Bishkek: Capital of Kyrgyzstan

 

Sitting 800 metres above sea level, Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek takes its name from a traditional wooden spoon used to stir mares milk; however, the physical history of the city begins in 1820 when a fort was constructed to guard the economically vital trade link between Kashgar and Tashkent.

 

The Bolshevik revolution came to Bishkek in 1918 and the Kyrgyz SSR came into existence until independence in 1991. Since the days of the USSR, the capital has expanded, although the heart of the city still retains a leafy, Soviet quality – ideal for strolling between the sights.

 

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Highlights

 

Ala-too Square

As with many communist and former communist cities, the centre of the city is graced by a large public square for locals to congregate and, in times past, conduct parades, rallies and celebrations. The square was completed in 1970s and is centered around a 45-metre high flagpole. The perimeter of the square is surrounded by more beautiful sights such as Government House, the State History Museum, the Friendship Monument and so much more!

 

State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum sits at the perimeter of Ala-too Square, serving almost as a backdrop to the city centre. Its imposing architectural style (modernist cube from Soviet times) cannot be missed. On top of being interesting to look at, it’s interesting to visit; a chance to get some context before diving into Kyrgyzstan for real!

 

Osh Bazaar

A traditional Soviet-esque market in the heart of downtown Bishkek. Bazaars are a common sight across this part of the world, but each one will always be slightly different with its own interesting quirks. You could easily spend a day collecting local handicrafts, watching locals doing their daily shop or stocking up on weird and wonderful snacks.

Osh: Capital of the South

 

Situated close to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, the city of Osh has a distinct frontier feel to it. Despite the high altitude, Osh lacks the high peaks which surround other cities in Kyrgyzstan creating a unique feel to the city. The myth of Osh’s founding is disputed, but whether it was Alexander the Great or the leader Suleiman, today Osh is a relic of its soviet past with a distinctive communist feel – but well worth a visit to experience the “best bazaar west of Kashgar”.

 

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Highlights

 

Suleiman’s Throne

Perhaps Central Asia’s holiest site and rumoured by some to be the resting place of the prophent Suleiman – this mound of sheer limestone and quartz is a place of pilgrimage for many muslims, but still worth the visit (and the climb!) for those non-believers. The slab at limestone is said to resemble a pregnant woman, and so sliding down the ‘fertility slide’ is said to help with any fertility issues.

 

Jayma Bazaar

Said to be one of the best markets west of Kashgar, the Jayma Bazaar sits in the north of Osh and straddles a river as the passage ways and paths of the market come alive with the sound of traders going about their business and locals collecting various odds and ends.

 

City Centre

As with many former Soviet cities, the heart of Osh is dominated by a large city square. In Osh, the square is still dominated by a statue of the founder of the Soviet Union, Vladimir Lenin – in days past, his likeness was present in every city of the USSR, however since 1991, many countries have seen fit to replace him with local heroes; not Osh!

Chui: Land of Milk & Honey

 

The Chui Valley stretches from west to east in the northern region of Kyrgyzstan, known as the Chui oblast. The 770,000 people who call the valley their home live in one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful and productive areas of the country. It is said to be so fertile that even if you drop camel dung into the ground of the Chui Valley it will grow cheese!

 

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Highlights

 

Burana Tower

The Burana Tower is a 25-metre tall remnant of an 11th century mosque built during the
Karakhanid Khanate. Originally 25-metres tall and built onto the side of a local mosque, time has slowly destroyed everything but the base of the minaret (not helped by a 15th century earthquake!)

 

ZiL Ski Resort

A popular stop for locals and foreign skiers alike, the ZIL ski resort sits just 35km away from the capital and provides extensive facilities for those travellers looking to relax with a bit of alpine sport. It is possible to ski here between December and March when the mountainside is reliably snow-covered. 5km from the ski resort is the Kentor glacier.

 

Chong Kemin Valley

The Chong Kemin Valley is home to a river of the same name as well as the Chong Kemin State Nature Park. The main pull factor for visitors to Chong Kemin is the stunning natural scenery as well as the chance to catch a glimpse of some of the local fauna including snow leopards, mountain ibexes, and golden eagles.

Issyk Kul: Soviet Tourism Paradise

 

Issyk Kul, or Issyk Lake, is an oasis of crystal clear blue water in northern Kyrgyzstan. According to legend, a local tribe was ransacked with only a young boy and girl surviving the raid – desperate for food, they arrived at the enemy camp where an old woman was ordered to kill the two Kyrgyz children. Taking them away, she met a cow who took the children to Issyk Kul and raised them. In the modern era, the region became a major health resort in the Soviet Union and today the northern shore is peppered with resorts and sanatoriums, some Soviet, some modern.

 

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Highlights

 

Issyk Lake

The lake itself is the major highlight in this region; the largest lake in the country, its name translates, via old Turkic, to mean ‘sacred’ and is surrounded by two mountain ranges creating the feeling of having stumbled across a oasis amidst the mountains.

 

Dungan Mosque

The Dungan Mosque looks oddly distinctive with its bright colours and notably eastern aesthetic. The style is a result of the architect, Zhou Si, who was specially invited from Beijing to design the structure; built without a single nail!

 

Karakol

Kyrgyzstan’s answer to the Dead Sea! The extreme level of salt dissolved in this small lake, just south of Issyk Lake, means it’s impossible to sink, instead visitors simply float on the surface.

Jalal Abad: Kyrgyzstan’s Sleepy Heartland

 

The oblast of Jalal Abad is never on the top of the list for travellers, likely since it’s located between two of the country’s tourism hostpots, Bishkek and Osh – but for the foreign visitor looking to experience a bit more local life than the average tourist, Jalal Abad has a lot to offer from glistening lakes, thick forests and beautiful mausoleums!

 

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Highlights

 

Sary Chelek Lake

This glistening blue lake is located equidistant between the capital, Bishkek, and the city of Osh inside a dedicated biosphere reserve of the same name. Being fed by various mountain rivers and streams, the natural beauty of the area is reflected in its inclusion as a designated UNESCO nature reserve.

 

Mausoleum of Shah Fazil

Located inside the Shah Fazil Historical and Architectural Complex, this mausoleum is dedicated to Mahmud ibn Nasir, or Shah Fazil, a ruler during the Kara-Khanid dynasty and a true architectural marvel – well worth a stop!