Jyrgalan

Jyrgalan is a village in the Issyk Kul and the Tian Shan of Kyrgyzstan.

Understand
is the most eastern village of this size in Kyrgyzstan. Formerly a mining town, with the mine still being operated, it is now also considered by tourist for its backcountry skiing and hiking opportunities.

By bus
Thrice-daily marshrutkas depart from Ak Tilek (Main) Bazaar in Karakol at 08:30, 13:30 & 17:30. The marshrutka fare is 80 som (Aug 2017).

By taxi
Shared/private taxis are also available from Karakol and charge 1,300 som per car.

Get around
It is a village, enjoy it on foot. Otherwise, close-by destinations can be arranged with local drivers or your guesthouse.

Do

 * Day hikes and/or horse treks can be organised to the above places. Enquire at Destination Jyrgalan Valley, the de-facto Tourist Information Centre in the village.

Buy
There is only 1 mini-shop in Jyrgalan village. Their inventory is very limited in quantity and variety. It is recommended that food for any planned treks be bought from Karakol before heading over. Alcohol is not sold.

Eat
There are no cafes or restaurants in the village. Breakfast is typically included with a stay in the Guesthouse. Lunch and dinner can usually be requested from them.

Sleep
There are 5 guesthouses in the village. A night's stay averages 1,000 som per person per night.


 * Alakol-Jyrgalan Guesthouse pioneered the tourism industry and is the biggest guesthouse in the village with 10 rooms and 20 beds. It is on Asanbaev Street, with Baitor Guesthouse and Salamat Guesthouse a few houses down.


 * Jyrgalan Yurt Lodge hostel is the only yurt hostel in the village. Full board meals provided.


 * Rahmat Guesthouse is across the road from Alakol-Jyrgaln Guesthouse.


 * Ulan Guesthouse is 10 min down the road from the marshrutka/bus stop. Look out for small metal plagues on the front walls of the houses that will mark them as guesthouses.

Go next
Marshrutkas back to Karakol from Jyrgalan go at 07:30, 11:30 and 16:30.