"Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, my venture into Central Asia" Top 5 Page for this destination Bishkek by Upstate1NY

Bishkek Travel Guide: 97 reviews and 188 photos

Kyrgyzsrtan, a country and people, a bit different

The picture is Lake Issyk Kul, the country, Kyrgyzstan (now known as the Kyrgyz Republic). These people are as independent as any you will read about. or meet. Especially the native Kyrgyz people. The legend of its origin says it started from 40 maidens who emerged from this lake. There are numerous statues and sculptures that celebrate the legend of it's orign.
Lake Issyk Kul is at an elevation of 5000 feet and is 2500 feet deep. It is the largest, highest, deepest, salt lake in the world.
It is surrounded by mountains and "Sanatoria". I visited Aurora Sanatoria for several days just to see more of the country. "Sanatoria" were really "spas" or "health retreats" during Soviet times. You actually went there for "Rest, Recreation and Recuperation" (aka "the vacation") for what ever "ailed" you.

The Maidens are honored and celebrated

The maidens

The celebration of the Maidens appears in many places while it may not always have forty, it is always honoring the legend of the origins of the country and the people.

A new "White House"

Kyrgyz Republic White House

I was amazed when I heard that the seat of the Russian government in Moscow was called "The White House", now here I am in central asia, in The Kyrgyz Republic and they ALSO have "the White House" as the seat of their government!

Pros and Cons

Pros:becareful what you assume, that whiich you see may not be what you think, and then again,...
Cons:Some one needs to teach the the government airport securit about how to be civil if the Kyrgyz Republic really hopes to have people wnat to come back
In a nutshell:Diffeent, in many ways a macrocosium, yet some elements within the larger society see themselves as citizens of the world.

Last visit to Bishkek: Mar 2004
Intro Updated Jan 14, 2005
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Reviews (6)

On the road- Aurora on Lake Issyk Kul to... Off The Beaten Path (1)

As we traveled back to Bishkek we passed several "road side stands" selling, produce and what I thought looked like... more travel advice

Sights to see in the city center Things to Do (2)

Looking the opposite way in the central plaza from the government office buildings you see the Monument of Honor to the... more travel advice

This is the Kyrgyz Republic captial Things to Do (2)

The "theroritical" center of the city is the large plazza surrounded by governemnt buildings and moniumnets to... more travel advice

Biggest 5 story hotel I have ever been... Hotels (3)

I arrived at Silk Road Lodge after a disheartening turn of events on what was supposed to have been a very happy trip.... more travel advice

Travelogues (5)

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Comments (5)

gilabrand Jan 17, 2006 at 3:08 AM Report Abuse

So what was the setback that almost ruined your trip?
Jim_Eliason Dec 21, 2005 at 3:36 PM Report Abuse

Nice pics!
hunterV Aug 3, 2005 at 10:23 AM Report Abuse

You make me feel like going there, Lee! Thanks! Great hotels!
Confucius Feb 19, 2005 at 1:45 PM Report Abuse

The last photo in your albums is the best; I like the gangster's mausoleum!
bijo69 Oct 10, 2004 at 9:33 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting!