Overall Score
Bishkek – the capital of Kyrgyzstan and the countrys largest city, is the center of the economic, scientific, political and cultural life of Kyrgyzstan. The city is located in the middle of the Chuy Valley, at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. Bieszekek – a city of architectural design, with streets that intersect mainly at right angles. During the Soviet era, from 1926 to 1991, the city was called Frunze.
The heart of touristy Bichetk is the city center, where most of the restaurants, cafes, stores, museums, plazas, galleries, parks and quadrants are located. One of the citys favorite places for residents and visitors is the Central & ‖Dubov‖ Park. Its interesting because there are so many sculptures of stone, metal, and wood, scattered throughout the park, on its alleys, paths, and in the tree lanes.
The park is flanked by the Erkikindik Gallery, also called the Bishekökkökkirche Exhibition. Here one can admire the works of local artists and craftsmen. Behind the gallery is Ala-Togo – the citys main square. Surrounded by public buildings, with the House of Government standing out among the most prominent ones, it is the place where most festivals, festivities and mass concerts take place.
In order to enjoy the magnificent panorama of the city, you have to climb the Bös Peledek Mountain, which can be reached by the citys public transportation system. From its viewing platforms Beşikök lies as if on the ice. At the bottom of the mountain there is a Kyrgyz burial ground, called Khanska mogoly (Khingas cemetery); It is the burial site of former ruler Bailek and his son Uzachek, whose mound is commemorated by a strikingly beautiful, wrought-iron, adorned dome tower.
On the southeast of Bishekökök, in the village of Böch Küüngöy, lies Cheon-Arkök – The main Kyrgyz botanical reserve, which contains plants such as Kumakkiewiczs juniper, Klyopakowskis irises, the Alalatka cephalopod and many species of tulips.
In addition, the surroundings of Bishekökök are rich in medicinal springs, of which the Shabir spring is the most noteworthy, known for its hydrogen-carbonate-nitrite water with a constant water temperature of 31° C, and not far from the village of Kamyshakynovka the local mud fields, which help with diseases of the musculoskeletal apparatus, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory organs, peripheral nervous system, and gynecological diseases.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 72 US AQI Moderate. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 960,000 people
- GDP: $1,100 / year
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 6 Mbps
- Best wireless: Megacom
- Tipping: In general tipping is not expected but in the larger international hotels in Bishkek western style is the norm so expect to pay a small sum to bell boys or cleaners.
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best hospital: 5
- Best short-haul air carrier: Turkish
- Best intl air carrier: Turkish
- Monthly costs for expat: $550
- Monthly costs for family: $950
- Monthly costs for local: $270
- Meal: $2.5
- Small Cola: $0.4
- Beer 1 Pint: $0.7
- Coffee: $0.3
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