Things to do in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: The Best Cultural Tours

July 10, 2021 Augustus Redeker

Just at the northern edge of the Ala Too mountain range lies Kyrgyzstan's lively northern capital, Bishkek. With numerous green spaces, parks and gardens alongside Soviet-era buildings and monuments, the city retains its former Soviet Asian flavor. The city is home to many monuments and cultural institutions, including the National Historical Museum and Ala Too Square, where the changing of the guard takes place daily. The Dordoy Bazaar provides ample shopping, especially for Chinese exports.
Restaurants in Bishkek

1. Highlights of Kyrgyzstan 10 day

Kyrgyz Guide
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan in this tour  you will explore : Mountains Kyrgyz Nature Nomads Yurt camping Horse riding Hikking Medievel Architecture from Silk road

Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, Local taxes, National Park fees, Afternoon tea, Bottled water, Buffet dinner, Buffet lunch, Continental breakfast, Coffee and/or Tea, Driver/guide, Local guide, Tour escort/host, Hotel pickup, Private tour, Snacks

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Airport/Departure Tax, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By camiepalma

This was a truly awesome experience. Our guides were absolutely wonderful. They were very kind and ensured we had the most wonderful time. Every stop we had with them was well worth the time. Many were just spectacular viewing. Skiing (for the first time ever in my life) and then sleeping in a Yurt was a not-to-be-missed experience. I would highly recommend this trip!

2. Bishkek city walking tour

Ala-Too Square, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Feel Nomad
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The Bishkek City Walking Tour will lead you through the most famous sights in the center of Kyrgyzstan’s capital. You will immerse yourself in the story of each place, including its origin, cultural connotations, and current modern uses.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By Nomiiiii

Feel Nomad is a great, professional, well-run company with reliable cars and english speaking guides who love to hike and explore as much as you do. I did the Canyons trip, along with extra days at Karakol and Ala Archa and it was all great. They were flexible with the itinerary based on my interests and mood, had great local knowledge, were able to setup yurt stays and guesthouse stays which typically would be harder for non Russian speakers to arrange, easy to talk to during the long drives, and best of all they were great at all the intense hiking Overall highly recommended specially if you want a nature/hiking/adventure focused tour when in Kyrgyzstan

3. Jeep adventure through the Pamir Highway

Paramount Journey
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The most popular of all the jeep routes in Tajikistan is the Pamir Highway M41, equally be loved of cyclists (at least on the downhill stretches). Highlights of the road, which demands ten days of your time to see it in full, include the cosmopolitan town of Khorog with its suspension bridges, Afghan market, botanical garden and parks; ruby mines and naturally hot spring baths; groves of fruit trees amidst a patchwork of irrigated fields; and the stark and isolated, yet unforgettably beautiful, Murghab Plateau, where only nomads roam. The Pamir Highway grants visitors access to the Tajkistan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the wildlife and ancient archaeological remains of the Wakhan Corridor, and ultimately to neighbouring Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. In a single day you can wind your way through high-altitude deserts, empty plains, and lush green meadows, frequently scattered with wildflowers.

Inclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages , Visa and permit fees, Gratitude to the driver , insurance

Reviewed By SteveP832

Date of tour: September 2019. Booking process: Booking the tour was very easy. Alovaddin answered all my questions quickly, suggested an itinerary and adjusted it to suit our start/end points and flight times. Excellent service. Arrival and departure: Our guide( Zikriyo), and our driver (Sher) met us at the Uzbekistan border as planned. Easy to organise. At the end of the trip they took us to the airport at 4am. We were more than happy to get a taxi, but they insisted on driving us. Sums up their attitude throughout. Thanks Zikriyo and Sher. Tour: Superb tour. Our guide and driver were excellent. Our guide spoke good English, was very knowledgable and made the trip fun. We enjoyed talking to him about Tajikistan, its history, his life and family. Our trip included Penjikent, Shing Valley (7 lakes), Noffin, Marghib, Pskan (Yagnob valley), Saratog (Iskanderkul) and Dushanbe. A particular highlight was the short walk and overnight homestay in Pskan. The homestays and guesthouses were all comfortable, the food was good and plentiful. The length of travelling on each day was well planned. We had plenty of time to explore on the way and at the evening destination. It wasn't rushed so we could get the most of our trip, whether it was a bit of hiking, meeting the locals, or just relaxing as the sun set. Overall we had a wonderful trip, that showed off some of the best countryside that Tajikistan has to offer. Highly recommended. Thanks Alovaddin, Zikriyo and Sher!

