Practical Information
Updated: Jan 6, 2026Visit Duration
Minimum1 days
Recommended3 days
Maximum7 days
Entrance Fee
FreeLake access free. Beach resorts: 100-500 KGS/day. Some attractions charge separately. Second largest mountain lake in world
Crowd Level
Moderate — comfortableHow to Get There
From Bishkek: shared taxi to Cholpon-Ata (4h, 400 KGS) or Karakol (6h, 500 KGS). Bus from Western Bus Station. Best to rent car for flexibility.
Facilities & Services
restaurants
restrooms
beach
Working Hours
Updated: Jan 6, 2026Monday24 hours
Tuesday24 hours
Wednesday24 hours
Thursday24 hours
Friday24 hours
Saturday24 hours
Sunday24 hours
Note
Access 24/7, free. Best season June-August (water ~20°C). November-March not recommended (snow). World's second largest alpine lake, 1608m altitude. 2025: flights to Tamchy and Karakol from Almaty, Tashkent, Bishkek. Cholpon-Ata - main resort.
Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
Not accessible
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting Issyk-Kul Lake
North shore (Cholpon-Ata) - developed resorts, beaches. South shore - wilder, more scenic. Water warmest July-August (20-24°C). Try kumys (fermented mare's milk). Jeti-Oguz red rocks and Fairy Tale Canyon are must-see day trips.
From Bishkek: shared taxi to Cholpon-Ata (4h, 400 KGS) or Karakol (6h, 500 KGS). Bus from Western Bus Station. Best to rent car for flexibility.
Reviews
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
-6°
-6°50%11 м/с
Today
-5°-7°
-5°-7°Tomorrow-7°-7°
-7°-7°Thu-6°-7°
-6°-7°Fri
-6°-7°
-6°-7°Sat-7°-9°
-7°-9°Sun-9°-11°
-9°-11°Mon-10°-11°
-10°-11°-2°
-8°Jan
0°
-7°Feb
6°
-2°Mar
13°
4°Apr
18°
9°May
22°
13°Jun
25°
15°Jul
24°
14°Aug
20°
10°Sep
13°
4°Oct
6°
-1°Nov
0°
-6°Dec
What else to see
Interesting places nearby
