Places • 18 June, 2025
You are in the Heart of Bishkek
A journey to Bishkek is that quiet moment before a great leap into adventure. Most don't linger long: just a quick cup of tea, a bag of nuts from the bazaar, and they are off–rushing toward the mountains, gorges, hot springs, and canyons. But if you slow down, the city reveals its hidden charms: the hum of street teahouses, the rustle of Panfilov Park, and the scent of fresh kattama at dawn. Follow our guide to feel the true rhythm of Bishkek. This city doesn't scream for attention, but it finds its way into your soul – if you know where to look. Things to Do TOP activities in the city 1. Take a memorable photo on Ala-Too Square, the city’s main square.
2. Discover the history of Kyrgyzstan at the State Historical Museum.
3. Admire the grandeur of the Imam Sarakhsi Central Mosque – a true architectural gem of Asia.
4. Shop for gifts at the Osh Bazaar.
5. Ride the Ferris wheel in Panfilov Park or stroll through the E.Z. Gareev Botanical Garden.
6. Explore the collections of the Aitiev National Museum of Fine Arts.
7. Compare local teahouses with Uzbek ones – we recommend Navat or “Charpaya.”
8. Cool off at Ala-Too – the largest water park in Kyrgyzstan – or at the open-air Royal Fish water park.
9. Go shopping at Asia Mall – the largest shopping mall in Kyrgyzstan with over 100 boutiques – or visit Dordoi Bazaar.
TOP activities outside the city 10. Be amazed by nature in Ala-Archa National Park.
11. Have a picnic or paddleboard through the sunken forest at the Ala-Archa Reservoir.
12. Discover Kyrgyzstan’s “Grand Canyon” – the Konorchek Canyon.
13. Visit the Burana Tower, the oldest structure in Central Asia.
14. Spend the day in the ethno-complex “Supara” in the Chunkurchak Gorge.
15. Ride the zipline or cable car at the Chunkurchak Resort.
16. Get your adrenaline pumping on the Sky Bridge above Chunkurchak Gorge near the Dove Waterfall.
17. Go rafting on one of the rivers – Chuy, Chon-Kemin, Naryn, or Kekemeren.
18. Take a trekking tour in one of the gorges – Oruu-Sai, Ak-Tyuz, or Chunkurchak.
19. Soak in the hot springs in the village of Arashan or at the “Warm Springs” resort in the Alamedin Gorge.
20. Head to Lake Issyk-Kul – 270 km away.
What to Bring Back - A felt carpet; What to Try
- Nuts and dried fruits;
- Beautiful Kyrgyz som banknotes;
- Leather goods – bags, shoes, or wallets;
- Jewelry made by local artisans.
- Ethno-fast food at “Kyrgyz Sonunduk” or “Kalama”;
- Manty (steamed dumplings);
- Beshbarmak (meat and noodles);
- Kattama – Kyrgyz layered flatbread;
- Ordo – Kyrgyz-style plov (pilaf).
