Bishkek is the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan, a landlocked country in Central Asia. Bishkek is also the gateway to the Tien Shan, a majestic mountain range that stretches across several countries and offers stunning scenery and adventure opportunities.

In this travel documentary, we will explore Bishkek's attractions, culture, cuisine, history, and events. We will discover how Bishkek has evolved from a fortress of the Khanate of Kokand in the 19th century, to a Russian settlement named Pishpek, to a Soviet city renamed Frunze, to a modern and independent metropolis that embraces its Kyrgyz identity.

We will start our journey at the Ala-Too Square, the heart of Bishkek. Here we will see a triumphant statue of Manas, the legendary hero of Kyrgyz epic poetry. We will also witness the changing of the guard ceremony at the flagpole and visit the State Historical Museum, which displays exhibits on Kyrgyz history and culture.

We will then head to the Osh Bazaar, one of the largest and most colorful markets in Central Asia. Here we will shop for traditional Kyrgyz clothes, such as white felt hats and embroidered robes. We will also taste some of the local delicacies, such as beshbarmak (boiled noodles with meat and onion sauce), plov (rice pilaf with meat and carrots), manty (steamed dumplings with meat or pumpkin filling), and samsa (baked pastries with meat or cheese filling).

We will continue our tour at the Nissa Art Salon, a former St Nicholas Cathedral that was converted into an art museum during the Soviet period. Here we will admire some of the finest examples of Kyrgyz embroidery and felt rugs, as well as paintings by local and international artists.

We will also visit some of Bishkek's hidden gems, such as the Art Group 705, a grungy hipster-chic space that hosts irregular exhibitions on various themes; the Gallery M, a one-room gallery that showcases works by local artists; the Dubovy Park, where we can see locally themed paintings by street artists; and the Dordoi Bazaar, a sprawling market built of repurposed shipping containers.

We will also experience some of Bishkek's entertainment options, such as the Panfilov Park, where we can enjoy carnival rides and amusements; the Kyrgyz Opera and Ballet Theater, where we can watch classical and modern performances; the Bishkek Central Mosque, where we can admire its architecture and learn about Islam in Kyrgyzstan; and the Bishkek nightlife scene, where we can dance, drink, and mingle with locals and foreigners.

We will also sample some of Bishkek's cuisine, which reflects its diverse influences from Central Asia, Russia, China, Turkey, and beyond. We will try dishes such as lagman (noodle soup with meat and vegetables), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), borsok (fried dough pieces with honey or jam), and kumis (fermented mare's milk).

We will also learn about some of Bishkek's events, such as the Nooruz festival (the Persian New Year celebration), the World Nomad Games (a competition of traditional sports and games), the Silk Road Festival (a cultural festival featuring music, dance, crafts, and food), and the Jazz Festival (a showcase of local and international jazz musicians).

We will also find out how to travel to Bishkek by flight or by land from neighboring countries. We will learn about the visa requirements for different nationalities. We will also get tips on how to get around Bishkek by public transportation or by taxi.

Bishkek is a city that offers a unique blend of Soviet Asian flavor and Kyrgyz charm. It is a city that welcomes visitors with its hospitality and warmth. It is a city that invites us to discover its attractions, culture, cuisine, history, and events. Join us on this vibrant journey to the gateway to the Tien Shan. Welcome to Bishkek!

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