Shopping in Kyrgyzstan

Osh and Alamedin bazaars are both popular for food and handicrafts. The Art Gallery sells paintings and traditional Kyrgyz products (particularly popular are embroidered Kyrgyz felt hats [kalpak], felt carpets and chess sets with traditional Kyrgyz figures). Some souvenir shopping also can be done in TSUM (city center just across the main post office).

TSUM is the biggest supermarket in Bishkek land offers everything from toiletries to new electronics. Souvenirs are located on the fourth level (some negotiation is expected). Beta Stores is on Chui Av. / Isanova Str. intersection iand Europa supermarket (Pravda Str./Toktogula: Str. 5 minutes walk from TSUM) also have souvenirs but they can be overpriced.

In Bishkek, Osh and Alamedin bazaars are popular for food and handicrafts. There are several souvenir crafts shops and galleries along Chui and Manas Avenue and also a shop in the Art Gallery that sells paintings and traditional Kyrgyz products. One of the most authentic souvenirs to bring back from Kyrgyzstan is an embroidered shyrdak, the traditional Kyrgyz felt rug used in yurts. Also popular are embroidered Kyrgyz felt hats, leather items, jewellery and chess sets with traditional Kyrgyz figures

Traditional handicrafts produced by Kyrgyzstan's Community Based Tourism initiative can be purchased attheir Bishkek outlet at Gorky 65.TSUM

Bishkek's main department store, also has a decent selection of local crafts and souvenirs on its fourth floor. Antiques, or anything over 30 years old, require a special export certificate

Shopping hours

Mon-Sat 0900-1800, usually closing for an hour at lunch between 1300 and 14.00

Bishkek's main bazaars are busiest at weekends, especially Sundays.

Souvenir Shops in Bishkek

Iman
10am-7pm
128, Chui Av.
Tel.: (+996 312) 21 24 05
Kyrgyz souvenirs, crafts, rugs etc.

Kiyal
9am-5pm
202, Chui Av. (Osh market, Kiyal factory)
Tel.: (+996 312) 24 28 78, 65 14 42, 64 01 80
Kyrgyz souvenirs, crafts, rugs etc.

Tumar
10am-7pm
36-2, Togoloka Moldo St. / Chui Av.intersection
Tel.: (+996 312) 21 26 53
artsalon@tumar.kg
www.tumar.kg
Ceramics, wood and metal Kyrgyz national souvenirs, rugs, etc.

Art Gallery
57, Manas Prospect / Kievskaya St.,intersection
Tel.: (+996 312) 62 27 91
Paintings of Kyrgyz artists, pottery, souvenirs.

Gallery-M
13, Molodaya Gvardia Av.
Paintings, sculptures, ruds, carpets.

Belek
Chui Av., "Iibirs" industrial complex building ground floor.
Tel.: (+996 312) 66 13 02
Felt items, chiy, ceramics, wooden items, paintings, leather, pottery, antiques.

Saimaluu-Tash Art Gallery
Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm
78, Pushkina St., Ala-Too Square
Tel.: (+996 312) 62 04 13
Felt items, pottery, ceramics, chiy, paintings. Big variety of souvenirs dedicated to the Saimaluu-Tash rock paintings gallery.

Astral De Luxe
10am-7pm in summer, 10:00-18:00 year-round
140, Chui Prospect.
Tel.: (+996 312) 21 18 16
Kyrgyz national souvenirs, wooden items, pottery, ceramics, paintings, leather, embroidered items.

Asahi
9am-9pm in sammer, 9 am-8pm year-round
136, Chui Prospect
Tel./fax: (+996 312) 66 57 10
info@asahikyrgyz.com
Big variety of woolen and silky carpets (hand made only). Silver, wooden and felt items, pottery, chiy, antiques.