Bishkek

Bishkek is the green, leafy capital of Kyrgyzstan, designed in the Soviet era as a planned city of broad avenues and shaded parks. Most international flights land here at Manas Airport, and the city is the natural launching point for almost every itinerary into the surrounding Tian Shan. Sights include Ala-Too Square, the Osh Bazaar, and the State Historical Museum; nearby day-trip destinations include Ala-Archa National Park and Burana Tower.