observe scenes from consumers and merchants’ daily life.
Karakol gives easy access to Yssyk-Kol Lake, Ak-Suu, Altyn-Arashan, the fabuled Karakol Valley and the road to Enylcheck Glacier. Though distant from the capital, Karakol holds its share of big-city amenities: cold beer, soft-serve ice cream, credit card advances, relatively reliable Internet and good cafes – all just a short hop from some of the most spectacular mountains in Asia.
You can get to Karakol (400km) by bus or shared taxi from the Western bus terminal in Bishkek.
#20, 123 Abdrakhmanova St., Karakol town, Yssyk-Kol Oblast, Kyrgyzstan
phone: ++ 996 3922 55000, ++ 996 555 150795 (mobile)
e-mail: cbtkarakol@gmail.com
Mr. Azamat Asanov , coordinator
CBT Kazarman
NGO “Makmal”
Kazarman Village is located in Jalalabat Oblast, not far from the border with Naryn Oblast, near the famous Makmal gold mine. From here it’s possible to take a trip to the world famous Saimaluu-Tash rock paintings gallery listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and now under its protection. Saimaluu-Tash is a small plateau hidden among the peaks of the Fergana Range at 3,000 meters above sea level. Black rocks with petroglyphs date back to the Bronze and early Iron Ages. Visitors never forget the special atmosphere of this place full of the ancient artists’ skill surrounded by staggeringly beautiful scenery. The road to Saimaluu-Tash can only be used for one month a year – from approximately mid-July till mid-August. The first snow falls in September. Kazarman can be reached from Jalalabat (157km from Jalalabat town) or Naryn Oblast (220km from Naryn town) by bus or taxi.
35, Kadyrkulova St., Kazarman Village, Jalalabat Oblast, Kyrgyzstan
phone: ++ 996 777 688803 (mobile)
e-mail: cbtkazarman@gmail.com
Mrs. Baktygul Chorobaeva, coordinator
CBT Kochkor
NGO “CBT Travel”
Only 3 hours by taxi from Bishkek and surrounded by magnificent jailoos, Kochkor is, for many travelers, the best place to taste the nomadic lifestyle so important to Kyrgyzstan’s history and culture. Friendlier and quieter than Naryn, its oblast capital down the Torugart road, Kochkor has 15,000 inhabitants, most of whom are farmers and shepherds, many of whom live in yurts on jailoos during the summer, and some of whom are more than willing, with CBT Kochkor’s intercession, to welcome tourists into their midst.
If you have any questions, contact CBT Kochkor office.
22A Pionerskaya St., Kochkor Village, Naryn Oblast, Kyrgyzstan
phone: ++ 996 3535 51114 , ++ 996 777 265559 (mobile)
e-mail: cbtinfokochkor@gmail.com
Mr. Bekbolot Builashev, coordinator
CBT Kyzyl-Oi
Kyzyl-Oi is quite different from the other mountain villages in Kyrgyzstan. It existed even before the Great Socialist Revolution, and has therefore kept its distinct Central Asian character with its reddish clay houses. Kyzyl-Oi is located in a narrow gorge on the riverside of the powerful Kokomeren River some 40km south of Suusamyr on the road to Kochkor Village and Son-Kol Lake (both in Naryn region), and about 200km from Bishkek. The elevation is 1,800 metres asl; here, a valley opens up somewhat to form a hollow ringed by the high red-coloured mountains, which gave the place its name. Kyzyl means ‘red’ in Kyrgyz.
Spending a couple of days here is ideal for those wanting to relax in the very heart of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountain range. From here, you can choose from a variety of different hiking or horseback trekking routes in the mountains. The Sary-Kamysh Range south of the village has some gorgeous peaks up to 4,000 metres. In summertime, you can ask the villagers to take you up to the summer high-altitude pastures (jailoo) to watch the wildlife and pristine flora. Another attraction in late summer is rafting down the Kökömeren River, an activity offered by some tour operators in Bishkek. Tourists in wintertime can also help local people get the hay down from jailoo to the village using horses and sledges.
