Cholpon-Ata

In summer it is quite crowded, full of wealthy Kazakhs, Russians and a few locals. With the beginning of autumn the city slows down and a lot of the hotels and restaurants close over the winter.

By bus

Several marshrutkas a day from Bishkek (3-4 hr, 280 soms). They leave from both the Western and Eastern Bus Stations. You might have to interchange in Balykchy.

By taxi

A taxi from Bishkek takes 3-4 hr, for 1,500 som per car (Sep 2009).

By train

Or take the very cheap scenic train into Balykchy and a marshrutka from there.

By plane

In Tamchi, 15 km to the east is small airport serving for tourists in summer.

Enjoy the sights of the highest peaks of this part of Tian-Shan .

• Open Air Museum of PetroglyphsVarious petroglyphs with hunting scenes and animals (like snow leopards). However, many are barely visible and in very bad shape. Only about 2-3 are worth a picture.

• BeachEnjoy the beaches and crystal clear waters of Issyk Kul. Locals say that the radiation of the abandoned uranium mine on the south shore of the lake has health benefits.

• World Nomad GamesA great display of traditional and nomad sports of mostly former Soviet republics like Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, as well as Russia (particularly the Sakha, Buryatia, Altay, Kalmykia, Bashkortostan republics). But also other countries like Mongolia, Turkey, Afghanistan, and the Philippines, and even France, Germany, Hungary or the USA take part with a few athletes. The first three games were hosted by Kyrgyzstan in Cholpon-Ata in 2014, 2016 and 2018. The next games are hosted by Turkey, but the games might return in the near future. The games usually take place in the and , 30-40 km north west of the town.

Money

There are several ATMs in Cholpon Ata but most only take Visa card. For MasterCard head to the bank located opposite UniCredit bank, by the eastern bus stop (going to Karakol).

• Sambucca Cafe

  phone: +996 709691000
  Nice restaurant with live music in the summer (note there may be a 50 som charge for the music) located on the left side of the main road heading to Karakol, almost opposite Zodiac. Try the great "Jarovnya" - meat on a hot iron plate.

• Asian placeAt the end of Gorky, on the left side. The Chinese chef serves up great lakhman and shashlyk as well as other local specialties. Very popular.

• Raduga ResortThis resort features a less than stellar restaurant, but does have a NY Pizza franchise.

• Four SeasonsThe Four Seasons restaurant popular in Bishkek also has a restaurant in front of the Hotel Aurora. It served good Caucasian and European dishes and is the nicest restaurant on Issyk Kul lake.

• Green PubGreen decored pub in the city centre with heavy wooden tables.

Many inexpensive guesthouses (from 300 som pp) can be found near the bus station if you just walk around and ask. One barely needs to book ahead, even during the summer or large events.

• Pegasus Guesthouse

  address: Sovetskaya 81
  Friendly but reserved host who specialises in horse tours. Rooms are comfortable with outside toilet and shower. Great meals. 500 som per night

• Apple Hostel

  phone: +996 553280881, +996 551210303
  Clean little Hostel with nice outside area, fast internet and kitchen. Stays open until late autumn.

• Tri Korony

  phone: +996 558085002, +996 555908643
  A mid-range resort a little from the city centre. Friendly hotel with 60 rooms at low quality with products from China. Run down pool, but great beach and descent prices with full board.

• Grigorievskoe Trail – A beautiful trail into the mountains 30-40 km northwest of Cholpon-Ata.
• Karakol – One of the gems of Issyk Kul with a wealth of outdoor and sports available, including the Altyn Arashan hot springs, Karakol Canyon, and the beautiful Ala Kul lake.