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File:Bishkek square.jpg
The central square of Bishkek, Ala-Too square

Bishkek (Бишкек) (population in 2009 approx. 835,000) is the capital and the largest city of the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan).

Understand

Bishkek is the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic and sits in the Tien Shan mountain range in the Chui Valley. It is a relatively new city and has limited historical sites, but it makes a great place to start your trips to the mountains and alpine lakes of the Tien Shans. Bishkek is, however, an interesting example of a czarist planned city; laid on a grid with wide boulevards flanked by irrigation canals and large trees, buildings with marble façades, and Soviet apartment complexes. Many young travelers find Bishkek's nightlife a delight and the people are friendly and very hospitable. Bishkek is a city of many young people that hang out in Clubs and small cafes. Kyrgyzstan has the most liberal tourist visa regime in Central Asia, so Bishkek makes a great place to start a tour of the silk road and collect your visas to neighbouring countries.

History

Bishkek was founded when the Uzbek khan of Kokand built a small clay fort by a settlement on a tributary of the Chuy River in 1825, to connect up several stop-off points on the Silk Road through the Tian Shah mountains. In 1862 it was captured and trashed by Russians, before they set up their own garrison. Russian peasants were soon lured here by land grants and the fertile soil of the Chuy Valley.

The renamed town of Frunze became capital of the new Kyrgyz ASSR in 1926, but it was renamed Bishkek (the Kyrgyz form of its old Kazakh name, Pishpek) in 1991.

Climate

Bishkek
Climate chart (explanation)
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
26
 
 
3
−7
 
 
 
34
 
 
5
−5
 
 
 
55
 
 
11
0
 
 
 
67
 
 
19
6
 
 
 
61
 
 
24
11
 
 
 
34
 
 
29
16
 
 
 
21
 
 
32
18
 
 
 
13
 
 
31
16
 
 
 
19
 
 
26
11
 
 
 
45
 
 
18
5
 
 
 
42
 
 
11
0
 
 
 
35
 
 
5
−5
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Imperial conversion
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
1
 
 
38
19
 
 
 
1.3
 
 
41
23
 
 
 
2.2
 
 
52
33
 
 
 
2.6
 
 
65
44
 
 
 
2.4
 
 
74
52
 
 
 
1.3
 
 
84
60
 
 
 
0.8
 
 
89
64
 
 
 
0.5
 
 
88
62
 
 
 
0.7
 
 
78
52
 
 
 
1.8
 
 
64
41
 
 
 
1.7
 
 
52
32
 
 
 
1.4
 
 
41
23
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Get in

By plane

The 1 Bishkek's Manas International Airport ((FRU  IATA)). is a 30 minute drive from the city centre.  The airport is not modern, but efficient and features a VIP Hall that facilitates entry and exit if you need more comfortable services. Air traffic control is provided by the United States Air Force as part of its agreement with the Manas Air Transit Center that support operations in Afghanistan. Most of the international flights depart and arrive at very early hours of the morning.

The following airlines with world hubs operate to/from Bishkek:

and for closer destinations:

There are a few ATM in the basement of the airport, and several small cafes and convenience shops that are open around the clock. Keep your baggage tag receipt with you as your receipt may be checked by airport security to make sure you have picked up the correct baggage.

A taxi to and from the city centre can be arranged for approximately 450 soms, but prepare to negotiate from a much higher price. Most international flights arrive in the very early morning hours, so the taxi drivers will demand a higher price based upon the late or early hours. If you share a taxi the price should be 100 soms per person.

The 2 marshrutka 380. connects every 10-20 min the city centre for 40 som. The minibus parks right in front of the airport and stops at Chuy prospektesi. 

By train

There is a twice-weekly train service to and from Moscow, called the "Kirgizia" with two days operated by the Kyrgyz railways, and the other two by the Russian railways. The train has 2 and 4-berth sleepers and a restaurant car. All trains go through Uzbekistan.

In addition, there is a service that goes to and from Balykchy on the western edge of the Issyk Kul lake. Although slow (6–8 hours) and with minimal accommodation, it is one of the most scenic rail trips in Eurasia, sneaking through a thin mountainous alpine pass to the lake.

