Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan: My Top 20 Sights in Bishkek, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

I cry writing this, but you knew that. It’s damn emotional. Bishkek is a magnetic city. As my travel repertoire gained new momentum by reaching Central Asia in December 2015, I was convinced nowhere here could really charm or impress me. I’m a tough backpacker to impress these days, I’ve seen it all before. Bishkek hit my destiny to be just another city on another journey on this ball we are on. I was totally wrong. Bishkek re-ignited my travel spark and I fell in love with this city. It’s just too cool to not be found. Way too cool.

From my textbook border crossing from Almaty in Kazakhstan to my base at the superb Apple Hostel Bishkek, I started sightseeing early - on my second day I got up early and backpacked my way through all the main sights. Yes I banged them all out in one day, assuming, like most cities, I’d only be here for 2/3 days and needed to make the most of it. However on my first day here, within the first 24 hours, I knew I would be staying put just a little bit longer! It was in the air and a twist of fate.

Bishkek made a perfect base to get visas for elsewhere and because Kyrgyzstan borders 4 other countries (potentially 6 if you count Gorno Badakhshan and you entangle your way into Uzbek owned-Karakalpakstan as separate), it’s the easiest and best base when backpacking in Central Asia. And I lingered long, soon winter became the spring. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).