Driving in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful landlocked country in Central Asia that used to be the west’s gateway for Silk Road traders. It is also one of the first countries in Central Asia which relaxed its visa policies and developed a strong tourism network, making travel more comfortable and convenient. You could spend some days resting and swimming in Issyk Kul or go hiking and trekking in Arslanbob. You can also spend time with nomadic families here.

Today, the famous Silk Road trades’ barren paths are now asphalt roads, so it’s best to have a road trip. Just don’t forget your local driver’s license and your International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan to drive legally in the Kyrgyz Republic. The country offers diverse and dramatic paint-like sceneries, and winding roads will take you to mountains, valleys, and alpine lakes. Be sure to read this guide to prepare you for driving to one of the wonders of the world.

There are two main airports in Kyrgyzstan, one in Bishkek and the other in Osh. Most of the international flights land in the capital city Bishkek. A great place to start your Kyrgyz adventure is in the capital city full of Soviet Architecture and modern places set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Spend the day driving and walking in the town to the brutalist architecture like the Ala-Too Square and the Manas statues.

Once you already have an International Driving License in Kyrgyzstan, review the places you want to drive to and check out the nearby destinations from each other to save time. From Manas International Airport in Bishkek, the fastest route to reach Ala-Too Square, Chuy Avenue is via Manas Airport Road and Fuchik Street. When driving, you’ll get to the place in about half an hour. Here’s your guide:

• Head west on Airport Parking Road toward Exit Road.
• Turn right onto Manas Airport Road.
• Continue onto Fuchik Street.
• Turn left onto Den Xiaoping Avenue.
• Continue straight onto Chuy Avenue.

You cannot drive in Kyrgyzstan if you don’t have your valid driving documents, including your national license, car registration document, and IDP. Check out our application page and look for the International Driving Permit in Kyrgyzstan form. Complete the requirements, and we will send approval of your application, so that you can get the digital copy of your IDP. Once you have your International Driver’s Permit for Kyrgyzstan, know the zip code of the area you want to visit.

About an hour’s drive south of Bishkek, you can reach this rugged but accessible gorge. In Kyrgyz language, Ala-Archa means “bright juniper,” which grows in abundance on mountain slopes. The place is now converted into a national park to walk, trek, climb to Ak Say Canyon’s peaks, and hikes to Ak Say Glaciers. You can also relax by the Alamein River and the waterfall and have a picnic in the summer.

Manas International Airport to Ala Archa National Park is about 55.8 km. It will take about an hour if you take the Manas Airport Road route. Observe the speed limits when driving to the national park.

• Head west on Airport Parking Road toward Exit Road.
• Turn right onto Manas Airport Road.
• Continue onto Fuchik Street.
• Continue onto Moskovskaya Street.
• Turn right onto Asanaliev Street/Ulitsa Asanaliyeva.
• Go left onto Dooronbek Kadyrbayev Street.
• Turn left onto Gagarin Street.
• Make a right onto Dooronbek Kadyrbayev Street.
• Turn left to reach Ala Archa National Park.

To drive legally in the Kyrgyz Republic, apply for an International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan on this website page. You just need to choose your IDP package, upload your photos, pay for the fee, and wait for your approval. IDA will only require you those few things, and you can get a digital copy of your IDP in less than two hours. So, what are you waiting for now? Get your International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan today.

Drive to this beautiful orange landscape and hike to this canyon. It’s a good change of scenery from the lush evergreen you saw in Ala Archa National Park. The rock samples turn into red sandstone, similar to the Fairytale Canyon (Skazka Canyon) on Issyk-Kul’s southside. One fascinating feature in the canyon is an approximately three million-year-old dormant volcano. Enjoy this insanely gorgeous natural scenery and relax for a moment.

The hiking path to the canyon is five kilometers. Although the canyon is in the middle of the mountains, there is no snow here in the winter, and the temperature hardly drops below 40 degrees Celsius in summer. It’s ideal to go here in the autumn or spring season. The road to the canyon lies through the paths of Boom gorge. Once you already have your International Driver's Permit in Kyrgyzstan, driving from one district to another district is legal.

From Ala Archa National Park, it will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the canyon via the A365 road. Once you see the brown sign that says “Konorchek Canyon,” take a right in and go to the railroad track. There is just a particular part where you are not allowed to drive anymore, so it’s best to park your car and start your trekking. This can be quite a long drive, but it's not an excuse to drive beyond the speed limit imposed.