By car and bus

  • To/From Osh. There are no normal buses between Bishkek and Osh. The Bishkek-Osh highway is a narrow mountainous road in a good condition, and big buses or public passenger minivans are not allowed to cross the Tor-Ashu and Ala-Bel Passes. The most popular option is a shared taxi departing from the taxi stand near the Bazaar in Osh, or from the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek until 20:00-21:00. You better start in the morning, not to miss the great view along the road. Try to reserve the front seat, even by paying a hundred soms more, because the driver will squeeze 3 passengers in the back seat. In 2012 the price was 1000-1500 soms per person. A more comfortable overnight option is the cargo-passenger minivan ('busik', ‘бусик’) from Kara-Su market, which is located 30 km from the center of Osh. Shared vans or taxis between Kara-Su and Osh are frequent and cost 30-40 soms. In Bishkek, the minivans arrive at the Dordoi Bazaar. The price is only 500-700 soms, they have comfortable sleeping bunks, but windows are small and you will pass most beautiful scenery in the night. Minivans depart daily between 15:00 and 18:00. You don't have to book seats in advance: just come there and choose the car and the driver you like. In reverse direction it's similar. Take a shared taxi to Bishkek from taxi stand near the Bazaar in Osh. They leave as they fill up. Or go to Kara-Su market to catch a cargo-passenger minivan to Bishkek. It is also possible to buy a seat from a truck for about 500. The truck leave the bazaar in Osh daily at 15:00. 
  • To/From Almaty. Bishkek is approximately a 3½ hour drive from Almaty, Kazakhstan along a relatively good highway. A minibus from Almaty Sairan bus station costs about KZT 1300 and will take at least 4 hours, depending on how long the border crossing takes. There is a rest stop at a petrol station about an hour from the border. At Kazakh-Kyrgyz frontier you have to step out with all your luggage and make customs control by yourself. If your control last too long, the bus can leave without you. Ignore the money-hungry taxi drivers waiting for you, at the left of the road is a parking place where a local minibuses depart to Bishkek for 20 som. The immigration control going to Kyrgyzstan involves, first, a chaotic crush of people trying to get through up to 8 booths manned by Kazakh immigration officers (forget any queuing manners you may have), followed by a walk over the border river bridge, and a smaller, less busy Kyrgyz immigration building. For non-Kazakh/Kyrgyz nationals, you'll need to walk into the Kyrgyz immigration building and knock on the mirrored window door on the left as you enter to get the attention of the officer to come and take your passports for processing. He will disappear for 5 minutes and re-emerge with your stamped passports, you then go on through to meet your minibus. You can also share or rent an entire taxi from Almaty. Both KLM and Lufthansa offer bus service from the Almaty airport to Bishkek and back again so travelers can meet their early morning flights. The normal price for a seat in a shared taxi is approximately 500 som. 
  • To/From Kashgar. Truly adventuresome travelers may want to attempt to get to Bishkek via the Chinese/Kyrgyz frontier crossing over the Torugart Pass. The pass connects Kashgar via an important route that runs along what was once the ancient Silk Road, linking Western China with the heart of Central Asia. The pass tops off at a height of 3,752 metres and is known as one of the most frustrating passes in Central Asia, as both sides can be closed for holidays, early snowfall, or for other. unknown reasons. Only attempt this route if you have time and your patience can handle it. You will need a special permit to cross the border at Torugart. For easier crossing from China, go first to Osh through the Irkeshtam Pass. 

By bicycle

Taking bikes on public transport. Unfortunately the public transport in Kyrgyzstan consists mostly of minibuses. However, it's usually possible to fit two bicycles inside the luggage compartment in the back of the bus if you remove front wheel, pedals and turn the handlebar. You may have to pay an extra fee of 100 som per each bicycle while transporting them by buses between Karakol and Bishkek, and travellers paying 500 som for each are not unheard of. The nightbuses are usually big buses with enough space for bicycles.

The tunnel at the Tör-ashuu pass on the highway between Bishkek and Osh isn't at 2500m as it is mentioned on most maps. The tunnel is at 3100m.

There are a few bikeshops in town:

  • Velo Leader, O.Yuganov, Moskovska 226 (junction Moskovska/Kalyka Akiiva; geo coordinates: 42 52.234/74 34.607). 10AM-6PM. Perhaps the best bike shop in town. The directions of Lonely Planet are wrong. 
  • Elite Sport/Drive Bikeshop, Tokrogula 170 (geo coordinates: 42 52.352/74 35.399). A giant bike shop. 
  • Free Bike, Kulatova 18 (near Redfox-Outdoorshop). This is mentioned in some guidebooks but it may have been closed down in the meantime. 

Get around

Map
42°52′8″N 74°35′49″E
Map of Bishkek

By minibus

Kyrgyzstan's capital, like many places in the former Soviet Union, has an extensive network of minibuses, known as Marshrutkas. There are hundreds of mini-buses (marshrutkas) that ply all parts of the city. They generally cost 10 som (12 at night). Ask a local which mini-bus number you should take or buy a map of mini-bus routes at tourist venues. Major stops are near the Tsum department store and Philharmonia. They typically have around 14 seats, with standing room for around ten extra people during busy periods. Marshrutkas are easily identifiable and display their number and basic route information (in Russian) on the front. There is a great English website for checking connections. To flag one down, simply hold out your right hand, parallel to the ground. Once you get on, pay the fare to the driver. When you want to get off say, "ah-stah-nah-VEE-tyeh" (Stop!). Although there are bus stops, and according to the law marshrutkas should be hailed at bus stop only, but it is not followed too much. So, in practice you can ask driver to stop anywhere and he will drop you off at any point on their route.

