This one is a bit different than many of my other travel stories – because the main reason of coming here, was to see a friend! It’s rare for me to have others in my stories with me and I’m not going to lie, I could get used to this!! There’s something so amazing about sharing an experience with someone.

Crossing into Kyrgyzstan from Tajikistan came with the now-familiar rhythm of border crossings—dirt roads, multiple passport checks, and the ever-present dragging of luggage through makeshift paths between checkpoints. At this point, it almost feels routine. But what came next was a welcome contrast.

I arrived in Bishkek and checked into the Sheraton, a place I had been looking forward to with anticipation. Just like my last stay, I walked into a warm welcome: a bottle of wine, tiered glass trays of pastries, and a massive bowl of fresh fruit. The mountain view from my room was stunning and, arriving in the evening, I let myself sink into the comfort of it all, including a deep clawfoot tub. No more chaotic hotels or guesswork – just stillness and relaxation.

The next morning, I took a $3 taxi to visit my friend (whom I haven’t seen since high school) who had moved to Kyrgyzstan a year ago with her husband and kids. I was so excited to reconnect and have them show me their new home. They took me up into the mountains just outside Bishkek, and it was everything my soul needed. The air was crisp, the scenery breathtaking, and my heart was pumping again after too many sedentary days. The hike wasn’t too hard—maybe 500 feet of elevation—but enough to make me feel alive again. There was something so nice about being able to have the experience with a friend and her kids running around giggling with us!

I was also thankful for the extra hands to help me with my LBD photo! It was extra windy and I would have had to get pretty creative to make it work on this one!!

There was a porta-potty-style outhouse at the trailhead that deserves its own mention. Built like a standard porta-potty toilet but made of wood, it had a direct drop into the stream below. With a gap between the seat and the water, let’s just say there was zero privacy about where things went. Hilarious!

The next day, my friend took me to the local bazaar. Compared to markets I’d visited in other countries, this one was immaculate. The fruit and vegetables looked vibrant and enormous. The stalls were clean, organized, and easy to navigate. There was even an international section with imported condiments, pastas, and spices. And perhaps most importantly, I finally got a coffee to-go. That simple pleasure—walking with a hot coffee in hand—felt so grounding after weeks without it. I was also able to get some local Kyrgyz honey which I had read about was amazing – and after a few tasty spoonfulls from the shop owner, I was sold!

Bishkek itself is a refreshing blend of Central Asian tradition and Soviet-era structure, softened by mountain air and wide green parks. The city feels calmer and more livable than others I’ve visited recently, with less hustle and more breathing room. The people are warm, the food has real flavor, and the access to nature is unmatched. Kyrgyzstan may be understated, but it’s the kind of place that grows on you fast. I didn’t know how much I needed this stop—until I arrived.

I want to share Ariana’s youtube – she does the absolute most phenomenal job creating videos about their journey. I know you’ll enjoy them as much as I have!

Check out her videos HERE! And her Instagram HERE!