Bishkek tourist information | Holidays to Bishkek

Flight & airport info

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Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan since Kyrgyz independence in 1991, is a young, vibrant city whose tree-lined streets provide welcome shade in the intense summer heat. Explore the city's cultural attractions then head out to the surrounding mountains.

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Currency

Som (KGS)

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Visa Requirements

EU, US and most other nationals must obtain a 30-day tourist visa (£45). For information and an online visa application form, visit www.kyrgyz-embassy.org.uk

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Language

Kyrgyz, Russian

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Timezone

Kyrgyz, Russian

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Weather

Winter and summer extremes. Average temperatures in Nov-Feb sink to -24°C, while temperatures in Jun-Aug can soar to +32°C. Mild spring and autumn

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Dialling Code

00 996

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Electricity

220V. European two- pin plugs are standard

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Health and Safety

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance are essential

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Useful Links

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance are essential

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Flights to Bishkek land at Manas International Airport, situated 25km northeast of the city centre. There are no airport buses but Ekspress Taxis, waiting outside the arrivals hall, cost from 350 Som (£5 -7) - depending on your bargaining skills.

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The State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum: Located a short walk from the central Ala-Too Square, this intriguing museum displays the usual textiles - yurts, felt carpets and embroidery – but the star attraction is the mural designed as a tribute to Lenin and the Revolution on the first floor. Look for a grinning Ronald Reagan astride a missile, Nazi Germany depicted as a bear on the rampage and Mother Russia as a statuesque female clutching a white dove.

Address: Ala-Too Square
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Osh Bazaar

Osh Bazaar (3km to the west of the centre): This maze of retail outlets surrounded by outdoor stalls sells mountains of produce and is the city's liveliest spot for people watching. It's also home to a covered clothes market.

Address: Osh Bazaar
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Tel No:+996 312 220657

Zhirgal Banya

Zhirgal Banya (corner Sultan Ibraimov/Toktogul): Don't miss the chance to experience an authentic self-flagellating Russian bath for around £1 a go. Be sure to buy your birch twigs from the old women outside the baths before you go in.

Address: Corner of Sultan Ibraimov and Toktogul
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Quick Lunch - Café Faiza

Café Faiza is the best in town for Kyrgyz dishes such as plov (rice, boiled meat and carrots), and is deservedly popular for it, especially at midday.

Address: Jibek Jolu
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Tel No:00 996 312 66 47 37

Top Table - Adriatico Paradise

Adriatico Paradise is the perfect antidote to deprivation if you've been up-country a while. The menu emphasises pizza and pasta, but spend a bit more for quality steak or seafood and European wines. Imported Italian indulgences include parmesan, carpaccio and olive oil.

Address: Chuy 219
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Tel No:00 996 312 21 76 32

Cheap Eat - Kontinental

Kontinental, is the most affordable of three tasty Chinese restaurants set side by side on Victory Square.

Address: Ogonbayev
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Tel No:00 996 312 28 04 11

On Business - Hyatt Regency hotel

Offering a controlled environment for those who like top chain dependability, the Hyatt Regency hotel is as good as it gets. The décor mixes natural colours with startlingly bright turquoise carpets, but the Crostini Lounge, the outdoor pool and the business and fitness centres are comfortingly familiar.

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Address: 191 Sovietskaya Street
Post Code:720000
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Lap Of Luxury - Silk Road Lodge

For those who want the best in town, it has to be the Silk Road Lodge. This smart 28-room hotel is centrally-located with an indoor pool and two saunas.

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Address: Abdumomunova Street 229
Post Code:720000
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Cheap Sleep - Asian Mountains Guest House

Situated on the outskirts of town, the quirky but clean Asian Mountains Guest House has a communal kitchen and sitting room.

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Address: Lineinaja 1A
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Coffee And Chat - Fatboys

Fatboys (Chuy 104, 00 996 312 28 73 50) is a local legend. Foreigners enjoy international breakfasts with fresh juice, pancakes, bacon and eggs and hash browns. The lunch and dinner menus are similarly comprehensive, but it's equally pleasant to watch the world go by from its pavement tables over an espresso or a draft beer.

Address: Chuy 104
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Tel No:00 996 312 28 73 50

Formal Presentation - Hyatt Regency hotel

The Hyatt Regency hotel (Sovietskaya 191, 00 996 312 66 12 34) has six venues available for conferences, meetings and banquets.

Address: Sovietskaya 191
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Tel No:996 312 66 12 34

Evening Drinks - Metro

Metro (Chuy 168 A, 00 996 312 21 76 64), with its buzzy atmosphere and widescreen sports coverage, is the place to show local colleagues a good time, though the American rock blasting out of the banks of speakers may be a barrier to private conversation.

Address: Chuy 168 A
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Tel No:00 996 312 21 76 64