By bus and trolleybus

Bishkek also has a bus and trolleybus system which is less extensive and generally slower. They only stop at designated bus stops and operate only till 22:00. The fare is 8 som in buses and in trolleybuses. Passengers enter at the back door and leave at the front; they pay on exit.

By taxi

There are several private taxi firms in Bishkek that you can easily reach through their three digit numbers including: 150, 152, 154, 156, 166, and 188. Daytime taxis throughout the city are a flat rate of 100 soms and 120 soms past 10PM. There are also numerous "gypsy cabs" situated at nearly every intersection. While most travellers and long-time expats report no problems, you are cautioned to be aware, especially at night and near nightclubs. Generally tourists use the local taxi services which can be reached through several numbers: 150 Euro (Evro) Taxi, 152 Super Taxi [1], 156 Express Taxi and 188 Salam Taxi. Before 10PM most runs in the city are 100 soms and after 1000 are 120 soms.

Many taxis do not use flat rate (aug 2011); you pay by the meter or negotiate a price in advance. Short distance inside city can be 60-80 som. A taxi for a day can be negotiated. An hour drive to mountain or to a lunch and then back again later can be 800-1000 som.

See

Bishkek is a pleasant city to wander with numerous leafy parks, tall trees, peppered by Soviet era statues and monuments. However there isn't a great deal to see beyond this, and the city can comfortably be 'done' in a day (or two if visiting the suburban markets). Most museums are closed on Mondays.

File:Bishkek historical museum.jpg
The Independence Monument on Ala-Too square, with the National Historical Museum in the background.
  • 1 Ala-Too Square. The main city square is a vast expanse of concrete that ceased to be called Lenin square in 1991, and is the site of frequent political demonstrations and regular festivals. A statue of Lenin was the focal point until 2003, before he was banished to a much less conspicuous location behind the museum and replaced by a statue of Erkidik (freedom). At night many vendors set up photograph and karaoke booths, and there's a synchronised sound and light show in time with the fountains, however travellers should avoid visiting the square after dark. There is also a military monument with an hourly changing of guards. 
  • 2 National Historical Museum. This museum sits between Ala-Too Square and the Parliament building. On the south side is an enormous statue of Lenin that was moved from the north side of the building after the Soviet Era. The bottom story of this three floor museum displays seasonal exhibits, while the second highlights Soviet-era achievements during the Communist Era. The top floor showcases the history and culture of the Kyrgyz people. Entry costs 300 som. Closed Mondays. 
  • 3 Panfilov Park. While this park may be in need upkeep and renovation, it's a great look into the past when Kyrgyzstan was a part of the Soviet Union. Beware that few of the rides have any safety mechanisms, and the safety mechanisms they may appear to have are probably not functional. The ferris wheel offers a great view of the greater city. 
  • 4 Osh Bazaar. If you're looking for a fresh sheep's head, locally made Korean picked salad, shashlik or any other type of Kyrgyz snack, this is the city's best known food bazaar. Although it's certainly not Central Asia's most colourful bazaar, there are hundreds of products to choose from, especially in the spring and summer months when produce is fresh from farms in the outskirts of town. There is a separate clothes market south of the main produce bazaar. To get there you can take trolleybus 14 on Chuy, bus 20 or 24 on Kiev or 42 from Soviet. Like any crowded space, be wary of pick-pockets; however visiting the Osh Bazaar is a most and rewarding trip. There are also smaller markets including Alamedin Bazaar and Ortosay Bazaar, which are open daily but are at their largest and most interesting at weekends. Dordoy Bazaar is Central Asia largest market of imports, mostly from China. 
  • 5 M Frunze Museum, 364 Ul. Frunze (NE of Parliament (Look for cottage enclosed in government building)). This museum houses the home of General Mikhail Frunze, the World War II and civil war general born in Bishkek (of Moldovan parents) whose name Bishkek bore until the city was renamed after independence. There are many photos and displays of early Bishkek days from an era when it was mostly a Slavic city and few vehicles existed. 

Do

  • Zhirgal Banya. You can buy tickets (300 som) for the Zhirgal Banya (baths) from the ticket office around the side. There's a sauna, ice-cold pool, and for an extra 200 som an attendant will lather you up, scrub you and then hose you down. For those into a little bit of self-flogging, birch branches are available free. 
  • Karven Club. If you want to swim, the Karven Club has an outdoor pool which is perfect for a blistering summer's day, and there's a also a modern gym and fitness centre. For one hour it's 400 som but it's much better value to pay 500 for a whole day of use and hang around for as long as you like. 

