Travelling Kyrgyzstan with Kids: What We Learned (Honest Family Guide)
- May 1
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 3
Travelling through Kyrgyzstan with our kids was unlike anywhere we had ever been before.
It wasn’t just the landscapes—though they were wild and completely breathtaking. It was the feeling of the place.
The people were warm, generous, and endlessly welcoming to our children. The experiences we had—simple, real and raw—are the kind that stay with you long after you’ve left.
If you’re looking for a full breakdown of our journey—where we went, where we stayed, and what we experienced along the way—you can read our full guide to Kyrgyzstan with kids.
But if you’re wondering what it’s actually like to travel here with kids—and what we wish we’d known before we went—here’s what we learned.
Is Kyrgyzstan Good for Kids?
Yes—but in a very different way to your typical family destination.
This isn’t about playgrounds, kids clubs, or easy convenience. It’s about adventure. Freedom. Real experiences.
Our kids climbed mountains, watched horses run wild across open valleys, slept in yurts in remote landscapes, experiencing a way of life so different from their own.
It asks more of you as a parent—but it gives so much more back.
1. Hiring a Car in Kyrgyzstan with kids (It Changes Everything)
If there’s one thing we would do again without hesitation—it’s this.
Having your own car gives you freedom. You’re not waiting around for marshrutkas or trying to navigate bus schedules with tired kids. You can stop when you want, take detours, and travel at your own pace.
And in a country like this, where the journey is everything, that flexibility is priceless.
We hired our car through a small local company in Bishkek — Unfortunately they’re no longer operating, so if you’re planning a similar trip, it’s worth organising something in advance.
We’ve since found it much easier to book through platforms like DiscoverCars — it puts together local Kyrgyz rental companies in one place, which makes things far simpler. You can check current options here → Car Hire in Bishkek
2. Stock Up on Snacks (And Then Get More) 🥨
Shops are few and far between once you leave the main cities and towns.
We got into the habit of stocking up whenever we saw a shop—snacks, basics, anything we thought we might need.
Water especially.
We had over 20 litres in the back of the car at all times. It sounds excessive… until you realise how remote some stretches of road really are.
3. The Food Is Different (But That’s Part of It)
Food in Kyrgyzstan is very different to what we’re used to.
The diet is largely meat-based—something I was a little unsure about as a vegetarian. But I always managed to find something to eat, and more often than not, it was simple, hearty, and filling.
If you have kids who are open to trying new things, they’ll probably surprise you here.
One thing to know—breakfast is almost always included, especially in yurt stays. And part of the experience is not quite knowing what you’re going to get.
We were served porridge a few times during our trip. The first time I tried it, I remember thinking… Geez this tastes a bit strange.
But as we travelled across the country and I ate it a few more times, I actually started to like it.
And then my husband casually mentioned—it’s the horse milk that makes it taste so different!… that explained a lot 😂
4. Cash Is Essential (Don’t Rely on Cards)
This is a big one! and something you really need to plan for.
Outside of major cities like Bishkek, card payments almost nonexistent. Most places only accept cash—especially in smaller towns, roadside stops, and yurt stays.
We quickly learned to always carry enough cash with us, especially before heading into remote areas (which is most of the country)
ATMs are available in cities, but not always easy to find. We found them inside supermarkets, rather than out on the street. Remember to get cash out at Bishkek, Karakol, Naryn and Osh.
5. Pack Properly (You Can’t Just “Buy It There”)
You know that feeling at the airport, when you think: “If we’ve forgotten something, we’ll just grab it when we get there…”
Kyrgyzstan is not that place.
We learned this the hard way.
We arrived on Independence Day, and everything in Bishkek was closed. Once we left the city, shops became sparse—and clothing stores were almost non-existent.
And we hadn’t packed enough winter gear.
By pure luck, we stumbled across a tiny grocery shop in a small village—with no electricity, barely lit—where we found two pink jackets, right at the back of the shop, that just fit our girls. Probably not even proper winter coats… but they saved us.
That night, temperatures dropped to -2°C.
The next day, heading towards Song Kul Lake, we were driving through snow!
Winter had arrived—It was one of those moments that made us realise packing for Central Asia is something you really don’t want to wing.
If you’re planning your own trip, here’s everything we’re glad we packed (and wish we had) in our full Central Asia family packing list. full Central Asia family packing list.
6. Expect the Unexpected (Especially with Weather)
Weather here doesn’t follow your plans.
Even near Issyk Kul Lake, conditions can shift quickly—especially if you’re heading into higher altitudes.
Pack layers. Always.
Even if it feels unnecessary at the time.
7. Long Drives Are Part of the Experience
Distances can be long—and roads can be slow- unsealed roads and roaming wildlife.
We don’t travel with iPads, so our kids are used to finding their own rhythm on the road. Books, card games, music—it all helps.
And sometimes, it’s just about looking out the window.
I’ll never forget when a Florence + The Machine song came on the other day, and my eldest said: “Mum, this song always reminds me of our Kyrgyzstan road trip.”
Those are the moments you can’t plan.
And if the long drives start to feel endless… well, you never know who you might meet on the road. We picked up a dozen hitchhikers along the way—small moments of shared smiles and gestures, a quiet reminder that travel is often about the people as much as the places.
8. Electricity Isn’t Always Reliable
Across the whole country—especially in yurts—electricity can be limited or only available for 2 hours a day (6pm-8pm)
Bring:
A power bank - we’ve never travelled with one but many swear by it.
Car chargers - we charged our phones while driving.
9. Book Local Experiences (They’re Worth It)
One of the most meaningful parts of our trip was booking a local experience in Bokonbayevo through our yurt stay.
The kids were introduced to traditional ways of life, tried archery, spent time around horses and dogs, and began to understand what it means to live in such a remote and rugged landscape.
10. Let’s Talk About Toilets (Because We Have To)
Not every part of travelling through Kyrgyzstan is glamorous… and this is one of them.
Toilets—especially in remote areas—are very basic.
We’re talking long drops, no running water, and the kind of situation where you quickly learn to lower your expectations (and maybe your breathing too).
It’s not always pretty. In fact… sometimes it’s really not.
But here’s the thing—kids adapt far quicker than we do.
What feels like a shock to us quickly becomes normal to them. A quick laugh, a bit of problem-solving, and they’re on their way again like it’s no big deal.
Our tip? Always carry:
Toilet paper
Hand sanitiser
Wet wipes
What Kyrgyzstan Gave Our Kids
Kyrgyzstan isn’t the easiest place to travel with kids—and that’s exactly why it’s so rewarding.
There are challenges—long drives, basic facilities, unpredictability.
But it gives something rare.
Space to explore. Moments of real connection. A glimpse into a way of life completely different from their own.
And memories that stay with you forever.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for ease, this might not be your destination.
But if you’re looking for adventure, perspective, and something that feels real—then Kyrgyzstan with kids might just surprise you in the best possible way.
Planning Your Own Central Asia Adventure?
After Kyrgyzstan, we continued our Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan. We hope these guides help and inspire your own adventure.
✨ Samarkand Travel Guide – one of the most beautiful cities in Central Asia.
✨ Best Bukhara Itinerary – Wander through centuries-old alleys and stay in a caravan serai.
✨ Our Central Asia Itinerary – Follow our family adventure through Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
✨ Central Asia Packing List – Everything we packed (and what we forgot!) for travelling through this fascinating region with kids.
If you’re planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan, I’ve linked a few recommendations/places we've personally used and loved. Using these links helps support our travels at no extra cost to you — and allows us to keep sharing detailed, honest family travel guides like this one 🤍
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