A Digital Nomad Guide to Bishkek

Bishkek Visa

Entering Kyrgyzstan is fairly simple for most passport holders as Kyrgyzstan is trying to encourage tourism. There are 69 nations that don’t need to obtain a passport to go to Kyrgyzstan. You will need to check the length of stay for your country as this varies dramatically. Some of the 69 nations can stay indefinitely; others have a maximum stay of 90 days, some 60 days, and some 30 days. Within the visa-free countries, the UK, USA, most EU countries, Australia and New Zealand are included. You will still be stamped in to mark your time in the country. 

If you are not from one of the visa-free countries, then you will need to obtain an e-visa before your arrival. This can be done online and is a simple process costing very little. Make sure to do it before your planned trip, as it can take a few days to process. It is also possible if you have a visa for Kazakhstan to visit some areas of Kyrgyzstan. Some passport holders with Kazakh visas can cross into Kyrgyzstan and visit the border districts of Issyk-Kul, Talas, and Chui regions.

If you are in Bishkek and want to extend your stay, then you can visit an immigration office in Bishkek for an extension. You may need to provide evidence of sufficient funds and a reason for your stay. 

Culture and Food in Bishkek

Kyrgyzstan has a number of traditional dishes, and cuisine is a huge part of Kyrgyz culture. Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country with harsh winters, so many dishes are based around hearty ingredients that provide proteins and fat for survival during the subzero winters. Being from a nomadic background, the majority of traditional food is centered around meats and produce from animals. There are many places to enjoy some of the best Kyrgyz cuisines in Bishkek, as well as try something new. There is a huge interest in American culture, so this is often reflected in many of the fast-food chains or diner-type restaurants. The youth of Bishkek is also experimenting with new fusions of traditional Kyrgyz dishes and other cuisines from around the world. 

Traditional Food

Bishkek is a great place to try some of Kyrgyzstan’s traditional cuisine, and some of the things you should try are Laghman, plov, and manti. My favorite restaurant for trying Kyrgyz cuisine was Navat. The food was a little more expensive here, but it was still very affordable, and it was fantastic. The restaurant has a traditional atmosphere and is welcoming with its brightly colored and funky decorations. Other great traditional restaurants include Faiza and Bukhara. 

Street Food

Some of the best street food can be found in the Osh market. In the food section, you will see many locals selling their homemade pickled vegetables as well as cooked local delights. You will see many stands selling local bread, pastries, homemade honey, and dried fruits. It is a great place to pick up a snack and to see how the locals live.

Fast Food

There are many American fast-food chains in Bishkek, such as KFC, Papa John’s, and Nathans, but there are also some great local fast food places to eat too. Kheshteg Lagman was one of my favorite takeaway spots as it served great Laghman for a very affordable price. Along the street where Kheshteg Lagman is located, you will find many small local fast food places to eat, and it is a great street for picking up a quick bite to eat. 

International Cuisine

Some of the best restaurants in Bishkek serve up a selection of international-inspired cuisine, so if you are looking for something a little different, then check out Chicken Star, Vinoteka, and Taksim Café. 

Vegan and Vegetarian

Traditional Kyrgyz food is very heavily meat-based; however, as Bishkek develops and is influenced by global cuisine, there are many restaurants that are adapting their menus to suit dietary needs. Some of the best places to eat as a vegetarian or vegan in Bishkek are Baan Baan Thai Café, Host, Café Pur:Pur, Pappa Roti, Fresh Box Sushi, and La Maison. There isn’t a huge selection of vegan-oriented restaurants, but you will find that there are some things on menus that can cater to vegan and vegetarian diets. One piece of advice I’d give is that in some places when you ask for no meat, you may get a confused look as this is not a very common request. You may also find that soups and other dishes may still be cooked using animal broths, and it is quite hard to escape eating meat at restaurants that are more for locals.

Bishkek Nightlife

Bishkek is a bustling youthful city with a lively nightlife scene. There is a great selection of bars, nightclubs, karaoke venues offering a variety of nighttime experiences. Most nightclubs will add a cover charge to the bill of around 10-20%. There is a slight obsession with Western culture, in particular, American dining and drinking culture, so you will find many bars and restaurants with American themes. 