Learn

Bishkek is a cheap place to learn Russian (or Kyrgyz). A private 1 1/2 hour lesson with a native Russian speaker should cost between $5–7. Courses are also available at the American University of Central Asia and the Kyrgyz-Russian-Slavic University. There is also a private school that caters to individual learning: The London School in Bishkek. This school offers Russian and Kyrgyz to anyone at anytime of the year for as little as 120 soms/hr. During the warmer months they are often full so book in advance.

Work

A number of international organizations have offices in Bishkek, however most employees are recruited from abroad. If you speak Russian, there might be occasional opportunities to find temporary or long-term work. There are also a number of English language schools that will employ native English speakers. Due to the current unstable political situation, there is not a large amount of foreign business investment, but there is the Kumtor Gold mine and many foreign exploration companies attempting to develop the natural resources of the country.

Buy

If you want to fit in with the locals, be sure to get one of the stylish Kyrgyz felt hats (kalpaks) worn mainly by men. You can also get textiles such as traditional patterned carpets (shyrdaks), which are well-made but can be expensive. For cheap souvenirs, avoid the Tsum department store and head directly for the Osh Bazaar. You may have to dig around the stalls as there isn't as much variety or quality as in Tsum, but the prices can be far cheaper if you put your bargaining skills to the test.

  • 1 Dor Doi Bazaar (Dordoy) (10 mins outside the city towards north east.). Open air market with hundreds of double stack shipping containers. It's divided into multiple sections based on the types and origins of goods. 
  • 2 Geoid, Kiev 107 (entrance on the left side). Geoid sells maps for trekking 1:200,000 and overview maps 1:1,000,000. 150-300som. 
  • 3 Zum Department Store. Mobile phones, clothing, wine, souvenirs, tobacco, make-up, electronics. This shopping mall is located in the centre of town off of Chui street. Complete with Mastercard and Visa ATMs, Zum also displays a great selection of food stands, just outside. Like anywhere in Bishkek, don't be afraid to haggle 

Eat

Bishkek is probably the best choise for food in Kyrgyzstan. From typical Kyrgyz food like Besh barmak or central Asia classics as Plov, Shashlyk or Samsas can be found around the city. Also Russian dishes are fairly ubiquitous in Bishkek because of the large number of ethnic Russians who still live in the city. There are an also growing number of restaurants and cafes catering to more varied tastes from Turkish to Korean. Also Uyghur food is popular and fit the taste of many westerners as well as locals. E.g. the chain Arzu have a few restaurants.

Budget

There are hundreds of stands that sell gamburgers, a local adaptation of hamburgers but really share little in common: they are sliced döner kebab-style meat served on a bun with cole-slaw, cucumber, mayonnaise, ketchup and some chips. They usually cost around 60 som. One of the most popular gamburger stands in Bishkek is at the corner of Sovietskaya and Kievskaya, across the street from the main post office. It's a popular area for local students to pick up a cheap meal, and they even serve the rare chicken hamburger.

Throughout the city are a lot of street-side vendors selling samsis, which is a staple of most locals' lunch. The green kiosks opposite the Philharmonic Hall ticket office sell some of the freshest, cheapest and best prepared in Bishkek and they are popular with students from the nearby universities. You can usually find a row of shashlyk grills inside any bazaar or just outside any chaykhana (teahouse).

For some pre-independence nostalgia, try the cafeterias of government ministries and universities. For about one US dollar you can experience what it was like to eat Soviet-style cafeteria food.

  • 1 Fakir (Behind Bishkek City shopping mall). Provides authentic and safe traditional Kyrgyz food and is very popular with locals. Good sized portions and excellent prices. Open for lunch and dinner. Beer and non-smoking areas available. 80-160 som. 
  • Faiza, Jibek Jolu. Excellent local food frequented by locals. Great samsas and laghman (noodles). Dirt cheap. 80-160 som. 
  • Watari. found on Frunze 557, serves delicious udon noodles, curries and soups and the numbers of Japanese expats that frequent this restaurant is a testimony to the quality of its food. 

