Must-see shopping in Kyrgyzstan

  • Tumar Art Salon

    Bishkek

    Stylishly presented, high-quality embroidery and pottery, both modern and traditional. Credit cards accepted.

  • Altyn Kol Handicraft Coop

    Kyrgyzstan

    Felt-work galore, with a focus on shyrdak and ala-kiyiz carpets but also everything from mobile-phone cases to felt toys for the kids. Adjoining the CBT…

  • One Village One Product

    Bishkek

    This Bishkek branch of the Karakol-based association One Village One Product. They sell the same high-quality handicrafts, honey, jams and gifts. Proceeds…

  • Kolobok

    Bishkek

    For prepared foods (best selection at lunch time), baked goods or imported foods and liquors, this is one of the most popular shops in the centre of…

  • Kyrgyz Uz

    Kyrgyzstan

    Shyrdak and ala-kiyiz carpets, plus a selection of modern souvenirs, are available at this women's cooperative next door to CBT.

  • Kyrgyz Cognac

    Bishkek

    Pick up a bottle of locally-made cognac, some of the best in Central Asia, at this branded store in the city centre.

  • Gergert Sport

    Bishkek

    Sells and repairs mountain bikes, ski equipment, and other types of outdoors gear.

  • Red Fox

    Bishkek

    Sells camping supplies, mountaineering equipment and brand-name hiking boots.

  • Alpinist Gear

    Bishkek

    This small shop can help outfit climbing parties with technical gear.

  • Marco Polo

    Bishkek

    Carries a wide range of camping and outdoors equipment.

  • Clothing Stalls

    Bishkek

    For traditional Kyrgyz goods, including white imitation-felt ak kalpak hats (80som) and colourful shepherds' chests, there are a series of stalls at the…

  • Raritet

    Bishkek

    Postcards, basic maps and a mere handful of English-language books plus a museum section and a sweet, traditionally styled chaikhana room. Descend the…

  • Asia Gallery

    Bishkek

    The showroom/gallery of the Kyrgyzstan Union of Artists is upstairs in a faded, once-grand, Stalin-era building which also hides some artists’ workshops.

  • Bishkek Park Shopping Mall

    Bishkek

    With a range of European and Turkish stores plus a decent top-floor food court and bowling alley, this is a popular hangout for local families.

  • Iziom Market

    Kyrgyzstan

    Stock up on camping supplies at this 24hr supermarket one block west of Coffee.

  • Naryn City Supermarket

    Kyrgyzstan

    The large supermarket with a good selection of packaged goods is a decent place to stock up on staples before a hike.

  • Frunze Hypermarket

    Bishkek

    For stocking up on food supplies for camping, this large hypermarket is the best option near the city centre.

  • Saima

    Bishkek

    Sells textiles (including silk scarfs), postcards, souvenirs, toys and fridge magnets.

  • Epos

    Bishkek

    Feltware, handicrafts, dishware, games, and more at this classy souvenir boutique.

  • Bazaar

    Kyrgyzstan

    Vegetables and packaged goods on offer, convenient for stocking up before a trek.

  • Narodnyy/Shumkur

    Bishkek

    Central all-night supermarket with cheap queue-and-pay cafeteria attached.

  • TsUM

    Bishkek

    The state-run department store. There are souvenirs on the 4th floor.

  • Kyrgyz Oyu

    Bishkek

    Leather, felt and terracotta souvenirs from cute to kitsch.

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