Bishkek

The capital city of Kyrgyz Republic is located in the Tien Shan mountain range in the Chui Valley. It has limited historical sites, but it is a great place to start your excursions to the mountains and alpine lakes of the Tien Shan.

With wide boulevards lined with irrigation, canals and large trees are laid out on a grid with buildings with marble facades and Soviet apartment complexes; Bishkek is an interesting example of a tsarist city. Many young travellers find Bishkek's nightlife to be a delight, and its people are friendly and hospitable. Bishkek is the city of many young people hanging out in clubs and small cafes.

Bishkek is a delightful city to visit, with many leafy parks, tall trees, and Soviet-era statues and monuments. However, there is not much to see beyond that, and the city can easily be 'done' in one day (or two if you are visiting the suburban markets). Most museums are closed on Mondays.

The main square, Ala-Too Square, is a large concrete area that was named Lenin Square in 1991 and where frequent political demonstrations and regular festivals are held. The statue of Lenin was the focal point until 2003, before it was moved to a much less conspicuous place at the back of the museum and replaced by an Erkidik (freedom) statue. At night, many vendors set up photo and karaoke booths, and there is a time-synced sound and light show with the fountains, but travellers should avoid happening after dark. There is also a military monument with an hourly changing of the guard.

State Historical Museum is located between Ala-Too Square and the Parliament building. On the south side is a huge statue of Lenin, which was moved from the north side of the building after the Soviet era. The lower floor of this three-story museum displays seasonal exhibits, while the latter highlights achievements during the Soviet era during the Communist Era. The top floor displays the history and culture of the Kyrgyz people.

One of the great parks of city Bishkek is Panfilov Park. It is a great glimpse into the past when Kyrgyzstan was part of the Soviet Union. The Ferris wheel offers a great view of the big city.

Osh Bazaar is the city's most famous food market. While it is certainly not the most colourful bazaar in Central Asia, you can choose from hundreds of products, especially in the spring and summer, when produce is fresh from farms on the outskirts of the city. There is a separate clothing market south of the main product market.

There are also smaller markets such as Alamedin Bazaar and Ortosay Bazaar that are open every day but are the biggest and most interesting on weekends. Dordoy Bazaar is Central Asia's largest import market, mostly from China. Watch out for the cops in Osh Bazaar, they "invite" you into their station to check your paper and then they keep stealing your stuff, don't make eye contact, don't ask for directions if you look like a stranger.