Mid-range

  • Dragon's Den, 5557 Frunze St, . Across from Grand Hotel - Great food at great prices and a great expat hang-out, menu offers both great European and local favourites as well. 
  • 2 Old Edgar (Stari Edgar) (behind the Russian Drama Theatre). This is one of the most popular places with expas. In the summer, there is ample outdoor seating and in the winter, the bomb-shelter style building decorated in a nautical motif is Bishkek's most original dining venue. The food tends to be average, but the house band has entertained generations of visitors. 
  • Aria. One block south of Vefa Center, this Iranian-owned restaurant serves good Iranian and Turkish dishes while also offering Russian fare. The multi-flavored kalyan-hookahs attract a varied, hipster-like crowd. 
  • Cyclone Italian Restaurants, 136 Chui. Less expensive than the more upscale Adriatico, it features an extensive menu. It specializes in dishes featuring fresh veal, which is not in short supply in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. ~250-350 som. 
  • Dolce Vita Pizza (on Akhunbaeva, to the east of Manas, about one block). Possibly the best pizza available in Bishkek. Its thin crust is baked in an open-fire oven; there is also a whole range of Italian dishes and pastas. ~250-380 som. 
  • Buddha Bar (corner of Akhunbaeva and Sovietskaya). Possibly the most popular restaurant in Bishkek. Regular entertainment and a menu featuring other dishes than pizza and sushi; shashlyk is also good here. The menu is in English. ~210-300 som. 
  • 3 Metro Pub, Chui and Turizbekova. This is where international aid workers, embassy staff, mining personnel and Manas Airport contractors come for a pint and a decent meal. Especially crowded on St. Patrick's Day and Halloween. ~210-300 som. 
  • Shao Lin, Jibek Jolu and Isanova. One of the best known Chinese restaurants in Bishkek. The quality is up to most western standards, but tends to still be a little oily. The soups are especially large - better to be shared. ~210-300 som. 
  • 4 Steinbrau Pub, A. Herzen St (hidden away in a residential area near the train line, about 300m east of Sultan Ibaimov St. Taxi drivers usually know it). A German beer hall with patchy, but sometimes excellent, German food and genuine beer. (updated Jul 2015)

Splurge

  • Four Seasons Restaurant - (across from the Hyatt) Delicious food with a large selection of European and Asian cuisine. Outside dining is available in the summer. Live music year-round, baby-sitting for the kids, and popular with foreign dignitaries. While it's not to be confused with the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City, it's a great dining experience nonetheless.

Drink

Cafes

There are a few coffee shops in Bishkek that even feature wi-fi.

  • Kafe Coffee. Two locations- 9 Manas Ave/South of Moskovskaya & 40/1 Togolok Moldo, which is south of the City Sports Hall towards Chui. Both locations serve a variety of non-alcoholic, heavily caffeinated drinks and feature free Wi-fi. The Togolok Moldo site also has outdoor seating. As of May 2010, The Kafe Coffee located on Manas uses the SAIMA CARD - a pay system of Wi-fi. 
  • Sierra Coffee, Manas 57/1, VEFA Center - 3rd floor, Russian Business Center (Razakova St) and Tash Rabat Shopping Center (Gorky St). Opened its first cafe/restaurant in the Spring of 2012 on Manas St, next to the Russian Embassy, between Kiev and Toktogul. Excellent coffee and coffee specialist drinks. Breakfasts, sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads.. Free WiFi. Counter service by English speaking staff. A place to network and to meet other English speakers. Sierra also roasts their own coffee, offering fresh roasted coffee for sale in a variety of origins and roasts. 
  • 1 Adriano, Isanov 87. 24hours open. 110₩. 

Bars

For young and single people, Bishkek's nightlife is impressive. Foreigners are welcomed at most venues with open arms, and many times they do not need to pay a cover charge. See the "Stay Safe" section for more on how be aware while you're having fun in Bishkek.

  • 12 Bar (Razakova Str. 32). Set atop one of higher buildings this makes a great place for a rooftop drink. A plush place where Bishkek's young and wealthy go to see and be seen - hence good idea to dress up at least a little. Drinks around $2-4 a pop. 
  • Fire and Ice (Chui and Erkindik). This popular, Pakistani-owned disco near the Bishkek city center is located right above a bowling alley. 
  • Retro Metro. You'll find the DJ spinning from inside the front section of a tube train engine (hence the name). The 80s kitsch is a popular spot for really late night partying. 
  • Promzona. A trendy Russian rock establishment with a mostly Russian clientèle. Jazz musicians play on Tuesdays with rock and blues acts on the weekends. Check out their extensive drink menu. 600 soms entry fee. 
  • Sweet 60s (Molodaya Gvardia and Kievskaya; near cinema Oktyabr). Live music everyday, with jazz evenings on Wednesday and Sunday. 
  • Golden Bull (On Chuy, next to the White House. Enter from the back yard of another building.). Beers cost 200 som. The new staff is not that friendly as it used to. Do not go alone in any condition. 300 som for entrance. 
  • GQ Exclusive night club, пр. Чуй (Located by Sonaba not far from the Sports complex and movie theater), ☏ +996 551 44 44 11. Upscale night club with dancing girls on the stages. Opaque floors that light up for ambience with the music. There's also a show at the bar where they light the bar on fire. Generally 500 soms entry unless you make connections.. 
  • Bar Kvartira (Apartment Bar), The corner of Frunze and Shopokov. Located across from Victory Square in the basement of the Circus complex, Bar Kvartira is done up like a 'typical' Russian apartment. The waitresses dress up in short-shorts, hair-curlers, plaid shirts and slippers while the waiters wear sweatpants and Russian navy tunics. Drinks are mid-range in price for Bishkek but the food is a little on the expensive side. Dance floor opens around 21:00, and goes all night if the party can keep up. Bar games on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Sleep

