Balkhash to Bishkek

Updated: March 13, 2024 05:24 AM

---

Balkhash to Bishkek - Language, Currency, Distance, How to Reach, Expenses, Best time to go, What to Eat, Where to Go, FAQ

Language

The official languages of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are Kazakh and Kyrgyz, respectively. However, Russian is widely spoken in both countries and is the lingua franca of Central Asia.

Currency

The official currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). The official currency of Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstani som (KGS).

Distance

The distance between Balkhash and Bishkek is approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles).

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Bishkek from Balkhash:

• By train: There is a direct train from Balkhash to Bishkek that takes approximately 12 hours.
• By bus: There are several buses that run daily from Balkhash to Bishkek. The journey takes approximately 10 hours.
• By car: It is possible to drive from Balkhash to Bishkek in about 8 hours.

Expenses

The cost of traveling from Balkhash to Bishkek will vary depending on the mode of transport and the time of year. However, as a general guide, you can expect to spend around the following:

• Train: 20-30 USD
• Bus: 15-25 USD
• Car: 50-100 USD (including gas and tolls)

Best time to go

The best time to visit Bishkek is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers in Bishkek can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.

What to Eat

Kyrgyz cuisine is a blend of Central Asian, Russian, and Chinese influences. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Beshbarmak: A traditional Kyrgyz dish made with boiled meat, noodles, and vegetables.
• Laghman: A noodle soup made with meat, vegetables, and spices.
• Manty: Steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
• Plov: A rice dish made with meat, vegetables, and spices.
• Shashlyk: Grilled meat skewers.

Where to Go

Bishkek is a relatively small city, but there are still plenty of things to see and do. Some of the most popular attractions include:

• Ala-Too Square: The main square of Bishkek, home to the statue of Manas, the legendary Kyrgyz hero.
• Osh Bazaar: The largest market in Central Asia, where you can find everything from food to clothing to souvenirs.
• State Historical Museum: A museum that tells the story of Kyrgyzstan's history and culture.
• Manas Ordo Complex: A cultural center dedicated to the life and legacy of Manas.
• Panfilov Park: A large park with a lake, a zoo, and an amusement park.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about traveling from Balkhash to Bishkek:

• Do I need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan? Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan for stays of up to 60 days.
• What is the currency exchange rate? As of August 2023, 1 USD = approximately 84 KZT and 1 USD = approximately 85 KGS.
• Are there any ATMs in Bishkek? Yes, there are numerous ATMs in Bishkek where you can withdraw cash using your international debit or credit card.
• Is it safe to travel to Bishkek? Bishkek is generally a safe city, but it is always advisable to take precautions against petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

Trips from Balkhash

---

• 

  Balkhash to Saryshagan

  Planning a trip from Balkhash to Saryshagan? Here's everything you need to know about language, currency, distance, how to reach, expenses, best time to go..

• 

  Balkhash to Karaganda

  The official languages of Kazakhstan are Kazakh and Russian. However, English is also widely spoken in major cities like Balkhash and Karaganda. The curren..