THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

Is a popular surprise to most first time visitors, with it's friendly hospitality, interesting history and many points of natural beauty. The Kyrgyz Republic is said to be the most appealing, accessible and welcoming of all of the republics in Central Asia. The country is rich with history dating back to approximately 6th century BC with the country’s earliest residents. Then as with many of its neighbours there was a permanent stream of people just queuing up to invade this beautiful country. But there was one thing that the Turks, the Arabs, a huge Tang Chinese army, the Mongols, the Oyrats or the Russian all have in common, they all left their own special cultural mark on this country.

It is larger then Hungary & Austria put together with 95% of the country being mountainous. The Chinese border region is particularly stunning with the Kakshaal-Too range dominating the area. This leads to some interesting variations in the weather, but beware in the lowlands the summer months can get extremely hot. But on the other side of the coin, the winters generally offer some good skiing in the mountains. The country is a haven for the activity sports junkie with its horse riding, skiing, trekking, mountaineering options as well as numerous thermal springs, massage and mud bath resorts dotted all around the country.

The country has undergone a rocky and difficult transition period from its former Russian rule to the independent state of today. This means that tourism has yet to become fully established and foreign visitors can pay more for certain items than locals. A usual tip is not to depend on using your credit card as these are rarely accepted and to treat the country as a cash only destination.

Worldmark's range of services include:-

Due to our extensive overseas network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.

Discounted hotels.
* Discounted range of flights.
* Business Invitations / Supports.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire

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Bishkek

Is a modern city which sits on the site of an old settlement on an important crossroads leading to the mountain ranges of Tibet. It is a laid back cosmopolitan city, which has also blossomed into one of the beautiful in Central Asia. This is manly due to the combination of the snow capped Kyrgyz Alatau mountain range which stand overshadowing the city combining with the many green parks and tree lined streets. Not far from the city and 1608m above sea level is the beautiful Issyk-Kul Lake, which is the second largest & the deepest mountain lake in the world. Travellers also use Bishkek as a staging point for a trip to the Tian Sham Mountains and for the overland crossing into China via the Torugart Pass.

We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-

Hyatt Regency, Best Eastern hotel and the Hotel Pinara

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Other destinations suggestions:-

Ala-Archa Canyon

Within a short drive from Bishkek is this grand state nature park & gorge. Here you can hike to glaciers, climb some serious mountain peaks and in the winter months ski down some good quality pistes. Excursions from Bishkek can be arranged via this office.

Lake Issyk-Kul

Is the second-largest mountain lake in the world. It offers it's visitors some serious ambience, the hot thermal springs at Altyn Arashan, some spa's still remain, try some good trout fishing and many good hiking trails. The area is also home to the Karkara Valley with it's natural beauty and the Jeti-Oghuz Canyon with it's sandstone cliffs and excellent hiking trails into the Terskey Alatau. The best base from which to explore the area is the town of Karakoi, which sits at the Eastern end of the lake. It is a delightful mix of cottages, cobbled back streets and the Sunday market is one of the best in Central Asia with more than enough here to keep you transfixed to the area for a few days if not longer.

Central Tian Shan

Sits keeping an eye on the borders between China,Kyrgyzstan and the tip of Kazakhstan. This range of peaks rises to the 24,400ft Victory Peak and the 22,944ft Khan-Tengri, which is arguably the most stunning of all of the peaks.

Torugart Pass

This 12,307ft pass offer travellers one of the most exciting and arduous overland routes in or out of Central China. But travellers should beware of the following facts,it is not for budget wary traveller.Visa's cannot be obtained on the border and the pass is only snow free between May and September.

Osg & the Kyrgyz Ferghana Valley

Offers travellers the chance to experience some sights of serious natural beauty.You will pass through The Suusamyr Valley,the grand Toktogul reservoir and the beautiful Naryn River gorge before passing into the Ferghana Valley.

Excursions can be booked via this office to many destinations.

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Travel Warning / Information

DUE TO THE INCREASED LEVEL OF CIVIL UNREST AS A RESULT OF THE RECENT ELECTIONS. THE FOREIGN OFFICE ADVISE AGAINST ALL BUT ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TO KYRGYZSTAN. TRAVELLERS SHOULD MONITOR THIS SITUATION BEFORE MAKING ANY TRAVEL PLANS.

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We advise against travel to the south and west of Osh and to the Ferghana Valley region. There is a general threat to Western, including British, targets from terrorism in Kyrgyzstan, as there is in other countries in Central Asia. You should, therefore, be particularly vigilant in public places, including tourist sites. However, the vast majority of visits to Kyrgyzstan are trouble-free.

There is a general threat to Western, including British, targets from terrorism in Kyrgyzstan. You should be aware that there is a history of terrorist activity and armed violence, particularly south and west of Osh, where there were several terrorist attacks in 1999-2001. Several western hostages were taken during these events. Some of these incidents were attributed to the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, which is still believed to be active in parts of Central Asia.

Mugging and theft regularly occur in both cities and rural areas. Foreigners are a particular target. Do not open your door to anyone whose identity you cannot verify. There have been reports of thefts committed by uniformed police officers and gangs. Do not walk alone at night and avoid travelling in unofficial taxis. Passenger lists on aircraft are not always kept confidential. There have been recent cases of people being met by name from an aircraft and subsequently robbed.

Visitors should be particularly vigilant in public places, including tourist sites, and pay attention to any security announcements by the Kyrgyz authorities.

This information is correct and current as of 10/5/04 and was provided by the FCO Update service.

Health Information

Tuberculosis is widespread throughout the country and there are regular outbreaks of Hepatitis A, meningitis and brucellosis. Cases of AIDS and malaria have also been registered. You should seek medical advice before travelling. Medical facilities are not as developed as those in the UK. If you are planning an adventure holiday (e.g. skiing, mountaineering etc) you should have insurance cover that includes air ambulance evacuation.

We recommend that all travellers check with their GP prior to departure or refer to the Department of Health’s website.

Every traveller requires an official invitation and visa to enter the country. These ca be supplied by Worldmark Travel and please contact us for details and costs.

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E-Mail Worldmark.uk@hrgworldwide.com

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