Things to Do in Bishkek in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Bishkek
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Snow-covered Ala-Too Mountains create stunning photography opportunities - visibility is clearest in December with crisp air
- Osh Bazaar becomes a winter wonderland with traditional felt goods, sheepskin coats, and seasonal foods like kurut (dried cheese balls) at 30-40% lower prices than summer
- Ala-Too Square hosts the city's most authentic celebrations - locals gather for impromptu traditional music sessions and children's sledding competitions
- Hotel rates drop 50-60% compared to summer peak season, with luxury accommodations available for 2,500-4,000 som ($28-45) per night
Considerations
- Temperatures regularly drop to -12°C (10°F) with wind chill making it feel like -18°C (-0°F) - outdoor activities require serious cold-weather gear
- Daylight hours shrink to just 8.5 hours (sunrise 8:15am, sunset 4:45pm) limiting sightseeing time significantly
- Many mountain roads to Issyk-Kul and Ala-Archa become impassable without 4WD vehicles, cutting off major attractions
Best Activities in December
Ala-Archa National Park Winter Hiking
December transforms this alpine park 40 km (25 miles) south of Bishkek into a snow-covered paradise. Lower altitude trails remain accessible with proper gear, offering crystalline views without summer crowds. The Ak-Sai valley trail (3 km/1.9 miles) is perfect for winter photography with frozen waterfalls and snow-laden fir trees.
Traditional Felt Workshop Experiences
December is peak season for felt production as Kyrgyz families prepare winter goods. Workshops in the Kashka-Suu district offer hands-on shyrdak (felt carpet) making sessions. You'll work with authentic techniques passed down through generations while staying warm indoors during the coldest hours (10am-3pm).
Soviet Architecture Walking Tours
Cold December air provides perfect conditions for exploring Bishkek's Soviet-era monuments without overheating. The 4 km (2.5 mile) route from Victory Square to the National Philharmonic showcases Brutalist architecture against snow-dusted backdrops. Morning tours (9am-11am) maximize limited daylight hours.
Traditional Banya (Bathhouse) Sessions
December is prime banya season when locals escape brutal cold in traditional Russian-style saunas. The contrast between -10°C (14°F) outdoor temperatures and 80°C (176°F) steam rooms creates an authentic Kyrgyz winter ritual. Sessions include birch branch beatings and ice-cold plunge pools.
Dordoi Bazaar Winter Shopping
Central Asia's largest market transforms in December as vendors sell traditional winter clothing, fur hats, and seasonal foods. Navigate heated indoor sections during the coldest days. Best selection of sheepskin coats (4,000-8,000 som/$45-90) and authentic felt boots that locals actually wear.
Issyk-Kul Winter Shoreline Tours
The world's second-largest alpine lake never freezes due to its salt content, creating dramatic winter contrasts with snow-capped peaks reflected in dark waters. December offers clear mountain views impossible in summer's haze. Shore temperatures hover around 2°C (36°F) - relatively warm for the season.
December Events & Festivals
New Year Preparation Festival
Throughout December, Ala-Too Square hosts traditional music performances, craft exhibitions, and food stalls selling seasonal specialties like boortsog (fried dough) and warm kymyz (fermented mare's milk). Locals gather for community celebrations mixing Soviet New Year traditions with Kyrgyz customs.
Winter Horse Games Practice
Local riders practice traditional kok-boru (horseback polo with goat carcass) and kyz kuu (chase the girl) games on frozen fields outside the city. Spectators welcome at informal weekend sessions where riders prepare for spring competitions.