A tour of this congenial capital makes for an interesting and relaxing day. Although there is nothing to compare to some of Central Asia's more famous destinations, the city can offer a poignant National History Museum, with exhibits on Kyrgyz victims of Stalin, as well as some interesting displays on Kyrgyz applied arts.
Also worth seeing are some of the Soviet-era relics that remain — such as Lenin's giant statue defiantly pointing at the nearby Parliament building and the old department store, Zum. Bishkek's main market, confusingly called the Osh Bazaar, sprawls across the centre of the city with hawkers selling everything from fake brand-name clothes to sheep's heads.
The State Museum of Fine Arts is the place to go for fans of Kyrgyz 'shyrdak' rugs and, if you're in town on a Sunday, join the locals at the Orthodox church for a moving and fascinating experience.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Kyrgyzstan specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Ala Archa National Park
Towering over the park are the highest peaks of the Kyrgyz Alatau Range, including Korona Peak (4,860 m) and Semenov Tian Shansky (4,895 m), both higher than anything Europe has to offer.