• Head north and continue onto Dooronbek Sadyrbayev Street.
• Continue onto Mir Avenue.
• Slight right and turn left onto Baitik Baatyr Street.
• Turn right onto Mederova Street.
• Turn right onto Shabdan Baatyr Street.
• Make a U-turn at Kuyruchuk.
• Turn right onto Chuy Avenue, then turn left onto Lermontov Street.
• Turn right onto Pobedy Avenue.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A365.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and merge onto A365 to reach the canyon.

You need to carry your International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan to drive legally and know the zip code of the area you want to visit. If you don’t have one yet, check the International Driver’s Association’s application page, complete your International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan's form, upload photos, pay for the fee, wait for the approval. Once you receive a confirmation, IDA will send a physical copy of your International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan to your address.

Even though snow-capped peaks encircle the lake, the lake is heated from below by thermal activity; that’s why it never freezes even in winter. That’s the reason why it got its name Issyk-Kul which means “warm lake” in Kyrgyz. It is the second-largest mountain lake globally, which is 182 km, long by 58 km. wide. It’s the best road trip as you’ll follow the shoreline and pass the colored fields against the backdrop of ice-covered peaks.

You can swim in the clear blue water enclosed by snowy peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains. The area between the lake and the Almaty in Kazakhstan is an excellent trekking territory. The fastest route to go from Konorchek Canyon to Camping Issyk-Kul is via A363 road. It will take you about 3 hours and a half. Here’s your driving guide:

• Head southwest on A365.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on A365.
• Sharp left toward A365.
• Continue onto A365.
• Continue on Ozernaya to your destination.

If you have an International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan, the international community recognizes the permit, so you can drive legally in over 150 countries. Before completing your IDA application to get an International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan, review your personal information. Your IDP will serve as your valid identification as it translates your local driver’s license. To know more about our process in getting an International Driving License in Kyrgyzstan, call the number of the customer representative.

Chon-Kemin Valley is a popular spot among those who appreciate nature’s beauty as this encompasses a diversity of landscapes, flora, fauna, and glaciers. The popular way to explore the park is by horseback riding or riding a raft down the river before camping in a yurt. If you’re a history lover, you’ll be amazed by various ancient burial mounds or ancient barrows dating back to the 4th century BC. The guesthouses are simple but comfortable.

Other activities you can do are camping or bedding down in a traditional Yurt tent and fishing in the Chon-Kemin river dominated by Amudarya trout. You can also hike into the 9,000 feet elevation of the valley, and you can spot some rare inhabitants such as the Golden Eagle and Snow Leopards. The valley is also the country’s best ski destination, and it’s best to go here in ski season from December to March.

From Ala Archa National Park, you can reach Chon Kemin Valley in less than three hours of driving.

• Head north and continue onto Dooronbek Sadyrbayev Street.
• Continue onto Mir Avenue.
• Turn left onto Baitik Baatyr Street.
• Go right onto Mederova Street.
• Turn right onto Shabdan Baatyr Street.
• Make a U-turn at Kuyruchuk and turn right onto Chuy Avenue.
• Turn left onto Lermontov Street.
• Take a right onto Pobedy Avenue.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A365 to reach the valley.

You can get an International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan, just visit our application page. If you want to know more about the International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan, call the number of the IDA’s customer service. Do not worry, as it’s easy to follow IDA’s application process, and you can get your IDP after a few hours. If you don’t want to apply online, have your International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan in a designated office.

The administrative center of Issyk-Kul province is Karakol, which is an excellent base to explore the lake and start your most epic trek in the region. The town is famous for its apple orchards and the Sunday Market. You must drive to the Chinese Mosque in which the Chinese artisans built the mosque in 1920. After that, you can walk in the valley of the Karakol River.

If you go to Karakol from July to August, you don’t need to carry a tent and food supplies as there are many stops where you can rent these. It will help in keeping your pack light when you are trekking. The trail can be quite hard to navigate because there aren't many signs that will guide you, but you can download Maps.me app and save the region offline. It will give you an accurate general direction in the trail so that you can save time.

In less than 40 minutes, you’ll reach Karakol if you’re from Camping Issyk-Kul. Take A363 road for faster driving time. Don't go beyond the imposed speed limits when driving.

