If you’re planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan, then you’ll probably start from Bishkek. 

It’s for good reason that many refer to Kyrgyzstan as the Switzerland of Central Asia, as it boasts majestic mountains and a gorgeous lake. Not to mention, a fascinating history of nomadic culture, Soviet era and present-day independence. The heart of city life, however, resides in Bishkek – Kyrgyzstan’s capital city. The city welcomes travelers with markets, museums, and plenty of green parks. Here are some of the best things to do in Bishkek, and nearby cities.

 

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Situated in city center, Kyrgyz State History Museum is home to thousands of artifacts, sculptures and objects that explains the heritage of Kyrgyzstan. The exhibitions start from antiquity period to modern times, in addition to the region’s shift from nomadic folk culture to Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic. Beautiful collections include intricate garments, massive yurts and tush kyiz which are colorful embroideries made for marriages with designs that depict flowers and animals.

Next to State History Museum is Ala-Too Square, which was formerly Lenin Square since it was constructed as a celebration on the 60th anniversary of Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic. Once Kyrgyzstan became an independent country in 1991, the square was renamed. Today, it’s the site for festivals, major events and demonstrations. Visitors can also admire the Parliament building located at the square.

A trip to Central Asia isn’t complete without browsing through a traditional market. The place to do exactly that is at Osh Bazaar where vendors sell food, clothing, household items and souvenirs that travelers can bring home. A unique Kyyal section features Kyrgyz national clothing in various colors and sizes. Craving for a little snack? Try a traditional naan, a round bread baked in clay tandoor oven.

Next to Ala-Too Square is Oak Park where most of the trees are of the same age since they were planted in 1890 by Russian botanist Alexei Fetisov. A major stop at the park is the monument of Queen of Altai Kurmanjan Datka, who was a tribal leader and a politician. There are several sculptures throughout the park, along with the Russian Drama Theater, Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Church and Oak Park Exhibition Hall.

Victory Square celebrates the victory over Nazi Germany and was built in 1985 which was also the 40th anniversary of the end of WWII. In the middle of the square is a magnificent red-brick Victory Monument where travelers can admire the statue of a woman waiting for her husband’s return from war. The three long structures over the statue symbolizes the form of a yurt.

Just over an hour from city center is Burana Tower – a former mosque and minaret in Chüy Valley. Constructed in the 11th century, the tower was used as a template for other minarets. Adventurists can climb up to the top of the tower where a legend resides.

It’s believed that a khan had a daughter who was destined to die from a spider, so he built the tower to protect her. But on her 16th birthday, the daughter didn’t notice that a spider had transformed itself into fruit in a basket. When she bit into the fruit, part of the tower also crumbled.

In Tian Shan mountains, there’s Ala-Archa Nature Park situated 40 minutes south from the city center by car. At 1,500 meters to 4,895 meters of altitude, the park is ideal for nature lovers looking for gorgeous hiking trails. The park is known for junipers that Kyrgyz people use to burn and scare away evil spirits.

If you’re traveling with a guide, ask if they can arrange for a meeting with eagle hunters that carry the ancient tradition in Krygyzstan. Berkutchi, or hunters, typically live far from city center so they can train eagles and live in tents. Eagles help them hunt for food and communicate between communities. Traditions and rituals are passed down for generations, typically between father and son.

An hour away from city center is an important archeological site from the storied Silk Road: Suyab. The settlement of Ak-Beshim around 5th century was in Suyab where history buffs can discover a medieval city at an important point on the Silk Road. During the Middle Ages, Suyab was a major city. Archeologists have discovered ruins of Buddhist temples, Nestorian churches, Zoroastrian ossuaries, and Turkic balbals. Since 2014, Suyab has been part of the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor World Heritage Site.

3.5 hours eastward by car is a tranquil side of the country. As the world’s 8th deepest lake, Issyk-Kul separates Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Under Soviet rule, the lake flourished as a popular vacation getaway. Today, it’s also where travelers can enjoy a boat ride, if you dare, you can also swim in the lake. Then, pamper yourself with amenities offered in nearby resorts that highlight wellness and leisure.

Not too far from Issyk-Kul Lake is Cholpon-Ata, home to the Petroglyphs Museum. Inside this impressive stone garden is thousands of rocks depicting drawings of animals, including: camels, goats, horses…and more. Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs date back to 2 millennium BC – 8 millennium AD. It is a sanctuary where locals practice religious customs and connect with the spiritual world. Some rocks even illustrates scenes of hunting, horseback riding, and animals attacks.