Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordering Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The mountainous region of the Tian Shan covers over 80% of the country and Kyrgyzstan is occasionally referred to as the “Switzerland of Central Asia". Kyrgyzstan was part of the Soviet Union until independence was achieved in 1991.

The highest point is Pobeda Peak which rises to 24,409ft/7.440m on the border with China. Average elevation is 9,020 ft/2,750m above sea level.

The Kyrgyz, a Sunni Muslim, Turkic-speaking pastoral people, constitute more than half of the population; the rest are Russians, Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Germans, and other minorities. About two thirds of the population is rural.
Kyrgyz and Russian are both official languages.

Visa Requirements 
Most visitors to Kyrgyzstan require a visa. A 1-month single entry tourist visa is required for this trip and costs £45. We recommend that it is obtained in advance from the Kyrgyz Consulate. Visa processing usually takes 4 days.
Documents required for a visa application are as follows:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip date)
- Completed application form
- 1 passport size photo
- Self addressed and prepaid Royal Mail special delivery envelope (if application is by post)

For more information click on the Visa Section at http://www.kyrgyz-embassy.org.uk

Time in Kyrgyzstan 
Nepal is 6 hours minutes ahead of GMT. Thus, at midday in Bishtek it is 6am in the UK.

Money
The currency unit is the Som and at the time of writing there are approximately 77 Som to the UK Pound (August 2007)