Cholpon-Ata

Cholpon Ata is a summer resort on the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul.

Understand
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, 370 som). 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.

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

Do




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

Eat








Sleep
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.



Go next

 * 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.