Worldwide brochure 2022-2023

UZBEKISTAN & KYRGYZSTAN • CENTRAL ASIA
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Capital in the Tian Shan mountain range •
Ala-Too Square • Eternal flame monument in
Victory Square • Wide, tree-lined boulevards
The capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek is a
green, tree-lined city located on the flat steppe
below the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains.
It was first settled in the 1820s as one of many
fortresses built to guard the caravan routes
through the mountains to Lake Issyk-Kul and
on to China. Ala-Too is the city’s Soviet-era
central square and home to the State History
Museum and the Erkindik (‘Freedom’) statue.
In Victory Square, a poignant monument
commemorating the second world war depicts
a woman stood waiting for her soldier
husband to return beneath three arches of red
granite representing a yurt. Erkindik Boulevard
is a pretty tree-lined promenade where you
can take a stroll and enjoy the restaurants,
cafes, musicians and ice cream from vendors
in the park.
Monument of Victory, Bishkek
Issyk-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan
Second largest alpine lake in the world •
Former Soviet-era resort destination
Issyk-Kul lake is the second largest mountain
lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South
America. It occupies the central area of a valley
and lies sandwiched between the Terskei
and Ala-Too mountain ranges. The name
literally means 'hot lake' and, with an average
temperature of around 15°C, the lake never
freezes, even in the depths of Krygyz winter.
It is fed by springs and snow melt-off and
has no outlet. Its southern shore is dominated
by the ruggedly beautiful Tian Shan
mountain range.
Osh, Kyrgyzstan
One of the oldest cities in Central Asia •
Osh bazaar
Issyk-Kul lake
During the Soviet era, Issyk-Kul became a
popular holiday resort, with numerous boarding
houses and holiday homes along its northern
shore. During this period, the lake also served
as a secret testing ground for torpedoes.
Osh is Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest city and
often referred to as the ‘capital of the south’.
It is believed to be one of Central Asia’s oldest
cities; the Sulayman mountain in the centre
has numerous stone inscriptions and evidence
of an Iron Age settlement on its southern
slope. In the 10th century, Osh was a centre
for silk production and an important point on
the Silk Road, which led to China, India and
Afghanistan.
Osh bazaar has occupied the same site on
the banks of the Akbura river for 2,000 years,
the atmosphere and activity reflecting its long
heritage. Whether buying or just browsing,
a visit to the bazaar affords a sense of
Kyrgyzstan's bygone days.
Osh, Kyrgyzstan
For more information or to book, contact us on 020 3930 5211 or speak to your travel agent
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