Respect bread and do not ask about the right route: Common tourist mistakes when visiting Kyrgyzstan

The breathtaking natural scenery of Kyrgyzstan has made it a popular tourist destination. However, it's important to avoid common mistakes that travellers to this country often make.

NewsBytes has collected tips to help you get the most out of your trip. These are 5 mistakes you shouldn't make in Kyrgyzstan.

Respect bread

Bread is of great importance in Kyrgyz culture and is considered sacred. It is believed that bread represents the spirit of hard work and is a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Therefore, it is considered impolite to put bread on the ground or throw it away as it shows disrespect for this sacred food. Leftover bread is often fed to animals as a sign of respect.

Do not ask locals about the right route

Avoid asking locals about the time or distance to your destination. According to their beliefs, sharing this information can cause unexpected difficulties on the road. Locals believe that knowing the time and distance can lead to an unpleasant journey. Therefore, it is better to rely on navigation tools and maps when planning your trip rather than risk failure.

Forget about personal space

In Kyrgyzstan, you may want to move away while talking to locals, but they will come closer to you again because this is how they are used to communicating. This may seem awkward and unusual, but don't take it personally. Kyrgyz families typically live with more than five or six people in small apartments, so personal space is not something they are familiar with.

Do not be offended by handshake norms

Don't be surprised if you don't get a handshake, especially if you're a woman. Men usually shake hands to say hello and goodbye. Women usually do not participate in the handshake, but if a man extends his hand, a woman should shake it. Thus, don't be offended if you are not offered to shake hands if you are a woman, it's just a cultural norm.

Do not refuse an offer of food or drink

Kyrgyz people are known for their hospitality and generosity. If a local offers you food or drink, it is considered impolite to refuse. In fact, it's a great opportunity to try the local cuisine and experience the culture firsthand. Thus, accept the offer with gratitude and enjoy the exquisite flavours and spices the country has to offer.

Earlier, Travel Wise wrote about the mistakes that make plane tickets more expensive and shared secrets from a former flight attendant.