Cholpon-Ata, on the shores of Kyrgyzstan

Experience where Nomadic Culture meets Soviet Tourism

Donโ€™t have time to read the whole article? The best accommodation near Cholpon-Ata is The Lake Townhouse.

Need more trip-planning tips? Check out our resource list below!



Experience

I was in Cholpon Ata, on the beautiful shores of Kyrgyzstanโ€™s Issyk Kul Lake, just as the third edition of the World Nomad Games was about to begin in earnest at the local hippodrome. This was the biggest event in the calendar, an event that celebrates the nomadic culture and Central Asian traditions, and an event that brings thousands of competitors, fans and travellers from across the world to Cholpon-Ata every two years to watch events as far-ranging as horseback archery and eagle hunting.

Although I was visiting at a particularly busy time of the year when the streets of Cholpon-Ata were filled with visitors looking to immerse themselves in nomadic culture, this resort town is, I was told, just as busy anytime throughout the summer season. Cholpon-Ata, although an almost unknown name to western tourists, is well known throughout the former Soviet Republics, as this was one of the USSRโ€™s most popular summer retreats.

The town is full of old Russian Sanitoriums and newer guesthouses that compete for the many tourists that still flock here during the long, scorching Kyrgyz summer to bathe in the salty waters of Lake Issyk Kul. While the World Nomad Games were in full swing, horses and people alike were down at the lakeside, enjoying the cooling waters in the bright sun, while at night, the lake was lit up with the bright lights of small cruise ships entertaining guests.

For a region of the world that is almost entirely landlocked, Cholpon-Ata offers citizens from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and even as far away as Siberia, and other parts of Russia, a beach style resort like no other in Central Asia.

At Cholpon-Ata, I found a strange mix of nomadic culture and Soviet-style tourism, as during the day the events of the World Nomad Games took precedent, while at night, the bars and restaurants filled before in the early hours of the morning the beaches would become lined with visiting tourists looking for some sunshine and sand.

Although I visited at the right time of year for the games, any other time, Cholpon-Ata offers travellers the chance to experience a piece of old Soviet relaxation in Central Asiaโ€™s premier beach resort, while on the doorstep there are always horse races in the Hippodrome and the mountains are just a short drive away.

Back to Top



SEE – Photos & Videos

Issyk Kul Lake at Cholpon-Ata
Issyk Kul Lake
Horses by the Lake in Cholpon-Ata
Horses by the Lake
Kyrchyn Gorge Yurts in Cholpon-Ata
Kyrchyn Gorge Yurts

Back to Top



GO – Getting There

Cholpon-Ata is found on the northern shores of Lake Issyk Kul, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. The town has no real flight connections, as the small airport is impractical and only lands the odd charter flight of package tourists in the summer months. The best way to travel here is overland from Kyrgyzstanโ€™s capital city, Bishkek.

International travellers can easily fly into the capital from many destinations abroad, with direct and one-stop routes available across Central Asia and much of Europe and the Middle East. There are also overland connections to Bishkek from nearby Almaty in Kazakhstan, as well as many other Central Asian cities, with train lines even reaching as far away as Moscow on the old Soviet routes.

How to get to Cholpon Ata from Bishkek?

Cholpon-Ata is situated 265 kilometers from Bishkek. You can reach there by taking a minibus or a private taxi along a picturesque mountain road. The journey typically takes about 4-5 hours with a single stop. Marshrutkas (minibusses) depart from the western bus terminal and are inexpensive, however, they do only leave once full, which in the summer is no problem at all, but outside of the peak season, you may be hanging around longer.

Cholpon-Ata, Where Nomadic Culture Meets Soviet Tourism โ€“ Map
Cholpon-Ata, Where Nomadic Culture Meets Soviet Tourism โ€“ Map

Back to Top



Do – Activities & Attractions

Sunbathing Soviet Style

Cholpon-Ata has always been a hugely popular resort getaway and during the Soviet-era the hotels and beaches here would attract visitors from across the Union looking to explore the warm climes of Issyk Kul during the summer months. These days, itโ€™s mostly local Kyrgyzs and neighbouring Kazaks that travel here, but they come in their thousands to fill the old resorts and to pack the beaches. For a first time visitor to Kyrgyzstan, itโ€™s a completely unexpected sight. Most people associate the country with mountains and snow, not sunshine and beaches lined with parasols. Join in the fun though, and lay back on the white sand beaches in the sunshine.

Swim in Lake Issyk Kul

Local tradition holds that anyone visiting Cholpon-Ata must bathe in the lake when the sun rises on each morning of their stay. While you may not want to get up at the crack of dawn every day to jump in the cold lake – yes, even in summer itโ€™s still frigid! – at least once during your visit to Cholpon-Ata, itโ€™s worth taking a dip in the refreshing waters.

Take a Boat Cruise

Regular ferries across the lake and from town to town used to be the local means of transport here, but with the road that now circumnavigates Issyk Kul being the primary mode of travel, the local boats have been reduced to ferrying around tourists. Itโ€™s well worth a trip out onto the lake though to see just how wide and long it really is – itโ€™s staggeringly huge – while if you join a cruise at night, you can usually expect lots of bright lights, a local Kyrgyz dinner and plenty of drinks onboard as the sunsets and the lakeside becomes lit up.

Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs

Long before the Soviet tourism bureau decided that Cholpon-Ata was the perfect location for a holiday resort for their overworked citizens, local people had called the area around the town their home for thousands of years. On the outskirts of Cholpon-Ata, you can find an extensive, open-air site that contains hundreds of unique Petroglyphs, carved into rocks and boulders across a hillside. Itโ€™s a remarkable site, thatโ€™s all the more remarkable because thereโ€™s almost never anybody there, everyone else in town is just interested in the beaches and not in the ancient and only loosely preserved history thatโ€™s found right nearby.

The History Museum

If the Petroglyphs pique your interest in local history then head on over to the History Museum of Cholpon-Ata for an insight into the development of the area. Lots of it is in Russian, but you will still find the local archaeological and cultural exhibits fairly intriguing.

Ruh Ordo Culture Centre

The Ruh Ordo Culture Centre is an open, green park that contains a huge amphitheatre on the edge of the lake. Anything such as cultural displays, dances and concerts are held here throughout the year, while the grounds contain lots of interesting statues and some exhibits on local culture and traditions.

World Nomad Games

The World Nomad Games are a cultural and sporting event like no other, a celebration of nomadic culture and traditions that brings together athletes and spectators from across the world to Cholpon-Ata. The first event only began in 2014, and since then itโ€™s been held every two years, in September, although there is talk that it may be held somewhere new for the next edition!

The Hippodrome

The Hippodrome is the centre of the action of the World Nomad Games, but itโ€™s also the townโ€™s big event and sporting space and most weeks throughout the year you can catch a sporting spectacle or nomadic display here.

Kyrchyn Gorge

Found just 45 minutes away from Cholpon-Ata, the Kyrchyn Gorge is a beautiful space in the mountains that is home to wild horses and the odd yurt camp. Itโ€™s a great place to escape the beaches for a piece of the more traditional Kyrgyz way of life.

Back to Top



Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means WSE Travel may earn a small commission if you choose to book or buy through themโ€”at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we believe can genuinely enhance your travel experience.

Stay – Accommodation

Most of the accommodation in Cholpon-Ata is found in outdated Soviet Sanitoriums, which are essentially holiday resorts. While there are a few newer projects, most date back a few decades but can be interesting places to stay for anyone looking to step back in time. If you are after a cheap, but quality guesthouse and hostel, then the best place in town is Apple Hostel.

Here are some of the accommodations that I recommend:

Zaton Guesthouse

Zaton Guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata offers a prime location near the beach and President Park. Just a short walk from the lake, itโ€™s a great base for exploring. Hosts Demitri and his family provide exceptional hospitality, ensuring a welcoming stay. Rooms are spotless, comfortable, and equipped with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, some with mountain-view balconies. The homemade breakfast is a highlight, and guests appreciate the great value. Whether you’re visiting for a quiet retreat or an adventure, Zaton Guesthouse delivers.

Ready to book the Zaton Guesthouse? Check for Availability Here!

ะ“ะพัั‚ะตะฒะพะน ะดะพะผ “ะซัั‹ะบ-ะšัƒะปัŒ – ะกะฒะตั‚ะปะฐะฝะฐ”

This charming guesthouse offers a homey atmosphere, stunning garden views, and some of the warmest hospitality youโ€™ll find in Kyrgyzstan. Couples love the romantic setting, families appreciate the spacious suites, and solo travelers enjoy the friendly, social atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and well-kept, and come with comfy beds, private bathrooms, and even balconies with lake or mountain views. It also has a lush garden, fruit trees, and a relaxing outdoor seating area make it a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring.

Ready to book the ะ“ะพัั‚ะตะฒะพะธฬ† ะดะพะผ ะซัั‹ะบ-ะšัƒะปัŒ – ะกะฒะตั‚ะปะฐะฝะฐ? Check for Availability Here!

The Lake Townhouse

The Lake Townhouse in Cholpon-Ata is a well-maintained, practical guesthouse for travelers who value cleanliness, comfort, and efficiency. Located in a quiet area, it offers spacious rooms with private balconies, strong WiFi, and essential amenities like a fridge, kettle, and workspace. The guesthouse has a shared kitchen, secure parking, and reliable hot water. Itโ€™s a 15-minute walk to the town center and a short drive to the lake. Guests appreciate the spotless rooms, friendly hosts, and peaceful setting.

