About City
Bishkek
Framed by the northern boundary of the colossal Tian Shan mountain range, the Kyrgyzstan capital was once a fortress before Soviet intervention left the city scattered with Brutalist symbols. Surrounded by fantastic hiking trails including Konorchek Canyon and Ala Archa National Park, there’s also the Issyk Ata hot springs or the skiing slopes at Chunkurchak if you seek variety, all backboned by a robust Kyrgyz cuisine and culture worth experiencing.
The capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, is the borderline of Central Asia’s Tian Shan range. The Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains and Ala Archa National Park adorned with wildlife trails and glaciers, concludes the scenic beauty of the place. Be it the monumental State Museum of Fine Arts or the ballet theater, the city’s artistic background will dazzle one’s senses. The city is home to some of the most heavenly places to visit in Bishkek.
Filled with exotic foliage and historic post-Soviet anachronisms, Bishkek is a city engraved with cultural nuances. The vibrant and youthful atmosphere of the place is the reason why the city witnesses a massive tourist turnout every year. The pulsating nightlife of Kyrgyzstan’s capital city is unparalleled. They they way to one’s heart is through the stomach. If that’s the case, then the city’s food scene is definitely going to ring a bell. Be it the mouthwatering Oromo or the tasteful Besh Barmak, one is served with a myriad of food choices.
Best Places To Visit
1. Kyrgyz State Historical Museum
The architectural showpiece, formerly as the Lenin Museum, is situated on Ala-Too Square. The museum catalogues exhibitions where a plethora of ancient artifacts are put on display such as rock paintings, accessories belonging to the Nomadic Era, Bronze Age Household Commodities, an assemblage of Turkic kurgan stelae, Ancient coins and rocks etched with runic imprints.The museum houses an all-inclusive collection of ethnographic items like leather, wool, clothing, jewelry etc.
2. Erkindik Boulevard
Boulevard Erkindik is one of the most renowned public spaces in Bishkek. The locals love to take a stroll in the long streets with foliage all around. Be it an early morning stroll or grabbing a cup of ice cream from Fresco, Erkindik Boulevard is the quintessential leisure locale. Regarded as one of the top places to visit in Bishkek, The location is jam-packed with a wide range of eateries and coffee shops. If you ever come to this magical place, do witness the Musical Erkindik!
3. Osh Bazaar
Osh Bazaar is one of the largest markets in Bishkek. It is situated on the west side of the city. The market features a wide variety of food products, customary household goods, classic souvenirs, dated clothing pieces and musical instruments. Shopaholics visiting the market are going to have the time of their lives!
4. Victory Square, Bishkek
The public square was established in order to celebrate the triumphant victory over Nazi Germany. It was constructed on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Liberation of USSR in 1984. In the heart of the square stands a statue of a woman waiting for her spouse to return from war. The square is enveloped together by three ribs of granite which symbolizes a yurt. The nucleus of the square is housed by an eternal fire.
5. Burana Tower
It is a giant minaret situated in the Chuy Valley, northern Kyrgyzstan. It is at a distance of about 80 km east from Bishkek. The remnants of the ancient city of Balasagun can be still unearthed along with a few grave markers, earthworks, three mausoleums and a few leavings of an ancient castle. An external stairway is accessible in order to climb to the top.
6. Ala Archa National Park
The Ala Archa National Park is situated in the Tian Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The alpine national park was established in 1976, 40 km south of the capital city. The park sprawls across 200 square kilometers. There are more than 20 large and small glaciers with some 50 mountain peaks.
The Adygene and Ak-Sai, are two tributaries, sprung out of the glaciers’ melting waters. The park is a visual treat and offers a serene environment. It is truly in every sense, one of the best places to visit in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan.
7. Dubovy Park
The park features a small open air sculpture garden behind the statue of Kurmanjan Datka, amidst the oaks. Travelers looking for local themed paintings will find a wide range of timeless art pieces sold by talented artists. The park has been renamed after the esteemed author, Chingiz Aitmatov. The locals address it as ‘oak park’.
8. Issyk Kul Lake
The endorheic lake has been crowned as the seventh deepest lake in the world. Ranked as the tenth largest lake in the world by volume, the lagoon sprawls across 6,236 square kilometers in area. Issyk-kul translates to ‘warm lake’ in Kyrgyz. The moana is extensively surrounded by snow-capped peaks but surprisingly enough, it never freezes.
9. Panfilov Park
The park is a city memorial situated near the Old square. It was founded in the year 1924 as Zvezda Park. The park was named after the Hero of Soviet Union and the chairman of the Kirghiz SSR, Ivan Panfilov. The park is designed in the shape of a star. The park offers a beautiful foliage with a relaxing undertone. It is one of the best places to visit in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan for a tranquil experience.
10. Dordoy Bazaar
Dordoy Bazaar, also spelled as Dordoi Bazaar, has been crowned as Asia’s greatest market place. It a wholesale and retail market of consumer goods dispatched by China. The existence of the market can be dated back to the year 1992. The market is divided into different sections selling various consumer goods and commodities such as clothing, furniture, toys, automotive supplies etc. One can also find occasional produce vendors accommodating the market.
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is during the summer months of July and August. Although it's very hot, with temperatures around 30°C, this is when the country's bazaars are at their most lively.
