Bishkek

Bishkek is where almost every Kyrgyzstan journey begins. The capital sits at the foot of the snow-capped Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, so even downtown you are never far from a mountain view. Its tree-lined boulevards, parks and fountains make it one of the greenest cities in Central Asia.

What to see

• Ala-Too Square and the changing of the guard at the Manas monument.
• Osh Bazaar — dried fruit, spices, felt slippers and the best samsa in town.
• Soviet mosaics and modernist architecture scattered around the centre.
• Panfilov and Oak parks for an evening stroll with the locals.

Good to know

Manas International Airport is 30 minutes from the centre. Most of our tours include a hotel night in Bishkek at the start and end of the trip so you can arrive at any hour.