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Kyrgyzstan is 198,500 sq km in size. The highest point is Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) at 7,439 m. Over 93% of the country higher than 1500 m above sea level, and 41% above 3000m. Stemming from these peaks, glaciers make up 4% of the land mass of the country, and from these glaciers emerge rivers of up to 800km in length. Compare these statistics to our home country, England being 130,423 sq km with its highest point at less than 1000m (and no glaciers at all) and you get a picture how different an environment it is, and hopefully how the extent of the kayaking potential!
Source: Lonely Planet
Kyrgyzstan has sharply continental climate, with hot summers and moderately cold winters. In summer, areas from 800 to 1700 meters see average temperatures of 26–30°C. July and August are the hottest months, and due to the glacier coverage they are also the time of year when rivers are at their highest. Depending on what sort of levels you want, the paddling season runs from late June (very high) to mid-September (dropping off). We visited the country in the later portion of this season (mid-August to mid-September), and although doubtless we were able to paddle some rivers which would have been too high if we'd gone earlier, we concluded that going a month earlier would have yielded better paddling.
The country is one of the more politically stable states in this region. The north-eastern area, containing the cities of Bishkek (the capital), Karakol and Naryn is certianly safe to visit as a foreign tourist (although refer to current FCO advice). The south-west portion of the country is less trouble free - there is currently some dispute over Kyrgyz-Uzbek borders, and the states of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are less political stable. We avoided this area, but in hindsight would probably be now happy pushing west as far as Osh (some good granite slides in this area apparently!).
Last Updated: 03-Feb-2006