Issyk Kul Issyk Kul Lake Issyk Kul (Issyk-Kul) is the second largest alpine lake in the world and the number one beach resort in Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by amazing mountain valleys full of nature. The lake is about 150 km long and almost 700 meters deep and is surrounded by snowy capped Tien Shan mountains even during the hottest summertime making it one of the most popular areas for tours in Kyrgyzstan. The Issyk Kul lake and its beach life very popular among the locals, Kazakh and Russian tourists while tourists from outside Central Asia come here mostly to see the amazing nature and the cultural sights around the lake and it is therefore included in most of our Kyrgyzstan Tours and Central Asia Tours. Most of the sights around Issyk Kul and can be seen in 3-4 days but to delve deeper one needs about a week and even driving around the lake is a sight as itself due to the magnificent views. Issyk Kul is also a destination where tourists can enjoy most of the cultural experiences offered by Kyrgyzstan.Issyk Kul is elevated about 1,6 km above the sea level, meaning that the climate is considerably different (cooler in summer) for example from Bishkek. The huge water mass of the lake is also keeping the climate more temperate during the winter time and due to the hot springs at the bottom of the lake and the slight salinity of the water, it actually never freezes even though the temperatures go way below zero in the winter. Therefore, the translation of Issyk Kul as the “Hot lake” from Kyrgyz language, is very logic. Historically, there were 118 rivers or smaller streams bringing water to the lake from the surrounding mountains but their number has declined to as low as 30 or 35 major, year around streams which has also at least partially caused the water level to drop almost 14 meters since 1854. There is no river that would lead the water out from Issyk-Kul (endorheic lake) meaning the lake is brackish water, not fresh water as the water evaporating from the lake does not carry much of the salts with it. It is suspected though that there could be an underground river from Issyk Kul joining the Chu river or that the lake’s water at least seeps through the soil. As Issyk Kul is fairly high above the sea level, it means that the sunshine can get quite harsh, so it is better to have your sunscreen with you if you are prone to burn your skin. Issyk-Kul is the most popular tourist destination in Kyrgyzstan for both local and foreign tourists. The nature in Issyk Kul area is also very unique and it has been recognized by Unesco as a biosphere reserve. Issyk Kul and the mountain areas surrounding are filled with geological and natural sights that make Issyk Kul a great round trip destination and the top destination of Kyrgyzstan also for foreign tourists. Cholpon Ata & North side of Issyk Kul Cholpon Ata is the main area for local tourists in Issyk Kul and the center of the beach and resort tourism. The town is located on the Northern shore of the lake. In Cholpon Ata and in the surrounding areas you can find big hotels and lots of homestays especially in the hot season which takes place in July-August. During the high season period, locals, Russians and Kazakhs gather to spend time in the more cool climate and beaches of Issyk Kul valley to run away from the 40º C in lower areas. Cholpon Ata is a good base for exploring the whole northern side of Issyk Kul. Another major base for exploring Issyk Kul area is Karakol, which is located in the southeast side of Issyk Kul. There are abundant numbers of shops and restaurants in the Northern shore area and during the high season it can be quite cramped resulting in higher prices especially for accommodation. The prices can reach up to 150$/night in better quality hotels. During off season the prices can be less than half compared to high season. Less expensive homestays and cheaper hotels and hostels are still available all the time. Activities like water jets, parasailing, party boats and so on can be found most like in the Cholpon Ata area or other nearby beaches. After a change in law, the fences of the resorts are open at the beach but many resorts still ask for a fee to access to their beach areas even though you can walk past the resort freely along the beach line. If you are willing to walk or drive a little bit you can still find beaches in Northern Issyk Kul that are not fenced and are free for anyone to roam but are also mostly without any services. Beaches are also a great place to catch some amazing sunsets in Issyk Kul. Thank you for photos gladkov_nikolai South side of Issyk Kul The south shore of Issyk Kul is a lot less populated by local tourists. There are some residences, hotels and homestays but in general the area is considerably less “touristy” and has more pristine nature. There are empty sandy or stony beaches for you to choose from and stay alone in quiet atmosphere if you wish so. In the southern Issyk Kul side there are also some yurt villages an...