A vacation on Lake Issyk-Kul is all about mountains stretching to the horizon, crystal-clear water, and healing air. Locals call it a sea, as the water is salty and the beaches are sandy. In this article, we’ll guide you on the best time to visit, what to see, and where to stay.
Contents
- The Basics
- Weather
- Getting There
- Why Visit
- Where to stay
- What to see
The main thing
The name of the lake means “warm lake,” and it’s not just a figurative expression. The water doesn’t freeze even in winter. Most tourists visit in the summer to relax on the sandy beaches, improve their health at the sanatorium, or simply enjoy the beauty of the area.
Issyk-Kul is located in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, at an altitude of 1,609 meters above sea level. Photo: Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock.com
What else to see in Kyrgyzstan
Jumping over Martian hills, drinking koumiss in a yurt, and watching the sunrise in alpine meadows — all of this is possible in Kyrgyzstan. Check out our 7-day itinerary, which includes the most beautiful places in the country.
Weather
The summer is warm, but not hot: from June to August, the air warms up to +30 ℃, and the water to +24 ℃. This is the best time for a beach holiday. It is comfortable on the lake even in the heat because of the refreshing wind, but the weather is changeable — the sun can change for rain, so take a couple of warm things with you.
In September, the temperature drops to +15 ℃ — only walruses will be able to swim in the lake. In autumn and spring, it is cold here, with temperatures ranging from +4 to +9°C. The coldest month is January, with temperatures dropping to as low as -10°C at night. However, the water in Issyk-Kul does not freeze, even in winter, remaining around +4°C.
The lake is comfortable even in the heat because of the refreshing wind, but the weather can be changeable — the sun can turn into rain. Photo: Tatyana Druzhinina/Shutterstock.com
How to get there
Another option is to get to the international airport in Bishkek by direct flight from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnoyarsk, Yekaterinburg and other Russian cities. It is about 270 kilometers from Bishkek to the resorts of Issyk-Kul. You can take a taxi in 3 hours, a regular bus in 6 hours, or a train in 5 hours.
You do not need a visa. You do not need a visa or even a foreign passport to enter Kyrgyzstan. You can use your Russian passport and stay for up to 30 days. For more information on which countries accept Russian internal passports, please visit this link.
Why go
Everyone will find something for themselves on Issyk-Kul, from beach vacations to mountain adventures.
- Nature lovers will enjoy mountain hiking, the Martian landscapes of the Skazka Canyon, the Tian Shan spruces in the Karakol Gorge, waterfalls, and breathtaking panoramas. Great shots can also be taken at the Seven Bulls Rock in the Jety-Oguz Gorge.
- Those who are interested in culture will get acquainted with the life of nomads, overnight stays in yurts, dinners with pilaf and kurut, a trip to the Rukh Ordo ethnic complex in Cholpon Ata.
- If you want to relax by the water , we recommend the sandy beaches of Cholpon Ata, the calm coves in Kaji Sai, swimming in the mountain sea, walking along the shore and the lake air, which makes you want to breathe deeper.
- For those planning to improve their health — thermal springs and mud treatments in Keremet-Suu, Jily-Su, and Ak-Bermeta. It’s especially pleasant when the weather is cool.
If you want to relax by the water, we recommend the sandy beach of Cholpon Ata. Photo: Collab Media/Shutterstock.com
Where else can you go in the summer?
If you’re looking for something unusual, check out our selection. Stepantsminda in Georgia is the perfect place to breathe deeply at the foot of Mount Kazbek. The Putorana Plateau will amaze you with its scale and tranquility, which you won’t find even in the taiga. And for those who enjoy winding routes, a road trip along the Volga River offers a combination of cities, nature, and freedom at every kilometer.
Where to stay
The main resorts are located on the northern coast in Cholpon-Ata and Bosteri. These places are the easiest to reach, which is why they attract more tourists. However, there are also some great destinations in the south, such as the villages of Kaji-Sai and Tamga, which offer a more peaceful and affordable experience.
There are a variety of hotels and guesthouses along the coast, catering to different preferences, from simple apartments to luxurious villas. Here is a selection of the most interesting options in different parts of the lake.
