What to See at Issyk-Kul: The Main Attractions

Issyk-Kul is not only a warm lake and golden beaches — it is also dozens of natural and cultural sights that are easy to reach from Cholpon-Ata. If you are planning a holiday at Issyk-Kul, set aside at least a couple of days for trips around the area. From our Barsbek guest house at 24 M. Auezov Street most of these places are no more than an hour or ninety minutes away.

The Grigorievka and Semyonovka gorges

The two most scenic gorges of the northern shore begin about an hour's drive east of Cholpon-Ata. Here you will find spruce forests, mountain rivers, alpine meadows and herds of horses. In summer local families set up yurts and offer kumys and lagman. The road into the upper Grigorievka valley leads to clear mountain lakes at around 2,500 metres above sea level.

The Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs

Right in town, at the foot of the mountains, lies an open-air museum of rock carvings. Boulders here preserve images of ibex, snow leopards and hunting scenes up to three thousand years old. It is one of the most accessible sights — you can almost walk there from the centre.

The Rukh Ordo cultural centre

This lakeside complex tells the story of the cultures and religions of Kyrgyzstan. White chapels, sculptures, shaded alleys and open views over the water make it a lovely spot for a calm stroll.

Skazka Canyon and Jeti-Oguz

On the southern shore it is worth seeing Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon, with its strange red and yellow clay figures, and near Karakol the famous red cliffs of Jeti-Oguz, which means Seven Bulls. A trip to the south shore takes a full day, but the views are well worth it.

• Grigorievka gorge — mountain lakes and yurts;
• Petroglyphs — ancient art right in Cholpon-Ata;
• Rukh Ordo — culture and lake views;
• Skazka Canyon — Martian landscapes;
• Jeti-Oguz — the red cliffs near Karakol.

The northern shore and trips on the water

Do not leave without a boat trip: launches and yachts set off from the Cholpon-Ata pier, and from the water you get the finest view of the snowy peaks of the Kungey Ala-Too range. History lovers will enjoy the hippodrome, home to the World Nomad Games with their horse races, wrestling on horseback and traditional contests. It is also worth visiting the central promenade with its souvenir stalls selling felt crafts, honey and dried fruit.

If you have a free day, drive out to the warm shallow bays of the eastern lake, which are especially calm and uncrowded. In the evening simply walk along the shore, taste the local apricots and watch the sunset turn the water to gold.

Useful tips for excursions

• bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes for the mountains;
• set off early on longer routes to finish in daylight;
• the gorges are cooler than the lake, so a light jacket helps;
• check boat schedules and road conditions with us.

We are always happy to suggest an up-to-date route, help arrange a transfer and book a trusted driver. Come back by evening — a hot home-cooked dinner will be waiting in our dining room, and a quiet evening in the rose-filled courtyard after a full day.