Our journey to Central Asia
Our big trip to the countries whose names end with “stan” in Central Asia (or as we call them for convenience, the Stans) began with a flight from Sofia through Istanbul to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. We used Pegasus Airlines, and although our second flight was overnight and we couldn’t sleep well, we compensated with delicious drinks and half-meter pides at the airport in Istanbul. We couldn’t help but notice that the prices at the airport are significantly higher than in other places.
Arrival in Bishkek and first impressions
We arrived in Bishkek early in the morning. Instead of using a taxi, we chose a minibus (marshrutka) number 380, which took us to the city. Although one of us stood up most of the time and through the turns, a seat eventually became available. Our first stop was at TSUM – one of the old and charming prototypes of modern malls, where we found a cozy café for breakfast.
Walking Around Bishkek
After settling in and a much needed nap, we set off on a walk around the city. Bishkek has many interesting places to visit. In the central part of the city, we found many stalls for tan, muzdak chai, maksym arshan – traditional drinks that seemed very popular among the locals. We visited various revolutionary monuments, several squares, Oak Park, and Panfilov Park. There were many stalls with toys and entertainment for children and adults. On the way back, we passed by the old circus building, which is under renovation and is expected to be restored soon.
More places to visit in Bishkek
One of the most impressive places was Victory Square with its eternal flame, where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Then we visited the central mosque (Bishkek Central Mosque) and ended the evening with dinner at a restaurant with delicious vegan options. This gave us hope that during this trip, food would not be boring or complicated.
Day trip from Bishkek: a trip to the mountains
The next day, we planned a short excursion to Ala Archa National Park – something like Vitosha is for Sofia, Ala Archa is for Bishkek, in terms of its proximity to the capital. This place was ideal for a nature walk, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful views. The weather didn’t cooperate, and we returned completely soaked from the pouring rain.
The second visit to Bishkek
The end of our big trip through the Stans was again in Bishkek. The second time we arrived in Bishkek with a flight from Osh and stayed in a hotel near Victory Square. We already knew the city, so our time was more leisurely. We enjoyed a relaxed dinner at our favorite restaurant with vegan dishes and visited Osh Bazaar (the liveliest in the city), where we looked for souvenirs. We used the affordable Yandex taxis for quick travel to different parts of the city. The peaceful view from our hotel terrace, especially at sunset, was a perfect end to our visit.
Practical Travel Tips for Bishkek
Transportation: Use Yandex taxis (very affordable) or minibusses (known as marshrutkas) to get around the city. Minibus number 380 is convenient for traveling from the airport to the center.
Accommodation: Choose a hotel or apartment near central attractions like Victory Square for convenience. We stayed in this apartment and this hotel, and we recommend them for their central location.
Food and Drinks: Try local drinks like tan, muzdak chai, or maksym arshan from street stalls. Also, visit some of the restaurants that offer the most variety of national and international food (after all, we are in the capital).
Shopping: TSUM is a great place to start, and Osh Bazaar is ideal for souvenirs and local products.
Excursions: Plan short excursions to natural attractions like Ala Archa National Park for a refreshing break from the urban environment.
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Fun Facts About Places in Bishkek
TSUM (Central Universal Store): TSUM in Bishkek is not just a mall – it is a treasure trove of Soviet-era history, retaining its unique old-world charm. Here you can find everything from souvenirs to local delicacies.
Osh Bazaar: Osh Bazaar is not only one of the largest bazaars in Bishkek but also a place where you can feel the true atmosphere of the city. Local traders are extremely friendly and often invite you to taste their products.
The Old Circus: The old circus in Bishkek is one of the few remaining Soviet circuses in Central Asia. It is currently under renovation, but when restored, it will be a true cultural center for locals and tourists.
Victory Square: Victory Square was built in honor of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. The eternal flame in the center of the square symbolizes the memory of fallen soldiers and is a place for various events and ceremonies.
Mountain Views: From various places in the city, you can see majestic mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks, known as the Kyrgyz Range.
Bishkek offers many interesting places to visit and diverse experiences that make a trip to the capital of Kyrgyzstan unforgettable. We find Bishkek to be a great first stop on a trip through the Stans or Central Asia, a nice and gentle introduction to the region.
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