The game plan was to go from Kazakhstan, to Kyrgyzstan, and then into Uzbekistan.
The flight from Almaty was less than $100 USD and took only 1 hour.
But upon trying to land the plane in Kyrgyzstan… we didn't land, so the pilot made a big circle around the airport, and tried to land again… but couldn't… for a total of 3 failed landing attempts.
After the 3rd failed attempt, tensions in the body were rising… would the plane have enough fuel to land in another airport? Were we going to crash and burn in the Kyrgyz mountains?
Luckily, our plane made it back to Almaty, Kazakhstan, and the entire flight received free hotel accommodations, dinner, and breakfast.
The next morning, a taxi picked me up, I got on the plane again, and long story short, we landed in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, safely for another adventure.
A Little About Kyrgyzstan
I asked my taxi driver, what did most people know and why do they come to Kyrgyzstan, which is an almost unknown country in the middle of Asia.
He said primarily for the mountains. I guess he is right, because the mountains are beautiful, but let's start with the city.

Most money in poorer countries is derived from corrupt activities. A man washes his car (or his bosses car) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Aykol Manas overlooks the flag of Kyrgyzstan. A fictitious hero from the ‘Epic of Manas', describing events in the history of Kyrgyzstan, over 1000 years ago.

Aykol Manas, has his sword sheathed, and his right arm in a gesture of welcome (contemporary attempt at neutrality and acceptance, even though he was a warlord).

Kyrgyz Republic Government building, with a Range Rover? In front. 99% of the population in Kyrgyzstan will never be able to afford such a vehicle.

Vladimir Lenin (real name: Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov) – the man leader who overthrew the Russian Empire.

Like almost every city in the world, Bishkek is experiencing rapid developments, most likely from Chinese investments.

The city of Bishkek is modeled under Soviet-style construction. In front is the Government building.

“Eternal glory to those who died for the power of the Soviets” – A memorial to the Soviet soldiers who died bringing Communism to Kyrgyzstan

Toktogul Satylganov (1864 – 1933) – A poet, singer and musician who was anti-communist revolution. But his content was re-interpreted as a ‘class-struggle', thus promoting communist ideology. His songs are still popular in Kyrgyzstan.

The soldiers that dredged through the war. Kyrgyzstan was not close to the front at all, yet most men were automatically conscripted, and and sent to die for their communist government. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Local Kyrgyz women. The country has a secularized version of Islam, which was present before Imperial Russian occupation, and after the fall of the soviet union.

In Islamic cultures, weddings are still very prevalent among a much larger population, than in Westernized nations. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Kojomkul, Baatyr Kaba uluu (1888-1955) – the most well known athlete from Kyrgyzstan – towering at 197cm in real life. Unmatched strength.

The epic story of ‘Manas', from 1000 years ago. Commemorated as a hero in contemporary, post-soviet Kyrgyz culture.

Kyrgyzstan is in a ruinous state, after the collapse of the soviet union. Funds are not being spent on renovations, but rather new properties. Ultimately, once the country has money again, it will renovate everything, most likely.

The country is no longer socialist, so not everyone has an opportunity for work in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Wild horses (or maybe free-range) in Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz people grow horses to eat them. Horse meat is a delicacy in Kyrgyzstan.

Free-range horses wander the wilderness in Kazakhstan. They are not wild, as they do follow a breeder.

Free-range horses wander the wilderness in Kazakhstan. They are not wild, as they do follow a breeder.

Free-range horses wander the wilderness in Kazakhstan. They are not wild, as they do follow a breeder.

Good ol' Vladamir Lenin still stands in a park somewhere far away. Kyrgyzstan was more distraught about the collapse of the Soviet union, relishing on older times… despite the insane number of deaths brought about by communism.

Standing next to a classical soviet-era car, LADA, while a Kyrgyz woman engages me about having family in Toronto

A popular game of Buzkashi in Central Asia. You try to capture the dead sheep or goat, and place it into a goal.

A large Minaret in the Chuy Valley in Kyrgyzstan. In the 9th century, this was the location of a city on the silk road.
Conclusion
Congratulations for making it all the way down here 🙂
Kyrgyzstan is nice to visit for a few days. The barrier to entry is low, and you get a taste of a soviet-era country, within central Asia.
3 days maximum is all you need, before heading to your next destination, whether it's to Kazakhstan, or to Uzbekistan or Tajikistan.
Thanks for sharing your travels with us Leonidas! It’s interesting to see the less traveled parts of the world where there isn’t all the flash and glamour but rather a rich history and real struggle.
Thanks Hammad for your kind words 🙂
Super images & Interesting history lesson as well. Great stuff!
Hey Nev, thanks. Glad you enjoyed 🙂