Ready to book the Lake Townhouse – ะกะฒะตั‚ะปะฐะฝะฐ? Check for Availability Here!

Back to Top



Eat – Restaurants

You can find a huge array of restaurants along the main street of Cholpon-Ata, with many local eateries serving very cheap dishes such as Shashlik and Plov. There are some lively bars too, serving cheap drinks throughout the summer holiday season. Most Sanitoriums serve breakfast and dinner, but these can be of dubious quality, so it may be best sticking to the town when eating.

Back to Top



Time – Seasonality & Schedules

The only time of the year to really visit Cholpon-Ata is the summer season, which is the time of year when most travellers choose to visit Kyrgyzstan for the hiking anyway. From March on through to October, Cholpon-Ata will be open for business, but expect things to be at their most crowded from June through to September.

Back to Top



Safety – Possible risks

Cholpon-Ata is a safe place to travel to, however just be careful during the peak holiday season late at night if hanging around the bars, as things can get rowdy. Your biggest problem will be local taxi drivers attempting to overcharge you, especially if you donโ€™t speak Russian. Always agree on prices beforehand to be safe.

Please Note: Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim those who try to play off those unfamiliar to their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed to.

Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.

Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk, and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).

Back to Top



Pay – How much does it cost?

Cholpon-Ata can be a cheap, or an expensive destination to visit. This is entirely up to you, however, as there are expensive options and budget options catering for the range of tourists, including wealthy locals and cheaper backpackers from abroad. Meals at local restaurants will cost no more than 5 USD a plate, for midrange quality, while a hostel dorm costs USD 10.

Back to Top



Responsible Travel – Best Practices

Kyrgyzstan has a unique network of Community Based Tourism offices – CBT – which is based around the country and helps to connect travellers with locals to allow both parties to benefit as best they can. Contact the local office to find out more about homestays in the nearby mountains or to arrange guides or yurt camps around Cholpon-Ata.

Back to Top



Reality Check – Be Aware

While Cholpon-Ata has long billed itself as a holiday resort destination, donโ€™t expect it to be much like the western idea of a resort, instead, be prepared for nostalgic Soviet-style leftovers that are somehow incredibly charming and unique still. Beaches and sun aside, thereโ€™s also a lot of culture to be found here, even when the World Nomad Games arenโ€™t in full swing, but be prepared to have to dig around a little to uncover it.

Back to Top



JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages

This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off the beaten path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something โ€˜thisโ€™ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!

Follow this link for our โ€˜Choose Your Own Adventureโ€™ Tours โ€“ packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.

Cholpon Ata Travel Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Best Flight Deals: Trip.com โ€“ Trip is my favorite flight search engine. It is a flight aggregator that provides travelers with the best rates on airline tickets. Its innovative search finds the best option for specific travel dates by comparing airfares offered by all major airlines and agencies. The aggregator displays final prices, without any hidden fees. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Best Hotel Deals: Booking.com โ€“ Booking is the best all-around hotel booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates because it compares all the other major hotel booking sites. They have the widest selection of comfortable accommodations. In all my tests, theyโ€™ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Best Tour Deals: Where Sidewalks End (of course) โ€“ WSE Travel is a boutique tour operator with specially curated tours, events, and workshops. We have many tour options available in cities in Mexico and worldwide, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, art workshops, and more!
  • Best Car Rental Deals: Discover Cars – If you want to have the freedom of mobility, renting a car is an incredible option – but finding the best deal can be a nightmare! Discover Cars scans all the major car rental sites and includes all mandatory fees, taxes, and extras in the quoted price so there wonโ€™t be any unpleasant surprises when you arrive at the rental desk.
  • Best Travel Insurance Deals: SafetyWing – SafetyWing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to all your travel needs. They have cheap plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road. They even have subscriptions if you are planning long-term, without having to re-apply for each segment of your trip.
  • Best E-Sim Provider: Airalo – Airalo is one of the most versatile e-sim providers I’ve ever found, offering e-sim in almost every country on earth! No need to take your home phone provider’s sim card out and risk losing it on your trip! As long as your phone has e-sim capabilities, Airalo has you covered at really good rates too, meaning you can be connected at all times on your trip!
  • Best 100% Pick-pocket Proof Clothing Deals: Clever Companion โ€“ They make clothing specifically for travel, with hidden pockets to hide your valuables. From hoodies to briefs, they cover all your clothing needs – each with hidden pockets to hide your money, wallet, and anything else you want to keep safe!
  • Best Eco-Safe Travel Products: TreeTribe – This company is just awesome! From water bottles to yoga pants, wallets to bikinis, and everything in between – all their products are great quality, and eco-friendly AND they plant a tree for every purchase!
  • Best Outdoor Travel Product: LifeStraw โ€“ My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.

Back to Top

Have you ever been to a city that had a really unique historical or cultural feature? