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Issyk-Kul Lake
Issyk-Kul Lake is the second largest alpine lake on our planet; also it is the 10th largest lake in the world. The lake is 180 km long and 80 km wide and 700 meters deep. The lake is surrounded by mountains and that is why the lake itself is not the only attraction in the area. There are a lot of beautiful gorges with fir trees, swift rivers, and snow-capped tops. The lake is very convenient for horseback riding tours. Lake Issyk-Kul is one of the top post-Soviet area resorts.
Hiking
If you like hiking, then Issyk-Kul is the best place for you! You can find a lot of hiking routes in the stunning mountains surrounding the lake. By hiking you can get acquainted with local flora and fauna. There are a lot of stopping points with amazing view of landscapes.
Beaches and Water Sports
Issyk-Kul Lake has many miles of beaches where you can enjoy swimming in the cool salty water and have sunbath. You’ll find Issyk-Kul Lake looks more like a sea rather than a lake. In resort towns like Bosteri and Cholpon-Ata or Chok-Tal you can rent rowboats, sailboats, and jet-skis.
Russian Exploration
Kyrgyzstan being a part of Central Asia was very important for Russian Empire. So, the Russian Administration had sent a lot of explorers to the area. One of the most outstanding Russian explorers, Nicolay Przhevalsky, asked to bury him in Issyk-Kul. His museum is located near his grave in Karakol. The museum has a rich collection of materials from different expeditions made by Przhevalsky and many other Russian explorers.
Russian Architecture
Karakol town is one of the first Russian settlements in Central Asia. Russian migrants have built a nice town of many houses with carved windows. Also, there is couple of merchants’ houses in a gingerbread style. The most outstanding construction in Karakol is the wooden Holy Trinity Church.
Scythians Cemeteries
Issyk-Kul Lake area was inhabited by many ancient tribes; the most famous were the Scythians. The tombs represent a man-made hill, and from the first glance you can’t believe it is a tomb. However, you can notice that the hills stand in a straight line. It is very interesting to get to know the beliefs of ancient people.
Petroglyphs
Another place where you can feel ancient cultures is the Issyk-Kul state museum in Cholpon-Ata. It is 42 hectare open-air gallery of rocks with petroglyphs. The petroglyphs date back to 500 B.C. Ancient people depicted different hunting scenes, animals, and people.
Jeti-Oguz gorge
Jeti-Oguz is literally translated as “seven bulls”. The name comes from the seven massive red rocks. Surrounded by mountains covered with fir forests these red rocks appear very gorgeous. One of the rocks among these seven is called “Broken Heart” because as a result of earthquakes the rock was split and the reverse side looks very similar to broken heart
Barskoon gorge
Barskoon gorge is a long gorge on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. This gorge is full of fir forests. If you climb the mounts you can find two waterfalls. By hiking or horseback riding you can reach glaciers. Barskoon gorge was a lovely place of the first astronaut Yuri Gagarin; there are two monument of him in the gorge
Skiing
Karakol ton has a nice skiing base. From November to March you have an opportunity to ski in Tien Shan Mountains. Besides good skiing lanes you can enjoy the beauty of surrounding area.
Watch Kyrgyz traditional horse games. Learn how felt carpets are made. Learn about ancient cultures in KyrgyzstanVisit Bazaars. Learn about Russian Exploration. See Russian architecture. Hike or ride a horse in amazing sceneries.