Bishkek

Bishkek (Бишкек), the capital and largest city in Kyrgyzstan, sits at the foothills of the Tien Shan mountain range in the Chui Valley. It is a relatively new city and has few historical sites, but it makes a great place to start your trips to the mountains and alpine lakes of the Tien Shan mountains. Bishkek is an interesting example of a Soviet planned city; laid on a grid with wide boulevards flanked by irrigation canals and large trees, buildings with marble façades, and Soviet apartment complexes. Bishkek has a delightful nightlife, and the people are friendly and very hospitable. Bishkek is a city of many young people that hang out in clubs and small cafes. Kyrgyzstan has the most liberal tourist visa regime in Central Asia, so Bishkek can be a great place to start a tour of the Silk Road and collect your visas to neighbouring countries.

Its population was approximately 1,070,000 as of 2021.

Understand

Bishkek
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       26     3 −7       34     5 −5       55     11 0       67     19 6       61     24 11       34     29 16       21     32 18       13     31 16       19     26 11       45     18 5       42     11 0       35     5 −5 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       1     38 19       1.3     41 23       2.2     52 33       2.6     65 44       2.4     74 52       1.3     84 60       0.8     89 64       0.5     88 62       0.7     78 52       1.8     64 41       1.7     52 32       1.4     41 23 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

History

Bishkek was founded when the Uzbek khan of Kokand built a small clay fort by a settlement on a tributary of the Chuy River in 1825, to connect up several stop-off points on the Silk Road through the Tian Shan mountains. In 1862 it was captured and trashed by Russians, before they set up their own garrison. Russian peasants were soon lured here by land grants and the fertile soil of the Chuy Valley.

The renamed town of Frunze became capital of the new Kyrgyz ASSR in 1926, but it was renamed Bishkek (the Kyrgyz form of its old Kazakh name, Pishpek) in 1991.

Climate

Bishkek has a temperate continental climate. The city is drab and grey in the winter, and smog is a major issue. Summer is often hot and clear, while spring and autumn are rainier. While Bishkek can be enjoyed at any time of the year with the appropriate clothing, the mountains which most tourists come for are usually only accessible between May and September.

See graph/information to the right.

Get in

By plane

• 1 Bishkek Manas International Airport (FRU  ^IATA) (20 km north of city centre). International flights, which mostly come and go at very early hours of the morning, connect Moscow SVO & DME, St Petersburg, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Istanbul IST & SAW, Ulaanbaatar, Almaty, Dushanbe, Tashkent, Ürümqi, Tehran, Isfahan, Mashad, Delhi, Dubai, and Islamabad. Domestic flights serve Batken, Jalal-Abad, Kazarman, Kerben and Osh. The airport is not modern, but fairly efficient. There are ATMs and several small cafes and convenience shops open around the clock. Keep your baggage tag receipt handy as it may be checked by Security to make sure you have picked up the correct baggage. Likewise keep your boarding pass, Customs occasionally ask to see them. (updated Oct 2019)

Getting there & away:

• Marshrutka 380 runs downtown. The fare is 70 som (May 2024), and they sometimes charge an extra 10 som for baggage. It leaves from just outside Arrivals. Downtown the 2 marshrutka 380 stop is on Jash Gvardiya just north of Chuy. Service runs only daytime from about 6:40 to early evening.
• There is a new bus service run by GoBus company. Their stop is in front of Manas terminal opposite of where #380 stops. Schedule depends on the day and should correspond to flight departures. Their stops are more centrally located (Ala-Too, Philharmonic, Vefa, ...) compared to #380. Schedule from airport is frequently changed and not so reliable. Ticket is 200 som and can be booked through their app (only in Russian and Kyrgyz), there is also a chat link to book and get support in English.
• A taxi to and from the city centre should not exceed 500 som, but you'll have to negotiate from a much higher price, especially if it's very early in the morning. If you share a taxi the price should be 150 som per person.
• To & from Kazakhstan, the airport is so close to the border that you're better taking a taxi between airport and border post where you can pick up a marshrutka, e.g. on Highway A2 for Almaty, rather than going via Bishkek center.

By train

• 3 Bishkek-1 (way out in the west of the city). (updated Oct 2019)
• 4 Bishkek-2 (1.5 km south of Ala Too Square). This station is usually more convenient to go from. It has a left luggage office; there's a cafe in the square outside, where Frunze sits on horseback bombarded by pigeons. (updated Oct 2019)

Domestic

There is a train between Bishkek and Balykchy, which lies on the western edge of Issyk Kul lake. It starts in Bishkek, from Bishkek-1 at 06:25 and Bishkek-2 at 06:40 (as of Sep 2018). The return trip starts at 17:08 in Balykchy.

The latter train also stops in Tokmok (for the Burana Tower).

