Kyrgyzstan packing list for a summer trip

Updated 14 September 2026. Prepared by the Elimtour team.

A summer trip around Kyrgyzstan takes in hot Bishkek, Lake Issyk-Kul and nights in the mountains, where it gets properly cold even in July. So you pack for several kinds of weather at once. Below is what to bring for each situation, with a checklist at the end.

In short

Pack layers: the average July high in Bishkek is 32 °C, while the average July low at a mountain weather station at 3,635 m is 0 °C.
UV radiation rises by roughly 10% for every 1,000 m of altitude. Sunglasses, a hat and SPF 30+ sunscreen are a must.
In the yurt on Son-Kul (3,000 m) you sleep on mattresses under warm woollen blankets. Bring a head torch and warm clothes to sleep in.
Sockets are type C and F, at 230 V and 50 Hz. Outside Bishkek and Issyk-Kul expect to pay cash, and expect no signal in the mountains.

What clothes work for a hot day and a cold night?

Bishkek lies at around 800 metres, Karakol and the shores of Issyk-Kul at 1,650 to 1,750 metres, and the yurt camp on Son-Kul at 3,000 metres. On the longer programmes you also cross the Ala-Kul pass on horseback at almost 3,920 metres. So instead of one heavy jacket, bring several thinner layers.

To give you an idea, here are long-term July averages from weather stations. Mountain weather changes fast, so a warm layer goes in your daypack even on a sunny morning.

Average July temperatures and suggested layers
Where	July average	What to bring
Bishkek	day 32 °C, night 18 °C	light clothes, a hat, water
Karakol (1,750 m)	day 26 °C, night 12 °C	T-shirt by day, fleece or sweatshirt for the evening
Son-Kul (3,000 m)	no data; nights can be cold even in summer	warm jacket, hat, clothes to sleep in
Petrov Lake (3,635 m), for comparison with the Ala-Kul pass	day 12 °C, night 0 °C	waterproof jacket, warm layer, gloves

Base layer: a synthetic or merino top
Mid layer: a fleece or thin insulated jacket
Outer layer: a waterproof, windproof jacket
For mountain nights: a hat, gloves and warm socks

Which shoes and trousers for walks and riding?

The nine-day programme is physically easy: the longest walk is about an hour up to the Barskoon waterfalls. Sturdy, broken-in shoes with a good sole are enough. A horse ride is part of the Son-Kul programme, and on the longer programmes you also ride in Altyn-Arashan and on the Ala-Kul trek. You do not need riding experience, but long, comfortable trousers and sturdy closed shoes work best in the saddle.

How do I protect myself from sun and rain at altitude?

According to the World Health Organization, UV levels rise by approximately 10 per cent with every 1,000 metres of altitude, and the US CDC lists increased UV radiation among the hazards of high mountains. On Son-Kul you can get sunburnt even when it does not feel warm. You cannot hold an umbrella in the saddle, so bring a waterproof jacket, plus waterproof trousers on the longer programmes.

Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher
Lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses with UV protection
A cap or brimmed hat

What do I need for a night in a yurt and in the mountains?

All three programmes include a night at the yurt camp on Son-Kul. Two to four people share a yurt and sleep on mattresses under warm woollen blankets; the shared facilities are outside. Evening stories are told by an oil lamp or a fire, so bring a head torch, warm clothes to sleep in and wet wipes.

The longer programmes add a simple mountain hut in Altyn-Arashan (2,500 m) and a camp in tents or a cabin; the thirteen-day one also has a camp in the Kok-Kiya valley (3,300 m). Ask us about bringing your own sleeping bag for these nights when you arrange your dates.

What to expect at the yurt camp is covered in our Son-Kul guide. (Son-Kul lake)

Classic · 9 daysKyrgyzstan – Land of Mountains and Traditions, in 9 DaysNine days with no treks and no tents: seven nights in hotels and one in a yurt on Son-Kul.from €1,050 per person

How should I pack for car journeys and days on horseback?

We travel by car (groups from 3 people) or minibus (from 8 to 10 people), and by off-road vehicle on the mountain sections. You change accommodation most days, so a soft holdall or large backpack is easier to load than a hard suitcase. Add a small daypack for water, a warm layer and a rain jacket.

