On to Bishkek

We broke camp and traveled out of the valley and onto the Bishkek plain. Along the way we stopped at Balasagym, the ruins of a 9th century city and famous stop along the Silk Route. The minaret was on great condition and originally stood 140ft tall. The gravestones were unique as well, each depicting a human form or face. The wildflowers were just starting to bloom and the sun had come out. 

An hour out of the city we actually drove through a short stretch of highway in Kazakhstan.  It was one of those land swap deals. No documents were required but there were barrier fences on both sides of the road. After about a mile we were back in Kyrgyzstan once again. So...put another country on my list!  Yippee!

We arrived in the city late  afternoon and settled in at our comfortable city centre location.  Two nights of comfort and convenience, a chance to wash  EVERYTHING in my bag, and a grand goodbye dinner await. 

Bishkek is the relaxed capital of Kyrgyzstan with a pleasant laid-back atmosphere. The city centers around Ala-too Square, previously known as Lenin's Square under the previous Soviet regime. Lenin used to stand in his concrete overcoat in the middle of the square, proudly gesturing towards the mountains. The century old oaks here and all along Freedom Avenue make Bishkek one of the greenest cities in Central Asia.  Quite pretty.