Budget

  • 1 Versal Hotel, Tashkentskaya 10. Only 2km north of the city centre this small homestay hotel is a decent option in a quite neighboor of Bishkek. There are no signs outside and taxi drivers have problems to find it. Doubles from $30. 
  • Maria Guesthouse, # 223 Pobeda str. (5 min. walking from Arzu restaurant), ☏ +996 778 320532, . Check-out: 12:00. The guesthouse is very clear and pleasant, it has single and double rooms (10),WC + hot shower in each room. Guest kitchen, big hall, free Wi-Fi, free laundry. Pick up from International Airport Manas available. Parking inside. 500/1000som. 
  • Nomad's Home, Drevesnaya 10 (right behind the eastern bus station, coordinates: 42 53.300/74 37.755), ☏ +996 312 299955, . Two Kyrgyz women, Raisa and Gulnara, run this friendly homestay. Dormitories, double rooms, and tent camping are available (with one of the double rooms inside a yurt!) Breakfast served sometimes. Pick-up from and drop-off to Manas International is available as well as visa assistance. Can be very crowded, with only one bathroom for all the guests. Has a yard which you can park your bicycle/motorcycle. Per person: tent 150, dorm 300, double 400som, Yurt for 3 people: 500som. 
  • Sabyrbek's Guest House, 21 Razzakova (just south of Moskovskaya) (Opposite German embassy. The buzzer is broken, but banging loudly on the large metal door should attract their attention (or call).), ☏ +996 312 300710, +996 312 300710, . The home of the famous Kyrgyz author T. Sydykbekov, is now managed by his son the amiable Sabyrbek. It is very centrally located. Guests are welcome to use the kitchen facilities. Internet is available and the showers are now hot. dm/dbl/yurt 450/600/350 som. 
  • 2 Sakura Guesthouse, Michurina 38 (Walk north from the crossing of Soviet and Jibek Jolu for 100m. Turn right on the small alley between two shops and keep walking for 50m, then turn right and you'll see the guesthouse, coordinates: 42 53.183/74 36.842), ☏ +996-312-380209, +996 777-324024 (Mobile), . Check-in: 9.00-00.15 (curfew), check-out: 11AM. This nice guesthouse, run by a very friendly Kyrgyz-Japanese couple, has two 6 bed dorms (with absolutely no additional furniture) and a collection of single and double rooms. Bathrooms are plentiful and spotless, with Western-style toilets, that are strictly BYO - toilet paper that is. There is also a small pool (2 x 3 m), an outdoor kitchen where you can do some cooking, and an area for hanging out and chatting. Free laundry. Free wifi. Bikes and motorcycles are welcome to park inside. The Japanese half of the owners might join you to the nightlife of the city if his wife is out of town. The alleys around the guesthouse are not lit and can feel a bit scary at night but are safe to go around. dm/sgl/dbl 550/850/1100 som. . Closed from December till February.
  • South Guest House, ☏ +996 312 572623, . A great bargain with a nice view of the mountains outside Bishkek. The young Kyrgyz host, Nanchan, can help accommodate to your needs with traveling suggestions, sightseeing tours, before you arrive. Pick-up from Manas International is available. 
  • Vasiliy Guest House, ☏ +996 772 956410, . A Kyrgyz family living in a Russian apartment block, run this friendly homestay. it can be easily reached by buses from centre. Breakfast with fresh bread and home made jams is delicious. The mother does handicrafts and have a good collection of traditional work for sale. Vasiliy is a guide who can give useful information on trekking and other out door activities. Pick-up from and drop-off to Manas International is done in father's old Lada. 
  • 3 KG Friends Hostel, 170/13 Toktogul Street (On Toktogul Street between Manas and Isanova), ☏ +996 773 58 57 86, . Check-out: 12:00 pm. The hostel is in the same yard as the Interhouse City Center Hostel. Self-serve kitchen. Free coffee and tea. The washing machine is free of use. The hostel opened in July 2015 and is run by two nice women. English, Italian or German spoken. dm 500 soms (8 USD). (updated Jul 2015)

