City: Bishkek
Top Things to do in Bishkek
Top 10 Day Trips from in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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. Tour to the medieval Burana tower
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Interesting tour for history lovers. You will visit one of the ancient buildings in Kyrgyzstan, explore the surrounding area, walk among the ancient stone sculptures and get acquainted with archaeological finds in a small museum. The tour will last about five hours.
Inclusions: Transport service, Accompanying guide services
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By 763trinas
I had planned a trip to Bishkek and booked three day trips with Show Me Bishkek. Sadly I had to cancel my trip (due to a recent surgery) but their customer service (Diana) has been amazing. I am looking forward to rebooking with them as soon as I am able, as if their service on the ground is anywhere near as good as their customer service, it’s going to be one great trip!
2. Silk Road discovery: Burana Tower and Cholpon-Ata
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
• Visit the Burana Tower (about 80km from Bishkek), which marks the original site of the Karakhanid town, Balasagun. Located along the important branch of the Silk Road, Burana Tower is a UNESCO World heritage site. Surrounding the tower you can also find ruins of Balasagun. • The tower was originally 45m high, however over centuries, a number of earthquakes damaged the structure of the tower, and it now remains 25m high. • Continue driving to Issyk-Kul Lake, and visit a city of the north shore – Cholpon-Ata, where the World Nomad Games (also known as “Olympics for Nomads”) are held. There you will find an open-air museum of petroglyphs, Issyk-Kul State Historical and Cultural Museum, as well as sandy beaches and springs. • The above package is only a reference, each group can specify its requirement.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch
Reviewed By burtourist
Easy and highly supportive booking by mail. Nice driver/guide with very good knowledge of Bishkek. Extremely reliabe, always on time, or earlier. I used the company also for airport transfers . It was a good decision, as it was relatively cheap, and one could avoid all the bad airport hassle with taxi drivers.
3. The ancient Burana Tower + Bishkek city tour, 1 day
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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.
4. Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyons
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
The most amazing sights of Chui valley in one day! We offer a very convenient and informative full-day tour. It is 100 % private service provided by verified experienced guides and reliable drivers. We are flexible with timing and try to show as much as possible during our tours.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, On the way to the canyons we will stop to have lunch. National flatbread with soar cream and tea boiled in russian samovar with unique taste.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Manuel C
Such an amazing lake where you can relax, swim and enjoy with your friends and family, I know 'cause I experienced it in Lake Issyk-Kul. Crystal clear water surrounded by trees and mountains it's like a piece of heaven. Thanks to our Mr. Aibek our tour guide for recommending this place during our visit at Kyrgyzstan
5. Immense and breathtaking Issyk Kul lake in 1day
Overall Ratings
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.
Exclusions:
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.
6. 1 day of amazing trip of hiking to Kol-Tor. Kyrgyzstan.
I prepared such tour program in which you can see life of local people, enjoy kyrgyz food and spend good time in Kyrgyzstan. This Tour is for people who want to see real Kyrgyzstan and get a knowledge about how to cook kyrgyz food, tradition and culture. And also for people who realy enjoy with pure nature and flowers (for example in Son-Kul you can see Edelweiss)
Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Guide
Exclusions:
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.
7. Kol Tor lake
Kol Tor lake is located not far from Bishkek, 80km to drive to Kegeti gorge and 6km to trek to the lake, approximately take 2-3 hour to get to the lake from 1850m above sea level and hike up to 2720m. 900m. Its surounded by the Tien Shan ranges make THE LAKE MORE BEAUTIFUL! Trekking through the green meadows and on a trial.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By pblk06
Amazing trek -- a bit of everything in terms of weather, awesome views, learned how to play Uno in Kyrgyz
8. Fairy Tale Canyon and Barskoon Waterfall
You will visit one of the most stunning and popular site in the country, filled with spectacular sandstone shapes will make you recognize Martian sceneries. The trip also includes visit to amazing waterfall in the Barskoon Gorge.
