Bishkek is an adventurer’s dream location. It’s, for starters, most definitely off the beaten path, and then there’s the whole matter of the surrounding area. Located in the Chuy region of Kyrgyzstan, it’s the country’s capital city and is home to some one million people.
You’ll arrive by travelling into the Manas International Airport, and once you’re there, you’ll have adventure at your fingertips. The city offers plenty of culture and excitement, and then there’s the whole matter of the Ala-Too Mountains and Ala Archa National Park, which have some of the best scenery in central Asia. Renting a motorcycle is definitely the best way to explore everything the city has to offer.
Once you’re there, you’ll want to get your bearings by visiting Ala-too square. From there, visit the Osh Bazaar -- this is where you can experience the best that the city has to offer; while there are many Bazaar’s in Bishkek, this one is the best -- and the most photogenic, too. It’s also highly recommended to catch a show at the Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre; don’t worry if you don’t understand all that much, it’ll be a feast for the eyes if nothing else.
On a sunny day, take yourself to Oak Park, which is the nicest in a city full of nice parks. Be sure to spend an afternoon in one of the local bathhouses; the Zhirgal Banya is the most iconic. Again, it’s worthwhile looking at a motorcycle hire, scooter hire, or quad hire so that you can visit other nearby places.
The most interesting nearby towns include Kant, Shopokov, Tokmok, Kemin, and Oytal.