• Head east and turn right onto A363.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Abdrahmanov.
• Continue onto Abdrahmanov.
• Turn right onto A363.
• Continue straight to reach Karakol.

Remember, you need to be careful when filling out the IDP application form. Before you complete your application to get an International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan, review your personal information and other details to avoid any IDP copy mistakes. If you want to receive an International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan’s update, you can call IDA’s customer representative.

The second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan is Lake Son Kul, situated in the Northern Province. It is the home to 66 species of waterfowl, a wide variety of herbs and grasses, and many shepherds. As a place for natural beauty, locals called it “Jewel in the Kyrgyz Crown.” You can walk along the lakeshore and spend time with local families. Know the nomadic lifestyle of the Kyrgyz and drink bowls of kumys, an alcoholic drink of fermented mare’s milk.

From Kara Talaa, you’ll reach Song-Kul Yurt Camp near Son Kul Lake in about two hours and 30 minutes. Just follow this driving guide:

• Head south toward A363.
• Turn left onto A365.
• Slight left and continue onto A365.
• Slight right to reach Song-Kul Yurt Camp.

You can get your International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan in designated office locations. But if you want to process your IDP online, you can apply via our website. You can also ask the customer service for your International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan update. Once you got your International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan, know the zip code of the area you want to go to locate the place quickly. Keep in mind that your IDP alone is not enough to verify your identity. You should also bring your driver's license and car registration document to drive legally in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The starting point for the road trip to the southeast and Kol Su’s start is through Naryn. It is a territory of alternating white peaks, gorges, and valleys. Naryn is the main caravan route on the Silk Road, and you can visit the preserved 15h century Tash Rabat caravanserai. Naryn is also the home to the largest lake in Naryn Province, which is Song Kol Lake. The highest lake is the Lake Chatyr Kul around the Torugart Pass.

In about 1 hour and 20 minutes, you’ll reach Naryn if you’re driving from Keng-Suu. Here’s your guide:

• Head southeast toward A365.
• Turn right onto A365.
• Keep right and turn left onto Lenina Street.

If you want to explore the country and drive to different places fully, you need to have an International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan as mandated by the government. If you want to know more about the process of getting an International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan, call IDA’s contact number and speak with a customer representative.

At-Bashi district, you’ll find this extremely isolated Silk Road caravanserai with a huge arched entrance, corner turrets, and a domed roof. It appears like an ancient eastern castle from a long-forgotten legend in the middle of nowhere. A Silk Road was not a single route but a connection of several established tracks, while caravanserais were an extensive network of traveler’s inns on caravan roads and isolated regions, away from many threats.

If you go inside Tash Rabat Caravanserai, you will wander aimlessly through the dark corridors lit by small openings in the roofs. There is also a mosque, dungeon, and well in damp corridors which are very atmospheric. The building’s facade is traditionally directed to the east and its location is at an altitude of more than 3,500 meters. Traveling the road to reach Tash Rabat is gravel. Just be reminded of the altitude sickness due to the high altitude of the place.

From Naryn, you can reach Tash Rabat in about two hours if you’re driving on A365 road. Here’s your driving guide:

• Head east on Lenina St.
• Turn right onto At-Bashy.
• Continue onto Sovetskaya.
• Turn right onto A365.
• Turn left to reach Tash Rabat.

To get an International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan, check our website page to apply for an IDP. You’ll see the International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan information on the page and the IDP packages’ cost. If you don’t want to get an International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan online, go to the designated office.

In this part of the country, at least 40% of the population are Uzbeks; that’s why it feels like a different country than Bishkek. Osh is the second home to the famous bazaar and was once a central hub on the Silk Road. The Jayma Bazaar is one of Central Asia’s best markets spread out along the river. Osh is the second-largest city and one of the region’s most ancient towns, with a history dating back to the 5th century BC.

The fastest route to go from Kara Kuldja to Osh is via A370 and A370/E010/M41 route. It will only take you less than 2-hour drive:

• Continue to A370.
• Turn right toward A370.
• Continue on A370. Take E010/M41 to A Shakirova Street in Osh.
• Continue straight onto A370/E010/M41.
• Turn right onto M41.
• Continue onto Monueva Street.
• Follow A Shakirova Street to reach Osh.

