Bishkek is probably the best place to start a journey around Kyrgyzstan. It’s a modern and cosmopolitan city but still preserves the essence of the Kyrgyz culture and Soviet architecture.
Best Time To Visit Kyrgyzstan
Situated in the Central of Asia, Kyrgyzstan has very cold winters and hot summers. The winter season in Kyrgyzstan is from November to March and the summer is from June to October. During the winters, due to snow, many routes are hindered, and there is snow covering everything, so the summers are the best times to visit Kyrgyzstan as this weather is ideal for horse riding, cycling, rafting, hiking, and sightseeing. However, if one is interested in skiing and other winter sports, then visiting Kyrgyzstan in winter can be chosen.
Ala Too Square
Situated in the centre of the capital city of Bishkek is Ala too square which was constructed in 1984, this space is where numerous state celebrations and events are carried out. Also, at the square is a bronze statue of national hero Manas and numerous fountains. In the evening there is flowers and a fountain show to be enjoyed here. The main square of the city where the biggest flagpole with the sentinels are located. Have a walk around the place and see the historical museum, Manas hero monument and the White House.
Located at Ala Too Square, this museum exhibits Turkic stone, Talas stone, old times ceramics, ancient coins, historical glass, and metal items, rock paintings, bronze age household items, woollen and wooden craftsmanship, embroidery and knitting work, traditional costumes and jewellery of Kyrgyzstan, nomad jewellery dating back to 1st to 5th Century AD, ethnographic objects from 19th and 20th Century.
State Historical Museum
Osh Bazaar
Being at the same place since the past 2000 years, this bazaar is the oldest in the whole of Central Asia along with Kyrgyzstan. For tourists, this bazaar has on sale souvenirs, fresh fruits, Kyrgyz snacks, sweets, juices, chocolates, etc. and wandering this market is a great way to observe and understand the local culture of the people. It’s such a huge place that you could easily spend a whole day there and not see all of it. It supposedly is one of the ten largest markets in the world according to different sources.
Near the Capital city of Bishkek, Ala Archa National Park spreads across 200 sq km, and having varying altitude from 1,500 m to 4895 m, within the Tien Shan Mountain ranges. This National Park which has about 50 mountain peaks and 20 glaciers, is a habitat for various rare wildlife like snow leopard, roe deer, marmots, etc
Ala Archa National Park
Burana Tower
It is a monument of silk road. Situated at the east of Bishkek is the 25 m high (originally it was 45m) Burana Tower. This tall minaret is the remains of the 10th Century Balasugan city which was situated at the foot of Shamshy valley. The remains other than the minaret are the foundations of the castle and some grave markers and can be seen from the top of the tower. At the site is constructed a small museum which holds historical artifacts and information regarding the site.
Issyk Kul Lake is Kyrgyzstan’s largest lake; also World’s second-largest mountain lake and second-largest saline lake. ‘Issyk-Kul’ means ‘warm lake’ in Kyrgyz and it never freezes. The water is a beautiful shade of aqua blue, giving a surreal feeling. Situated within the Tien-Shan mountain ranges, this lake is called the pearl of Tien-Shan.
Issyk Kul Lake
Canyon Fairy Tale
A canyon is a rift between two mountain ranges and a deep gorge.This canyon is situated on the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. It was previously called Skaza canyon, and Skaza means ‘Fairy Tale’. This magical place is made up of red stones, however the red stones are eroded due to natural elements like wind, rain, snow, etc. and the resulting erosion has given the stones shapes like that of towers, crests, waves, snakes, dragon, hippopotamus, sleeping giant, etc. These dream-like stones can be explored by hiking and give a sense of adventure too with its uneven grounds.
In front of the cliffs there are flat mountain slopes, thickly overgrown with grass and pine trees. Especially romantic look has the rock “Broken Heart” located at the entrance to the gorge. Jeti-Oguz is also famous for its hot springs with water enriched with radon and hydrogen sulfide and resorts.
The water in springs is helpful for the treatment of rheumatism, gastric and nervous diseases. Rising higher, you can reach the pan of Kok-Dzhayyk with wonderful views of the gorge, or the Valley of Flowers strewn with poppies. At the upper part of Jets-Oguz there are also mountain lakes and roaring waterfalls.
Belonging to the Naryn River basin and situated in the Tien Shan mountains at 3000m height, the Song Kol is the Second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. Not only the beauty of the lake is otherworldly, but the way to reach it is beautiful too. The most satisfying means of reaching this enchanting lake is on horseback. Or else if more adventurous, one can go hiking. Also, there are a number of Yurts at Song-Kol Lake.
Son Kul Lake
Canyon Fairy Tale
In Bishkek, sightseeing doesn’t mean rushing from one tourist attraction to another. On the contrary. Bishkek is a city where you can take your time, relax and get a feel for the life of the locals. Bishkek is a green city with lots of parks, statues and fountains. One can spend a whole afternoon exploring the parks and taking pictures. The parks are where you want to go for a walk, get ice cream and watch locals. The most popular parks in Bishkek are Panfilov Park, Oak Park and Victory Park and they definitely deserve a visit.
The Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre. If you want to have interesting insights into the Central-Asian art scene and see some great performances, the Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre is the place to visit. The performances at this theatre are very well put together. The theatre showcases performances by local students and some breath-taking performances by Russian and Kyrgyz artists. It’s the ideal activity after a day spent visiting the parks of Bishkek. It’s also totally-worth-it considering the very affordable prices of the shows.
Opera and Ballet Theatre
