Getting an Afghanistan Visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

How to Get an Afghanistan Visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

When you’ve visited over 150 countries, getting visas just doesn’t get any easier, believe me. Normally it’s the countries we visit later on that are the harder ones to secure visas for and with me, I’ve been through a load of visa applications the last few weeks while being temporarily based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Gradually Read more about How to Get an Afghanistan Visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan[…]

How to Get An Uzbekistan Visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

So I have been in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for the last month sourcing visas for the neighbouring countries like Tajikistan and Gorno Badakhshan amongst others. One of the hardest beasts to negotiate is the visa for Uzbekistan. So I thought I’d give you all a run down of how I secured my Uzbekistan Visa here in Read more about How to Get An Uzbekistan Visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan[…]

Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan: My Stay at Apple Hostel – The Best Hostel in Bishkek

At the end of 2015 I was sitting in the Almaty Backpackers in Kazakhstan trying to plan my trip across the border into Kyrgyzstan. I had no idea where to stay in Bishkek, no idea where to even go next, but then I saw a flier in that hostel for the Apple Hostel in Bishkek. Read more about Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan: My Stay at Apple Hostel – The Best Hostel in Bishkek[…]

How to Get a Permit to Visit Gorno Badakhshan While Based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

This article might actually need a quick introduction. Mainly because most people I have met have never heard of a “country” called Gorno Badakhshan. In fact, even some Kyrgyzs people I have met this week were unaware of the existence of this disputed state, an autonomous region that has been claimed by China, Russia and Read more about How to Get a Permit to Visit Gorno Badakhshan While Based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan[…]

How to get a Tajikistan Visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

How to Get a Tajikistan Visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

So I arrived into “the Stans” in late December 2015 after a brief spell in southern Kazakhstan, where I toured Ile Alatau, Almaty and a few bars, then I crossed the border into Kyrgyzstan. I didn’t need a visa for Kazakhstan (15 days on arrival on a British passport) nor for Kyrgyzstan (60 days on arrival Read more about How to Get a Tajikistan Visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan[…]

Staying at the Luxury 4 Star Hotel Evropa (Europa) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

At the end of December 2015, I crossed the border from the Kazakhstani town of Korday into the magical world of Kyrgyzstan. After initially touring some cool sights in the north of the country, like Ruh Ordo, Ala Archa National Park and the Petroglyphs at Cholpon Ata, it became obvious that I would use the Read more about Staying at the Luxury 4 Star Hotel Evropa (Europa) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan[…]

Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in Ala Archa National Park Part 2 - The Gorge and Waterfall Trail

Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in Ala Archa National Park Part 2 – The Gorge and Ak Sai Waterfall Trail

Following on from my incredible morning hiking to the Alpine Cemetery in Ala Archa National Park in Kyrgyzstan, I decide on the easier waterfall and gorge trail in the afternoon. I say easier because the trail is obvious and even has better markings on route, plus a clear path. This was in my first week Read more about Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in Ala Archa National Park Part 2 – The Gorge and Ak Sai Waterfall Trail[…]

Why I'm Spending at Least a Month in Bishkek, Magnetic Kyrgyzstan

Why I’m Spending at Least a Month in Bishkek, Magnetic Kyrgyzstan

“It’s easy to fall into something new that shines” – Ben Paulley (2005). So a week ago yesterday I arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan having crossed overland from Kazakhstan. On arrival I received a 60 day entry visa stamp, so yes I can stay legally as a tourist here for a brace of months. At the Read more about Why I’m Spending at Least a Month in Bishkek, Magnetic Kyrgyzstan[…]