My first introduction to Central Asia 'Kyrgyzstan'

Royal and elegant display at a hotel in Narayn, Kyrgyzstan

I travelled to Bishkek in April 2022, extremely excited as my first time to Central Asia. Getting to Bishkek is not very easy as there are few options to fly. Since I was traveling via Bangkok, my first stop was Dubai (which is six hours) and then you take a budget airline Fly Dubai to Bishkek which takes about three hours to get there. Yes, the visa also takes a week so allow yourself enough time to plan the trip. Once you are Bishkek you will need a local sim. The airport is quite small so better get one at a nearby store. I arranged the taxi through my hotel. There are several apps and local taxis at the airport that can help. Its a very safe city as I was able to walk around the place pretty much all the time.

Oak Park, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Things to do in the city:

1. The parks in the city are very well designed where you will often find the locals getting a bit of the sun or relaxing in the evening. I travelled in April when it was still slightly cold.

2. Beautifully lit bars and restaurants serving all types of food and drinks. There are beautiful cafes all around. The walk at the night is very appealing with fairy lights around them.

3. The local food is very meat heavy and horse meat is a delicacy. A dish called 'manti' a look alike of the momos usually filled with beef meat is common. It is also served with some soup. Very rich and refreshing. Fruit compote drinks are often served here which are delicious and surprisingly more sour than sweet. Hot tea is served during meals.

Streets lit in the evenings, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

4. The local handicrafts and products are extremely enticing especially made with wool such as coasters, carpets, throws, shoes. There are local weekend markets where you can shop beautiful silver artworks, clothes, and jewelry.

5. Dry fruits, berries are very popular here. White honey is something I tasted for the first time. Apricot oil and walnut in honey are worth it.

*I will soon post another blog which provides more details and post a link here.

During my stay, I visited:

Al Archa National Park, Bishkek, Kyrgystan

1. Ala Archa National Park which is only an hour and a half from Bishkek. Extremely picturesque and a hiking trail through the park is popular. There was still a bit of snow when I went, the atmosphere was clean and refreshing.

2. Narayn, a small town up north which is about 4 hours from the city. The drive to the place was spellbinding. I was able to catch some beautiful scenes from the car. I was amazed at the clarity probably the air was so clean. They also had some local crafts that used more velvet and stones. Locals riding on horses are common and many horses grazing the fields.

Horses grazing in the fields, route to Narayn, Kyrgyzstan

The places down south such as Oud are more picturesque. If you are in this part of Central Asia find enough time to explore and enjoy the trip.

Hope you enjoy reading the post much like I enjoyed reliving it while writing it.

April, 2023