International

From Almaty there is a train, but it is much quicker to come by road, as the railway has to swing clear of the mountains so you'd have to change and double back from Lugovaya.

From Tashkent there is a direct train Jun-Sep, which runs once a week. It leaves Thursday evening and takes 20 hr via Shymkent and Lugovaya, continuing from Bishkek-2 to Balykchy (aka Rybache) on Lake Issyk Kul. It returns west on Saturday morning. At other times of year you have to change at Taraz or Lugovaya; there may be a very long wait.

From Moscow Kazanskaya a direct train runs twice a week (late evening Th & Sa), taking just over 3 days to Bishkek-2 station via Samara, Aktobe, Kyzlorda, Shymkent, and Taraz in Kazakhstan. There are several other connections via Petropavl, Nur-Sultan or Almaty. The return direct train departs from Bishkek-2 on M & W mornings.

By bus

• 5 Western Bus Station (besides others, local marshrutkas 133 and 344 run between the Western and Eastern Bus Station). Serves most western and south western destinations in Kyrgyzstan, but also Taraz and Almaty. (updated Oct 2018)
• 6 Eastern Bus Station (besides others, local marshrutkas 133 and 344 run between the Western and Eastern Bus Station). Serves all eastern destinations including Karakol and Kochkor. (updated Oct 2018)
• 7 Alamedin Bazaar (many marshrutkas go by Alamedin Bazaar: 134, 137, 147, 258, 285). Has marshrutkas from/to the Kyrgyz/Kazakh border (25-30 som) and from/to the begin of Alamedin Gorge (25 som). The marshrutkas to the gorge start from across from Mysi Jaliliya 152. The marshrutkas to the border stop on the northern side of the junction next to the bazaar, towards the border. Several marshrutkas lines go to the border, but they usually have таможеня written on their destination sign or shout it out when stopping. Sometimes even private drivers are willing to take people (~70-100 som per person), beside the annoying taxi drivers waiting here too of course. (updated Oct 2018)
• 8 Ala-Archa National Park bus stop. 08:15, 10:50, 13:30, 16:15 to Ala-Archa and back afterwards. Marshrutka 265 runs from/to here. If not, try 9 one road further north. (updated Oct 2018)

Specific destinations:

• From Osh. There are no normal buses between Bishkek and Osh. The Bishkek-Osh highway is a narrow mountainous road in a good condition, and big buses or marshrutkas are not allowed to cross the Tor-Ashu and Ala-Bel Passes. The most popular option is a shared taxi departing from the taxi stand near the Bazaar in Osh, (or from the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek until 20:00-21:00 in the opposite direction). You better start in the morning, not to miss the great view along the road. Try to reserve the front seat, even by paying a hundred som more, because the driver will squeeze 3 passengers in the back seat. In 2018 the price was 1,500-1,700 som per person.
  A more comfortable overnight option is the cargo-passenger minivan ('busik', ‘бусик’) from Kara-Su market, which is located 30 km from the center of Osh. Shared vans or taxis between Kara-Su and Osh are frequent and cost 30-40 som. In Bishkek, the minivans arrive at the Dordoi Bazaar. The price is only 500-700 som, they have comfortable sleeping bunks, but windows are small and you will pass most beautiful scenery in the night. Minivans depart daily between 15:00 and 18:00. You don't have to book seats in advance: just come there and choose the car and the driver you like.
  It is also possible to buy a seat from a truck for about 500 som. The truck leave the bazaar in Osh daily at 15:00.
  The return journey is described here: Osh#Get in. (updated Aug 2018)
• From Almaty in Kazakhstan. Bishkek is about a 3½ hr drive from Almaty, though traffic and border congestion can easily push it to 5½ hr. The highway (A2) is still being rebuilt in 2022: most sections have a good surface, but there are grinding stretches of rough track where you might think "If this is a silk road, let's stick to lycra". In Almaty a marshrutka from Sairan bus station costs 2,500 tenge in 2022—usually from Bay 1 but staff will direct you. The Marshrutka is likely a full sized bus for this trip. There is often a rest stop at a petrol station an hour from the border. At the border you disembark with all your luggage and walk through: first Kazakh immigration exit, then cross the river bridge, then Kyrgyz immigration entry. The whole procedure takes barely 10 min but there can be long tailbacks to approach the border, then to get into the control post. You will still get through much quicker than the marshrutka itself, assuming it's an inter-city through service. If it doesn't cross, a connecting marshrutka will continue from the other side, often picking up additional passengers. Keep your ticket with you and keep an eye out for the people on your ride, to locate the correct vehicle. The marshrutka will run to Bishkek Western Bus Station.
  If you miss your ride or if it is already full, simply find the turnaround space for local marshrutkas, which will take you to the city for 30 som. Only consider a taxi if you're heading for Bishkek Manas Airport, since it's nearby and there's no need to go into the city. There are also shared taxis (1,500 tenge per person in 2019) and unofficial marshrutkas (1,000 tenge) from near Almaty Sairan bus station to the border. There used to be a direct bus from Almaty airport but this no longer runs. For the return journey see Almaty#Get in.
  As of 2023, bus departs at 08:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 18:00. You can call anytime of day to get an updated schedule. The website is in Russian but you can use a translator. Have your accommodations call if you don’t speak Russian. For some reason, this route isn’t listed on the website, but it does indeed exist. (updated Sep 2022)
• To/From Taraz (Kazakhstan). There are also additional long distance road connections from/to Taraz, Kazakhstan, connecting Shymkent & Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 
• From Kashgar (China). Truly adventuresome travelers may want to attempt to get to Bishkek via the Chinese/Kyrgyz frontier crossing over the Torugart Pass. The pass connects Kashgar via an important route that runs along what was once the ancient Silk Road, linking Western China with the heart of Central Asia. The pass tops off at a height of 3,752 m and is known as one of the most frustrating passes in Central Asia, as both sides can be closed for holidays, early snowfall, or for other unknown reasons. Only attempt this route if you have time and your patience can handle it. You will need a special permit to cross the border at Torugart. For easier crossing from China, go first to Osh through the Irkeshtam Pass. In there you will find a bunch of people offering rides on the Kyrgyz side of the border. Bargain with them hard as they might suggest US$100 for the trip to Osh from the beginning, in 2018 they settled for 3,500 som for the trip to Osh but could probably have gone lower. (updated Aug 2018)

