Issyk-Kul Lakeshore

A never-freezing alpine lake ringed by the Tian Shan: lakeside Cholpon-Ata, petroglyphs and spruce gorges on the north shore; Fairy Tale Canyon, Barskoon Waterfall and eagle-hunting shows on the south.

Issyk-Kul lies in northeastern Kyrgyzstan, cradled between the Kungey Ala-Too (the northern arm of the Tian Shan) and the Terskey Ala-Too (the southern arm). Stretching about 182 km from east to west at an elevation of around 1,607 m, it is the world's second-largest alpine lake. Its slightly salty water never freezes, which is why Xuanzang called it the "Warm Sea", and the area around it is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This destination covers the north and south shores (Karakol and its valleys at the eastern end are listed as a separate destination). The north shore centers on Cholpon-Ata, where resort facilities are most concentrated: lakeside beaches, the Bosteri amusement beach, Bronze Age petroglyph fields and the Ruh Ordo cultural center. Heading north, you can ride or hike into the Grigorievka and Semenovka spruce gorges, and the Kyrchyn pastures serve as the main venue of the World Nomad Games. The south shore is sparsely populated and wilder, with the red sandstone Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka), Barskoon Gorge and its waterfalls, the Tibetan inscriptions of Tamga-Tash and the Manjyly-Ata sacred site; around Bokonbaevo you can watch eagle-hunting demonstrations and stay in lakeside yurt camps. Getting there: from Bishkek, a minibus or taxi takes about 4 hours to Cholpon-Ata and about 4–5 hours to Bokonbaevo on the south shore. Traveling between the two shores means looping around the eastern end, so a self-drive or chartered car with overnight stops along the way is recommended. June–September is the best time; in July–August the water reaches about 20°C, and September brings autumn colors and fewer visitors. In winter the lakeshore is quiet. Plan 2 days on the north shore and 1–2 days on the south. Note that dining and accommodation options on the south shore are limited and mobile coverage in the mountains is poor, so download offline maps in advance and carry cash (Kyrgyz som).

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries