In spring, the desert blooms briefly, while autumn is harvest time when the markets fill with fresh produce. Summer is ferociously hot in the lowlands, but July and August are the best months to visit the mountains. Cold rains begin in November and snow soon closes mountain passes. The ski season at the Upper Ala-Archa Mountain Ski Base lasts from December to April. Note that winters are bitterly cold, even in the desert, and finding food can be a problem since lots of eateries close for the season.
Many domestic flights are also grounded in winter.
Festivals Kyrgyzstan isn't exactly full of festivals. It can include traditional games, music and drama festivals, street art and colourful fairs. Lonely Planet Publications Pty. Ltd. All rights reserved.