Get around

By bus

Checkout the 2GIS app and website, which is great for finding the right marshrutka or bus number in Bishkek and all over Kyrgyzstan. The service is used extensively by the locals.

Marshrutkas

Kyrgyzstan's capital, like many places in the former Soviet Union, has an extensive network of minibuses, known as Marshrutkas. There are hundreds of mini-buses (marshrutkas) that ply all parts of the city. They generally cost 15 som, 17 som after 21:00. They typically have around 14 seats, with standing room for around ten extra people during busy periods. Marshrutkas are easily identifiable and display their number and basic route information (in Russian) on the front. There is a great English website for checking connections. To flag one down, simply hold out your right hand, parallel to the ground. Once you get on, pay the fare to the driver. When you want to get off say "ah-stah-nah-VEE-tyeh" or simply "Stop". According to the law marshrutkas should stop at bus stops only, but this is only respected if the driver sees a police car. So, in practice you can ask the driver to stop anywhere and he will drop you off at any point on their route.

(Trolley) buses

Bishkek also has a bus and trolleybus system which is less extensive and generally slower. They only stop at designated bus stops and operate only till 22:00. The fare is 11 som in buses and in trolleybuses. Passengers enter at the back door and leave at the front; they pay on exit.

By taxi

There are several private taxi firms in Bishkek that you can easily reach through their three digit numbers including: 150, 152, 154, 156, 166, and 188. Daytime taxis throughout the city are a flat rate of 100 som and 120 som past 22:00. There are also numerous "gypsy cabs" situated at nearly every intersection. While most travellers and long-time expats report no problems, you are cautioned to be aware, especially at night and near nightclubs. Generally tourists use the local taxi services which can be reached through several numbers: 150 Euro (Evro) Taxi, 152 Super Taxi , 156 Express Taxi and 188 Salam Taxi. Before 22:00 most runs in the city are 100 som and afterwards are 120 som.

Many taxis do not use a flat rate, you negotiate a price in advance. Short distance inside city can be 80 som. A taxi for a day can be negotiated. An hour drive to mountain costs about 1,100 som while getting back is usually much more expensive because the driver has to run twice without passengers since during your stay he needs to return to the city to work.

Yandex Taxi is available, it can be ordered using smartphone app.

By bike

Bike shops in town also rent bikes:

• 1 Velo Lider, Moskovska 226. Tu-Sa 10:00-18:00. Knowledgeable and they speak English. (updated Oct 2019)
• 2 Freebike, Kropotkina 91, [email protected]. Especially mountain bikes. (updated Oct 2019)

See

Ala-Too Square

Bishkek is a pleasant city to wander with numerous leafy parks, tall trees, peppered by Soviet era statues and monuments. However there isn't a great deal to see beyond this, and the city can comfortably be 'done' in a day (or two if visiting the suburban markets). Most museums are closed on Mondays.