4. Historical and Cultural Exploration: Bishkek City Tour

148 Kiev St, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan New Way Service
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Bishkek is the cultural center of Kyrgyzstan, where you will find many years of Russian influence. Bishkek has numerous cultural and religious sites that are worthy of exploring. “Bishkek City Tour” will visit various sites that display the historical and cultural development of Kyrgyzstan, including Ala Too Square, The Manas Sculptural Complex, Kyrgyz State Philharmonic, Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Theater of Opera and Ballet, Ala Too Cinema, Victory Park and many others. Upon request, you can extend the tour an extra 2 hours so as to visit Osh Bazaar or DorDoi Bazaar. Osh Bazaar is popular for buying local products and souvenirs, whereas DorDoi Bazaar is the largest market in Central Asia. The above package is only a reference, each group can specify its requirement.

Inclusions: English, Chinese or Russian speaking guide; All necessary transportation; Entrance fee for sites

Exclusions: Personal insurance; Meals; Any other activity charges not mentioned in the program

Reviewed By Kenneth L

I've visited countries like Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, Canada and Maldives. But this was the first time for me, my wife and friends to visit countries in Central Asia. I'd like to say thank you to "New Way Service" and left me a smooth and impressive memory. No problem for us to enter these countries at all. I visited Almaty and Bishkek in June, early summer time, it was hot and dry in day time but a bit cool in night time. We stayed few days in Almaty and Bishkek city, we took the metro there and tried a lot of local food. And the most impressive thing was we took photos with hawk at the Kok-Tobe, highest point of the city in Almaty. Even though my friends wore thick gloves, he told me he still can feel the hawk grip his forearm. We took one day to the Fairy Tale Canyon, the landscape is so amazing and beautiful. I brought my new drone, Mavic air to there and took a lots of good things. Issyk-Kul Lake, it's a very relaxing place, the hostel is just few mins walking distance from the lake. Also, one funny thing was, we watched the first World Cup match there, Russia vs Saudi Arabia. The hostel owner, tour guide and we all supported Russian team and finally won. We enjoyed so much.

5. A stunning Bishkek city tour

Ventura Tours Kyrgyzstan
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A great city tour that will immerse you into the vibrant life of Bishkek and Kyrgyz culture. Our experienced and informative guide will give you a nice company and the comfortable vehicle will make your tour even more convenient. Get acquainted with Bishkek in the best way possible!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, English speaking guide, Admissions

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By JojitDXB

It’s a wonderful experience! Scenery is breathtaking. It’s a long drive but we didn’t get bored because our tour guide Ash is very knowledgeable and accommodating. Highly recommended.

6. The perfect day: Ala Archa National Park + Bishkek city tour

Ventura Tours Kyrgyzstan
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Squeeze the best from this 1 day tour by mixing a stunning mountain hiking in the National Park with a cultural enlightenment in Bishkek along with getting a sense of the Kyrgyz cuisine in the national restaurant. Today you will treat your body, stomach and soul to the most beautiful extent!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, English speaking guide, Trekking poles , Complimentary lunch at the national restaurant, Admissions

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Reviewed By JojitDXB

It’s a wonderful experience! Scenery is breathtaking. It’s a long drive but we didn’t get bored because our tour guide Ash is very knowledgeable and accommodating. Highly recommended.

