Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and one of the greenest cities in Central Asia. Do not expect Samarkand-type monuments; the main attraction here is not the city itself but the mountains forty minutes away. There is a direct flight from Baku and no visa is needed, which means you can decide and go for a week. Below I have written about the city and the mountain routes.
The city itself in Bishkek
Ala-Too square is the centre of the city, with monumental buildings remaining from the Soviet period and wide avenues around it. You can watch the changing of the flag guard, held on the hour. From the square to Dubovy park is five minutes on foot.
The Osh bazaar is the liveliest place in the city, with dried fruit, spices and national hats. Prices are at local level and haggling is expected. Walking the city in one day is quite enough, so it makes sense to keep the remaining days for the mountains.
Ala-Archa and the Burana tower
Ala-Archa national park is forty minutes from the city and is the fastest way out into the Tian Shan mountains. Entry is cheap, inside there are several walking routes and the shortest takes an hour or two. The path to the waterfall, though, wants a full day and requires physical preparation.
The Burana tower is eighty kilometres from the city, on the site of the ancient town of Balasagun. You can climb up inside the minaret by a narrow stairway. The stone figures around it belong to the Turkic period and are lined up in the open air.
Issyk-Kul and nights in a yurt
Issyk-Kul is four hours from the city and is one of the largest mountain lakes in the world. On the northern shore is the Cholpon-Ata resort strip, while the southern shore is wilder and more interesting. In summer the water is fit for swimming.
Staying the night in a yurt at lake Song-Kul is the country’s most distinctive experience; it is only possible in summer and the road goes over a mountain pass. There is no electricity or internet, and warm clothing is essential. Looking at hostel and guest house options in the city makes the nights between mountain trips cheaper.
Read more: A Kyrgyzstan travel guide: Issyk-Kul, the Song-Kul yurts, Ala-Archa, Karakol and the direct flight
Transport and budget in Bishkek
Within the city the route minibuses and the Yandex Go app work, and prices are very low. Public transport towards the mountains is weak, so either a car with a driver or a tour becomes necessary. Manas airport is half an hour from the centre.
| Three-star hotel | 30–60 dollars a night |
| Hostel bed | 8–15 dollars |
| Getting to Ala-Archa | About forty minutes |
| Visa | Not required |
On the mountain routes a car with a driver is the most practical option, and booking a transfer in advance fixes the price from the airport and on long distances. There are direct flights from Baku, so compare ticket prices in the Bishkek direction with the option via Almaty, because it is only four hours from Almaty by road. Official tourism information is on the Kyrgyzstan Tourism Department site.
Season in Bishkek
May–June and September are the most balanced months, the weather is 20–28 degrees and the mountain roads stay open. July–August is the Issyk-Kul season, the shore fills up and prices rise, while in the city the temperature reaches thirty-five. The Song-Kul yurts only work from the end of June to September. Winter is cold and the passes close, but the ski resorts are open.
Conclusion
Bishkek itself is a quiet capital, and the real reason is the mountains around it. Give a day to the city, be sure to go to Ala-Archa, plan the yurt night for the summer months, and take a car with a driver for the mountain routes. If you want to combine Central Asia with several countries, you can look at the ready-made tour options. For a route, fill in the application form.
Note: the mountain roads and the yurt season depend on the weather, so confirm before travelling.
