Issyk-Kul is one of the 30 largest lakes in the world and takes the seventh place in the list of the deepest lakes. This place is famous for its warm sandy beaches, thermal mineral radon springs, Alpine meadows and coniferous forests. The lake surrounded on four sides by snow-capped mountain peaks. Beautiful views attract tourists from all over the world.
The climate on Issyk-Kul is mild. On the hottest days, when in Bishkek +35°C, the maximum temperature on the lake +25, +28°C.
Where better to go
The holiday season in Issyk-Kul begins in mid-July and lasts until the end of August. At this time, the lake warmed up to a comfortable temperature. If you like the water cooler, you can swim earlier, even from the end of May, as Issyk-Kul ice-free lake.
If you want to save money, you can go in June — prices for accommodation and meals will be lower than in the season.
How to get
The most convenient way to get to Bishkek is a plane or train. Issyk-Kul can be reached in several ways.
1. Train. This is the cheapest way, but available oy during the summer season. The train leaves once a day from the railway station. The ticket costs about 80 kgs.
2. Route taxi. This is also a budget-friendly way. Cars usually go from the West bus station, often to the Issyk-Kul, Balykchy, and Bosteri, Cholpon-Ata. The fare per person is 200-250 kgs.
3. Taxi. The cost depends on how your agreement with the driver. On average, to Cholpon-Ata travel will cost 400 kgs per person.
Where to stop
There is a wide choice of hotels, about 360 boarding houses and rest houses, family houses and even yurt towns.
— the cheapest option is a bed in the guest house costs 200 kgs per day for one person.
— guest houses of the middle level with TV, bathroom, hot water and fresh bed linen — 1000-1200 kgs. Next to these guest houses are cafes where breakfast, lunch and dinner will cost 500-600 kgs per person. But if you buy food and cook yourself, it will be even cheaper.
— for those who travel with a family or a large company, there is an option to rent cottages and townhouses. For example, in the recreation centre "Aurora Plus", 6-bed townhouse in the period from April to the end of June can be rented for $150, from July to early September for $265.
— Asyl-Tash boarding house is also popular. Its advantage — reasonable prices and good living conditions: landscaped area, well-groomed beach. The cost of living in June from $10 per person in July from $12.
Family guest houses:
— Resort 10 Hotel
Located on the first line, there is a seasonal outdoor pool, children's playground, water park.
Price for two people: from 4550 kzt
Address: Cholpon-Ata, Kurortnaya str.10
— Guest house «Sunflowers»
There is free Wi-Fi, parking, satellite TV, a kettle and a microwave.
Price for two people: from 6000 kzt
Address: Cholpon-Ata, Kok Zheek str.12
— Guest house «Boomerang»
Located on the beachfront, offers barbecue facilities and rooms with free Wi-Fi. Each room has a balcony with mountain views.
Price for two people: from 6800 kzt
Address: Cholpon-Ata, Kalinina str.20
What are the regions in Issyk-Kul
The centre of the Issyk-Kul region is Cholpon-Ata. Bosteri village is the second busiest place. Most often, family people go to the North Shore, as the infrastructure there is more developed. But you can also go to the Southern shore of the lake, where little-known places, and accommodation with food cheaper.
When to book a place
July-August is booked in May.
What to visit
1. Grigoriev gorge, Kyrgyz name — Chon Ak-Suu. Located on the Northern shore of Issyk-Kul lake in 60 kilometres from the city of Cholpon-Ata. This gorge considered to be one of the most famous attractions of Issyk-Kul. What is attractive: beautiful views — green mountain slopes, the smell of pine trees, Alpine lakes and rivers, there are also growing Tien Shan spruce.
2. Semenov gorge located on the Northern shore of Issyk-Kul in 40 km from the city of Cholpon-Ata. The length of the gorge about 30 kilometres. Asphalt road goes 15 km deep into the mountains from the village of Semenovka and such tour is not luxury and more suitable for extreme recreation.
3. Fairy Tale gorge located on the South coast near the village of Tosor 4-5 km from the main road. The tour will be most interesting for children, and the gorge resembles a fabulous city — castles and unusual animals of red clay and sandstone, created by nature.
4. Thermal Baths. They are located on the Northern shore every 20-30 kilometres. The cost of attendance of 200-300 kgs per person.
5. The entertainment park in Bosteri will be interesting for families with children. The cost of attractions from 50 to 150 kgs.
Where to eat
Now many Bishkek restaurants open their branches in Cholpon-Ata and Bosteri during the season. Many restaurants for every taste: Georgian, Russian, national Kyrgyz cuisine, etc.
The average check is 1200 kgs per person.
How much money to take with you
Depends on how many days and what kind of entertainment a person wants to get. If swim in the lake, dive from the pier, then 4000-5000 kgs per person for 2-3 days.
If you include excursions, boating, water slides and attractions, up to 10,000 kgs for 2-3 days.
We thank for the help in creating the article Chinara McDonald and Anna Shapovalova.
Photo sources: triptokyrgyzstan.com, instagram.com
