Travel to CIS countries

Travel to Bishkek 

Bishkek (Бишкек, بىشكهك) (population in 2005 approx. 900,000) is the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan).

Understand

Bishkek is a relatively new city set along the Tien Shan mountains in the Chui Valley. Bishkek has little in the way of historical sites, but is a great base for trips to the mountains, Issyk Kul and other sites to the south. Many young travellers find Bishkek's nightlife a delight and the people are friendly and very hospitable. Bishkek is a city of largely young people that hang out in the parks or small cafes.  Get in

Bishkek is connected to Kashi in Western China via a pass that was an important link on the ancient Silk Road. You can also come from China/Kashgar over the Toragut pass, if you have the time and patience. Known as one of the most frustrating passes in Central Asia, both sides can be closed for holidays or seeming randomness.

 By plane

Bishkek's Manas Airport is a thirty minute drive from the city center. Most of the international flights depart and arrive at very early hours of the morning. Bishkek Manas Airport (English)

You can connect to many cities of the world with the daily flights of Aeroflot to Moscow's Sheremyetvo and of Turkish Airlines to Istanbul airport. Aeroflot no longer flies the uncomfortable Tu-154, but the newer Airbus 320, making the five hour flight much more comfortable. In the summer season additional flights are operated.

bmi flies four days a week to London Heathrow with a fuel stop in Yerevan, Armenia. It is nearly an 11 hour flight and you are not allowed to leave the plane during the fuel stop.

Turkish Airlines flies daily to Istanbul, Turkey.

Beware that Kyrgyz airlines do not operate sufficient on western standards and most are banned from flying over or to the European Union. As there is no state of the art landing system, fog disrupts flights. Be prepared for longer delays in winter.

 

Residents of the US and most European countries can purchase a 30 day visa at the airport for $35 on arrival.

While there are occasional reports of requests for bribes or hassling of passengers, it is very rare. Airport personnel are generally formal and sometimes hospitable.

There is an ATM is the basement of the airport and several small cafes open around the clock.

Manas Airport is also home to a US Air Force Base that provides logistics support to the forces in Afghanistan. You will see American fuel tankers and cargo jets sitting along side old soviet passenger jets.

Beware: There are many aggressive taxi drivers awaiting all flights. The normal rate charged by the major taxi companies to the city center is 350 soms (~$9-10). You should attempt to get a similar rate when arriving.

 By train

There is a 4 day a week service to Moscow. Two days are operated by the Kyrgyz Railways and two days by the Russian Railways.

In addition, there is also a service that goes to Balikchy on the Western Edge of Lake Issyk-Kul. While slow and accommodation is minimal, it is one of the most scenic railtrips in Eurasia sneeking through the thin mountainous alpine pass to the lake.

By car

Bishkek is approximately a 3 1/2 hour drive from Almaty, Kazakhstan. There are also additional long distance road connections to Taraz, Kazakhstan (leading to Shymkent & Tashket, Uzbekistan).

You can also share or rent an entire taxi to Almaty. Both KLM and Lufthansa offer bus service to Almaty airport to meet their early morning flights. The normal price for a seat in a shared taxi is approximately 500 soms.