On the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul, 265 km from Bishkek, lies Cholpon-Ata, a small town of 12,000 inhabitants.

A vacation destination for many Kyrgyz, Cholpon-Ata has struggled to attract foreign travelers due to its dated infrastructure. Nevertheless, you'll find a few hotels, guesthouses and comfortable sanatoriums for a pleasant stay at Lake Issyk Kul.

A Bit of History

Cholpon-Ata literally means "Father of Venus", the name of a Kyrgyz protective spirit.

The village was founded in 1922 and gained city status in 1975. During the Soviet era, it transformed into a coveted lakeside resort for vacationers from the Soviet Union.

Cholpon-Ata Today

Cholpon-Ata, meaning "father of the stars", has remained since the Silk Road a stopping point for travelers. Today, it can claim to be one of the main beach resorts in the Issyk-Kul region. Though most of its visitors are wealthy Kazakhs, Russians and Kyrgyz, Cholpon-Ata is now seeking to modernize to attract more Western tourists.

It's mid-summer when the small beach resort sees peak visitation. Indeed, this season is ideal for discovering the region's beauty and enjoying Lake Issyk Kul and its few developed beaches. Allow yourself a day of relaxation in the sun on warm sand. A few laps in the lake's clear waters followed by a short jet-ski session can easily occupy your afternoon.

Cholpon-Ata is also a destination prized for its few tourist sites. Take advantage of your stay near the lake to discover ancient petroglyphs. A veritable open-air museum, this picturesque site reveals thousands of rocks on which have been drawn mountain sheep, horses, camels and hunting scenes. This rock art displays unique inscriptions on each stone.

In 1979, a museum was inaugurated dedicated to the region's history from antiquity to the early 20th century. Many objects are exhibited there, representing the heritage of ancient Kyrgyz nomads. The museum also displays works characteristic of the region that bear witness to the religious beliefs of the region's former inhabitants. The museum notably houses various texts, many relating to the epic of Manas.

Another attraction in the town not to be missed is the Ruh-Ordo cultural center. Built in 2007, this complex with its atypical and contemporary architecture plays both a religious and cultural role. Beyond its 5 monuments dedicated to Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist religions, various cultural events take place there. The entire complex contrasts sharply with what you may have previously seen of Kyrgyz infrastructure and truly deserves a stop.

Moreover, if you wish to stroll leisurely through the town, you may come across the Lenin statue and the museum of the famous Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov.

A stop in Cholpon Ata during a trip to Kyrgyzstan will certainly be rich in discoveries and promise you a few days of pleasant relaxation before setting off again down the road.

Cholpon-Ata has an airport, 15 km east of Tamchi. It is regularly served in summer.

There are also shared taxis departing from Bishkek to Cholpon-Ata. The journey takes about four or five hours.