• 1 Ala-Too Square. The main city square is a vast expanse of concrete that ceased to be called Lenin square in 1991, and is the site of frequent political demonstrations and regular festivals. A statue of Lenin was the focal point until 2003, before he was banished to a much less conspicuous location behind the museum and replaced by a statue of Erkidik (freedom). At night many vendors set up photograph and karaoke booths, and there's a synchronised sound and light show in time with the fountains, however travellers should avoid visiting the square after dark. There is also a military monument with an hourly changing of guards.
  The elegant marching of the soldier can be admired every hour. The ceremony starts about 10 min to the full hour.  
• 2 National Historical Museum, Ala Too Square, Chuy Ave. Closed for rebuilding; normally Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. Three floors, the bottom floor has seasonal exhibits, while the second displays events of the Communist era. The top floor showcases the history and culture of the Kyrgyz people. 300 som. (updated Oct 2019)
• 3 Panfilov Park. While this park may be in need upkeep and renovation, it's a great look into the past when Kyrgyzstan was a part of the Soviet Union. Beware that few of the rides have any safety mechanisms, and the safety mechanisms they may appear to have are probably not functional. The ferris wheel offers a great view of the greater city.  
• Bazaars: they're more for shopping in than for sight-seeing, but see "Buy" descriptions for Osh, Dordoy, Alamedin and Ortosay Bazaars.
• 4 M V Frunze Museum, 364 Ul. Frunze (NE of Parliament, look for cottage enclosed in concrete building)). Tu-Su 09:30-17:30. General Mikhail Frunze (1885-1925) was a World War I and civil war general born in Bishkek, of such renown that the city was named for him until independence. You start on the third floor, which depicts the Red v White communist civil war - Frunze defeated the White leaders Kolchak and Wrangel. The second floor depicts the early Soviet era in Bishkek. Finally on the ground floor you visit the thatched cottage where he spent his early years. 200 som. (updated Oct 2019)
• 5 Russian Orthodox Cathedral (Cathedral of the Resurrection, Воскресенский собор), Jibek Jolu 497 (corner of Togolok Moldo). Exterior of dazzling white and blue, the interior is cluttered by scaffolding as the cupola frescoes are refurbished. The interior is almost too squeaky clean, it hasn't acquired the patina of incense and candle smoke that wraiths traditional Orthodox interiors. With large separate baptistry, and all set in a peaceful compound. (updated Oct 2019)
• 6 Fine Arts Museum "Gapar Aitiev", 196 Yusup Abdrahmanov (opposite Opera House), ☏ +996 312 621 641. Tu-Su 10:00–18:00. Gallery of local art in three sections: local representational art particularly by Turusbehov, Stakhanovite glories of tractors in the steppes, and modern art. 100 som.  
• 7 Victory Square. 24 hours. A large square with monument and eternal flame to commemorate the victory against Nazi Germany in WWII. Free. (updated Jun 2022)

Do

• 1 Zhirgal Banya (Лечебно-Оздоровительный Комплекс Жыргал). You can buy tickets from the ticket office around the side. There's a sauna, ice-cold pool, and for an extra 200 som an attendant will lather you up, scrub you and then hose you down. For those into a little bit of self-flogging, birch branches are available free. Men and women are separate. 150-300 som. (updated Sep 2024)
• Karven Club. If you want to swim, the Karven Club has an outdoor pool which is perfect for a blistering summer's day, and there's also a modern gym and fitness centre. For one hour it's 400 som but it's much better value to pay 500 som for a whole day of use and hang around for as long as you like. 

Learn

Bishkek is a cheap place to learn Russian (or Kyrgyz). A private 1½-hr lesson with a native Russian speaker should cost between US$5–7. Courses are also available at the American University of Central Asia and the Kyrgyz-Russian-Slavic University. There is also a private school that caters to individual learning: The London School of Languages and Cultures. This school offers Russian and Kyrgyz to anyone at anytime of the year for as little as 120 som/hr. During the warmer months they are often full so book in advance.

Work

A number of international organizations have offices in Bishkek, however most employees are recruited from abroad. If you speak Russian, there might be occasional opportunities to find temporary or long-term work. There are also English language schools that will employ native English speakers.

There is not a lot of foreign business investment, but there is the Kumtor Gold mine and many foreign exploration companies attempting to develop the natural resources of the country.

Buy

Money

Exchange offices can be found around the 1 corner of Kievskaya St. and Manas Av., or on 2 Abdrakhmanov Sr. between Moskovskaya St. and Bokonbaev St.. The rates here are excellent and barely 1% off the bank rate, for US dollars and euros. But also tenge and others can be obtained for a proper rate.

Shopping

If you want to fit in with the locals, be sure to get one of the stylish Kyrgyz felt hats (kalpaks) worn mainly by men. You can also get textiles such as traditional patterned carpets (shyrdaks), which are well-made but can be expensive. For cheap souvenirs, avoid the Tsum department store and head directly for the Osh Bazaar. You may have to dig around the stalls as there isn't as much variety or quality as in Tsum, but the prices can be far cheaper if you put your bargaining skills to the test.

