Restaurant "Saksaul" is located in the center of Almaty and offers a unique combination of European, Kazakh, Oriental and fusion cuisine. It attracts gourmets and connoisseurs of fine cuisine from all over the city.

Visitors to the restaurant "Saksaul" plunge into an atmosphere of elegance and harmony, which is complemented by an exquisite interior and friendly staff. Every detail is carefully thought out to create a perfect place to enjoy culinary masterpieces.

Address: 128 Tole Bi Street, Almaty

On this page you can find all the environmental projects in Kyrgyzstan and get useful information about environmental incidents, recycling and more.
 

Getting up close to wildlife and birds in their natural habitat is one of the great joys of hiking. Although the number of predators, some of which are protected, is constantly increasing, aggressive or violent encounters with the population in Kyrgyzstan is very rare.

The code of conduct we have adopted is as follows:

• Do not feed the animals. Feeding wild animals can put you at risk of injury or worse.
• Don't touch any wild animals you see. It's not safe for you or for them.
• Don't get too close. Believe it or not, you are on their territory. Most wild animals don't like you invading their space.
• Do not provoke or frighten animals. Wild animals are unpredictable and even though he looks innocent, he will protect himself at all costs.
• Don't stray off the trail after dark.
• Don't surprise a mother who is with her babies.
• Do not leave any litter in a camp or around the camp. Dump rubbish far enough away from camp or from a path, or bury it.

What to do if you encounter a wild animal

Snake, scorpions and spiders: Back off! The most common poisonous snakes in Kyrgyzstan are pit vipers. There are also scorpions and tarantulas. Give them as much space as possible. Be calm and quiet and move away from the area. If you are bitten, try to take a picture of the animal and go as soon as possible to the nearest hospital, Kyrgyz hospitals have the antidotes in their possession. You can avoid snakes by checking logs and rocks before sitting down. Do not put your hands in logs or large piles of stones. When stepping over a log, do so with care.

Boar: give him space. Unless he has a baby nearby, he'll probably leave you alone. Stay calm, continue your journey in an opposite direction, without looking at him. Don't run unless he charges at you, zigzags, or climbs a tree.

Bear: Back up slowly if he hasn't seen you. If he saw you, talk to him softly. If he charges, act like the predator, not the prey. Often a bear charge will be a bluff. If the bear makes contact with you, drop to the ground and play dead by covering your neck with your hands and your face with your elbows. Play dead longer than you think because a bear will try to sniff you. Getting up too early will attract the bear's attention again. In the rare event a bear begins to bite you, fight back with all you have.

Snow panther or wolf: Cases of attacks are so rare that the wild cat would be more dangerous. If you come face to face with an individual, stand up straight and make loud noises while backing up slowly. You have to play the role of a predator. Do not turn your back, run, or crouch to pick up anything in front of the animal. If it attacks you, retaliate and protect your head and neck.

Ticks:From May to October ticks wake up from their hibernation and go in search of fresh prey. In the spring, it is therefore not uncommon during a walk in the forest to be bitten by one of these blood-thirsty mites that live in forests, tall grass and bushes. Preventive measures are knowledge of where ticks can be found, dress to cover your body, check your body every day, especially the hairy parts. A tick bite is not to be taken lightly since these little beasts can carry many bacteria, including the one responsible for Lyme disease. If you have been bitten by a tick, remove the tick entirely, with tick tweezers if possible, then with the tick if possible, check the rest of the body and especially the hairy parts, disinfect, go to the doctor as soon as possible close, then watch yourself, symptoms usually appear after a week.

In the majority of cases, encounters with wild animals are not a problem. While you are on the trail it is fun to see animals. But you should always use common sense and know what to do if an animal encounter goes away.

These will help you be prepared and have a wonderful tour in multi-cultural and multi-religious country. Around 80 different ethnic groups are living in harmony. Here's a list of things to do and not do when traveling to Kyrgyzstan:

To Do:

• Research and familiarize yourself with Kyrgyzstan's culture and customs before your trip.
• Bring warm clothing, as Kyrgyzstan can be quite cold also in summer higher than 1000 meters altitude.
• Learn a few basic phrases in Kyrgyz or Russian to help you communicate with locals.
• Try traditional Kyrgyz dishes such as beshbarmak.
• Respect local customs, including dressing correctly when visiting religious sites.
• Bring enough cash with you, as credit card usage is limited in Kyrgyzstan.
• Take a free SIM card at your arrival and register to stay connected while traveling around the country (a month with internet without limit cost around 10$)
• Respect and respect the environment, particularly when trekking or hiking, leave no trace and follow the principle of low impact tourism
• Before taking photos of tourist sites (historical buildings, mosques etc.) and local people, make sure to seek the consent of the responsible person/people. Ask your guide if you are not sure.