Karaoke

Karaoke is a popular evening activity in Bishkek, and there are many karaoke bars across the city. Some of the best Karaoke bars are Karaoke 40X40, LiveBar Rooms, K Channel Karaoke, Korean house Bishkek, and Talisman Karaoke. Prices can vary between venues, and they depend on whether you order food, book private rooms, and the size of your group. It is best to ask around when you get to Bishkek to find out what the prices are, as there are so many variables.

Nightclubs

Retro-Metro is probably the most popular nightclub in Bishkek, and it is one of the biggest in the city. They offer live music events from both their resident DJs and guest Dis too. On the nights when there aren’t events, the venue opens as a normal bar offering karaoke and drinks at reasonable prices. Mansion Nightclub is another of Bishkek’s larger nightclubs offering live music and a party atmosphere. Other night clubs in Bishkek that are highly rated are Shanson Night Club, Promzona Club, and Center Bar.

Alternative Bars

Metro Pub, and Promzona are all alternative live music venues playing mostly music from the 70s 80s and a mix of Russian rock. They are all slightly smaller venues, but they have so much life, and you can have a great night at one of these if you prefer something different. 

Bars

There is a huge bar culture in Bishkek, from casual bars to some specializing in specific drinks and cocktails. You will certainly find a bar that suits your vibe. Here are some of the top-rated and fun bars in Bishkek; Some Where Bistro, No Name Bar, Times Bar, and Harat’s Pub, which is like a traditional Irish pub.

Craft Brewhouses

Save The Ales, Pinta Pub Frunze, and Brewster Craft Beer are some of the best brewhouses in Bishkek. If you enjoy craft beers, then you need to check these places out as they have a great selection of craft beers from a variety of countries.

Things to do in Bishkek

While Bishkek is a relatively small city, there is plenty to do; from eating out to visiting museums and enjoying the markets. There will always be something to keep you curious, and if you find that you have visited everything in Bishkek, then why not explore more of the countryside on an excursion or even take a trip to a neighboring country.

• Osh Bazar

  This was my favorite Bazar and marketplace to visit. Although it was a little touristy, it was still super authentic. Not many people speak English, so it is best to learn simple words and numbers as it really helps with haggling here. You will find food, textiles, clothes, and crafts here. It is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and gifts, as well as produce if you want to cook. Things are very cheap in Bishkek, and it is common to haggle at markets if you are buying multiple items. Just remember to be respectful and never make a ridiculous offer that might offend. I recommend trying some of the pickled goods that are similar to the South Korean kimchee. You will see endless market stalls selling variations, and it is delicious! I also recommend checking out textiles made with camel wool and hand-crafted items. Always be vigilant at busy markets as this is a popular place for pickpocketers.

• Dordoy Bazar

  This is located slightly north of the city center, and you will need to take a bus out to it. This is where the locals go to buy and trade, and it is incredible. The market is built entirely with shipping containers and is around a kilometer wide. This is one of the largest trade markets in the area, and whilst it’s not a tourist spot, it is really interesting to visit if you want to see a bit more of daily life in Bishkek. Always be vigilant at busy markets at this is a popular place for pickpocketers.

• UAZ Buhanka Rentals

  If you want to explore a bit more of Kyrgyzstan, then you should look at renting a camper van from UAZ Buhanka Rentals. Prices vary depending on the equipment you require and the length of your trip. To rent a Buhunka for 5-13 days, it will cost $100 USD a day, 14-18 days costs $90 USD a day, and for over 19 days, it will be $80 USD a day. Prices can also go up if you require additional extras in the vehicle. Prices during the winter months drop to $80 USD a day for trips longer than five days.

• Museums and Monuments

  If you are into history, then there are a few museums in Bishkek that might be of interest. Although there aren’t too many to choose from, there are some which showcase the history of the region. They are the State History Museum, M V Frunze Museum, Geological Museum, Zoological Museum, and the Etnograficheskiy Kompleks “Manas Ayyly” museum. As for monuments, you will find many that are left from the Soviet Union as well as others that celebrate the traditions of Kyrgyz culture. Some of the best monuments to see are the statue in Victory Park, Stella of Friendship of Nation in Asanbai Park, Kozhomkul Baatyr Monument, Kilometre Zero, and Pamyatnik Voinam Batkentsam.

