Considering that the country of Kyrgyzstan is located deep in the heart of Central Asia, only achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, and only opened their doors to tourism a couple of years ago, it’s not surprising that many people don’t think of Kyrgyzstan as a tourist destination. However, this is a country that’s most certainly worth a visit, especially its capital city Bishkek. This city is both modern and vibrant; however, it still preserves the traditional Krygyz culture and has some fascinating examples of Soviet architecture. This city offers the advantages of being fairly remote, having a surprisingly developed tourism industry, and being extremely authentic and interesting.
Bishkek, which was formerly known as Pishpek and Frunze, is both the capital and the largest city in Kyrgyzstan, making it a great place to start your adventure around Kyrgyzstan. If you’re into hiking or other mountain activities, the city sits just off the northern fringe of the Tian Shan mountain range. If you’re more of a history person, then you can learn all about Bishkek’s importance to Central Asian trade routes and see the effects of Soviet governance all around the city. With so many things to see and do inside the city and in the surrounding natural areas, the best way to spend your time in Bishkek is by hiring a motorcycle and riding to your heart’s content.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Bishkek. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter. This guide includes:
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in Kyrgyzstan
- The price of motorcycle hire in Bishkek
- The best places to find a rental motorbike in Bishkek
- Whether it’s safe to hire a motorbike in Bishkek
- The best things to do in Bishkek by motorcycle
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorcycle in Kyrgyzstan?
In order to legally rent a motorbike in Kyrgyzstan, you will need to get an international driving permit. As most Kyrgyzs are law-abiding citizens, you probably will not be able to find anyone to rent you a motorcycle if you don’t have one. The same goes for many of the other surrounding countries in Central Asia.
If you want to apply for your international driving permit, you can do so online here. There is an application fee of $20. You’ll also want to make sure to send in your application at least two weeks before departing your country of residence because that’s how long it typically takes to arrive in the mail. Once you have your international driving permit, you will need to carry it (along with your driver’s license from your home country and your passport) at all times while driving in Kyrgyzstan. Failure to do so may result in a hefty fine.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Motorbike in Bishkek?
Since the tourism industry in Kyrgyzstan is not as developed as in other countries, motorbike hire can be on the more expensive side. If you’re looking for a street bike, such as a Suzuki XF 650 Freewind, you’ll be looking at around €80 per day. If you want to rent a dirt bike for some off-roading adventures, such as a Honda XR Baja 250, you can expect to pay around €70 per day. Want to do some really crazy off-roading? Well, you can go with an ATV, such as a Honda TRX 400, for around €220 per day.
No matter what kind of vehicle you choose to go with, you should always make sure that the price of helmet rental and insurance are included in the stated price. And, if you plan on hiring your motorcycle, scooter, or ATV, for a week or a month, you should inquire with your rental shop about reduced rates for extended rentals.
What Are the Best Places to Hire a Motorcycle in Bishkek?
If you plan on flying into Manas International Airport, the main airport in Kyrgyzstan that’s located in Bishkek, you may not be able to find motorcycle rental services directly inside the airport. However, you should be able to find a rental company that will arrange transport from the airport to their location for you if you search online.
If you’d rather wait until you get to your accommodation to find motorcycle rental, your best bet for finding a rental shop is to head to the northern portion of the city, particularly the Oktyabr district near Ala Too Square. You should also be able to find rental shops in the southwest part of the city around the 6th Microdistrict and the Chong-Aryk area.
Is It Safe to Drive a Rental Motorbike in Bishkek?
In general, driving in Bishkek and the areas around the city is fairly safe. Kyrgyzs are typically very respectful and safe drivers. In general, too, local people in Kyrgyzstan are very friendly and helpful if you need to find a location or you get lost. So, you should have no problem with driving in Kyrgyzstan. There are a few things you should be aware of while driving around Bishkek, however.
First of all, the roads in Kyrgyzstan are not very well marked and GPS locations are often incorrect. So, if you’re driving around the countryside, always trust your eyes more than your GPS. If a road looks dangerous (probably because the ground is unstable or there are many potholes), you should always turn back. Finding gas stations in the more rural areas can also be quite difficult, so always make sure that you have enough gas to get back to your accommodation.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Bishkek by Motorcycle?
Now that you know all of the necessary information for renting a motorcycle in Bishkek, here are some of the best things to do in the city with your rental vehicle:
Ala Too Square
The most quintessential part of Bishkek is Ala Too Square, the central plaza in the very center of the city. It’s the perfect spot to start your journey through Bishkek and, plus, you can have a ton of fun while you’re there! If you go on a nice day, you’re sure to see many of the locals taking their shoes off and splashing around in the fountains in the middle of the square. You can join in if you like or just simply enjoy some people-watching.
Around the square, you’ll also find some stunning examples of Brutalist architecture, a style that emerged in the 1950s and is characterized by its block-like, monolithic aesthetic. These house and buildings are remnants of the period of Soviet occupation and represent a tumultuous period in the history of the city.
Osh Bazaar
Osh Bazaar is the largest open-air market in Bishkek and perhaps the most visually appealing bazaar in all of Central Asia. Take a walk around the stalls and you’ll see pretty much everything imaginable for sale. If you want a souvenir, whether it’s a bag of locally cultivated spices, a new pair of shoes, or some traditional clothing, this is the place to go.
The market is located on the west side of the city, very close to the Western Bus Station, and it’s a must-see location if you plan on visiting Bishkek. Make sure to bring your camera as well; Osh Bazaar is one of the most photogenic spots in the entire city. The combination of colorful clothing items, spices, and beautiful food makes this part of Bishkek a visual masterpiece.
Dubovy Park
If you ride your rental motorcycle all the way to the end of Erkindik Avenue, one of the largest streets in the city of Bishkek, you’ll come to Dubovy Park, another extremely aesthetically pleasing location.
This park is famous for its art exhibits and local artists selling paintings. Many of the paintings feature local themes that range from pastoral to Soviet occupation. And, just like most things in Kyrgyzstan, most of the artworks are very affordable. If you can manage to carry a canvas with you on your travels, this is the best place in Bishkek to pick up some original works of art.
Explore Kyrgyzstan’s Capital on a Motorbike
Obviously, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan is not the most popular tourist attraction out there; however, it is a hidden gem that can provide you with some pretty unforgettable experiences. So, book your trip, get on that flight, and remember that riding a motorcycle is one of the best ways to explore the city!
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