Not To Do:

• Do not take photographs of military or government buildings without permission.
• Do not expect Western-style amenities in all parts of the country.
• Do not offend locals by dressing immodestly or showing disrespect for their culture or customs.
• Do not offer to shake hands or give gifts with your left hand, as it is considered impure.
• Do not be tempted to buy counterfeit or illegal goods.
• Do not ignore local laws, regulations and rules in national park, wilderness or protected areas
• Do not feed or approach wild animals, respect wildlife and their natural habitat
• Do not litter or leave trash behind, bring a bag and pack out your trash

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic announced that from December 1, 2021, a requirement for a mandatory PCR test (within the last 72 hours) will be introduced when entering the territory of Kyrgyzstan.

This decision was made in connection with the implementation of measures aimed at preventing the spread of a new strain of coronavirus infection ("omicron") in the country.

To enter the Kyrgyz Republic, foreign citizens and Kyrgyzstanis will need to pass and have a negative PCR test for coronavirus infection before arriving in the country, regardless of the vaccination status.

Based on the information about the new strain, the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic will transfer the list of countries where foci of infection with the new omicron strain are identified to the Border Service of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic. Citizens of such countries will be prohibited from entering the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic.

In order to attract more investment and in order to increase tourist arrivals, the Tajik government has decreed a new list of 52 countries, including most of the European countries. This new list will become effective from January 1, 2022. 

The period of stay of such persons in the territory of Tajikistan by a government decree is set at 30 days.

Currently, Tajikistan has a bilateral visa-free regime (or with a visa on arrival) from 58 countries of the world. 

The introduction of a unilateral visa-free regime from January 1st applies to citizens of the following countries of the world:

1. Australia
2. United Arab Emirates
3. Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
4. State of Brunei Dorusalam
5. State of Kuwait
6. State of Qatar
7. New Zealand
8. United States of America
9. Iceland
10. Canada
11. Swiss Confederation
12. Malaysia
13. Hungary
14. Austrian Republic
15. Argentine Republic
16. Federal Republic of Germany
17. Dominican Republic
18.Republic of Indonesia
19. Italian Republic
20.Republic of Korea
21. Republic of Cuba
22. Republic of Latvia
23. Republic of Lithuania
24. Maldives
25. Republic of Poland
26. Portuguese Republic
27. Republic of Singapore
28. Turkish Republic
29. Republic of the Philippines
30. Republic of Finland
31. French Republic
32. Republic of Croatia
33. Czech Republic
34. Republic of Chile
35. Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
36. Republic of Ecuador
37. Republic of Estonia
38. Hellenic Republic
39. Principality of Liechtenstein
40. Principality of Monaco
41. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
42. Kingdom of Bahrain
43. Kingdom of Belgium.
44. Kingdom of Denmark
45. Kingdom of Spain
46. ​​Kingdom of the Netherlands
47. Kingdom of Norway
48. Kingdom of Thailand
49. Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
50. Kingdom of Sweden
51. Jamaica
52. Japan

For more information, contact us.

Kyrgyzstan has so far recognized vaccination's certificates against Covid from 20 countries.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Kyrgyz Republic has recognized certificates of vaccination against coronavirus from 20 countries: 

Great Britain;
Hungary;
Qatar;
Israel;
Georgia;
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;
UAE;
The Republic of Korea;
Poland;
San Marino;
Kazakhstan;
Uzbekistan;
Russia;
Romania;
USA;
Turkey;
Germany;
France;
Switzerland;
European Union (certificate issued by the medical service of the association in Brussels).

It is worth noting that when entering Kyrgyzstan, you must present the results of a PCR test conducted no later than 72 hours, or a document certifying the receipt of a vaccine against coronavirus infection.

As the certificates of other foreign countries are recognized, the list will be changed.

Turkish Airlines is operating twice a day on Bishkek Manas International airport. And 3 times a day on Thursday and Sunday.