Mid-range

  • 4 Futuro Hotel Bishkek, Кыргызская республика, г. Бишкек, ул. Хивинская 29, ☏ +996 312 98 68 68, . This brand new fantastic hotel offers great rooms with splurge facilities and latest multimedia as Wi-Fi, english channels and movies on demand. Great 24h service and if you have an early flight they prepare a lunchbox for you. The only downside is the location 5 km east of the city center at the Chuy Ave, but there are frquent bus connections. Single/Double $60. 
  • 5 Asia Mountains 2, 1-a Linienaya St (go south along Gogol St all the way to the train line, then look for Linienaya (pretty much a driveway) on the right). Reasonable hotel with some mountain views. A bit hidden away and a walk to the main streets but close to the Steinbrau pub. Asia Mountains 1 is on Gorky St south of the train line. (updated Jul 2015)
  • 6 Alpinist, Panfilov 113, ☏ +996 312 595647, . A great value in the center of Bishkek; the Alpinist has single, double, and triple occupancy rooms available with satellite TV and internet ports, a full service cafe, a conference room, and - being true to its name - a climbing wall! 
  • Touristan Guesthouse, 6 Koenkozova Street (Diagonally opposite Togolok Moldo Park), ☏ +996 312 315102. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 13:00. Solid mid-range option in a newly renovated building in one of the nicer parts of central Bishkek. Large rooms, free wifi, international TV, decent breakfast, powerful showers, Nespresso machine in reception. from $60. 
  • Crocus Guest House, Komsomolskaya 5, ☏ +996 312 367164, . Guest house is a new hotel. Guest house, which has a cozy family atmosphere, offers an accommodation in 6 double rooms with shower, the satellite television, fridge, and Wi-Fi connection. Guesthouse also offers a garden with a summerhouse and sauna with the swimming pool. Guest house is located in the quite east-northern part of city Bishkek, not far from the main street “The Silk Way”. 
  • MBA Business Center Hotel, Panfilov 237, ☏ +996 312 623120. Lots of space, a friendly staff, but questionable comfort and some broken appliances at this hotel located inside an actual business center on the 4th floor. One thing worth noting is the absence of stairs that may bring you to safety in case of a fire: the elevator is the only way in (and out), since the staircase is blocked by a door at the 3rd floor. Anyway, the staff assures that "there will be no fire"... 

Splurge

  • Ak Keme, Prospekt Mira 93, ☏ +996 312 540143, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 12PM. Upscale hotel located about 8 kilometers from city center, offers a conference center, a health club, indoor and outdoor pools with bar access, and spa services. 
  • Jannat, Micro Rayon 7, ☏ +996 312 911210, . Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 12PM. This new hotel is located about 20 minutes outside the city center and is home to the Monte Carlo casino. Silk and felt textiles add a bit more of a Kyrgyz feel to the hotel. 

Stay safe

While relatively safe compared to many major Asian cities, one should use caution after hours in Bishkek. It is highly recommended against taking an unaccompanied stroll after dusk and you definitely avoid parks at night.

Pickpockets are a major problem in and around markets, especially at Osh Bazaar. Look out for young men with large plastic bags "bumping" into you. Keep your valuables at your accommodation if you plan to visit the markets, and if you bring a purse, camera, backpack etc. keep it in front of you.

Nightclubs and their surrounding areas can be a hotbed for crime in the form of theft, prostitution, or even assault by people waiting to take advantage of an unsuspecting traveler or expat. Ask locals or hotel staff which areas are safer than other and take precautions if you plan on club hopping. Do not walk from nightclub to nightclub at night; instead spend 100 som ($US2.50) on a taxi. Potential muggers have been known to wait outside bars and clubs, especially the ones frequented by ex-pats, follow drunk ex-pats and then rob them.

Keep a cool head and be aware of your surroundings when hanging out inside and outside of nightclubs. Most clubs have numerous buff, semi-professional security guards, but you should be vigilant nonetheless. Do not leave any belongings on the table while you go to dance. Be careful around the taxi area outside the club; occasionally, unsavory characters pick this location to mug drunk foreigners as they leave the club late at night. You might not get much help from club security when it comes to theft.

Bishkek has a large number of prostitutes and sexual-transmitted diseases are on the rise in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. Always take proper precautions if you plan on being sexually active.

If you are a victim of a crime, you are probably best served by reporting the incident to your embassy, rather than to the militsya (police). Sometimes militsya will approach foreigners and ask them for documents, such as your passport. It's best to keep a photocopy of your passport and leave the original at your hotel if you can. On the rare occasion they try to fine you for having "the wrong visa", you are most likely just being set up for a shake down. Be polite, but firm, in your refusal and insist that you be put in touch with your embassy first.

Sometimes policeman approach you on the street, especially if you look like a tourist, such as carrying a big backpack, and ask to check the belongings. Often, their aim is to steal your valuables and money. They can do it very professionally, and you only will notice later, that something disappeared. The best way, is to pretend you don't understand them, trying to call your embassy, or just walk away asap. Also keep your valuables in a safe place and don't expose them to others all the time in Kyrgyzstan. Even sometimes normal local people, who invite you to have a tea at their home, if they see that you left some valuables unattended, may be tempted to steal.

Irrigation ditches and other holes in the ground can seriously injure the unaware person - especially when walking at night. Many streets are poorly lit or not lit at all, and it is easy to fall into them. Avoid manhole covers, grates and similar fixtures - they are frequently loose and even missing.

