We’re planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan, specifically to visit Kol-Suu Lake. Since it’s in a border zone, a permit is required. As I understand, unlike in Kabardino-Balkaria, where you can just show up and get one issued, here it takes up to six days. What’s the current situation? Is it possible to arrange the permit in advance, or is it still so difficult?
You’re absolutely right; a border permit is required to visit Kol-Suu Lake. You can arrange it yourself through the State Registration Service (Gosudarstvennaya Registratsionnaya Sluzhba) and the Border Service. This process takes about two weeks. Unfortunately, there’s no online option—you have to visit in person and submit applications.
Alternatively, you can obtain the permit through a middleman. It’s more expensive but much more convenient.
I used this contact: +996 559 567 685. The permit was ready for pickup at the Silkroad Guest House in Bishkek. The cost was 2000 Kyrgyz som per person, which I transferred via UMoney to a Kyrgyz bank card.
This is the contact for the CBT Naryn Tourist Information Center, which also manages the Silkroad Guest House.