- Agat Yurt Camp is an authentic place for those who want to experience the local traditions and atmosphere, live in a yurt, and feel like a nomad. It is located in the south of the lake in the village of Kaji-Sai. The night rate is from 3656 RUB for two people with breakfast.
Agat Yurt Camp Glamping.
- Villa Fachwerk is a luxurious building with five bedrooms, a sauna, a sun terrace, and a fireplace in the living room. It resembles a Hollywood star’s mansion. It is located in the village of Bosteri in the north of Issyk-Kul. The night rate starts at 157,484 RUB for five guests with breakfast.
- Hotel Silence is a pleasant hotel with boho-style interiors right on the lake shore in the village of Baktuu-Dolonotuu, near the popular resort of Cholpon-Ata. One kilometer from the hotel is a racetrack where you can admire noble trotters. Night – from 8259 RUB for two with breakfast.
- TONg Marina Aparthotel – here you can stay in apartments with a kitchen and view mini-cottages near the beach. From the windows you can observe picturesque views of the lake. Located in the village of Ton in the south of the lake. Night starts from 9667 RUB for two with breakfast.
Apart-hotel TONg Marina.
- Dolinka Hotel is a small hotel with 15 rooms, a swimming pool, and a well-groomed green area, located three kilometers from Cholpon-Ata. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the lake. The nightly rate starts at 7,437 RUB for two people with full board.
- Barnhouse Karakol Guest House is a spacious cottage for up to 6 people, perfect for a large family or group of friends. The house features new appliances and furniture. Experienced tourists note the host’s hospitality and friendliness. Located in Karakol. A night for six starts at 5,175 RUB. Without meals, a night for two costs 3,175 RUB.
- The Alakol Mini Hotel is a cozy and budget-friendly accommodation option in Karakol, offering a homely atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a steam bath, play table tennis, or enjoy a barbecue. The night rate is from 2524 RUB for two people, and meals are not included in the price.
Hotel Dolinka.
What to see
Grigoriev Gorge
One of the most picturesque places near Issyk-Kul. To get there, head to the village of Grigorievka. Just imagine: the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan mountain range, majestic spruces, green pastures with animals, and clear bodies of water — the scenery is breathtaking. Come to admire the wildlife, breathe in the fresh air, go horseback riding, or take a photo with a golden eagle. You can also spend the night in a national yurt and try Kyrgyz cuisine.
Lake Kara-Kul
There is another unique lake near Issyk-Kul. It is very salty and lacks fish, which is why it is also known as the Dead Lake. Tourists come here for health benefits: the water is considered useful for skin diseases and joint pain.
The lake is very salty and fishless, which is why it’s also known as the Dead Lake. Photo: Pav-Pro Photography Ltd/Shutterstock.com
Skazka Canyon
If you want to feel like you’re on another planet, visit Skazka Canyon. You’ll find red rocks, sand dunes, and landscapes reminiscent of Mars. There are plenty of tourists, but everyone can find their own peaceful corner. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking in the hills.
Rukh Ordo Cultural Center
The open-air museum complex features five pavilions-chapels dedicated to world religions, as well as the memorial house of the writer Chingiz Aitmatov and a gallery. There is also a unique concert platform overlooking Lake Issyk-Kul. Beautiful photos can be taken from the pier, which resembles the national instrument kumiz. Admission with a guided tour costs 500 soms (447 RUB).
The open-air museum complex features five pavilions-chapels dedicated to world religions. Photo: Damira/Shutterstock.com
Keremet-Suu Hot Spring
Przhevalsky Museum
The museum of the great traveler and naturalist is located near Karakol. It features his personal belongings, notes, and photographs. Przhevalsky died in these parts and was buried on the highest point of the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The place is part of the Przhevalsky and Karasaev Museum and Memorial Complex.
There is a museum of the great traveler and naturalist near Karakol. Photo: Damira/Shutterstock.com
Jety-Oguz Gorge
30 kilometers from Karakol, there are incredible red rocks surrounded by green forests. The contrast is so striking that you want to click pictures one after another. The name of the gorge translates to “seven bulls,” and the shape of the rocks really does resemble lying animals.
It’s better to see Issyk-Kul once than to read an article about it a hundred times, even in the Ostrovok blog. Turn your dreams into reality — book a hotel on the shore and explore an incredible mountain lake.
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Cover photo: Vladimir Ivanov/unsplash.com