Obtaining the Pakistani tourist visa is now facilitated as part of a tourism development policy in Pakistan. The Pakistani government offers three options for foreign tourists to apply for a Pakistani tourist visa.

Pakistan Visa Online (E-Visa) (effective May 1, 2019)
Visa on arrival in Pakistan (in force since May 1, 2019)
Visa at Pakistani embassies / consulates

The online visa on arrival system is new and straightforward. The new system and the conventional embassy / consulate method require some supporting documents which we will provide to you. You can either download the electronic copy (PDF) online on the visa portal or submit our supporting documents to embassies / consulates.

The country has seen political and social changes, which requires usto operate in a way to respect the norms and values while making the tour a worthwhile experience for our guests where they feel most welcome.

We present the considerations below for our guests with respect to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Information and Culture recommendations for international tourists. These will help you be prepared and have a wonderful tour in our country:

• You’re responsible for the travel insurance, which should cover any activities you plan to undertake from driving to climbing.
• Make sure to have a photocopy of your passport in case you’re asked to submit it upon arrival or any time during the travel. Meanwhile, make sure to keep and look after your passport while traveling anywhere within the country.
• Keep in contact with family and friends in your home country. We suggest sharing a copy of your tour itinerary with return flight schedules, names of the cities, and accommodation arrangements.
• Dress locally. We advise having loose-fitting long-sleeved dresses and women to have a scarf that covers the head and shoulders. T-shirts and sleeveless dresses are prohibited to everyone across the country and especially going into the villages and city markets.
• Please do not carry excess and expensive jewelry. If you wish to buy souvenirs in Afghanistan, buy from the stores/ handicraft shops which are authorized and that sell legally. In addition, buying or exporting historical antiquities without a receipt and from an unauthorized dealer is considered illegal; therefore, always ask your travel guide for advice.
• Alcohol is not allowed in the country so make sure not to carry alcohol or anything that can cause you trouble at arrival. Meanwhile, the use of narcotics is prohibited in the country FYI.
• Please keep cash with you and a money belt. The Debit/ Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard etc.) do not operate in Afghanistan. You can either convert into Afghani in your home country or at the airport in Kabul. You can also ask the tour guide to help with currency conversion upon arrival.
• Always travel with a local tour guide. This includes travel to the tourist attractions, villages, local markets etc.
• Before taking photos of tourist sites (historical buildings, mosques etc.) and local people, make sure to seek the consent of the responsible person/ people. Taking photos of government buildings, military personnel, and military installations is prohibited.
• Women travelers/ tourists should avoid hand-shake with the local men and vice versa. It is a cultural and religious practice not a health and safety concern.
• Avoid traveling late evening or midnight and always ask the driver/ guide about the route. We advise you to always take the route as per the driver/ travel guide for safety purposes.
• Carry hand sanitizers, sunscreen, water, and snacks while traveling within the country. The road travel can be long but the scenery/ landscape is wonderful.
• Homosexuality is prevented in Afghanistan; therefore, we advise avoiding any such expression in public that can cause trouble.
• Pack a night before your flight and have a good rest. 

Last update : January 11th, 2023 

Mongolia is a fascinating country for its culture, history, traditions and variety of landscapes. It is a country still unknown and little visited by travelers.
Visitors should not leave without having seen or tasted certain things that only exist in Mongolia: fermented mare's milk; a hike in the Gobi desert, on horseback or on camel back; see an eagle hunting training or a nomadic festival; sleep in a yurt; listen to a throat singing; discover Buddhist sites; and more.
Before leaving, soak up the history of Gengiz Khan or the journeys of Marco Polo.
Nomadic life is tough outside the capital Ulan Baator, so don't expect to ride on good roads, or a lot of comfort in yurts.
It's hot in summer, mosquitoes are waiting for you, and you have to protect yourself from the sun and drink enough not to get dehydrated.

Laws and customs
You must comply with local laws.

Narcotics
The penalties for possession, use or trafficking of narcotics are severe. Those found guilty of these offenses face terms of imprisonment, including life imprisonment, and heavy fines.

Photography
Photographing military personnel or installations is prohibited.

Car driving
Vehicles drive on the left.

Driving while intoxicated is zero tolerance.

Wearing a helmet is compulsory for motorcyclists.

You must have an international driving license.

