WELCOME KIT
Dear resident,
The Collective of the Bishkek School of Contemporary Art (BiSCA) is happy to welcome you to Bishkek and to your residency. This guide contains practical information to help you navigate your stay comfortably and confidently.
Location
Besh-Kungei is located near the mountains, offering:
- A cooler and more pleasant summer climate than the city
- Much cleaner air during winter
- Open fields, quiet surroundings, and mountain views
- A safe, calm village environment perfect for concentrated work
- Shops and basic services are within a short walking distance or a quick drive..
Our address is the Kyrgyz Republic, Besh-Kungei village, Ordobai uulu Karynbai Str 28/2
Location on 2GIS: https://2gis.kg/bishkek/geo/70000001079587063
Location on Google Map:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gaH3ZqAqe9UTAQdo6
Passport
Please make sure your passport is valid. This means:
• It must have at least two blank pages.
• It must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your landing in Bishkek, in order to obtain a visa.
Please make sure your passport is valid. This means:
• It must have at least two blank pages.
• It must have been issued within the last 10 years.
• It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your landing in Bishkek, in order to obtain a visa.
Visa Requirements
Kyrgyzstan has both an e-visa and visa-free policy. Please refer to the official website for more information. A "facilitated visa-regime" means that you can apply for an e-visa.
If a visa is needed, we strongly recommend booking your appointment as soon as possible, so we have time to support you with the necessary documentation.
You can already book a visa appointment even if you don’t have all the necessary documents yet – and once again, we highly recommend that you do so!
Kyrgyzstan has both an e-visa and visa-free policy. Please refer to the official website for more information. A "facilitated visa-regime" means that you can apply for an e-visa.
If a visa is needed, we strongly recommend booking your appointment as soon as possible, so we have time to support you with the necessary documentation.
You can already book a visa appointment even if you don’t have all the necessary documents yet – and once again, we highly recommend that you do so!
Airport pickup
Airport pickup can be arranged for 25 EUR (unless otherwise agreed in advance, in which case the service may be included in your stay).
Airport pickup can be arranged for 25 EUR (unless otherwise agreed in advance, in which case the service may be included in your stay).
To ensure a safe and comfortable stay for everyone, please follow these guidelines:
Electricity use
The residence is equipped with a smart electricity meter. If usage exceeds a certain limit, the power supply may automatically shut off. In such cases, the residence curators will show you how to restore electricity at the meter.
Kitchen use
Residents are welcome to use the kitchen for cooking.
If you need any kitchen tools or equipment, please feel free to ask. The curators will provide you with the necessary items.
Water & sanitation
Please note that the residence operates on a septic system (not a central sewage system).
Electricity use
- Please switch off lights when leaving a room.
- Do not leave electrical appliances on when not in use.
- Avoid leaving chargers plugged in unnecessarily.
- Use heating and other high-consumption devices mindfully.
The residence is equipped with a smart electricity meter. If usage exceeds a certain limit, the power supply may automatically shut off. In such cases, the residence curators will show you how to restore electricity at the meter.
Kitchen use
Residents are welcome to use the kitchen for cooking.
If you need any kitchen tools or equipment, please feel free to ask. The curators will provide you with the necessary items.
Water & sanitation
Please note that the residence operates on a septic system (not a central sewage system).
- Do not dispose of toilet paper in the toilet.
- Do not throw any hygiene products (wipes, sanitary items, etc.) into the toilet.
Payments
- Payment is recommended in advance at the beginning of your stay.
- For longer stays, payment is expected at the beginning of each month.
TRAVELING INFORMATION
You can activate an eSIM right after customs at the airport. Mobile operator desks are located near the exit.
Recommended operator: O!
Important notes:
Recommended operator: O!
- Weekly data packages are available
- Payment is usually accepted by foreign bank cards; USD cash may be requested in some cases
Important notes:
- eSIM setup on Android varies by model — the staff at the desk can assist
- iPhone setup guide: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212780
- Country code: +996
- Some local numbers may start with 0 instead
- Landline format: +996 312 XX XX XX
It is best to bring USD or EUR in cash.
You can exchange money at banks or city exchange offices. Exchange points near the Mossovet bus stop often offer favourable rates: https://go.2gis.com/v78uh
ATMs are widely available across the city.
You can exchange money at banks or city exchange offices. Exchange points near the Mossovet bus stop often offer favourable rates: https://go.2gis.com/v78uh
ATMs are widely available across the city.
- You can check current exchange rates at different banks here: https://valuta.kg/
- Only new, undamaged banknotes are accepted at good rates
- Small shops and cafés often accept cash or transfers only
- Keep some cash with you at all times
- Visa cards are widely accepted; Mastercard less consistently.
2GIS — the most reliable option
Google Maps and Yandex Maps are available, but routing can be inconsistent.
