Souvenirs

April 21st, 2013 Sections: Tourism, Tours

Shop sign on Prospect Chui

As a former client once put it in an email several years after their visit to Kyrgyzstan: “… the souvenirs I bought in Kyrgyzstan are some of my most beloved possessions … “

We sometimes get asked for advice about what we can suggest as something to take home as a memento of a visit to Kyrgyzstan … apart from memories and photographs. 

The choice of what to buy to take home as a souvenir is very much a matter of personal circumstances and choice - there is no advice nor any suggestion which will have universal application. 

There are, however, many options and this list is based on examples of actual purchases made by clients in the past:

  • Books
  • Postcards
  • Maps
  • CD’s and Videos
  • Postage Stamps
  • Calendars

  • A selection of possible souvenirs

    Felt objects

    • shyrdaks
    • ala kiyiz
    • kalpaks
    • dolls and figurines
    • panels – e.g. for seat covers
    • pouffe cover
    • cushion covers and pillow cases
    • wall hangings
    • slippers
    • bags
    • a model yurt 
    • dolls

  • Felt dolls

    Embroidery

    • Tush kiyiz – embroidered wall hangings
    • cushion covers and pillow cases
  • Kurak - patchwork
    • table cloths – mats – runners
    • bedspreads, cushion covers and pillow cases 
    • wall hangings
    • bags
    • scarves
  • Chiy panels
  • Leather goods
    • bags
    • saddle
  • Wooden objects 
    • Chess sets
    • Carvings
  • Clothes
    • Chapan
    • Chepkers – waistcoats
    • Hats  
    • scarves
  • Kamchi – horse whips
  • Jewellery
  • Musical instruments
  • Pottery and ceramic articles
  • Paintings
  • Small sculptures
  • “Soviet” memorabilia – such as badges and banners ….  but medals and uniforms are prohibited exports
  • Drinks
  • Confectionery

Please remember that there are some restrictions on what can be exported as souvenirs: 

  • certain items, especially anything over 50 years old, may require special permission from the Ministry of Culture, 
  • it is forbidden to “export” certain items (e.g. military uniforms),
  • it may be illegal to import items containing animal body parts to your home country, – for example, many traditional kamchi – horse whips – are decorated with the hoof from a goat or a sheep,

There are lots of places to buy souvenirs – in the main shopping centers in Bishkek, as well as specialist shops in the capital or the major towns and cities.  In some of the museums there are special stalls and many of the homestays run by the Community Based Tourism Association have a selection of souvenirs on offer.

 

 

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