Ala-Too Square - Our tour begins at the main attractions located in Ala-Too Square.

Paramount of Kyrgyz Flag

Museum of Kyrgyzstan

Manas Statue

Paramount Kyrgyz Republic Flag - The paramount Kyrgyz flag is distinctive for its color and the central sun, which has 40 rays and a tunduk symbolizing their traditional yurt. This flag was a gift from Turkey.

Manas Statue - Here, we will learn about the historical hero of the Kyrgyz people, known as “Manas.”

Ala-Too Movie Theater - “The Ala-Too Cinema” is the oldest and most renowned cinema in Bishkek from the Soviet era. It is listed as a cultural monument of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Zero Kilometer - Installed in 2009, the Zero Kilometer marker is a popular landmark in major towns from which all distances are measured. It features a four-pointed star with cardinal points and a golden star with eight points in the center.

Kurmanzhan Datka Statue - Here we see “The Tsaritsa of Alai” or “the Queen of the South.” We will learn about her political life and leadership during the annexation to Russia.

Opera and Ballet Theater - The history of Bishkek’s Opera and Ballet Theater began in 1926 with theater artists training in what they called the Kyrgyz national studio. The Kyrgyz State Opera and Ballet Theater was founded in Bishkek on November 7, 1930, as Kyrgyzstan’s first and only European-style theatrical institution under the Soviet Union.

Victory Square - We will see the monuments and an eternal flame in the square commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany at the end of World War II.

Circus - The Bishkek “Circus” building, designed in 1976, is a UFO-shaped structure built to host circus acts from around the world, especially from the USSR. This architectural gem is a testament to the role of the circus in the Soviet Union and is still operational today.

National Museum of Fine Arts named after Gapar Aitiev - The Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts, named after Gapar Aitiev, opened on January 1, 1935. The museum’s collection began with 72 works by Russian artists from the Tretyakov State Gallery, personally selected by the museum’s founder. It now houses over 18,000 artworks, with the largest section dedicated to Kyrgyz painting, reflecting all periods of Kyrgyzstan’s historical, spiritual, and cultural life.

National Library of Kyrgyzstan - Established in 1934 during Soviet rule, the National Library has a rich history that mirrors the country’s evolution and dedication to preserving its cultural heritage. In 1984, it moved to its current seven-story building, designed to store three million units. Originally named after Vladimir Lenin, it was renamed the National Library of the Kyrgyz Republic after independence.

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels Monument - This statue honors Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, whose Communist Manifesto was first published in 1848. They contributed additional ideas on socialism and communism, including the Marxist Theory.

Government of the Kyrgyz Republic - This historical building from the Soviet era has been under construction for the last 20 years and will soon serve as the parliament (currently operating in the White House). Its unique architecture attracts visitors.

Vladimir Lenin Statue - A monument to Vladimir Lenin, the first head of government of Soviet Russia.

State National Academic Drama Theater - The modern Academic Drama Theater aims to preserve the cultural and artistic values of the Kyrgyz people. After three years of renovations, the building is now open to visitors.

Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of the Kyrgyz Republic - Known as the White House of Bishkek, this building was commissioned in 1976 as the Communist Party’s Central Committee headquarters and completed in eight years. It is where Askar Akayev studied the situation during the collapse of communism. The building suffered damage during the Kyrgyz revolutions of 2005 and 2010.

Stele of Friendship of Peoples - The Stele of Friendship of Peoples square is unique for its monument and statues surrounding a tall pillar. It was created and landscaped around the Friendship of Peoples Monument, erected in 1974 to honor the 100th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan’s entry into Russia.

Ala-Too Square - Ending Point