Inclusions: Bottled water, WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reviewed By PandaHouston
I contacted BEX via email and the responses were very quick which I really appreciated. I arranged for a driver to pick us up at the Korday Border in Kazakhstan to drop us off at our hotel in Almaty - DoubleTree Almaty. We paid 2600 som in cash. Initially they sent me the driver information with the name, phone number, car type and license plate. Then they changed the driver the day before. On the day we crossed the border from Kyrgyzstan, I could not find our driver so I emailed BEX and they changed the driver yet again and we had to wait 10 minutes for him to show up. We were told the original driver got sick. The car they used was an older Mercedes but it was quite comfortable. The drive took 3.5 hours because there was some road construction. When we walked out to Korday, there were actually ALOT of drivers asking if we wanted to go to Almaty. We even had someone say he would take us for 10000 tenge which is quite a bit less than what we actually paid. So if you don't mind negotiating a bit, you can get a car pretty easily. However, if you want peace of mind, I would recommend BEX. When I contacted other companies, it was actually quite a bit more.
9. Relax for a day in Chon-Kemin
National Park Chon-Kemin is one of picturesque areas with diverse flora and fauna and beautiful gorges. Here everyone can find for himself activity of his interest: hiking, swimming, horse riding, rafting, master classes etc. All these will give you relaxation and energy and keep unforgettable memories from this trip.
Inclusions: Entrance fee to swimming pool for whole day, Water during the tour (1 liter per day per person) , Private transportation
Exclusions: Airfare, Visa, Insurance and airport taxes, Tips and Porterage, All items of personal nature and also food and drinks not forming part of the touring group's menu
Reviewed By coop1578
I originally had reserved a different tour, but when my friend and I decided to choose a closer destination to Bishkek, it wasn’t a problem for them to arrange a personalized itinerary that fit our needs! We hiked the Kegety Gorge to Lake Koltor with our awesome guide Rahkat. We then stayed overnight at the base of the gorge, and returned to Bishkek in the morning after stopping at Burana tower. It was exactly what we were looking for in a tour. Rahkat was very informative, he is an economics major in university so he was well versed in some of the challenges facing the country. Would definitely do another trip with this company again! The hike was a fairly challenging endeavor. I would call myself moderately fit, I exercise on a regular basis, but the climb is difficult and the change in altitude is also challenging. I would only recommend this for people who are fit, and would like a strenuous hike, the views are totally worth it!
10. Paragliding in Bishkek and excursion to Ata-Beyit
Paraglide over Bishkek surroundings for bird's eye views during the 5-minutes tandem adventure. Meet your expert paragliding instructor. Soar through the air like a bird, admining spectaclular mountain and valley views from a completely new prospective. Land back and walk away from your flight with a zip drive of the photos and video of your flight. After the flight you will have an excursion to Ata-Beyit Memorial Complex
Inclusions: Flying with paragliding (5-10 min) , Video shooting of the flight, Water during the tour (1 liter per day per person) , Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Tips and Porterage, All items of personal nature and also food and drinks not forming part of the touring group's menu
Reviewed By coop1578
I originally had reserved a different tour, but when my friend and I decided to choose a closer destination to Bishkek, it wasn’t a problem for them to arrange a personalized itinerary that fit our needs! We hiked the Kegety Gorge to Lake Koltor with our awesome guide Rahkat. We then stayed overnight at the base of the gorge, and returned to Bishkek in the morning after stopping at Burana tower. It was exactly what we were looking for in a tour. Rahkat was very informative, he is an economics major in university so he was well versed in some of the challenges facing the country. Would definitely do another trip with this company again! The hike was a fairly challenging endeavor. I would call myself moderately fit, I exercise on a regular basis, but the climb is difficult and the change in altitude is also challenging. I would only recommend this for people who are fit, and would like a strenuous hike, the views are totally worth it!