• 3 Osh Bazaar. If you're looking for a fresh sheep's head, locally made Korean picked salad, shashlik or any other type of Kyrgyz snack, this is the city's best known food bazaar. Although it's certainly not Central Asia's most colourful bazaar, there are hundreds of products to choose from, especially in the spring and summer months when produce is fresh from farms in the outskirts of town. There is a separate clothes market south of the main produce bazaar. To get there you can take trolleybus 14 on Chuy, bus 20 or 24 on Kiev or 42 from Soviet. Like any crowded space, be wary of pick-pockets; however visiting the Osh Bazaar is a most and rewarding trip. (updated Oct 2019)
• 4 Dor Doi Bazaar (Dordoy) (10 mins outside the city towards north east.). Open air market with hundreds of double stack shipping containers. It's divided into multiple sections based on the types and origins of goods. It's the main market for Chinese & Russian goods. (updated Oct 2019)
• Alamedin Bazaar is to the northeast, corner of Jibek Jolu and Kurmanjan Datka, and Ortosay Bazaar is to the southeast.
• Geoid, Kiev 107 (entrance on the left side). Geoid sells maps for trekking 1:200,000 and overview maps 1:1,000,000. 150-300 som. 
• 5 Zum Department Store. Mobile phones, clothing, wine, souvenirs, tobacco, make-up, electronics. This shopping mall is located in the centre of town off of Chui street. Complete with Mastercard and Visa ATMs, Zum also displays a great selection of food stands, just outside. Like anywhere in Bishkek, don't be afraid to haggle 

Eat

Bishkek is probably the best choice for food in Kyrgyzstan. From typical Kyrgyz food like Besh barmak or central Asia classics as Plov, Shashlyk or Samsas can be found around the city. Also Russian dishes are fairly ubiquitous in Bishkek because of the large number of ethnic Russians who still live in the city. There are an also growing number of restaurants and cafes catering to more varied tastes from Turkish to Korean. Also Uyghur food is popular and fit the taste of many westerners as well as locals. E.g. the chain Arzu have a few restaurants.

Budget

Typical Central Asian bread (nan) sold by market vendors

There are hundreds of stands that sell gamburgers, a local adaptation of hamburgers but really share little in common: they are sliced döner kebab-style meat served on a bun with cole-slaw, cucumber, mayonnaise, ketchup and some chips. They usually cost around 60 som. One of the most popular gamburger stands in Bishkek is at the corner of Sovietskaya and Kievskaya, across the street from the main post office. It's a popular area for local students to pick up a cheap meal, and they even serve the rare chicken hamburger.

Throughout the city are a lot of street-side vendors selling samsis, which is a staple of most locals' lunch. The green kiosks opposite the Philharmonic Hall ticket office sell some of the freshest, cheapest and best prepared in Bishkek and they are popular with students from the nearby universities. You can usually find a row of shashlyk grills inside any bazaar or just outside any chaykhana (teahouse).

For some pre-independence nostalgia, try the cafeterias of government ministries and universities. For about one US dollar you can experience what it was like to eat Soviet-style cafeteria food.

• 1 Buffet, VJF3+P6M (Orozbekov St). The buffet is an ordinary place for public meals with wide menu of different dishes and desserts. The middle price of lunch about 350 - 400 soms. Buffet is probably the best canteen chain in Bishkek. (updated May 2022)
• 2 Grenki, Toktogul St. Great food, variety of choices. Interesting design. Neat and clean. Friendly staff and comfortable. (updated May 2022)
• 3 Oasis Azian Doner and Kabab, 122 Isanov St. Here you get a very tasty shawarma. (updated Jun 2022)
• 4 Cafe Faiza, Jibek Jolu (Жибек Жолу 555) (a block west of Manas). Daily 09:00-21:00. Excellent local food frequented by locals. Great samsas and laghman (noodles). Popular so you may have to wait for a free table. (updated Jun 2022)

Mid-range

• 5 Dolce Vita Pizza, Akhunbaeva 116a (200 m east of Mir). Daily 11:00-00:00. Possibly the best pizza in Bishkek, with thin crust is baked in an open-fire oven; there is also a whole range of other Italian dishes and pastas. (updated Sep 2022)
• 6 Кафе Шао Линь (Shao Lin), Mahatma Gandhi St (200 m north of jcn with Jibek Jolu). Daily 10:00-23:00. Well known Chinese restaurant near Western Bus Station. The quality is up to most western standards, but tends to be oily. The soups are especially large - better to be shared. (updated Sep 2022)
• 7 Steinbräu Pub, Herzen St 5 (A block east of Gogol). Daily 11:00-00:00. Microbrewery and German beer hall with patchy, but sometimes excellent, German food and beer. Service however is East German, they've not grasped the concept of gemütlich. (updated Aug 2022)
• 8 Vinoteka, 140 Chuy Ave. (updated Sep 2022)
• 9 DuЭт, 153 Kiev St. (updated Sep 2022)

Splurge

• 10 Cyclone, 136 Chuy Ave. Italian fine dining (updated Jun 2022)

Drink

Cafes

There are a few coffee shops in Bishkek that even feature wi-fi.