Kyzyl-Oi Village, Chui Oblast, Kyrgyzstan
phone: +996 312 46 47 85, + 996 555 41 78 47 (mobile)
e-mail: cbtkyrgyzstanoffice@gmail.com
Mr. Artyk Kulubaev, coordinator
CBT Naryn
NGO “CBT Naryn”
115km south of Naryn, one can visit the beautifully preserved 15th century Tash Rabat Caravanserai. It is important because it is one of the latest examples of ancient architecture, and has an unusual plan, the kinds of raw materials and for other reasons. The caravanserai was first mentioned by the author Mohamed Hider who lived in the 16th century. He supposed that Tash-Rabat was built by Mohamed Khan, who ruled in Mogulistan in the 1st part of the 14th century. Talking about the purposes of Tash-Rabat, the scholars suppose that functionally it is a caravanserai (a kind of hotel) on Silk Road, but some other sources (folk legends and stories) suggest that Tash-Rabat was built by Nestorians, and served as Nestorian Church in the past.
Lenin St.,#8, 33 Naryn town, Naryn Oblast, Kyrgyzstan
phone: ++ 996 3522 50865, ++996 779 56 76 85
fax: ++ 996 3522 50865
e-mail: naryn_tourism@rambler.ru
https://www.cbt-naryn.com/index.php/en/
Ms.Gulira Kenjekaraeva, coordinator
CBT Osh
Coordinator: Mr. Talant Toksonbaev
phone: + 996 (0555) 07 76 21 (mobile)
e-mail: oshtours@gmail.com
CBT Sary-Mogol
- Hiking: We offer excellent day and multi-day hikes, the most beautiful and popular being to the best view of Peak Lenin, and Besh-Kul (5 lakes). Longer treks can be customized according to your needs.
- Horse Trekking: We offer various horse treks around the Alay region, with experienced guides who specialize in horse-riding. No horse-riding experience is necessary to enjoy this traditional mode of transportation of Kyrgyzstan.
- Take part in the annual National Yak and Horse Games Festival, every July, and experience traditional Kyrgyz culture.
- Live like a nomad in yurts or shepherd homestays: Evenings can be pleasantly passed in warm yurts along the shore of Tulpor-Kul (lake), with only bright stars lighting up the night sky, the perfect end to a day trekking in the mountains. Overnight in a shepherd’s house in the countryside is the perfect way to experience first-hand the local lifestyle.
For more information, feel free to visit our website or contact us:
Address: Sary-Mogol village, Alay Region, Osh Oblast, Kyrgyzstan
Phone: +996 773 50 59 39 or +996 556 09 26 27
E-mail: sarymogol@gmail.com
website: http://sarymogol.com/
Coordinator: Mr. Abdilla Tashbekov
CBT Talas
76 Kasym Kayimov (Yuzhnaya) St., Talas town, Talas Oblast, Kyrgyzstan
phone: ++996 3422 52919, ++ 996 772 643466 (mobile)
e-mail: cbt_talas@list.ru
Mr. Turdubek Ayilchiev, coordinator
CBT Tamchy
NGO “CBT Tamchy”
At 6,236 sq. km, Yssyk-Kol is the biggest lake in Kyrgyzstan and one of the biggest mountain lakes in the world, an enormous divot scooped from the surrounding 4,000-meter ranges and filled with sky-blue water that never freezes (its name means “Hot Lake”). The lake is ringed with beaches and draws holiday makers from near and far. The Kyrgyz are justifiably proud of their inland sea. Halfway between Balykchy and Cholpon-Ata on the north shore of Yssyk-Kol , Tamchy is an excellent destination for Central Asian travelers seeking beach time. Though tourist options, from homestays to towering international hotels, are appearing all along the north shore of Yssyk-Kol as alternatives to sanatorium decrepitude, the tiny village of Tamchy is right on the water. After trekking in Karakol or Kochkor, this is as good a place to have a rest. You can get there by taxi or bus from the Western (“new”) bus terminal in Bishkek (220 km).
49a, Manas St., Tamchy Village, Yssyk-Kol Oblast, Kyrgyzstan
phone: ++ 996 554 33 14 28 (Whatsapp)
email: tamchicbt@gmail.com
Mrs. Abdrahmanova Gulnara, coordinator