There aren’t any mandatory vaccinations for those traveling to Kyrgyzstan although you should be up-to-date on Typhoid Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. It is recommended to consult your local GP for advice on most effective vaccinations as well as preventative measures.
Food and beverages
Kyrgyzstan’s food is usually based on rice and meat. There are many other options for salads and other vegetables. When you travel, you’ll be able to taste local dishes from the region that often cross-pollinate with the cultures that have lived and changed over the centuries.
The selection of alcohol is limited to beer or vodka. Anyone wanting to try something else – such as Scotch or Gin should buy it at no cost and bring it along. Mixers such as tonic water are very difficult to find in Central Asia.
Cultural Sensitivity
You are likely to meet locals, each with their distinct customs and customs. You’re asked to pay respect and consideration to locals. Your tour-guides and tour-leaders will always be in a position to give you advice accordingly.
The first thing you should know about traveling in Central Asia is that most regions, especially the cities and towns, have a more laidback attitude to Islam than their neighboring areas to the south in Afghanistan as well as Pakistan. You’ll be amazed at the length of skirts that women are in cities such as Bishkek! However, it should also be noted that this is technically an Muslim area, so an extra dose of caution must be taken at certain locations. T-shirts and shorts are suitable for both genders. However, if attending mosques, women should cover their shoulders and wear trousers or skirts that do not reach to the knee. males should not wear shorts.
With less than 15% of people converting to Islam, 80% of the population is Islamic.
Russian Orthodoxy
Language and Religion
Kyrgyzstan was one of the two former Soviet Republics in Central Asia that retained Russian as their official language. Kyrgyzstan was declared an official bilingual state in the 1990’s, adding Kyrgyz as its official language. Also, there are ethnic Uzbeks as well as Tajiks in certain parts of Kyrgyzstan due to previous Soviet policies.
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