Cope

Bishkek is more or less a museum relic of the former Soviet Union Bloc. Despite Kyrgyzstan's poverty and the decay of its infrastructure, Bishkek remains a relatively safe, clean, functional city. Bishkek is not an old city and possesses no ancient landmarks, but it nonetheless has its own kind of charm, which often arouses nostalgia in people who knew the old Soviet Union. For some visitors, Bishkek is merely a stop on the Silk Road to refresh supplies before returning to the mountains. However, expatriates who call Bishkek home generally consider themselves lucky to benefit from its easygoing lifestyle, open-minded spirit, party culture and low cost of living. If you come with the right expectations you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.

Embassies

  • China 3 China, Prospekt Mira 299/7, ☏ +996 312 597-481, . The embassy was recently moved, the old address at Toktogula street is no longer valid. For obtaining a tourist visa a inviting letter is required. Travel agencies, which can provide it, are Kyrgyz Concept [2], Chui 126 and Mrs Liu, Chui 142. The price including consular fees is $US120–150, But the lower price you can find in the "GS-tour" company. The price is US $80 and higher. (☎English: +996555 51 52 52, +996708 51 52 52, ☎Russian: +996773 75 10 00) Address: Shopokava 29, 3. 
  • Tajikistan Tajikistan, Karadarinskaya 36 (Take the trolley bus 17 to south and get off the bus at the Duplex Lounge Bar. The embassy is at the end of the road that goes to the left after Duplex. By bicycle head south on Soviet, turn left/east into Gorky, then south/right into Karl-Marx. Turn left/east at the 2.trafficlight. The embassy is at the end of the road. coordinates: 42 50.866/74 37.756), ☏ +996 312 512-343. 10:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00. Tajiks visas are issued on spot. 30day $60 + 50som, 45day $70 +50som ,GBAO permit is free.. 
  • Uzbekistan Uzbekistan, Tynystanov 213 (coordinates: 42 52.390/74 36.536), ☏ +996 312 663-078. They won't even let you in unless you have an appointment. Call after 14:00 and get one, most likely for the next but one working day. Opening hours Tue-Fri 12:00-noon. Download the applicationform at http://evisa.mfa.uz. Many nationals, including Finnish and Dutch, need a letter of invitaion. Processingtime is 12 days, urgent 4-8 days. With a LOI you get it on the spot, even if you don't need one. They just need your passportcopy and don’t take your passport. Price 30days US $75, urgent US $105. 

Connect

Free wifi is now widespread. Most "foreinercafes" have free wifi (Coffee, Foyer, Obama, Cyclone, Pirogoff-Vodkin, Vostok Zapad, Tubeteika, Movie City Bar, Buddha Bar, etc.). There is also free wifi at the vefa shoppingcenter on the corner of Gorkiy and Soviet.

Getting mobile phone service or even internet service is rather straight forward and a good idea, even if you're here for only a few days. You can purchase a SIM card (for GSM phones) at literally hundreds of retailers from: Beeline, Megacom, and Fonex. Also, Nexi-com and Beeline have offer 3G internet services. A SIM card is approximately 100 soms (~$2.25) and you can also now re-charge it at numerous automated machines in the city, many of which feature an English language program. If you do not have a compatible phone, you can purchase a new no-frills model for as little as 1200 soms (~$27).

Go next

Thirty minutes outside of Bishkek the 4,000 metre, 13,000 foot, "foothills" of the Tian Shan range (Celestial Mountains).

  • Al-Archa National Park - This park goes the length of a beautiful valley where you can hike in several kilometres to a glacier. Inside the park is a hotel and couple of small cafes. Taxi services can take you and wait a few hours for about 1000 som ($US25). From the newly renovated lodge you can trek to the stone house located at 3,300m and it takes about 4–5 hours. The stone house charges 500 som per night for bunk beds or you can camp. From there you can climb Corona Peak or Uchitel peak 4,585m or head to glacier.
  • Burana Tower (Just outside the close-by town of Tokmok, which can be reached with a frequent minibus departing from the east bus station of Bishkek. From Tokmok take a taxi or a bus, departing around 12 and 15, to Burana. The buses return to Tokmok around 14 and 16). A nice tower/minaret surrounded by some beautiful countryside. At the same site, there are also a small museum, some petroglyphs, burial mounds and remains of walls. 30 som to climb the tower and about 15 som to enter the museum. 
  • Trekking Union of Kyrgyzstan, Kievskaya 168 (crossroad Turuspekova), ☏ +996 312 909115, . This trekking club organizes one day or longer public treks or hikes in the mountains around Bishkek, for just few hundreds soms a day, including transport to/from the start of the trek and guide. Food and equipment you should bring with you, though probably you could rent some equipment from them. Usually size of the group is 10+ people, both locals and expats. Booking few days in advance is better, since group size is limited by number of the seats in the bus. They mostly have treks on weekends or holidays. Sometimes they have other outdoor activities like rafting etc... Their website have events schedule in English. 
This city travel guide to Bishkek is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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