Your long-awaited vacation has finally been approved? And for a long time you've been dreaming of discovering little-known and authentic countries. Why not the "Stans"? Both so far away and yet so accessible... Book a budget flight to Kyrgyzstan, and experience an exceptional adventure where nature is 100% at the heart of your journey! And then? Well, if after living an exceptional and unforgettable adventure in Kyrgyzstan you still have a little time left, then Kyrgyzstan opens the doors to Central Asia for you! Here are some tips for wandering from one country to another: 4 neighboring countries, so many options at your disposal. Branch out to:

Kazakhstan

Four border crossings allow for the transition between the two countries.

• The Kordai border crossing, surely the most popular. Just 2 hours from Bishkek, you can reach the Kazakh border. The nearest city is therefore Almaty, Kazakhstan's second-largest city. Two options are available to you: by car or by train. However, it's preferable to take the road, which is faster. From Bishkek, it's possible to take minibuses that connect the two cities directly.

• Another access point would be from Karkara Valley, but only accessible during the summer season from late May to October. This route is difficult due to the altitude gain and the condition of the track. However, the scenery is breathtaking. For this crossing, try to find a minibus in Karakol that will take you to Kegen.

• If you're in the western part of the country, you can reach the town of Tarak via two border crossings: from Talas via Aisha Bibi; or from Bishkek via Sypatai Batyr.

Entry Requirements:

French, Belgian, and Swiss nationals are exempt from visa requirements for any stay of less than 30 days on the territory.

Uzbekistan

From Osh, you can reach Dostyk, the border crossing between the two countries. Marshrutkas take you across the border via the Fergana Valley to Andijan. Border crossing is straightforward for tourists. You just need to have a valid passport and an Uzbek visa. The border is open daily between 08:00 – 20:00. Please note: the border may be closed on the eve of Independence Day for 4 to 5 days without notice. It is therefore preferable to avoid this border crossing during this period.

Entry Requirements:

A visa is required to enter the territory. You can fill out the visa application form online and then present yourself at the embassy. In addition to your passport and form, you will need to provide 1 ID photo (2 for Belgians). Count €60 for a 7-day visa, €70 for 15 days (single entry), €80 for one month (single entry). Once on the territory, remember to register within 72 hours with the OVIR (organization under the local Interior Ministry). Registration can be done at a hotel or travel agency. This procedure must be followed or you risk hefty fines, expulsion to France (at the traveler's expense), and entry bans. Embassy of Uzbekistan in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Prospect Aitmatov (formerly pr. Mira), No 177 Bishkek 720040 Kyrgyzstan Embassy of Uzbekistan in Paris Consular functions provided by the Embassy 22, rue d'Aguesseau 75008 Paris Tel: 01.53.30.03.53

Tajikistan

Two border crossings are open to foreigners, and corruption attempts are very real if you travel alone and with your own vehicle.

• Via Isfara, surely the simplest and fastest , for which marshrutkas take you there from Batken. From there, you'll need to change buses to reach Khojand.

• The Pamir Highway, from Sary Tash to Murghab via the Kyzylart Pass (4,280 m). This route requires caution, especially in winter due to snowfall.

Entry Requirements:

You must hold a visa to enter the territory. Applications can be made at the nearest embassy or online. Since 2016, you can apply directly from their website for an e-visa. The latter is valid for 45 days and costs 50 USD.

China

To reach China, you have two options:

• Via the Torugart Pass, heading towards Kashgar. An option for which you can go trekking before reaching the border. This option still requires caution. This crossing can be closed due to snowfall, or access can be restricted. If you choose this option, we recommend the period from late May to late September for hassle-free passage, accompanied by a Kyrgyz driver who has a travel permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Beyond that, you'll need to have arranged your transfer to Kashgar, otherwise the customs officers won't let you go alone. The border post is open from 10 to 17:00 Monday to Friday.

• Via the Irkestham Pass, surely the simplest and no less exceptional, with extraordinary scenery throughout. From Osh you have a direct bus to Kashgar, a long day's drive ahead—8 to 10 hours. If you want to do it in two days, you can find taxis from Sary Tash, but then you'll need to find a taxi on the Chinese side to reach Kashgar. The post is open Monday to Friday between 9 - 11:00 and 14 - 18:00. Plan for a relatively early departure.

Entry Requirements:

A visa is mandatory and valid for 30 days. To apply, you'll need to go to the consular office by appointment and present photocopies of hotel reservations, airline tickets, or round-trip flight reservations. For a single-entry visa, count €126. Consular Office of the Embassy - Visa Bureau: 25, rue de Bassano, 75008 Paris. Tel.: 01-53-75-88-31 or 01-40-70-04-01. Document submission Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 15:30. Embassy of China in Bishkek Y. Abdrahmanov St, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

However, please note that if you travel independently, check in advance the weather conditions, geopolitical relations between states, and national celebrations, during which border posts can be closed for several days.