Kyrgyzstan

Offbeat Central Asian Treasures on a Private Kyrgyzstan Tour

A green capital city, beautiful mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and age-old nomadic traditions greet you on your private Kyrgyzstan tour. Historically, Kyrgyzstan was at the crossroads of long-distance trade and migration, and the Kyrgyz were nomadic. In the early 20th century, under Soviet control, the tribal groups were forced into a more settled existence.

Bishkek (called Frunze under Soviet rule) is the capital city, lined with broad boulevards, lush parks, and squares with fountains and sculptures. Unlike other ex-Soviet republics, Bishkek has maintained its Soviet-era buildings and monuments. Some of these surround Ala-Too Square, Bishkek’s large central plaza, which you’ll see during your customized tour of Kyrgyzstan. Atop a soaring flagpole in the courtyard, the country’s bright-red flag flaps in the wind. At the base, witness the changing of the guard ceremony occurring almost every hour. A grand statue of the legendary warrior hero, Manas, famous for uniting 40 Kyrgyz tribes against an enemy, guards the square. Spend time at the State History Museum, brimming with artifacts that explain Kyrgyzstan’s history from antiquity to the present century. Families gather at Al-Too Square’s benches and fountains at night while vendors offer instant photos, food, karaoke, and bike and hoverboard rentals.

Browse the maze of stalls selling fresh produce, clothes, and snacks at Osh Bazaar. Try raisins, dates, apricots, and other dried fruits and nuts. The more adventurous can sample traditional snacks like kurut, the small, dried, goat-milk cheeseballs. Pretty whorls of Kyrgyz flatbreads are sold everywhere.The Central Mosque Imam Sarakhsi is a grand Ottoman-style mosque, only completed in 2018. Its multi-domed ceiling is internally adorned with blue-and-white flowers, geometric shapes, and calligraphy. Bishkek also has many interesting churches, including the gold-domed Church of the Holy Prince Vladimir. Though slightly out of the way, it makes a good stop en route to Ala Archa National Park. This park offers breathtaking views of coniferous forests and mountains, just an hour from the city.