• Sierra Coffee, Manas 57/1 (3rd floor, Russian Business Center). Daily 07:30-23:00. Excellent coffee and coffee specialist drinks. Breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads. Free Wi-Fi. Counter service by English speaking staff. A place to network and to meet other English speakers. Sierra also roasts their own coffee, offering fresh roasted coffee for sale in a variety of origins and roasts. (updated Oct 2019)
• 1 Adriano, Isanov 87. 24 hr. All-hours coffee shop and they'll even wrap you in a blanket for cold nights on the terrace. (updated Oct 2019)
• 2 Coffee Relax, Toktogul Street 140, ☏ +996 312 46 09 01, [email protected]. 08:00-00:00. Not cheap, but good food quality and service. Various coffees, and European and Turkish cuisine. (updated Oct 2019)

Bars

For young and single people, Bishkek's nightlife is impressive. Foreigners are welcomed at most venues with open arms, and many times they do not need to pay a cover charge. See the "Stay Safe" section for more on how be aware while you're having fun in Bishkek.

• 3 Save The Ales. M-Su 18:00-02:00. A hip and alternative bar with a focus on ales and other non-regular beer. The people are nice and the out-door seating is comfortable. (updated Mar 2019)
• 12 Bar, Razzakova 32. Daily 18:00-06:00. Set atop one of higher buildings this makes a great place for a rooftop drink. A plush place where Bishkek's young and wealthy go to see and be seen, so you might want to gussy up a little. Drinks around US$2-4 a pop. (updated Oct 2019)
• 4 Metro Pub, Chui 168 (corner of Turizbekova). 24 hr. This is where the city's belle monde come for a drink and a meal. Especially crowded on St Patrick's Day and Halloween. (updated Oct 2019)
• Promzona, 16 Cholpon-Ata. Daily 15:00-06:00. A trendy Russian rock establishment with a mostly Russian clientèle. It's jazz on Tuesdays with rock and blues at weekends. Check out their extensive drink menu. Entry 600 som. (updated Oct 2019)
• Retro Metro, Mira 24. Daily 21:00-06:00. You'll find the DJ spinning from inside the front section of a tube train engine (hence the name). The 80s kitsch is a popular spot for really late night partying. Cover charge 1,000 som. (updated Oct 2019)

Sleep

Budget

• 3 ololoFreelander Hostel & Coworking, Чуйкова, 185, ☏ +997701990060. Really modern, clean and nice hostel not so far from city center, a part of the big and developing "ololo" network of coworkings and lodgings. Has a big kitchen, a lot of tables to work remotely. Internet is good. Dorm prices start from around 1000 som. There are private rooms which are more expensive.. (updated Sep 2024)
• 1 Interhouse City Centre, 170/13 Toktogul Street (between Manas and Isanova), ☏ +996 552 313 009. Basically okay place, but some street noise. Friends Hostel used to share this building but they've gone elsewhere. Dorm 500 som. (updated Sep 2019)
• 2 Apple Hostel, Chymkentskaya 1b (next to western bus station), ☏ +996 551 210 303, +996 553 280 881 (WhatsApp), [email protected]. Clean friendly place convenient for transport, 3 km from centre. Dorm US$10, private room from US$30. (updated Oct 2019)
• 3 Tunduk Hostel, Kybansky 46, ☏ +996 772 19 50 94, [email protected]. Inexpensive hostel with several dorms, plenty of communal space. Dorm bed 600 som. (updated Oct 2024)