Just outside the town is Solomon’s Throne, a rocky outcrop and Muslim pilgrimage place. You can also spend one full day hiking the Sulayman Mountain. Once you already have your International Driver's Permit in Kyrgyzstan, driving from one district to another district is possible.

On the south-facing slopes of the Ferghana Range, you can find Arslanbob, about 1,600 meters above sea level. It boasts stunning mountain scenery and the most-prized walnuts in the country. In this area, the population is predominantly Uzbek, and it is a conservative region due to its isolation from the rest of the country. The mountains and the stunning waterfalls attract both tourists and pilgrims during the spring and summer.

In less than two hours, you’ll reach Arslanbob if you are driving from Jalal-Abad. Here’s your guide:

• Head south toward Moskovskaya Street.
• Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto Lenin Street.
• Turn right to stay on Lenin Street.
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on E010/M41.
• Turn right toward R-191.
• Slight left and continue onto R-191.
• Turn right to reach Arslanbob.

If you want to check IDA’s packages and prices to get an International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan, check the website page on how to apply for IDP. Check out more information about the International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan, call IDA’s number and speak with a customer representative. If you already got your International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan, know the zip code of the area you want to go to locate the place quickly.

You must know that the peak months to travel to the country are in the summer, from July to August, so there are high-priced accommodations. Summer is the best time to visit the country as most hiking trails are open. If trekking is your goal, the best time to go to Kyrgyzstan is June to September. If you want to go to the country to ski, February to March are particularly ideal for Kyrgyzstan.

As a responsible driver, you need to follow the driving laws and the driving rules to keep everybody safe. It is also essential to carry your passport, local driving license, and an International Driving Permit in Kyrgyzstan to legally drive in the country. If you want to know more International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan information, check IDA’s page frequently asked questions and the IDP packages’ price.

In Kyrgyzstan, you should entirely refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages when driving because there is a 0% legal blood alcohol limit. Drivers who will violate this law will face a fine of 17,500 Kyrgyzstani soms or equivalent to $200. The country has zero tolerance on drunk driving and once you are caught driving under the influence, you may immediately land in jail, no matter how little you consumed alcohol.

You should not overtake when people cross the pedestrian lane and if you are less than 100 meters away from a railway crossing when you are driving in Kyrgyzstan. Overtaking is prohibited as there are mostly two-lane roads in the country. You cannot overtake on regulated intersections with access to oncoming lanes and on non-regulated intersections when driving on a minor road.

In all the countries in the world, there is a set speed limit depending on the type of road you’re driving on. The following are the maximum speed limits in different areas in the country. It's also crucial to follow the speed limits, especially on inadequately lit roads. Be sure to follow these speed limits or else you will face a fine:

• Residential areas - 20 km/h
• Built-up areas - 60 km/h
• Outside the built-up areas - 110 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on other road

Suppose you want to drive in the country. In that case, you need to have a notarized translation of your driver’s license into Russian or Kyrgyz or an International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan as mandated by the government. Drivers must always have their valid driver's license, International Driver’s Permit, passport, and car registration document. Once the expiration date of your International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan, get an update and renew your IDP.

An International Driver’s Permit is a powerful tool that translates your local driver’s license into an internationally recognized permit. International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan translates the English language into Russia or other languages. So once you have an International Drivers Permit in Kyrgyzstan, the international community which signed the Road Convention recognized the permit.

You can get an International Drivers Permit in Kyrgyzstan in designated office locations or process it online. To get an International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan, check IDA’s website page to apply for an IDP. Once you receive a confirmation, we will send a physical copy of your International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan to your address.

Before completing your application to get an International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan, review your personal information to ensure no mistakes. It is a valid document you can present to ensure you are an authorized driver to ensure that all information is correct.

If you lost your International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan, call the number of our customer service. The good thing is that the replacement service is free. All you need to do is pay for the shipping costs. Once you provide your IDP details to the customer service, they will send a digital copy after two hours. You can contact our customer service for your International Driver’s License in Kyrgyzstan update.

An International Driving Permit in Kyrgyzstan is your ticket to fully exploring the country at your own time and pace. Your IDP translates your local driver’s license into a language that local authorities can understand easily. International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan translates the English language into Russia or other languages. You can genuinely enjoy the experience if you drive a car, so get your International Driver’s Permit in Kyrgyzstan today.