Culture
Women are advised to dress in a way that does not attract attention in public.

In many religious sites in Nepal, public displays of affection are considered inappropriate.

Cash
The currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

Generally speaking, you have to pay in cash. However, you can pay by credit card in major stores, hotels and restaurants. ATMs can be found in major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.

It is illegal to take Nepalese rupees out of the country.

Travelers carrying more than US $ 5,000 in cash (or the equivalent in another currency) must declare it to customs upon arrival.

Identity checks
The police carry out random identity checks. If you are unable to provide proper identification, you risk a fine or detention.

Always carry adequate identification documents, such as your passport and visa or valid residence permit; Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case you lose it or have it confiscated. If your passport is lost or stolen, go to the nearest police station or Public Security Bureau to report the incident and get information on the visa replacement procedure.

If you renew your passport while in China, you must promptly register your new passport with the authorities. If you don't, you risk a fine.

Alcohol
In mainland China and Macau, there are no restrictions on the consumption of alcohol that is over the counter. However, the state of intoxication is punished in the event of disturbing public order and indecent or unethical acts (several cases of foreigners imprisoned for one to three days have been reported). In Hong Kong, the sale of alcohol is prohibited to those under the age of 18.

Photography
Local regulations must be observed under penalty of prosecution. Taking photographs is prohibited in the vicinity of official enclosures, in particular military sites, as well as on certain sites (which may not be marked). It is also limited in places of worship.

Drone
Importing drones requires a prior customs declaration. Drones must be registered with the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration. It is important to inquire about the regulations regarding their use as there are many local restrictions.

GPS
The use of GPS has become widespread in China, where many cars are equipped with it. The recording of geographic coordinates in sensitive or restricted areas is, however, prohibited and liable to fines or even arrest.

Political / activist activities
Any political / militant activity should be abstained at the risk of exposing oneself to heavy sanctions (imprisonment, deportation, ban on returning to China).

antiquity
The removal of any antiquity from the territory is prohibited.

Uses and customs
It is recommended to adopt an attitude and dress respectful of local customs. Covering outfits are preferred.

Means of payment
The means of payment must be kept in a safe place. It is also strongly recommended that you have sufficient cash on your person and separately to deal with loss or theft of means of payment. The provision of cash (Western Union, money order for example) is only possible on a bank account opened in China (personal account or account of a third party).

Laws and customs
You must comply with local laws.

Identity checks
Identity checks are common, and police arrest visitors who do not have identification documents on them. Always carry a photo ID with you as well as a certified copy of your visa and registration.

Store your passport and visa in a safe place.
Leave a photocopy of your travel documents with a loved one.
Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents.

Car driving
You must have an international driving license.

Illegal and regulated activities
A zero tolerance policy applies to drinking and driving.
Possession, use and trafficking of narcotic drugs are punishable by prison terms and heavy fines.
The importation of prescription drugs is restricted.

Visitors who photograph military installations and government buildings face penalties. Before taking pictures, get permission from local authorities.

Religion
Kazakhstan is a secular state, but the practices and beliefs of Islam are widespread there. It is in the rural areas that they are most faithfully respected. Dress and behave with common sense and discretion, and respect religious and social traditions so as not to offend the locals.

LGBTQ2 travelers
Although Kazakhstan's laws do not prohibit same-sex sexual acts, homosexuality is not socially accepted.

LGBTQ2 travelers should carefully consider the risks of traveling to Kazakhstan.

Cash
The currency is the tenge (KZT).

Generally, you have to pay in cash. It is illegal to use a foreign currency for financial transactions.

Travelers' checks are rarely accepted outside of large hotels with international clients. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in urban areas. Euros and US dollars can be changed at approved exchange offices. All US banknotes must have been issued after 1995 and be in good condition. When you cross the border, you must declare any cash over US $ 3,000.

There are many ATMs in Almaty and Nur-Sultan, and there are more and more of them in urban centers across the country. Only certain ATMs accept debit cards that use the Plus system.

Here is some useful information before traveling to Turkmenistan.

Pictures :
It is strictly forbidden to photograph buildings considered to be strategic, as well as the guards assigned to their protection (eg: presidential palace, ministries, airports, military or police installations, etc.).

Before taking any pictures, it is best, as a courtesy, to make sure that there are no particular restrictions by talking to the police and guards on the streets and near official buildings.