Mid-range

• 4 Futuro Hotel Bishkek, Khivinskaya 29 (4 km east of centre, one block north of Chuy Bvd), ☏ +996 312 98 68 68, [email protected]. Some way from centre (take bus along Chuy) but gets great reviews for comfort, service & facilities. B&B double US$60. (updated Oct 2019)
• 5 Asia Mountains, 1a Tugolbai-Ata Str (Corner with Shooruchova, 500 m south of railway station), ☏ +996 312 986 148. Reasonable hotel with some mountain views. A bit hidden away and a walk to the main streets but close to Steinbrau pub. B&B double US$44. 
• 6 Alpinist, Panfilov 113 (3 km south of centre), ☏ +996 312 595647, [email protected]. God value place with single, double, and triple rooms available with satellite TV and internet ports, a full service cafe, and conference room. B&B double US$40. (updated Oct 2019)
• 7 Shah Palace Hotel, 110 Koenkozova Street (corner of Abdumomunov St), ☏ +996 709 986 822. Clean hotel with multilingual staff. B&B double US$50. (updated Oct 2019)
• 8 Crocus Guest House, Komsomolskaya 5 (3 km east of centre), ☏ +996 558 058026, +996 558 268505, [email protected]. Guest house in quiet residential area, finding it can be tricky. Has 6 double rooms with shower, satellite TV, fridge, Wifi, garden, sauna and pool. B&B double US$30. (updated Oct 2019)
• 9 Dostuk Hotel Bishkek, Frunze 425-B, ☏ +996 312 433 636, [email protected]. Soviet-style monolith business hotel with conference facilities, friendly & efficient. Separate hotels from time to time operate within this building. B&B double US$60. (updated Oct 2019)
• 10 Hotel Ak Keme, 93 Mir Ave (3 km south of centre), ☏ +996 312 540143, [email protected]. Mid-range hotel, tired decor. With conference center, fitness club, indoor and outdoor pools with bar access, and spa. B&B double US$80. (updated Oct 2019)

Splurge

• Smart Hotel, Abdrahmanova 204 (facing Hyatt Regency), ☏ +996 312 97 61 61, [email protected]. Popular central hotel, clean & efficient. B&B double US$100. (updated Oct 2019)
• 11 Hyatt Regency Bishkek, 191 Abdrahmanov St (formerly Sovietskaya), ☏ +996 312 66 1234, [email protected]. Large 5-star hotel in business district. Showing its age but gets mostly good reviews for comfort, location, service and food. B&B double US$180. (updated Oct 2019)
• 12 Jannat Regency Hotel, 21/2 Aaly Tokombayev St (5 km south of Ala Too), ☏ +996 312 909 750, [email protected]. New hotel on south edge of city. Rooms not as posh as pictures suggest, but most reviewers find it clean and comfy. B&B double US$150. (updated Oct 2019)
• 13 Park Hotel Bishkek, Orozbekova 87, ☏ +996 312 665518, fax: +996 312 622497, [email protected]. Comfy modern hotel in the business district near Ala Too Square. B&B double US$130. (updated Oct 2019)
• 14 Hotel Evropa, 70 Ibraimova str. /Toktogula, ☏ +996 556 431 994, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. US$80. (updated Jun 2022)

Stay safe

Bishkek is safe compared to many major Asian cities.

Traffic

The most dangerous places are the streets during rush hours when you try to cross them. At night take the usual precautions. However even the parks are quite safe. If you go out and plan to drink you should always take a taxi for about 120 som because a drunken person stumbling around is everywhere in the world an easy victim.

Pick-pocketing

Pickpockets are a major problem in and around markets, especially at Osh Bazaar. Look out for young men with large plastic bags "bumping" into you. Keep your valuables at your accommodation if you plan to visit the markets, and if you bring a purse, camera, backpack etc. keep it in front of you.

Nightclubs

Nightclubs and their surrounding areas can be a hotbed for crime in the form of theft, prostitution, or even assault by people waiting to take advantage of an unsuspecting traveler or expat. Ask locals or hotel staff which areas are safer than other and take precautions if you plan on club hopping. Do not walk from nightclub to nightclub at night; instead spend 120-150 som on a taxi. Potential muggers have been known to wait outside bars and clubs, especially the ones frequented by ex-pats, follow drunk ex-pats and then rob them.

Keep a cool head and be aware of your surroundings when hanging out inside and outside of nightclubs. Most clubs have numerous buff, semi-professional security guards, but you should be vigilant nonetheless. Do not leave any belongings on the table while you go to dance. Be careful around the taxi area outside the club; occasionally, unsavory characters pick this location to mug drunk foreigners as they leave the club late at night. You might not get much help from club security when it comes to theft.

Bishkek has a lot of prostitutes and sexual-transmitted diseases are on the rise in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. Always take proper precautions if you plan on being sexually active.

Police

If you are a victim of a crime, you are probably best served by reporting the incident to your embassy, rather than to the militsya (police). Sometimes militsya will approach foreigners and ask them for documents, such as your passport. It's best to keep a photocopy of your passport and leave the original at your hotel if you can. On the rare occasion that they make problems, be polite, but firm, in your refusal and insist that you be put in touch with your embassy first.

In the past it occurred that (fake) policeman approach you on the street, especially if you look like a tourist, such as carrying a big backpack, and ask to check the belongings. Often, their aim is to steal your valuables and money. They can do it very professionally, and you only will notice later, that something disappeared. The best way, is to pretend you don't understand them, trying to call your embassy, or just walk away asap. Also keep your valuables in a safe place and don't expose them to others the entire time you are in Kyrgyzstan. Even sometimes normal local people, who invite you to have a tea at their home, if they see that you left some valuables unattended, may be tempted to steal.