• Galleries

  The best art gallery in Bishkek is the National Museum of Fine Arts, named after Gapar Aitiev. It contains a mix of contemporary fine arts from the region and in general from the world. Another creative museum is the Kyrgyz State Literature and Art Museum of Toktogul Satylganov. If you want to admire some sculptures, then make sure to check out the Sculpture Museum Park.

• Viewpoint

  There is a viewpoint in Bishkek located south of the city. This is a popular place for people to go for sunset, but if you are heading up, I’d recommend you go with friends and take a taxi or friend’s car as it would appear that when the sun has set, and it is turning dark there is suspicious activity there, so it is better avoided at night.

  Bishkek is a great place to be based for activities and excursions further afield. The rich mountainous region allows for many activities that are perfect, either for a long weekend or for a day trip. Here are some suggestions of things just outside of Bishkek.

• Burana Tower

  Located a short drive outside Bishkek is the Burana Tower. This tall tower that sites alone is a marker to what was one the ancient city of Balasagun. It was originally 45 meters tall, but legend tells many tales of how the tower was reduced to 25 meters. It is most likely due to earthquakes, but legend speaks of tragedy and loss. Entrance costs around $2 USD, plus you will need a ride from the city. You can book a tour which will cost around $65 USD.

• Issyk-Kul

  Issyk-Kul is the world’s second-largest high-altitude lake, and it is around 113 miles long and 37 miles wide. Its deepest point goes as far as 668 meters (2,192 feet). The lake has a few settlements around it, with Issyk being the largest, and it used to be a popular vacation destination during Soviet Union times. It is around a 6-hour drive from Bishkek, but there are endless amounts of hiking to do in the area, and this is the best place to rent a yurt for the night.

• Horse riding

  Horses are a huge part of Kyrgyz culture, so why not go on a horse trekking excursion. For centuries horses have been a valuable mode of transport in central Asia, to move nomads from place to place and for carrying goods. There are set tours where you can go on a mountains trek by horseback and even stay in a yurt or in the mountains. A day trip from Bishkek can cost as little as $30 USD, and the best place to find an official tour is on the Trekking Union of Kyrgyzstan (TUK) website. 

• Ala-Archa national park

  Just a 30-minute drive from Bishkek is the Ala-Archa national park. This is probably one of the best places to go hiking and climbing, and you can get a guide to take you on a hike for as little as $6 USD. Some of the popular places to hike to are Sokuluk gorge, Lake Kel-Tor, and Jylamysh gorge.

• Skiing

  Kashka-Suu ski resort is another attraction popular with tourists as it is close to Bishkek, beautiful, and affordable. A day ski pass costs around $12 USD, and accommodation in the area is very affordable. So if you are visiting during the winter months, then a ski weekend could be a great way to escape the city. 

A super useful resource is Caravanistan.com, and this is the best place to look for advice, tours, or to even ask questions. They have spent years building a website containing everything about central Asia.

Best Time to Visit Bishkek

The weather in Bishkek varies dramatically depending on the time of year you visit, as the winters can be extremely harsh with subzero temperatures and the summer very hot. The times I have stayed were in September and November; both were quite cold but before the snow arrived in Bishkek. Many mountain passes across the country close in November, so it made travel quite restricted. 

The summer months run from May through to September, with temperatures reaching up to around 35/36 °C (95/97 °F), and the days are dry and sunny. July and August are the most humid months with the lowest humidity, and it averages at around 40% humidity. June is the wettest month, with around 22 days of rainfall out of 30. March and April are the months of spring, where temperatures begin to rise and the snow starts to melt. This is still quite early for those who want to hike and spend time in the mountains. 

December and January are considered the subzero cold winter months, with February being the last of the cold winter spell. Temperatures often drop as low as -8°C (17.6°F) and rarely rise above -1.3°C (29.7°F), and December sees the most snowfall during the winter, and it is the least sunny month of the year.

The best months to visit are the summer months between May and September as this is when the weather is at its best. If you want to go to Bishkek, then you are most likely going there for the outdoor qualities, so if you plan on hiking and camping, then summer is better. However, if you want to go there for the snow and the ski season, then December through to February are the best months to visit. 

Bishkek for Families

After having visited Bishkek on multiple occasions, I wouldn’t think that it is a suitable city for families as facilities are limited, and sometimes of low quality, there is a lot of air pollution and dangerous traffic. Although having said that, if you were to homeschool your children and you like adventure, then maybe it is a good place for you and your family. 

The best way to find information on Bishkek is to join expat forums and ask as many questions as possible. There are a few international schools in Bishkek, but these will most likely only teach in Russian, so if your child is not bilingual, then it might be challenging for them to integrate. 

As for daycares and nurseries, it isn’t very common for families to put their children in daycares as the mothers would usually stay at home with their children. Some hotels may offer a daycare service, or if you can get in contact with one of the universities, it might be a great opportunity to offer some work to a student who might be learning a foreign language. It is common for students to have part-time jobs, so it might be an opportunity for you to employ a student as an au pair. Greataupair.com is a fantastic website to help you find someone local to help.

It is also possible to find apartments to rent using some of the websites mentioned in the accommodation section, such as rentberry.com and Airbnb.com, so you will be able to find somewhere to suit your family’s needs.

In summary, if you have a method of homeschooling and are willing to employ an au pair, then it could be a great city for families. There is so much to experience outside Bishkek, and there are some amazing day trips that the kids will love.

Living in Bishkek

Bishkek Transportation

Transport within Bishkek is pretty good, there are a few options for getting around the city, and it is very cheap. The main form is bus or taxi, and there are plenty running across the city. It is also fairly easy to navigate as the city has a simple grid system.

Taxi

There are a few ways of ordering a taxi in Bishkek, and taxis, in general, are a very cheap way of getting around the city. Small journeys will cost around $1-2 USD and longer journeys a little more. The best way to book a taxi is by using taxi apps such as Yandex or Uber. It is best to use these as you will have a fixed price and can choose the pick-up and drop-off locations without having to communicate with the driver. Most taxi drivers will not speak languages other than Kyrgyz or Russian, so it is best to use the app to make your journey as smooth as possible. There are also local taxis which you can hail down but make sure to know how to say where you want to go. 

Trolleybuses and Diesel Busses

The trolleybuses are buses that follow electrical lines and have set routes throughout the city, whereas the diesel buses are more of the traditional bus that makes varying journeys across and around the city. Buses tend to run from around 6 am to 10 pm at night. They usually cost around $0.10 USD per ride, and you usually get on the bus at the back.

Minibusses (Marshrutka)

These are small minibusses that run around the city and don’t often have set stops. Generally, you can hail them down wherever you are, and you will pay around $0.20 USD for a ride. In Bishkek, it is generally custom to pay when you get on, whereas, in Osh, you pay when you get off. They also only accept cash; there is no system in place for card payments. 

Walking

The city is fairly pedestrian-friendly, with large roads and open spaces. The pollution can become quite bad during certain seasons, as the fumes get stuck in the city, so if you are walking, you may want to wear a mask. It takes just over an hour to walk across the main part of the city. 

Fitness and Health

There are a few gyms and fitness centers in Bishkek, however not that many will speak English. You will also find that many people choose to exercise through running, walking, hiking, and being outdoors rather than through gyms. Here are some of the top-rated gyms in Bishkek; Barbie Fitness, Fitness Pro, and Puma Gym. Many gyms use a directory website called 360, which displays business information and sometimes rates. If you are a confident gym goer and are just looking for equipment and not a personal trainer, then all the above are great options. It might be more difficult if you are looking for a personal trainer as not many trainers will speak English. Subscriptions start from around $25 USD.

The best way to find out if there are English-speaking coaches or personal trainers is via forums and Facebook expat groups in Bishkek. There are also some alternative forms of exercise, such as pole fitness which can be done at Sunrise gym for around $30 USD per session. There are also a couple of yoga studios, with the best being Yoga Dom which offers a variety of yoga classes with drop-ins costing around $4.70 USD per class. You can also buy monthly memberships or bulk buy classes to save a few dollars. It costs $13 USD if you buy the eight classes in one month package, which is a large saving. You will also find many boxing gyms and places to practice martial arts; however, these will most likely only be taught in Kyrgyz or Russian.

