With a 7 AM Air Astana flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan we headed to the airport in Astana. After our initial flight delay, we made it from Astana to Almaty in time for our connecting flight to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
While waiting at the gate, we noticed one of the gate attendants had a bit of an attitude and this man looked like Matt Damon except with a rat tail hairstyle. We think his power came from either the rat tail or the fact that he looked like Matt Damon. Regardless, we did not want to get on Kazakh Matt Damon’s bad side.
Exploring Bishkek
After a smooth flight to Bishkek, we grabbed a taxi and headed to White Hotel & Hostel. After turning on to a dirt road, we entered our hotel, paid cash upon check-in (since they didn’t take credit card), and were taken to our room (which had the tiniest bars of soap I had ever seen).
After I moved on from my fascination with the tiny soaps, we hit the town (in daylight). We first walked to check out a statue of Manas at the Square of Kyrgyz National Philharmonic.
Manas is a heroic character from a traditional epic poem that is based on events that happened in the 17th century, and there were a lot of statues dedicated to him throughout our journeys in Kyrgyzstan.
Throughout our short time in Central Asia, we were blessed with knock-off fast food chains. In Bishkek we were lucky enough to see BFC (which I can only assume stood for Bishkek Fried Chicken).
People’s April Revolution
As we walked to Ala-Too Square, we stopped by the monument dedicated to the People’s April Revolution. The revolution lasted 8 months and started with the ousting of the Kyrgyz President.
During the revolution, hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz and Uzbek people were displaced. There were reports to the media and aid workers of torture, rape, and mass killings. It is estimated that 2,000 people were killed during the revolution in 2010.
In the end, the government changed from a presidential to parliamentary republic.
Hunting for Monuments
In a park just before Ala-Too Square, we stumbled across the Kyrgyz & Russian Friendship Monument. This monument was erected in 1974 to honour the 100th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s voluntary accession to Russia.
Ala-Too Square
After checking out the friendship monument, we headed to Ala-Too Square — home of the State History Museum (which has unfortunately been closed for renovations for years). We were really hoping it would reopen by the time we went in March 2019, but it was still closed. Inside they had interesting murals and soviet statues, but there are rumours that when the refurbishment is completed that the museum will be completely different.
When we first got to the square, we also saw two guards. Depending on the time you arrive, and how long you hang around, you can see the changing of the guard.
Even though the museum was closed, we decided to try to peer in (saw nothing), and proceeded to walk behind the building. To the side of the building there was a mini cemetery and a park. We walked through the park to find a statue of Lenin. As soviet history enthusiasts, this was very exciting.
After seeing Lenin, we continued to explore Bishkek. We saw more soviet monuments and architecture, and art for sale in the park before we headed for lunch/supper.
Having flown to Central Asia from Canada, I was very excited for the 15 degrees celsius temperatures in March. Naturally, I wanted to sit on a patio for lunch and grab a beer.
On our way to lunch, we saw a family trying to steal. Though it isn’t pleasant, we didn’t have any negative experiences, and it always pays to be aware of your surroundings.
After lunch, we headed to the supermarket to pick up supplies for the start of our road trip to drive the Pamir Mountains.
Overall, I loved Bishkek and would not hesitate to stop in there again. Hopefully when/if, the State History Museum will be reopened.
Further reading on my adventures in the Stans
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