On the longer programmes we shop together on day three for two days of lunches and snacks, because there are no shops in the mountains. The next morning you pack a bag for two days and ride to Lake Ala-Kul, so pack light. Ask us before departure where your main luggage stays and what bag works on horseback.

Ala-Kul · 11 daysOn Horseback to Lake Ala-Kul – 11 Days across KyrgyzstanOn horseback to Lake Ala-Kul in 11 days: a mountain hut, a camp after the pass and a night in a yurt.from €1,170 per person

How the Ala-Kul trek works and how to prepare is covered in our Ala-Kul guide. (Ala-Kul trek)

Which medicines and first aid items should I bring?

According to the CDC Yellow Book, any unacclimatised traveller sleeping at 2,450 metres or higher, and sometimes lower, is at risk of altitude illness. Our programmes include nights at 3,000 metres on Son-Kul, 2,500 metres on the longer tours and 3,300 metres on the thirteen-day one. If you have health conditions, see your doctor and ask about altitude sickness medication.

Carry your regular medicines with a reserve, in their original packaging and in your hand luggage, with a list of your diagnoses and allergies. Your insurance should cover medical costs, high altitude and horse riding.

Painkillers and fever relief
Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration salts
Antihistamines
Plasters, a bandage and antiseptic

Kel-Suu · 13 daysKel-Suu and Ala-Kul – 13 Days across KyrgyzstanThirteen days, with the highest night at Kok-Kiya (3,300 m) and Lake Kel-Suu.from €1,389 per person

Plugs, money and signal: what should I know?

Sockets are type C and F, at 230 V and 50 Hz, so chargers with a flat two-pin Europlug work without an adapter. A power bank is on our basic kit list; ask us in advance about charging at the yurt camp and on mountain nights.

The currency is the Kyrgyz som. According to the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, euros and US dollars are the most common foreign currencies and can be exchanged almost anywhere. Cards and ATMs work in Bishkek and around Issyk-Kul; in the countryside you pay cash. Cash also covers lunches not included in the price and extra horse rides, which cost €25 to €30 on the spot.

The same ministry notes that mobile coverage is much smaller than in the Czech Republic. There is usually signal in towns and around Issyk-Kul, but mostly none in the mountains and on Son-Kul. Local SIM cards are sold at the airport and in Bishkek, and eSIMs work too.

Kyrgyzstan packing checklist

For our summer programmes from June to September. We send a detailed list for your programme before departure.

Documents and money

Passport and a copy
Travel insurance details
Euros or dollars in cash and a card

Clothes

Quick-drying tops and a fleece
Warm jacket, hat and gloves
Waterproof jacket, plus trousers on longer programmes
Long trousers for riding
Swimwear

Footwear

Sturdy hiking boots
Light shoes and flip-flops

Sun

SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm
Sunglasses and a hat

Yurt and mountain nights

Head torch
Clothes to sleep in
Wet wipes and hand sanitiser

Health and electronics

Regular medicines and a basic first aid kit
Charger, cable and power bank

Daypack

Small backpack and water bottle
Warm layer and snacks

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a plug adapter for Kyrgyzstan?

From continental Europe, usually not. Sockets are type C and F at 230 V and 50 Hz, and chargers with a flat Europlug fit without an adapter. From the UK or Ireland you need a type C or F adapter.

Do I need a sleeping bag for the yurt?

In the yurt on Son-Kul you sleep on mattresses under warm woollen blankets. For the mountain hut and camp on the longer programmes, ask us about a sleeping bag when you arrange your dates.

Are light clothes enough in summer?

No. The average July high in Bishkek is 32 °C, but the average July low at a weather station at 3,635 m is 0 °C. For Son-Kul at 3,000 m, bring a warm jacket, a hat and gloves.

Is there phone signal on Son-Kul and in the mountains?

Mostly not. There is signal in towns and around Issyk-Kul, but usually none in the mountains or on Son-Kul. Let people at home know you may be offline for a day or two.

Have a question this guide doesn't answer?

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Sources

Entry and travel rules can change. Check the sources listed before you travel.