Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, borders Central Asia’s Tian Shan range. It’s a gateway to the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains and Ala Archa National Park, with glaciers and wildlife trails. The city’s arts scene encompasses the monumental State Museum of Fine Arts and the colonnaded Opera and Ballet Theater. The vast, central Ala-Too Square features the Manas monument, honoring the hero of the Kyrgyz Epic of Manas.
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest metropolis, is set in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. It served as the country’s capital until 1997 and remains Kazakhstan’s trading and cultural hub. Landmarks include the Central State Museum, displaying thousands of historic Kazakh artifacts. In the center is Panfilov Park, home to the bright-yellow towers of Zenkov Cathedral, a tsarist-era Russian Orthodox church.
Manas International Airport (Google Map)
Almaty International Airport (Google Map)
Best Time to Visit : Summer temperatures can be high in Bishkek and Almaty with the mercury levels hovering in the 35 degree C range. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, when temperatures are a pleasant 20-25 degrees C.
