Bishkek and the Northwest

Bishkek and the Northwest occupy the northern and northwest parts of Kyrgyzstan, north of the Ferghana Valley and south of Kazakhstan.

Cities

 * – The capital and cosmopolitan center of the country, beautiful and interesting.


 * – A village popular with foreign tourists, has beautiful orange mountains around it and a mountain valley for hiking and yurt stay. Also gateway to the eastern regions of Kyrgyzstan.
 * – A small village in the Suusamyr Valley off the Bishkek-Osh highway.
 * – A modern far off town with the popular Manar Ordo pilgrimage complex nearby, just north of Besh-Tash National Park.
 * – Dwarfed by nearby Bishkek, but still large by Kyrgyzstani standards, Tokmok is a dull industrial center right by the ancient Burana Tower and the ruins of an ancient Silk Road capital, Ak-Beshim. 50 som by marshrutka.
 * – Dwarfed by nearby Bishkek, but still large by Kyrgyzstani standards, Tokmok is a dull industrial center right by the ancient Burana Tower and the ruins of an ancient Silk Road capital, Ak-Beshim. 50 som by marshrutka.

Understand
Bishkek and the Northwest consist of the following 3 administrative districts: Bishkek and the in the north, and the  in the northwest.

From Issyk Kul
See Naryn Region on how to travel between the western part of Kyrgyzstan and its eastern regions using the Kyzart Pass between Kochkor and Kyzyl-Oy or Suusamyr, respectively.

By plane
Bishkek's Manas International Airport

Get around
See Kyrgyzstan for all general information on how to move around in Kyrgyzstan.

By bicycle
The road between Bishkek and Osh goes over two passes of about 3,600 m above sea level. At the Too Ashuu (Тео-Ашуу) pass near Bishkek, there is a 2 km long tunnel. It may be a good idea to try to hitch a lift in a car through the tunnel. But there is also a trail over the mountain ridge. Which however is almost impossible with heavy bicycles, because the trail on the northern side of the mountain is blocked by some landslides but manageable on foot.

Note, the tunnel at the Tör-ashuu pass on the highway between Bishkek and Osh isn't at 2,500 m as it is mentioned on most maps rather is at 3,100 m.

See








Hiking



 * Hiking routes from Alamedin Gorge include:
 * Hiking routes from Alamedin Gorge include:

Eat and drink
Please see the relevant city articles for details.

Sleep
There are many yurts in the Suusamyr Valley offering overnight stays. You cannot miss them going along the highway. Also, you will find a few on the way up to Ötmök Pass.