Kyrgyzstan is another Central Asian country than can easily be accessed from Almaty, Kazakhstan. Four hours lang by public bus, for less than 10 USD. If you have extra time during your stay in Kazakhstan, pwedeng ma-add ang Bishkek sa travel route mo. However, unlike the visa-free Kazakhstan, may extra preparation lang for Filipinos, since we need to get a KGZ visa prior. Though easy lang naman. I’ll share it here. But first, quick intro muna.

Kyrgyzstan sits south of Kazakhstan, with Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the south, and China to the east. Magkakalapit lang sila. But of all the neighboring countries, the land border with Kazakhstan is the most accessible for international travelers. As far as I know, the land borders with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are not easily available for tourists. But you can get a flight naman as alternative. Airfare between Central Asian countries are relatively cheap.

Kyrgyzstan is best known as the “Switzerland of Central Asia” for its dramatic mountain ranges, pristine alpine lakes, and deeply rooted nomadic traditions. But if you are not into hiking and mountaineering, I think Bishkek City is still worth visiting for it’s food scene, colonial soviet architecture and vibrant bazaar atmosphere. Bishkek is the capital and the biggest city in Kyrgyzstan. Compared to Almaty, Bishkek is more low-key, more culturally-rooted and is less westernized, in my opinion. But overall, the similarities between these two neighboring/sister countries are very obvious, especially on food and local produce. And just like other Central Asian countries, KGZ was also colonized and was part of the Russian Soviet Union. KGZ got its independence in 1991.

Getting the E-Visa: Apply on this site shown below. Application is straightforward and quick. If you’ve done Japan or US before, this would be very easy for you. Note, make an account first with basic personal info before starting an application.

Requirements to upload online:

• Valid Passport – Bio Page, Clear scanned colored copy in Jpeg format. File must be less than 1MB.
• Digital Photo: A recent, passport-type color photograph with a white background. File must be less than 1MB
• Travel Details: Proof of accommodation or place of stay, and return tickets. In my case, i did not submit an entry flight ticket, since I will be entering by public bus from Almaty. I prepared a cover letter stating this. I did however submit my exit flight ticket, which I think is more important.
• Payment Card: A valid Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card to pay the consular fees online. Single Entry is around 50 USD. Not cheap.

Got my approved E-Visa after 3 days by via email. Easy. Though Visa on Arrival is also available naman for Filipinos, but only when arriving at Manas International Airport in Bishkek. E-visa is a ‘Must Have’ for land border crossing.

The Bus Ride from Almaty KZ to Bishkek KGZ, I uploaded a video of it (Click link) on my tiktok account . For reference, Ito itsura ng bus and the land border(Immigration Office Bldg.). Almaty to Border is 4 hours bus, and Border to Bishkek is just 20 minutes by taxi, booked with Yandex App. Having a data connection is an advantage. Sa Border, KGZ side, there are money changers na and cafes with wifi. There is also a public city bus 51 (the green one in the Photo below) that goes to Bishkek City center from the border, but its not the easiest.

More details on bus ride-Almaty side, are posted here.

English speakers are very few, and translation apps are very helpful. Though

The capital and largest city is Bishkek which lies on the northern border with Kazakhstan. Ethnic Kyrgyz make up the majority of the 7.5 million people, followed by significant minorities of Uzbeks and Russians. Konte lang po population nila.

I stayed for only two nights in Bishkek. I did not go out of the city anymore to do hiking trails. Instead, I opted to have a very restful stay in a pleasing accommodation, and just enjoyed the bazaar and the local food highlights.

Interestingly, I was able to use my Gcash Visa Card to pay for all my bus rides in Bishkek. Tap and go lang. Nice!

I stayed at Koisha Hotel, just a few minutes walk to the popular Osh Bazaar, which is the center of trade and commune of Bishkek. Osh Bazaar has the most spices, dried nuts, berries and tea leaves that I’ve seen in Central Asia.

Osh Bazaar is also a good place to buy souvenirs and local produce. It is cheaper compared to Almaty. KGZ also takes their chocolate industry seriously. Dami options to choose. Cute packaging as well.

Kyrgyz Food. Compared to Almaty, Bishkek is more low-key, culturally-rooted and is less westernized, in my opinion. Having said that, mas naenjoy ko ang local/regional cuisines ng Central Asia dito sa Bishkek, compared to Almaty. Food here is cheaper to. Wayy cheaper.

Lagman/Lachman is a traditional Central Asian dish of hand-pulled noodles, tender meat, and spiced vegetables, that is considered a national dish in countries like Kyrgyzstan, but widely popular across Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan as well. I had a good one in Almaty, but the Lagman I had in Bishkek was way better and felt more authentic, as I got this from a local eatery/family kitchen named “Bekele”, outside of the bazaar(Found it from the google reviews). I actually ate twice in this eatery. On peak lunch and dinner, this place is packed with locals. The place has not english menu, which made the dining experience even more exciting.

Kyrgyz people take their Bread seriously. Bread holds a central place in Kyrgyz cuisine, symbolizing hospitality, sustenance, and cultural identity. Locally known as Tandyr Nan – a round, flatbread with soft, puffy edges and a crisp center, baked in a traditional clay tandyr/brick oven.

Manty (or manti) is the most famous and beloved traditional dumplings in Kyrgyzstan. The filling is a hearty mix of minced or hand-chopped lamb, beef, or horse meat, mixed with plenty of juicy onions and fat. Vegetable variations like pumpkin or potatoes are also common. Manty is somewhat similar to the Chinese Xao Long Pao, but are bigger, like around 4 inches round.

Kyrgyzs are also consumers of rice. Filipinos will never go hungry in KGZ. They have a thing for sweets as well, but are more simplified.

Street Kebabs are also a thing in Bishkek. Clearly a regional cuisine influence from the Middle East. This kebab cart, I found from tiktok. And luckily, my accommodation is very near the Osh Bazaar, where he is stationed.

Kyrgyzstan’s history spans a variety of cultures and empires. Although geographically isolated by its highly mountainous terrain, Kyrgyzstan has been at the crossroads of several civilizations as part of the Silk Road along with other commercial routes.

Will post a separate blog re the complete Central Asia route that I did. I’ll keep you posted.