Bishkek
Bishkek is the capital of the republic, the main city where tourists go for shopping, as well as for sightseeing, both within Bishkek and in its suburbs.
- Andyeducation: Introduction to education system in Kyrgyzstan, including compulsory schooling and higher education.
Attractions
It is believed that there are very few attractions in Bishkek itself, but this is not entirely true. Tours of the city, excluding the legendary markets and shops, often begin with a tour of the Opera House, the National Historical Museum and the Museum of Art.
Outside the capital, the Krasnorechensk settlement and the historical complex of Uzgen (not to be confused with the city!) and its buildings of the 11th-12th centuries are of interest.
Shopping
It is not for nothing that Bishkek is called the city of markets, however, there are only 4 of them, but every tourist should know the names of places where you can buy cheap and a lot:
- Alamedin market;
- Oltosai market;
- Market Dordoi;
- Market Oshkiy.
It is even easier with the shopping streets of the Kyrgyz capital – they are also the main avenues of the city, where the largest number of shops, boutiques and other shopping areas are concentrated:
- Soviet street;
- Manas street;
- Chui Avenue;
- Akhunbaev street.
Issyk-Kul
Issyk-Kul – the region of the famous lake – is the territory where most of the tourists come to rest in Kyrgyzstan. Nearby are starting points for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
Beaches
Conventionally, the beaches of the legendary lake are divided into two zones – northern and southern. Most of the locals prefer to relax on the northern shores, so in the summer it is not overcrowded. Of the best resort villages, tourists call Cholpon-Ata.
The southern coast of Issyk-Kul is cleaner, and even in summer there are not so many people here. The most popular beaches in this area are in the village of Kaji-Say.
Karakol
Karakol is the main ski resort in Kyrgyzstan. Only in the last 5 years the city has reached the European level of service and preparation of tracks.
Skiing
The Karakol resort is considered one of the best Central Asian places for skiing and snowboarding. In Soviet times, it was a semi-closed facility for training the Olympic team, and now there are 5 modern chair lifts serving 8 tracks – from “green” to “black”.
Jalal-Abad
Jalal-Abad was once an all-Union health resort, but today it is a strong balneological resort that continues to attract thousands of guests, not only for treatment, but also for recreation in one of the hottest cities in the country.
Treatment
Until now, the largest sanatorium in the republic for 450 beds has been operating on the territory of Jalal-Abad, combining balneology and mud therapy with modern methods of preventing and getting rid of a whole range of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and reproductive system.
Souvenirs
Felt shoes
Felt is one of the main export goods of the country, and products from it are known far beyond the borders of the republic. Felt boots are not made here because of the warm climate, but open slippers are a very popular souvenir.
Bishkek knitwear
Tags with such an inscription can be found in stores throughout Russia, but in their homeland, clothes made in local factories are much cheaper.
Women’s scarves
You don’t have to be a Muslim to buy these products. In good weather, a scarf made of natural fabrics protects from heat, and in winter – from cold and wind.
Kumys
A truly legendary drink of Asian peoples is also very popular in Kyrgyzstan
Kurut
Appetizer made from dried goat cheese. Thanks to the cooking technology, it remains suitable for consumption for more than a year
Visa and customs
Russian citizens do not need a visa when entering the territory of Kyrgyzstan. If you have a passport, tourists have the right to stay in the country for up to 60 days every six months.
If you need a long stay, you must apply for a Kyrgyz tourist visa – it will allow you to stay in the republic for up to 90 days.
Read more about the customs rules and regulations of Kyrgyzstan here.
