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.
Contents
- 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
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
-
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
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Thick pajamas
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heated gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
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
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
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
-
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:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Heated gloves
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Thick pajamas
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Night cap
It's a good idea to wear something on your head at night here like this
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather mask
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
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
-
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
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best is: here
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
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
-
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
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
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
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
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
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
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
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
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
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
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
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
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
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
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
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
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
-
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
-
Neck gaiter/ski mask
-
Night cap
It's important to wear a head warmer at night here like this
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Heated gloves
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
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
-
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.