Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]

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Traveling to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan? If you're planning to go to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

When to go to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan
Important essentials for Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan
Activities for Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in January: weather and what to pack
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in February: weather and what to pack
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in March: weather and what to pack
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in April: weather and what to pack
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in May: weather and what to pack
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in June: weather and what to pack
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in July: weather and what to pack
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in August: weather and what to pack
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in September: weather and what to pack
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in October: weather and what to pack
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in November: weather and what to pack
Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

When to go to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan

Based on the climate and weather in Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

Important essentials for Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022

A vaccine card protector

Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Hand sanitizer

This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes

Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Kids' KN95 masks

N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
N95 masks to use in crowded airports

These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
Travel insurance

If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans

General health necessities

Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle

Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
Travel first aid kit

This one is a great one.
Emergency motion sickness relief
- Pills
- Wristband

Don't forget these

Money/passport pouch

A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Power bank for devices

A portable power bank, like this one
Plug adapter

A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one works in most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
For families with young children
Airplane or car necessities
- our favorite airplane pillow
- a great inflatable travel pillow
- a luggage lock
- entertainment
Voice and data SIM card

A SIM card that works in Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

What to wear/what to pack for Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan by month

Already know when you're traveling?

January

If you go to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in January, you will notice that it can be bitter cold. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). There is frost almost every day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Coveralls

We pick:
Fleece for under jacket
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Lip balm

Our pick: this one
Thick pajamas
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Goggles for eye protection

our pick
Heated socks.

We've found

these to be the best
Extreme cold weather gear
Insulated water bottle

Our first choice:

this
Heated gloves
- for men and women
- for kids
Extreme weather jacket shell

These are an excellent value:
- for men
- for women
Night cap

It's suggested to wear a cap at night in this climate like this
Insulated boots

The best value
Neck gaiter/cold weather mask
- mask
- gaiter
Thermal undergarments

We suggest:
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Waterproof snow boots

In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
A umbrella

This is essential here. This one is a perfect choice.

February

February in Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan is biting cold. Temperatures average in the single digits F (10+ below zero C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost most days. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Thermal undergarments

Our picks:
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Extreme weather jacket shell

These are an excellent value:
- for men
- for women
Heated gloves
- for men and women
- for kids
Extreme cold weather gear
Thick pajamas
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Lip balm

Our pick: this
Goggles for eye protection

our pick
Insulated water bottle

Our best choice:

this
Night cap

It's a good idea to wear something on your head at night here like this
Neck gaiter/cold weather mask
- mask
- gaiter
Coveralls

We pick:
Heated socks.

We've found

these to be the best
Fleece for under jacket
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Insulated boots

The best value
Waterproof snow boots

In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
A umbrella

This is essential here. This one is a great option.

March

March is frigid. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost almost every day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Scarf/neck warmer

our favorite
Extreme cold weather gloves
Lip balm

The best is: here
Extreme weather jacket shell

These are a great value:
- for men
- for women
Thermal undergarments

Our choice is:
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Insulated ice boots

We use:
Coveralls/snow pants

Here are some of the best choices:
Heavy sweaters
- for women
- for men
Very heavy heated socks

Like these
Pajamas
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Fleece inner layer
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Waterproof snow boots

In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
A wind resistant umbrella

This is something you need here. This one is a perfect choice.

April

April can be brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about half of the time. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Jacket or coat
Light gloves or mittens
Warm pants or jeans
Fleece
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Lip balm

In our opinion, the best choice: this
Extra socks
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
100% waterproof footwear

We use rain boots:
Rain pants

Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
- for men
- for women
Waterproof phone bag

We like this one
Windproof umbrella

This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover

So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
- for backpacks
- for rolling suitcases

May

May in Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost about a third of the time. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Lip balm

In our opinion, the best choice: here
Extra socks
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Warm pants or jeans
Fleece
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Jacket or coat
Light gloves or mittens
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
100% waterproof footwear

We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants

Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
- for men
- for women
Waterproof phone bag

We like this one
Windproof umbrella

This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover

So your belongings stay dry. We like:
- for backpacks
- for rolling suitcases

June

If you go to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in June, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). There is frost sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Pants or jeans
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Dresses
Light and heavy skirts
- light
- heavy
Extra socks
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
100% waterproof footwear