Infrastructure

Irrigation ditches and other holes in the ground can seriously injure the unaware person - especially when walking at night. Many streets are poorly lit or not lit at all, and it is easy to fall into them. Avoid manhole covers, grates and similar fixtures - they are frequently loose and even missing.

Cope

Bishkek is more or less a museum relic of the former Soviet Bloc. Despite Kyrgyzstan's poverty and the decay of its infrastructure, Bishkek remains a relatively safe, clean, functional city. Bishkek is not an old city and possesses no ancient landmarks, but it nonetheless has its own kind of charm, which often arouses nostalgia in people who knew the old Soviet Union. For some visitors, Bishkek is merely a stop on the Silk Road to refresh supplies before returning to the mountains. However, expatriates generally consider themselves lucky to benefit from its easygoing lifestyle, open-minded spirit, party culture and low cost of living. If you come with the right expectations you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.

Embassies and consulates

• 4 China, Prospekt Mira 299/7, ☏ +996 312 597-487, fax: +996 312 597-484, [email protected] . 

For obtaining a tourist visa an inviting letter is required. Travel agencies which can provide it are:

• Kyrgyz Concept, Chui 126. 
• Mrs Liu, Chui 142. The price including consular fees is US$120–150. 
• GS-tour company, Shopokava 29, 3, ☏ +996555 51 52 52 (English), +996773 75 10 00 (Russian). The price is US$80 and higher. 

• Germany, Rassakova 28, ☏ +996 312 905-000. Germany offers the Schengen Visa in Kyrgyzstan. 
• Kazakhstan, Tynychtyk Avenue (old name: Mira), 95 A, ☏ +996 312 69-20-95 (Consulate), +996 (312) 69-20-98 (Embassy), [email protected]. The Wikimapia entry. Payments for the visas must be made in Kazkommertsbank, the closest office is the Zhibek Zholy branch. 
• 5 Tajikistan, Karadarinskaya 36 (Take the trolley bus 17 to south and get off the bus at the Duplex Lounge Bar. The embassy is at the end of the road that goes to the left after Duplex. By bicycle head south on Soviet, turn left/east into Gorky, then south/right into Karl-Marx. Turn left/east at the 2.trafficlight. The embassy is at the end of the road.), ☏ +996 312 512-343. 10:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00. Tajiks visas are issued on spot. 30-day US$60 + 50 som, 45-day US$70 + 50 som, GBAO permit is free. 
• United States of America, Prospekt Mira 171, ☏ +996 312 551-241, fax: +996 312 551-264, [email protected]. It is recommended that you visit the website for the embassy's hours and the process for arranging an appointment. (updated Jul 2018)
• 6 Uzbekistan, Tynystanov 213, ☏ +996 312 663-078. They won't even let you in unless you have an appointment. Call after 14:00 and get one, most likely for the next but one working day. Opening hours Tu-F 12:00. Download the application form at http://evisa.mfa.uz. Many nationals need a letter of invitaion. Processing time is 12 days, urgent 4-8 days. With a LOI you get it on the spot, even if you don't need one. They just need a copy of your passport and don’t take your original. 30-day US$75, urgent US$105. 

Connect

Free Wi-Fi is widespread. Most "foreinercafes" have free Wi-Fi (Coffee, Foyer, Obama, Cyclone, Pirogoff-Vodkin, Vostok Zapad, Tubeteika, Movie City Bar, Buddha Bar, etc.) There is also free Wi-Fi at the Vefa shopping centre on the corner of Gorkiy and Soviet.

Getting mobile phone service or even internet service is rather straight forward and a good idea, even if you're here for only a few days. You get SIM cards in almost every hotel or from several providers at the exit of the airport: Megafone, O, Beeline, etc. A SIM with 1 month of unlimited data and free calls is around 800 som, and will be activated right there for you. Otherwise, to activate them, put them into your phone and then go to one of the payment machines in supermarkets, petrol stations, etc. On the screen of the machines, select the provider of your SIM, enter the phone number on the SIM and finally put in some money. For all providers you get at least 2GB data volume and many free SMS for only 100 som. You first have to select your tariff (by calling something like "*624*1#") after your payment to benefit from the low prices. This is self-explanatory if you look at the advertisements of the providers.

Go next

• Ala-Archa National Park – A great hiking and mountain climbing opportunity right next to Bishkek.
• Alamedin Gorge – A beautiful river valley with high routes to Ala-Archa (glacier trail) and Issyk Ata.
• Burana Tower – An unusual and interesting minaret near the city of 1 Tokmok.  .
• Almaty - major city of Kazakhstan which is situated not so far away