Community Tourism (CBT) and Yurt Stays: Kyrgyzstan has one of the most developed and awarded Community Based Tourism (CBT) networks in the world. Through their local offices in towns and valleys, it is possible to hire local guides, rent horses, organize porters and stay in authentic rural family houses ('homestays') or yurt camps, directly supporting the local economy.

Transportation, Marshrutkas and Shared Taxis: To move between cities and towns, 'marshrutkas' (very cheap public minibuses that leave from the stations when they are full) or shared taxis are used, where you pay per seat. To access remote mountain areas such as Song-Kul, Tash Rabat or Kel-Suu, it is essential to hire a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle with a driver or rent it on your own.

Currency, Payments (Kyrgyz Som) and Connectivity: The official currency is the Kyrgyz Som (KGS). In Bishkek and Osh, credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, but as soon as you go to valleys and mountain towns, cash payment is essential. Local SIM cards (O!, Beeline or MegaCom) are very cheap and offer good mobile data coverage on almost all main roads.

High Mountain and Altitude Climate: The weather in the Tian Shan mountains is extremely changeable: in the middle of summer a sunny day can transform in a few hours into a hail or snow storm in passes above 3,000 meters. It is essential to dress in layers ('three-layer system'), wear a windproof and waterproof jacket, a suitable sleeping bag if camping and protect yourself from intense solar radiation.