Bishkek was the first stop during my three weeks backpacking across Kyrgyzstan. After spending 3 weeks in Kazakhstan, I took a direct Marshrutka from Almaty to Bishkek. A direct marshrutka is very convenient because the driver will also clear immigration at the border and wait for you at the other side, you don’t need to change the vehicle.
Bishkek, formerly known as Pishpek and Frunze, is the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan surrounded by the Tian Shan mountains range. It is a relatively new city and has limited historical sites, but it makes a great place to start your trip to the mountains and alpine lakes of the Tian Shans.
Photos below are from my few days stay in the capital city, mostly of Soviet Era monuments in Bishkek.
The White house of Kyrgyzstan, a Stalinist style presidential office building in Bishkek. The exterior is covered in marble and In front of the building is a large bed of red flowers representing the country’s Soviet ties. The White House was the site of riots during both the 2005 Tulip Revolution and the 2010 Kyrgyzstani riots.The monument of Manas, a national hero, a great warrior and a leader who united all 40 tribes of Kyrgyzstan and defeated the Kyrgyz people’s enemies.Ala-Too Square, the central square in Bishkek. The square was built in 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic, at which time a massive statue of Lenin was placed in the square’s center. The statue of Manas was installed in 2011 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s independence.Beautiful Soviet Era building of The International University of Kyrgyzstan.Monument to Urkuya Salieva, who was born into a peasant family. She was an activist for social change and women’s rights in the early years of socialism.The opera house, built in 1926, hosts local and international opera and ballet presentations.Another beautiful building in the city.Osh Bazaar, the oldest market in Bishkek. This sprawling market sells almost anything you could think of like food products, common household goods, cloths, souvenirs, musical instruments. A must visit place if you are in the town.
After spending few days in the capital city, I took a train to visit Issyk-Kul, the largest lake of Kyrgyzstan.
In May 2017, 23 days before I was going to complete 50 years, grabbed an opportunity and took an early retirement.. Picked up a backpack and traveling ever since.. Love to travel around the world, experience different culture, local cuisine & drinks .. and take pictures.. so far been to 108 countries and still counting...
Window on the World 