What to do and see in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: The Best Bus Tours

January 5, 2022 Phylicia Berquist

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. Silk Road discovery: Burana Tower and Cholpon-Ata

WOODEN Brand, Wooden Brand, 84 Toktogul Street, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan New Way Service
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• 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.

2. 14 Days Overland expedition around Kyrgyzstan

Feel Nomad
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This tour of Kyrgyzstan is designed to be a fun, interesting and culturally fascinating experience, with a big focus on outdoor adventures. This brand new 14-day tour of Kyrgyzstan will start off in the surprisingly cosmopolitan ex-Soviet city of Bishkek, before heading into the mountains at Chong Kemin. We’ll then drive to the high alpine lake of Song Kul, where we will have the chance to go horse trekking and hiking around the lake, and learn more about the nomadic shepherds that call this area home. Staying in a yurt is a real Kyrgyz experience that you’re sure to love. The next stop is Tong, on the edge of Issyk Kul. We’ll spend a few days taking part in eagle hunting demonstrations, learning how to build a yurt and checking out some traditional folklore shows. Afterwards it’s onto Karakol, with a detour through the rock formations at Fairytale Canyon and the Seven Bulls. The next destination of Jyrgalan is sure to become one of your favourite places on the planet.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, Two litres of bottled or filtered water per person, per day. Entrance fees to museums

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

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. Kyrgyzstan Experiencing Nomadic Culture: 4 Days Issyk-Kul Lake Round Tour

New Way Service
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This tour covers all those important sites and famous cities around Issyk-Kul lake, and tourists will experience the traditional nomadic culture. We will first visit the Burana Tower, which is located along the important branch of the Silk Road. It is now UNESCO World heritage. In Cholpon-Ata, we will visit the World Nomad Games, the open-air museum of petroglyphs, Issyk-Kul State Historical and Cultural Museum. In Karakol, you will find The Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Dungan Mosque; it is also a famous hiking and skiing base. Also we will visit Jety Oguz gorge, Barskoon gorge and Fairy Tale Canyon. You will also experience the traditional nomadic culture in eagle hunting observation, visit to horse breeding farm. Upon request, tourist group can also stay in Yurt. Each group can specify its requirement. There are many other local attractions around Issyk-Kul Lake (for example, hotsprings, traditional handcrafted workshop, visiting traditional Dungan village, etc.)

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, English, Chinese or Russian speaking guide; Transportation throughout the journey; Entrance fee

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

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.

4. 4 days Tour to Son Kul - SouthShore of Issyk-kul - Karakol

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Feel Nomad
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The most popular multy-day tour around the most beautiful lakes of Kyrgyzstan Combination of visiting great nature and local people along with yurt stay

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Fuel surcharge, Meals, Accommodation

Exclusions: Alcohol drinks

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

5. We offer best tours in Kyrgyzstan and other travel services.

Chuy Avenue, Kalik Akiev, Chui, Chuy Ave, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Bishkek Free Tour - Day Tours
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It is a fantastic way to learn about the Bishkek's and Kyrgyzstan's main sight, culture, lifestyle, and history. We have tours running several days a week, so you can make the most of your stay in Kyrgyzstan.

Inclusions: Lunch, Private transportation

Exclusions: Everything what not include to tour program

Reviewed By Jordi L

We went there 2 days (both booked previously , but the first one we arrived 5 min late so we thought maybe they had already started) and no sign of the guide. Next day we met 3 girls waiting as well and again no guide. Cancel this tour already please, you can check the reviews on freetour webpage, trip advisor, etc., The guide is not showing up anymore so dont waste time nor money getting there

6. A stunning Bishkek city tour

Ventura Tours Kyrgyzstan
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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.

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

Ventura Tours Kyrgyzstan
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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.

8. Burana Tower and Konorchek Canyons

Visit Bishkek
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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.

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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

9. Ala-Archa National Park 1 day tour

Solto Holidays
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​The Ala- Archa National Park is in Tian Shan mountain and perfect place for hiking and located just 30 km from Bishkek. It is good for hiking or camping surrounded by an impressive view on high rocky peaks that can be climbed and beautiful rivers to enjoy. On that tour, you can choose because after arrival to Ala-Archa National Park there is a choice between hiking to Ala-Archa waterfall or just walking for one hour till river divided. In addition, Ala-Archa National Park is in the first place thing to do by Trip Advisor. If you come to Kyrgyzstan, visit Ala-Archa will be good decision for you.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Guide, Dinner, 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.

10. 7 Days Essential Beauties of Son Kul and Issyk Kul

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Discover Natural wonders of Kyrgyzstan. Alpine lakes Son Kul and Issyk Kul, Barskoon Waterfalls, Red canyon, Majestic mountains, Spectacular valley with natural hot springs. Activities: Eagle show, horse riding , yurt stay, home stay, kyrgyz traditional food, hiking. Tasting local dishes. Its as local Kyrgyz expericence as it can get.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By ChrisSauz

a private trip for 6 of us , in 2 large confortable four wheels drive cars, we experienced Kyrgyzstan, coached by Mars and Tahal , our host and our driver. from Bishkek where we had our first taste of loacal cusine , to our trip around the Karakul lac, we were blessed to be there during the Nomade games. Such a beauty , yurts in the plateau in high altitude, colorfull costumes , and horse acrobatics, were some of the events we had witnessed. Aside of the games, we wnet up mountains, stay in Yurts, have wonderful time in seclude lodges , and enjoyed horse ridding . Not to forget expereinced picknic prepared by our hosts , along a mountain stream , alone , just us , such a private trip. We went up high in the mountain, top of a sky resort, and we did that with the crew operating the lifts , kind enough to start the whole thing for just 6 of us. Unforgettable. I wish to many to try , hoping that these pristine places will remain so for a long time. Thanks Mars and Tahal, we will not forget you (how , we took more than photos) and hope that we may again come to this still virgin country

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