Uses and customs:
Turkmenistan is a secular state where Sunni Islam, the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church are legally registered.

It is recommended to adopt an attitude respectful of local customs and to keep in mind that cultural differences can lead to an erroneous interpretation of certain behaviors.

Currency:
The USD / Turkmen manat exchange rate is fixed: 1 USD = 3.50 new manats.

It is advisable, before entering Turkmenistan, to bring dollars in cash, preferring recent banknotes in good condition. It is possible to change money at official exchange points, hotels, banks, as well as some stores. However, it is very difficult to change euros.

International vending machines are rare in Turkmenistan. It is only possible to withdraw money with an international card at the following locations (with a commission).

The use of bank cards as a means of payment is very limited (outside of hotels). Payments are usually made in manat, with the exception of hotel rooms and airline tickets (USD). Entrances to museums and historic sites are to be paid in dollars for non-residents.

Money transfers are possible via Western Union.

Tourism development in Turkmenistan is still limited and infrastructure is still scarce.

Uzbekistan is the most touristic country in Central Asia and you will feel safe. They speak Uzbek, Russian, and few people speak English.

The majority are Muslim, but you don’t have to have a particular dress code. In Tashkent, one feels like in Europe, but in the countryside religious traditions are better respected.

It can be very cold in winter and very hot in summer. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to explore this huge country.

In hotels, you will receive a "registration card". This is a receipt that shows the number of nights you spent at this hotel. When you leave the country, you will have to show them to the immigration officers.

Code of conduct:

The Uzbek people are a friendly and forgiving people, especially for foreigners who are not necessarily familiar with local customs. However, some knowledge about the host country’s culture can help you be respectful and make friends during your trip.

THINGS TO DO:

• Take off your shoes to enter a mosque or house.
• Respect seniors by giving them the right of way and the first seats on buses, tables and near tourist sites.
• Confirm rates with taxi drivers prior to taking the car to avoid paying more than you negotiated.
• Men shake hands when greeting.
• Take permission to photograph someone before doing photo.

THINGS NOT TO DO:

• Leave the bread on the floor or place it on the table upside down.
• Blow your nose hard in public, it is considered rude.
• Speak very loudly in public, especially near religious venues.
• It is not customary to shake hands with women to greet, it is enough to greet verbally or to bow your head slightly.
• Take a picture of public buildings, military buildings, airports and subways.

Uzbekistan is a friendly country and you will love it!

The history of Afghanistan, which dates back to prehistoric times when the Aryans arrived, has been influenced, to a great extent, by its geographic location. Located in southern Central Asia and west of the imposing Hindu-Kush barrier, it has controlled since prehistoric times the passageways to the Indian subcontinent and to China. It was invaded, devastated and crossed, in turn, by Persian, Greek, Kushan and Arab armies, but more frequently by nomadic hordes inhabiting the steppes and forests of the North, such as the Aryans, the Scythians, the Parthians. , the Huns and other Turco-Mongolian tribes led by well-known conquerors like Genghis khan and Tamerlan. Afghanistan as a nation only appeared in the 18th century with the weakening of the Turco-Mongolian and Safavid tribes.

Pakistan's rich history encompasses the Indus Valley region. The region served both as fertile ground for a great civilization and as a gateway from South Asia to Central Asia and the Near East.

Located on the first coastal migratory route of Homo sapiens outside Africa, the region was inhabited early on by modern humans. The 9,000-year history of village life in South Asia dates back to the Neolithic site (7000-4300 BCE) of Mehrgarh in Pakistan, and the 5,000-year history of urban life in South Asia to the various sites of Indus Valley civilization, including Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.

The millennia that followed saw the region of present-day Pakistan absorb many influences, Buddhists represented among others in the ancient Buddhist sites of Taxila and Takht-i-Bahi, the 14th century Islamic-Sindhi monuments of Thatta and by the Mughals of Seventeenth century. In the first half of the 19th century, the region was appropriated by the East India Company, followed, after 1857, by 90 years of direct British rule, and ended with the creation of Pakistan in 1947, thanks to efforts, among others, of its future national poet Allama Iqbal and its founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Since then, the country has experienced both civil-democratic and military rule, which has resulted in periods of significant economic and military growth as well as periods of instability; An important event during the latter was the secession of East Pakistan as a new nation from Bangladesh when it lost the war against India in 1971.