Notes:
- Offline maps and public transport routes
- Detailed listings for places, shops, and services
- Web version: https://2gis.kg
Google Maps and Yandex Maps are available, but routing can be inconsistent.
Notes:
- The US App Store does not offer the 2GIS app. If you cannot install it, use the web version instead
- On Android, you can install the APK: https://apk.2gis.ru (use the green download button)
Bus
- 20 som (cash)
- 17 som (with Tulpar card)
- 25 som till Besh-Kungei village
- Cost: 50 som
- Available at post offices, mobile operator shops, and sometimes directly on buses
- 101 — Fire service
- 102 — Police
- 103 — Ambulance
Taxi Services
Notes:
Prices are generally affordable
It’s recommended to use apps rather than hailing taxis on the street
During peak hours, waiting times may increase
Prices are generally affordable
It’s recommended to use apps rather than hailing taxis on the street
During peak hours, waiting times may increase
— the most reliable and widely used option
- App-based service
- Payment: cash or linked card (Visa / Mastercard)
— local service, usually slightly slower
- App-based
- Useful as an alternative if Yandex is busy
Museums, exhibition halls
Museum
Западная 19 (мастерская Чынгыза Айдарова)
wild art & contra institutional, mask performance in Bishkek
Based in the house of artist Chingiz Aidarov, who had a heart attack 2 years ago and this space became a semi-public-site for supporting him artistically and financially.
wild art & contra institutional, mask performance in Bishkek
Based in the house of artist Chingiz Aidarov, who had a heart attack 2 years ago and this space became a semi-public-site for supporting him artistically and financially.
Museum
Tolon Museum of Modern Art In 2023, Tolon Museum of Modern Art found a home in the village of Kuntuu, 15 minutes away from the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek. Kuntuu Art Space is a museum and exhibition space for contemporary art from Kyrgyzstan and the region. It is located on the grounds of a Soviet winery whose buildings fit perfectly with the post-totalitarian theme of most of the exhibitions
Address: Kuntuu village. st. Beishenova, 24/1
Contacts: 0771 40 94 07; 0312 62 32 27. Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 14:00 to 20:00.
Entrance fee: 20$
Address: Kuntuu village. st. Beishenova, 24/1
Contacts: 0771 40 94 07; 0312 62 32 27. Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 14:00 to 20:00.
Entrance fee: 20$
Museum
They have no museum building, they do different projects and collect feminist art works.
Museum
National Museum of Arts named after Gapar Aitiev, 196 Abdrahmanova st.
Working hours: Tue - Thu: 10:00 - 17:30; Fri: 10:00 - 16:30; Mon: closed.
On some days the museum is open until 7:00 pm or until 8:00 pm (particularly on Thursday)
Ticket Price: 160 Som (for foreign guests)
Working hours: Tue - Thu: 10:00 - 17:30; Fri: 10:00 - 16:30; Mon: closed.
On some days the museum is open until 7:00 pm or until 8:00 pm (particularly on Thursday)
Ticket Price: 160 Som (for foreign guests)
Museum
main square Ala-Too, Chui avenue 112
Working hours: Mon: closed; Tue - Sun: 9:00 - 17:30 / Ticket Price: 200 som
Working hours: Mon: closed; Tue - Sun: 9:00 - 17:30 / Ticket Price: 200 som
Museum
Chingiz Aitmatov Ave., 305
Monday–Saturday: 10:00–17:00
Sunday: According to one source, the museum is closed on Sundays.
Monday–Saturday: 10:00–17:00
Sunday: According to one source, the museum is closed on Sundays.
Museum
364 Frunze st.
Working hours: Mon: closed; Tue - Sun: 9:30 - 17:30 / Ticket Price: 30 som
Working hours: Mon: closed; Tue - Sun: 9:30 - 17:30 / Ticket Price: 30 som
Museum
Tynystanov st. 108
Working hours: Sat, Sun: closed; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 17:00 / Telephone: +996 (312) 66‒11‒74
Ticket Price: free / We suggest buying small publications or leaving donations to support museums. They have very limited budgets for their work
Working hours: Sat, Sun: closed; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 17:00 / Telephone: +996 (312) 66‒11‒74
Ticket Price: free / We suggest buying small publications or leaving donations to support museums. They have very limited budgets for their work
Museum
Address: 109 Toktogul St. (crossing Orozbekov St.). Contacts: 0312 62 38 30. Opening hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 (break from 12:00 to 13:00). Free admission.
Museum
Address: 50 Togolok Moldo St. (crossing Ryskulov St.). Contacts: 0312 32 48 54. Opening hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 (break from 12:00 to 13:00). Free admission.
Museum
78 K. Tynystanova st.
Working hours: Sat, Sun: closed; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 18:00
Free admission.
Working hours: Sat, Sun: closed; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 18:00
Free admission.
