This vast saltwater lake in Kyrgyzstan is the second-largest of its kind in the world and one of the deepest (670 meters at its lowest point). Its name means “warm lake” in Kyrgyz—and true to its name, the water remains unfrozen even in January, thanks to its mineral-rich composition.
There’s plenty of space on the golden sandy beaches for everyone, even at the height of the season. A wide range of hotels and accommodation options makes it easy to find a place to stay that suits your preferences.
Each year, more than a million visitors flock to Kyrgyzstan for wellness retreats on Issyk-Kul’s shores and in the nearby mountain resorts. The mineral content of the lake has healing properties, which is why the lake is rightfully considered therapeutic.
What to Do
Beyond basking under an umbrella with a cocktail—or a cup of kumis—there’s no shortage of activities on land and water.
You can hop in a kayak and paddle along the shore toward Cholpon-Ata or try stand-up paddleboarding. The record for the longest trip belongs to Canadian Hugo Desrosiers, who completed a solo circumnavigation of Issyk-Kul by kayak—over 400 km of open water in 17 days. And we totally get why he did it. You can also rent a boat for a ride with swimming and diving stops, or even try parasailing.
On land, you can set off on hiking trips or jeep tours through the Skazka, Konorchek, Jeti-Oguz, and Barskoon Canyons, with climbs to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. For those interested in cultural immersion, horseback riding routes in the Karakol Valley and along the lakeshore are a great option—local guides will introduce you to the nomadic way of life. And if you’re craving more adventure, go for multi-day combined tours (2 to 5 days) with overnight stays in yurts, trips to hot springs, visits to the Rukh Ordo cultural center in Cholpon-Ata, and guided tours around Karakol.
It’s also one of the best places for paragliding: 94% of Kyrgyzstan’s territory is covered by the Tien Shan and Pamir mountain ranges, offering breathtaking views of the natural landscapes.
Gastronomy
Sample lagman, manty, plov, tandoor-baked samsa, and fresh lake fish—especially at U Rybaka, a beachside café beloved by locals and travelers alike. The beshbarmak at Dastorkon Restaurant in Karakol wins high praise, served with generous slices of kazy (horsemeat sausage). At Cafe Zarina, you’ll find not only traditional cuisine but also vegetarian dishes and delicious sea buckthorn tea. Lighthouse Coffee and Altyn Kumara are great picks for those looking for affordable yet tasty spots with good service. Almost everywhere has terraces overlooking the lake, menus in English and Russian, and warm hospitality—the food scene here is as impressive as everything else.
Insider Tips
– Sightseeing boats depart from the piers of Cholpon-Ata every hour—it’s a convenient place to choose a cruise or water activity you like;
– You can find tours both on the beach and through Instagram—many local guides post overviews of their tours and are happy to respond in Direct;
– Download and use the Yandex Taxi app for convenient and safe trips around the area;
– Don’t forget to install an offline map app (like 2GIS), as internet connection can be spotty in the mountains.