7. The ancient Burana Tower + Bishkek city tour, 1 day

Ventura Tours Kyrgyzstan
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Looking for an exciting way to see the modern Bishkek city? But still wanna get to know the old Kyrgyz heritage as well? - This combined one day tour has got you covered! Today you will get through the most beautiful places of Bishkek, visit the 11th century famous tower, try out the national food and much more!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, English speaking guide , Lunch at the national restaurant , Admissions

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Reviewed By JojitDXB

It’s a wonderful experience! Scenery is breathtaking. It’s a long drive but we didn’t get bored because our tour guide Ash is very knowledgeable and accommodating. Highly recommended.

8. Immense and breathtaking Issyk Kul lake in 1day

Ventura Tours Kyrgyzstan
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This brilliant 1 day tour is an absolute gem for those who want to see one of the most beautiful lakes in the world but has a limited time in Kyrgyzstan. When gliding along the endless blue water on the boat you will admit that the distance you’ve just gone through to get here was absolutely worth it! Today you will feed your soul at the sites like Burana Tower, Historical museum and Rukh Ordo, try the national cuisine and make lifetime memories on the lake itself!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, English speaking guide, Lunch, Admissions: Tower, museums, boat ride.

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Reviewed By Jenn_Dos

Great way to spend your day in Bishkek especially if you have limited timeframe and energy to arrange everything yourself after a long night flight. Relaxed walking tour around the nice authentic Soviet city and gorgeous Ala-Archa mountains with full attention to your interests and wishes. Don't expect to hear a lot about the history, but this is more about impressions and sense of place. Special thanks to Ash for doing it in Russian first time, and worthy dining recommnedations.

9. 2 Days Best of Kyrgyz Canyons

Feel Nomad
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4.9 based on 7 reviews

This 2-day tour is a great combination of differernt experiences. This unique offer includes the most beatiful places and at the same time not very well promoted but great scenic canyons, which are totally different one from another. You will experience hiking, local cuisine, the most beautiful views and yurt stay just having short 2-day trip.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner

Exclusions: International airfares to and from Bishkek, Travel insurance, Any meals or snacks not included in itinerary, Alcoholic beverages., Optional activities.

Reviewed By Nomiiiii

Feel Nomad is a great, professional, well-run company with reliable cars and english speaking guides who love to hike and explore as much as you do. I did the Canyons trip, along with extra days at Karakol and Ala Archa and it was all great. They were flexible with the itinerary based on my interests and mood, had great local knowledge, were able to setup yurt stays and guesthouse stays which typically would be harder for non Russian speakers to arrange, easy to talk to during the long drives, and best of all they were great at all the intense hiking Overall highly recommended specially if you want a nature/hiking/adventure focused tour when in Kyrgyzstan

10. Ala-Archa National Park and kyrgyz cooking master show. Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan

Solto Holidays
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Get inspired:  • Ala-Archa Walking Tour • Cooking master Show  On this tour you are going to visit: 1) Ala-Archa National Park. Just 50 minutes from Bishkek we have beautiful National Park - "Ala-Archa" Enjoy views of the Ala-Archa that is 30 km from Bishkek, where you will see glaciers on the top of mountains. By the way to National Park, you can also see the life of people that live in a city and in a village. 2) Feel local life by visiting local house and learn how to cook traditional food. We are going to drive to the village and visit one family that lives in a village. You are going to discover how to cook traditional dishes. Local families will also glad to make the excursion to their farm and garden. 3) Osh Bazaar is one of the colorful bazar in Bishkek. The price there is lower than in other places because of that it would be a good place for visiting and buying some dried fruits, nuts and trying it.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Dinner, Local guide, Round-trip shared transfer, National Park fees, Local taxes

Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Food and drinks, unless specified, Lunch

Reviewed By Frankie_lam

Aidana was super helpful and professional! She helped arrange my 6-day solo tour in Kyrgyzstan based on my own personal preferences, travel style and budget. She was very informative and knowledgeable about her home country Kyrgyzstan. If you plan to visit this beautiful part of the grand Silk Road, I greatly recommend you reach out to Solto Holidays in order to get the most affordable package, which is bundled with excellent customer service and lots of flexibility.

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