Finally, there is Smile sports complex, which has around 30 trampolines, a bouldering wall, and an adventure park. Their prices vary depending on how long you want to use the space, what you want to use, and if you are attending a class. 

Bishkek People

Kyrgyzstan was once home to some of the Turkic ethnic groups. The Turkic peoples were a collection of ethnic groups that lived mostly in Central Asia as well as Europe, North and West Asia, and they are thought to have migrated from the East. 

Most Kyrgyz people are religious, and they are Muslim, following the Hanafi Sunni school. Islam was first introduced to Kyrzgstan via the Silk Road. In the 7th century, Arabs that traveled and traded along the Silk Road brought Islam to Kyrgyzstan. It wasn’t until around the 17th century that the Kyrgyz people started to convert to becoming Muslim, and by the 19th century, the Kyrgyz were considered devout Muslims.  

In Bishkek, you will find most of the youth of the country, as this is the best place to be for education and for jobs. It is a young city, with a vibrant nightlife scene and lots going on. The youthful vibe is shaping Bishkek into a popular place with digital nomads, as there are many events, bars, restaurants, and things to do that appeal to a younger audience. 

Many of the older generations follow tradition, and the younger are becoming more westernized. With exchange programs and opportunities to learn foreign languages, the capital is shaping into a more multicultural city. The older generations in Bishkek generally only speak Kyrgyz or Russian, whereas the younger generations speak both Kyrgyz and another foreign language such as English or German. This progression is also applicable to religion; the older generations tend to be more religious and follow the religious rule, whereas the youth are becoming more open-minded and independent. 

You will see many men wearing a “Kalpak”; this is the traditional hat which is commonly worn by the man of the house or males in a family. The kalpak symbolizes the mountains and has four sides, each representing an element. This is a common tradition that is still practiced; however, you will see in Bishkek that many of the younger males don’t follow this tradition anymore, and it is more common to see when you are out in the countryside. 

Bishkek Insurance and Medical Care

It is always advised to have both insurances for medical and for your belongings, and this is a must for Kyrgyzstan. Healthcare in Kyrgyzstan is minimal and not easily available; while the doctors in Kyrgyzstan are knowledgeable, they lack equipment and modern healthcare technology. Being in Bishkek is the best place in the country as it is the capital city, so you will have access to the best care in the country; however, this care is still very basic and not to a high level when compared with Western Europe. It is highly unlikely to come across medical staff who speak English, so it is advised to always take a translator with you.

Equipment is dated or, in some cases, nonexistent, which may require you to be taken to a neighboring country for care, depending on how severe the medical issue is. This is why it is advised to have insurance because if you do get into an accident and need advanced treatment, then you may be flown to another country which can be very expensive. Medical evacuation is very common in Bishkek, and usually, you will visit a medical center where a decision will be made to fly you to either Istanbul or Western Europe. This can cost anything from $60,000 USD and can take around 48 hours to organize, so it really is best to have medical insurance for Kyrgyzstan. 

It is advised to take your own medical kit with you, containing basic items such as paracetamol or equivalent, as well as the usual basic first aid kit items. This is just because it is sometimes difficult to get hold of healthcare items in Kyrgyzstan, so it is better to be prepared, but always check customs rules to see if any medication is banned.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Bishkek

Finding a job in Bishkek may be challenging unless you can speak either Kyrgyz or Russian. However, there is an increasing demand for English teachers, so if you are a native English speaker, then you might be in luck. 

The best place to look for an English teaching job in Bishkek is via websites such as teachaway.com, workaway.com, and goabroad.com. On these websites, you will find many jobs advertised and many institutes in Bishkek that are looking for teachers. It is also possible to find teaching work when you are there. English teachers in Bishkek can make between $400 USD – $600 USD per month, depending on where you are teaching and your working hours. 

A common form of extra income in Bishkek is to offer private English language tuition. You can charge more for this than what you will be paid for teaching a class; however, it is a good idea to get a teaching job first to get potential clients. Another way to approach teaching is to contact schools and universities before you arrive and see if any positions are available or if they would advertise your private tuition classes. 

Other than teaching languages, it will be difficult to find work in Bishkek as the average wage is very low, and there is not much work available unless you have a unique skill. Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.