Things to do in  Bishkek

One of the largest mosques in Central Asia, the resplendent, Bishkek Central Mosque wouldn't look out of place in Istanbul—in fact, Turkey funded its construction. Completed in 2018, the Ottoman-style building has quickly become a major hub for Islamic worship and learning. The exterior has silver domes and striking minarets, while the interior is decorated with Islamic calligraphy and tiles.

Located in Kyrgyzstan’s Ala-Too mountains, Issyk-Ata Gorge is known for its stunning scenery, thermal baths, and hiking trails. Along with its alpine meadows and natural hot springs, the area is also home to an ancient carving of Buddha etched onto a boulder—a remnant of Buddhism’s popularity in Kyrgyzstan before the arrival of Islam.

Located about 20 miles (30 kilometers) outside Bishkek, Sokuluk Gorge boasts a landscape of towering cliffs, rolling hills, alpine meadows, and thick forests. One of the star attractions is Belogorka waterfall—a roaring cascade close to 200 feet (60 meters) tall. There’s also crystal-clear, greenish Borulu Lake, which is reachable via an easy-to-moderate hike across the grasslands.

Located in Kyrgyzstan's rugged north, Boom Gorge is one of the region’s most stunning natural attractions. Often called the gateway to Issyk-Kul, a sprawling alpine lake, the gorge is known for its towering peaks and craggy cliffs. Hiking opportunities abound, while the fast-flowing Chu River that cuts through the gorge is a rafter’s paradise.

Originally built to celebrate six decades of Soviet rule, this sprawling public square is now a symbol of modern Kyrgyzstan. The Lenin statue that once stood here has been replaced by Manas, the legendary Kygyz national hero. Today, Ala Too Square—the name refers to mountains in Kyrgyz—is a site for gatherings, performances, and the occasional protest.

This centrally-located public square is home to a striking memorial dedicated to Kyrgyz lives lost in World War II and the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. Completed in the mid-1980s and recognizable from its three towering granite arches, it’s one of Bishkek’s most eye-catching landmarks. The monument’s other famous features include an eternal flame and a bronze statue of a woman representing the Kyrgyz motherland.

Right in the center of Bishkek, this tranquil, leafy park provides a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the Kyrgyz capital. Known for its towering oak trees, the park also has jogging paths, public fountains, and a 1980s-era sculpture exhibition with 90 statues related to Kyrgyz and Soviet history, including one of Marx and Engels.

Located around 18 miles (30 kilometers) outside Bishkek, Alamedin Gorge is what Kyrgyzstan is all about: stunning mountain ranges, plush alpine meadows, and crystal-clear waterholes. This popular hiking spot is within the Tian Shan mountain range, but don’t expect snow-capped peaks and challenging technical climbs—you can leave the crampons at home. Here, it’s all about laid-back walking trails and picnic spots.

One of the most prominent museums of Central Asia, the Kyrgyz State Historical Museum has a lofty mission: It aims to tell the history of the Kyrgyz people from Neolithic times all the way to the modern era. Visitors can find artifacts like pottery and tools for herding that were excavated around Kyrgyzstan, as well as traditional clothing, rock paintings, and a colorful yurt.