We like rain boots:
Rain pants

These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
- for men
- for women
Waterproof phone bag

We like this one
Windproof umbrella

This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover

So your belongings stay dry. We like:
- for backpacks
- for rolling suitcases

July

Traveling to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in July, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Extra socks
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Light jacket or fleece
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Standard footwear
Dresses
Pants or jeans
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Light and heavy skirts
- light
- heavy
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
100% waterproof footwear

We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants

Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
- for men
- for women
Waterproof phone bag

We like this one
Windproof umbrella

This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover

So your things remain dry. We like:
- for backpacks
- for rolling suitcases

August

If you go to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in August, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Dresses
Pants or jeans
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Extra socks
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
- light
- heavy
Light jacket or fleece
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
A rain coat to layer with a coat
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
100% waterproof footwear

We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants

These pants can be vital in a storm.
- for men
- for women
Waterproof phone bag

We like this one
Windproof umbrella

This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover

So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
- for backpacks
- for rolling suitcases

September

If you go to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in September, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 40s F (single digits C). There is frost sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Extra socks
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Dresses
Light jacket or fleece
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Pants or jeans
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
- light
- heavy
Standard footwear
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
100% waterproof footwear

We like rain boots:
Rain pants

Rain pants are essential in a storm.
- for men
- for women
Waterproof phone bag

We like this one
Windproof umbrella

This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover

So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
- for backpacks
- for rolling suitcases

October

Traveling to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in October, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 30s F (single digits C). There is frost about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Jacket or coat
Fleece
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Lip balm

In our opinion, the best pick: here
Extra socks
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Warm pants or jeans
Light gloves or mittens
Standard footwear
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
100% waterproof footwear

We like rain boots:
Rain pants

These pants are vital in heavy rain.
- for men
- for women
Waterproof phone bag

We like this one
Umbrella

This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover

So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
- for backpacks
- for rolling suitcases

November

November for Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan is freezing. Temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. There is frost nearly every day this month. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Coveralls/snow pants

Here are some of the best choices:
Pajamas
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Scarf/neck warmer

our favorite
Fleece inner layer
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Extreme cold weather gloves
Thermal undergarments

We chose:
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Insulated ice boots

We use:
Heavy sweaters
- for women
- for men
Extreme weather jacket shell

These are a great value:
- for men
- for women
Very heavy heated socks

Like these
Lip balm

The best is: here
Waterproof snow boots

In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, we suggest these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
A wind resistant umbrella

This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.

December

If you are traveling to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan in December, you will notice that it is unbearably cold. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). There is frost almost every day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Thick pajamas
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Neck gaiter/ski mask
- mask
- gaiter
Night cap

It's important to wear a head warmer at night here like this
Fleece for under jacket
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Lip balm

Our pick: this
Insulated water bottle

Our first choice:

this
Heated socks.

We've found

these to be the best
Extreme cold weather gear
Heated gloves
- for men and women
- for kids
Coveralls

We like:
Goggles for eye protection

our pick
Thermal undergarments

We chose:
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
Insulated boots

The best value
Extreme weather jacket shell

These are an excellent value:
- for men
- for women
Waterproof snow boots

In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, a great option is these boots:
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- for men
- for women
- for boys
- for girls
A umbrella

This is important here. This one is an excellent choice.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Măcin Mountains National Park, Romania, San Joaquin County, California, United States of America, Alicante, Spain, Arcadia, Florida, United States of America, West Virginia, West Virginia, United States of America, Ullapool, Scotland, United Kingdom, Vienna, Virginia, United States of America, North Hempstead, New York, United States of America, Ashbourne, England, United Kingdom, Leeuwarden, Netherlands, and La Ceiba, Honduras.

Contents

When to go to Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan

Important essentials for Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan

COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022

General health necessities

Don't forget these

What to wear/what to pack for Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan, Kyrgyzstan by month

January

What to wear/what to pack:

February

What to wear/what to pack:

March

What to wear/what to pack:

April

What to wear/what to pack:

May

What to wear/what to pack:

June

What to wear/what to pack:

July

What to wear/what to pack:

August

What to wear/what to pack:

September

What to wear/what to pack:

October

What to wear/what to pack:

November

What to wear/what to pack:

December

What to wear/what to pack: