The best attractions of Bishkek. Where to go in Bishkek?
Season to visit: all year
Popular places (mountains) to visit near Bishkek: Ala-Archa National Park, Alamedin Gorge, Chunkurchak Gorge, Kegety Gorge, Konorchek and Belogorka Canyons, Issyk-Ata Gorge, Kashka-Suu Gorge, Kok-Moinok Canyons.
Bishkek - the capital of mountainous Kyrgyzstan, spread out in a fertile valley, has long been known for its green streets. The modern city maintains the tradition of updating and expanding park areas, alleys, and boulevards.
Bishkek was founded in 1878, and it is home to over 1.5 million residents.
What can you see in Bishkek?
Victory Square
Victory Square in Bishkek is a historical and symbolic square that commemorates the Soviet Union's victory in World War II. This square holds significant importance in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, hosting various events and celebrations dedicated to Victory Day, observed on May 9th.
Victory Square is adorned with various monuments and memorials, including a stele with the inscription "Victory" and fountains. The main symbol of this square is the eternal flame, burning in memory of the fallen Soviet soldiers and civilians during the war. Every year on Victory Day, solemn ceremonies, rallies, and parades take place on this square, attracting numerous people, veterans, and families of fallen warriors.
Oak Park
Oak Park is a picturesque location in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, renowned for its natural beauty and unique forest ensemble. The name "Oak Park" comes from the multitude of oak trees that thrive in this green oasis.
The park provides an excellent opportunity for both city residents and visitors to appreciate nature, engage in outdoor activities, and take leisurely strolls along scenic alleys.
National Museum
The National Museum in Bishkek is a significant cultural institution, serving as one of the country's leading museums and playing a central role in the preservation and promotion of Kyrgyz history and culture. Situated in the historical center of the capital, the museum is a valuable cultural resource for both residents and tourists.
The National Museum houses an extensive collection of archaeological finds, ethnographic exhibits, artistic works, and artifacts that reflect the history and culture of Kyrgyzstan from ancient times to the present day.
Ala-Too Square
Ala-Too Square is one of the most well-known and central squares in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek. The name "Ala-Too" translates to "Motley Mountain," symbolizing the richness and beauty of nature in this country.
Ala-Too Square is a significant public space where various events, celebrations, and rallies take place. It often serves as a gathering point for both residents and tourists, especially during the celebration of national and state holidays, including Independence Day and New Year.
Philharmony
The Philharmonic offers a variety of musical and cultural events, including classical music concerts, folk performances, opera presentations, and choral concerts. It also supports and nurtures young musicians and artists, providing a platform for their performances and creative development. On the premises, you can discover several significant monuments and architectural landmarks.
One such monument is the statue of Manas, the legendary epic hero and national symbol of Kyrgyzstan. This monument is not only an artistic creation but also a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage.
In addition to the Manas monument, in the square in front of the Philharmonic, you will also find the monument to "manaschy" - those who transmit and preserve the epic of Manas in the history and culture of the country. This monument acknowledges the importance of manaschy in preserving and transmitting Kyrgyz cultural history.
Osh Market
At Osh Market, there is a diverse array of goods and products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, clothing, footwear, household appliances, home goods, handmade items, and much more. It's a place where you can find practically everything you might need.
1) Ala-Archa National Park (26 km from Bishkek)
The aroma of coniferous trees, snow-capped peaks, the murmur of mountain rivers, springs, and waterfalls, the singing of birds, rare alpine plants, endangered wildlife, the piercing blue of the sky, and mountains of varying levels of difficulty attract hikers and climbers from around the world.
2) Konorchek Canyons (150 km from the city of Bishkek)
The unique handiwork of winds and rains has sculpted ever-changing clay formations with intricate patterns depicting mysterious characters. The vibrant slopes and ochre-colored peaks within solidified mazes evoke fantastic emotions with impressive grandeur.
The location captivates everyone without limitations — neither by age nor by physical fitness level. Along the intricate slopes, eyes simply do not tire of wandering, trying to discern the features of various mystical creations of nature
3) Chunkurchak Gorge (35 km from the city of Bishkek)
The unique handiwork of winds and rains has sculpted ever-changing clay formations with intricate patterns depicting mysterious characters. The vibrant slopes and ochre-colored peaks within solidified mazes evoke fantastic emotions with an impressive span.
This location captivates everyone without limitations—neither by age nor by physical fitness level. Along the intricate slopes, eyes simply do not tire of wandering, trying to discern the features of various mystical creations of nature.
4) Kashka-Suu Gorge (25 km from the city of Bishkek)
A cable car ride reveals an unforgettable panorama from a bird's-eye view in any season. In the summer, the cable car operates on Saturdays and Sundays, but it is advisable to call and check.
During the warm season, the tourist's eyes are delighted by:
- Peaks of mountains disappearing into the endless sky;
- Coniferous slopes interspersed with meadow clearings;
- Vigorous streams flowing into mountain rivers with white rapids;
- Peacefully grazing herds;
- Grey-brown rock walls;
- Flowery meadows.
- The vastness of snowy heights;
- The power of age-old spruces, ingrained in stone mountains;
- The splendor of clouds;
- The transparency of the inexhaustible river;
- Ski slopes
5) Thermal Springs of Issyk-Ata
6) Kegety Gorge (90 km from Bishkek)
Kegety beckons:
- Enthusiasts of leisurely walks;
- Car and bicycle tourists.
- Diverse relief;
- Abundance of picturesque sites;
- Waterfalls, of which there are 2. The most popular, Kegetinsky, is 30 meters high and easily accessible.
Moreover, the entire journey to the lake is prolonged by the contemplation and admiration of nature's own fantasy - ancient trees with vast whimsically shaped trunks, the sprawling branches of spruces inviting a rest in the coolness of their crowns, tree stumps resembling chairs, mysterious boulders with discernible enigmatic shapes, and suddenly opening clearings that clearly invite for a picnic.
Places where you can eat delicious food in Bishkek and tips for choosing dishes in Bishkek:
If you are in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and are exploring Kyrgyz culture for the first time, one of the dishes you must try is "beshbarmak."
Beshbarmak is a dish consisting of fresh pasta made from flour and water, meat, and onions. The name "beshbarmak" translates to "five fingers," referring to the traditional way of eating this pasta by hand. The dish is served on a large platter, with the pasta laid on top, followed by pieces of meat and onions.
The second dish we can recommend is "Kuurdak." This dish consists of meat, usually lamb or beef, that is fried with onions and spices until it achieves a rich flavor and aroma.
Boorsok" is a traditional pastry of the Central Asian peoples. Boorsok is a must-have treat in every Kyrgyz family. It is served with tea, before main dishes, with kumis (fermented horse milk), as a snack, or with shorpo (soup). Thin slices of dough are rolled out and fried in oil for 20-30 seconds, then transferred from the pot onto a sieve or colander to drain excess oil properly. These traditionally adorned the table because boorsoks are presented on the dastarkhan (tablecloth) during every major celebration.
Lagman is a Central Asian dish known for its unique taste and popularity in the region. It can be described as something between noodle stir-fry and soup, having its distinct characteristics.
At the core of lagman are long, flat noodles, often handmade and with a history spanning hundreds of years. These noodles contribute their texture and unique flavor to the dish. The noodles are then served with a generous sauce comprising various ingredients such as meat (usually lamb or beef), vegetables (carrots, onions, peppers), spices, and different sauces. This creates a rich and aromatic sauce that complements the noodles, giving the dish its distinctive taste.
Manty consists of a simple yet delicious combination of ingredients. The traditional filling for manty typically includes finely minced meat, such as beef or lamb, mixed with finely chopped onions and various seasonings. The meat is often seasoned with spices like black pepper, cumin, and paprika to give it a rich and flavorful taste. Some regional variations may also include garlic or other spices.
According to our recommendations, we can suggest several places in Bishkek: Navat Cafe, Faiza Cafeteria, and Bukhara Cafe.
Additionally, the restaurants include Supara Ethno Complex, Zerno, Frunze Restaurant, and Pispek Restaurant.
Places to stay in Bishkek:
In Bishkek, there are numerous hotels ranging from 2-star to 5-star accommodations, easily bookable through platforms like booking.com. If you're looking for a more unique experience, you can also opt for a stay in yurts, which can be found in picturesque gorges near the city of Bishkek.