City: Bishkek
Top Things to do in Bishkek
What to do and see in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours
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
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.
2. Bishkek city walking tour
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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
Overall Ratings
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. A stunning Bishkek city tour
Overall Ratings
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.
5. Historical and Cultural Exploration: Bishkek City Tour
Overall Ratings
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.
6. 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.
7. 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
8. 2 days of West Chui Valley Beauties
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Unique tour of Ancient Burana Tower, Kegeti gorge, waterfall. Konorchek Canyons. Hiking or Horseriding. Day 1: We will drive to Burana Tower from Bishkek (70kms). Visit the ancient tower, climb it. Tour surrounding mausoleums and ancient statues. Visit museum where historic artefact and items are displayed. Drive to Kegeti Gorge (50kms). Its beatuful gorge with river, alpine forest along the mountains and meadows. We will visit Waterfall, have picnic, take photos. Then Drive to Chon Kemin Valley (80 kms). Arrive for dinner at local guets house by the alpine forest and mountains. We will have local food for dinner. Overnight stay at the guest house. Day 2: After breakfast we either go hiking to nearby mountain forest along the river or ride horses on request. We will climb the panoramic point, take pictures, rest then go back to guest house. By noon drive to Konorchek canyon (50kms). On the way have lunch. Its short hike 2.5 kms to the canyon. Enjoy the views then go back to Bishkek.
Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Zlin12345
Went on a private tour with my family, 6 of us in 2 four-wheel drives. Mas and Tahir were friendly, helpful and organised, and ensured that our trip went smoothly without a hitch. The hotel and restaurant bookings were part of the package. We tried the local cuisine, including horse milk! Mas and Tahir also prepared wonderful picnic lunches for us to enjoy in the valleys. Some of the lodgings were tied to unforgettable experiences such as horse riding through the mountainous areas of Chon Kemin. Staying in yurts was an eye-opening experience for sure. We were also very fortunate to watch the Nomadic Games, which attracted many locals in beautiful traditional outfits. I am in awe of the untouched beauty Kyrgyzstan has to offer (Jety Oguz, Issyk Kul) and will definitely want to visit Kyrgyzstan with Atlas’ experienced tour guide Mas.
9. 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.
10. The Heart of Kyrgyzstan
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 6 reviews
The Kyrgyz land is a place of the untouched wild nature where the people from ancient times still keep their traditions, customs, and culture. In the mountains, you can meet the modern nomads who do not change their lifestyle for centuries. Their simple life can go into the yurt, a felt house that Kyrgyz nomads set so skillfully and decorate it with such love by multi-colored carpets. A lot of incredible discoveries and positive impressions expect you during this trip.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Eagle Hunting, Yurt production
Exclusions: Single room supplement , Porters for baggage in hotels and airport, Early check in, Alcohol
Reviewed By solana1985
We rented a 4x4 to Travel Land to drive across Kyrgyzstan. It’s been a great service by a team of professionals! They have been really supportive during our trip. I fully recommend them.
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