Private Bishkek City Tour: Soviet to Modern

Discover the iconic attractions and local culture of Bishkek in this engaging half-day private tour. Get personal insights from an English-speaking guide, taste local dishes, and immerse yourself in Kyrgyzstan’s history and beauty.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Osh Bazaar - In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel to embark on an exciting city tour. The first stop will be the legendary open-air market, Osh Bazaar.

It’s often said that to truly experience the local culture and lifestyle, one should visit the local market, and Osh Bazaar is one of the finest examples in Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan as a whole. Here, you can find everything from food products and spices to household goods, clothing, souvenirs, and even musical instruments. You’ll be surrounded by an array of products you could possibly imagine. The bustling crowds, diverse smells, and vibrant noises might feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s an unforgettable experience.

  • Kyrgyz State Philharmonic Hall - The city tour continues with the charming architecture of the Mayor’s office, International University, and the Philharmonic Hall itself. The white marble of the Philharmonic stands impressively on a hill, resembling an ancient temple, adorned with colorful stained glass and hammered copper.
  • Ala-Too Square - The main square of the city is Ala-Too Square. “Ala-too” translates to “motley mountains,” a name that perfectly captures the essence of a country renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery. Located in the heart of Bishkek, Ala-Too Square features several attractions. Around its perimeter, you’ll find the State Historical Museum, which houses around 90,000 exhibits, and Oak Park with the Friendship of Peoples monument. At the center stands a 45-meter flagpole with a national flag measuring 10 by 15 meters, guarded by an honor guard. Nearby is a 10-meter-high equestrian statue of Manas, the legendary Kyrgyz hero. The famous Panfilov Park and Lenin’s monument are also within reach.
  • Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Abdylas Maldybayev - The opera house in Bishkek is a notable landmark opposite the Fine Arts Museum. During the Soviet era, opera and ballet were considered national arts, and opera houses and ballet theaters were built in the capitals of each Soviet Republic. In Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, the grand Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theatre stands in the city center, offering the best performances in the country.

The classical heritage is evident in the facades and rich decor throughout the theater. Picturesque paintings and facades by Kyrgyz artists adorn the interior, showcasing the country’s rich history.

  • Victory Square - Dedicated to the victory in World War II, Victory Square features three massive granite arches in the center, forming the silhouette of a yurt (a traditional Kyrgyz nomad house). At the heart of the composition is a sculpture of a woman holding a cup, with an eternal flame burning at her feet, symbolizing a soldier’s mother waiting for her husband and sons to return from the war.
  • Central Mosque - The Bishkek Central Mosque is considered one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Built in an Ottoman revival style, it features four minarets, each with three balconies. Inside, the mosque can accommodate up to 6,000 people for prayer, and an additional 20,000 people can pray in the courtyard.
What's Included
  • Traditional Lunch
  • English speaking guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Admissions
Additional Information

Perfect for newcomers, our half-day tour is a comfortable and insightful way to see Bishkek’s famous spots, from Ala-Too Square to Osh Bazaar. With a private air-conditioned car and an English-speaking guide, you’ll get personal stories behind each sight. Learn about Kyrgyzstan’s history, admire the heroic statues, and view beautiful Soviet-era buildings. This tour also includes a delicious lunch with local dishes at a national restaurant, completing your experience of Kyrgyz culture.

Location
Osh Bazaar
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(9 Ratings)
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Mosen87
Jul 6, 2024
Excellent guide and experience! - Azamat was a very friendly guide and told us a lot about the city and the history of the country. Everything went so smooth and we had such a great time. It’s a perfect way to explore the city if you have limited time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberly_g
Jun 20, 2024
Wonderful tour! - Great guide! So knowledgeable. 4 hours was just enough for us to learn key aspects of current and past events affecting the Kyrgyz way of life.
Review provided by Viator
Harry
Apr 5, 2024
Relaxing Tour Around Bishkek - I visited a few places with Faruq, a guide who spoke good English. He was driving a car 🚗 also, so it was convenient. We were in Osh Bazaar, and I bought some great bread 🍞. Also, I bought a kalpak, a Kyrgyz Hat. Later, we saw a couple of museums, gardens and a few landmarks of Bishkek, including several squares and a mosque. We finished with a lunch and later Faruq took me to the hotel 🏨. Tomorrow I am going to Issik Kul Lake in a private tour with the same guide and the same travel 🧳 Agency, Data Travel 🧳.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P7684jxbettinam
Mar 14, 2024
Dordoi Bazaar, city tour and ice hockey rink - We made a very pleasant trip to Dordoi Bazaar where our guide Talgat showed us around and leaded us to the places with the stuff we were interested in. That was a great help, as the Bazaar is very big. Afterwards we drove around the city of Bishkek to see all the main attractions and take some photos. Al the way Talgat,in a very god way told us about the different attractions. At last, as an extra addition, we drove to Ledovogo Katka "Lokomotiv" ice rink to see the place and take some photos, as our hobby is to watch ice hockey in different counties .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cartiermarcel
Jan 17, 2024
Another Incredible Experience with Datka Travel! - This was actually my second time doing the private city tour with Datka Travel, and it was well worth it. I initially did this tour last summer. When I realised I would be coming back to Kyrgyzstan, I contacted them again and asked if we could do a similar tour with perhaps a bit more emphasis on the Soviet heritage of Bishkek. My guide Faruh was generous enough to take me to a few landmarks he normally would not include on the tour, just because he knew it would make me happy. His energy was pleasant, upbeat and he made me feel like I made a new friend at the end of the day. This is exactly what a private tour should do.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
671mandarb
Nov 20, 2023
A wonderful personalized Bishkek city tour - Did Bishkek city tour on 18th Nov with Datka travels. The young owner Talgat himself came to give us this tour in his Toyota Prado. He took us to all interesting city sights including Osh bazaar, Parliament buiding, National museum, Victory park and Blu mosque among others. We even got to watch a change of guard, and a local wedding during the tour, which gives multiple nice photo ops.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lewissdodd
Sep 23, 2023
Walking bishkek - Bishkek might not be a big city but there is still lots to discover. Lots of history about their past and how they’re changing into the present and future. Would definitely recommend Talgat to give you a tour around the city
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nakulsharma007
Sep 15, 2023
Amazing and authentic - Amazing trip and organisation's by Datka travel. I recommend everyone to travel with them and it was magical and beautiful trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
352tent
Mar 22, 2023
Bishkek city tour - I personally enjoyed the Kyrgyz wedding hall, mosque, and guard of honor in Ala-Too square, as well as exploring the Osh Bazaar market in Bishkek. Overall, my experience with "Datka Travel" was beyond my expectations and I would rate them 11 out of 10.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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