Museum
90 Chuikov st.
Working hours: Sat, Sun: closed; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 17:00 / Telephone: +996 (312) 30–00–23
Ticket Price: free / We suggest buying small publications or leaving donations to support museums. They have very limited budgets for their work
Working hours: Sat, Sun: closed; Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 17:00 / Telephone: +996 (312) 30–00–23
Ticket Price: free / We suggest buying small publications or leaving donations to support museums. They have very limited budgets for their work
Other places
Independent Art Spaces & Initiatives
Selection of key contemporary art initiatives in Bishkek and beyond
Coworking / cultural space
Coworking / hostel / food / bar / cultural projects
Address: Yunusaliev st. 71
Address: Yunusaliev st. 71
Residency
Public Association “ArtEast” and ArtEast art-residency at Issyk-Kul lake
ArtEast is a non-governmental organization founded by Kyrgyz freelance artists in 2002.
The main mission of the organization is to strengthen the role of the contemporary visual arts as an integral component for the harmonious development of civil society in Kyrgyzstan and to provide support to artists to create artworks that are free of ideological and commercial pressure.
ArtEast is a non-governmental organization founded by Kyrgyz freelance artists in 2002.
The main mission of the organization is to strengthen the role of the contemporary visual arts as an integral component for the harmonious development of civil society in Kyrgyzstan and to provide support to artists to create artworks that are free of ideological and commercial pressure.
Experimental performative arts
Theatre of Performative Arts. A modern, independent theater, inclined to research and experiment
Theatre
Theatre 705 is an independent art space for experimental plays, performances, exhibitions, and other creative events, and art library. Address: 149 Bokonbaeva st.
Art galleries
Gallery
Oak Park Gallery owned by Union of Artist (the oldest and almost one gallery in Bishkek)
The legacy of institutions from Soviet time, fine art artists union – painting, sculpture, graphic.
They have a gallery, which is given for rent for exhibitions. The first art building in Bishkek since 1935. There was located the first fine art Museum in Kyrgyzstan. Originally the building was a Church.
Address: Pushkina Street 78A (in the middle of Oak park).
The legacy of institutions from Soviet time, fine art artists union – painting, sculpture, graphic.
They have a gallery, which is given for rent for exhibitions. The first art building in Bishkek since 1935. There was located the first fine art Museum in Kyrgyzstan. Originally the building was a Church.
Address: Pushkina Street 78A (in the middle of Oak park).
Gallery
Address: 40 Manas St., 2nd floor; TSUM-2, 4th floor. Contacts: 0557 55 50 25, 0550 55 12 93. Opening hours: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00. Free admission.
Events
Movies, performances, plays, exhibitions
Tours
Hiking, tracking and sightseeing
Souvenirs & Local Crafts Purchase
higher end
Tumar
art salon, modern felt & design
Nasirdin Isanov st., 80, 1st floor (https://go.2gis.com/ip1hqs).
Very stylish and modern souvenirs shop, with multiple felting products. There are cute magnets in the form of animals and amazing sleepers. If there is just one souvenir shop you want to go to and you have enough money, it is the best one to visit.
Nasirdin Isanov st., 80, 1st floor (https://go.2gis.com/ip1hqs).
Very stylish and modern souvenirs shop, with multiple felting products. There are cute magnets in the form of animals and amazing sleepers. If there is just one souvenir shop you want to go to and you have enough money, it is the best one to visit.
higher end
Mountain cedar woolens
a center of hand weaving
Erkindik ave., 23; Moskovskaya st., 91 (https://go.2gis.com/nerr7).
Fabric and felt products, woolen and cotton items. Products are made by local women in the mountainous areas from local materials. There are blankets and clothes in national style.
Erkindik ave., 23; Moskovskaya st., 91 (https://go.2gis.com/nerr7).
Fabric and felt products, woolen and cotton items. Products are made by local women in the mountainous areas from local materials. There are blankets and clothes in national style.
budget friendly
TSUM
massive regional market
3rd floor (https://go.2gis.com/q50rw ).
The widest choice of souvenirs of all kind but there is not something unique there. You are more than welcome to bargain there. If you are short on time and money, this is the best option.
Bazaars (Markets). Osh Market. There is a choice of souvenirs of all kinds, food, and clothes. Only cash is available.
3rd floor (https://go.2gis.com/q50rw ).
The widest choice of souvenirs of all kind but there is not something unique there. You are more than welcome to bargain there. If you are short on time and money, this is the best option.
Bazaars (Markets). Osh Market. There is a choice of souvenirs of all kinds, food, and clothes. Only cash is available.
budget friendly
Dordoi Market
One of the biggest market in Central Asia - clothes, food, shoes, domestic supplies, not only bazaar, but very important phenomenon for the whole Central Asian region. Cash only.
budget friendly
Osh Bazaar
food, crafts, atmosphere (cash only)
Since 2023
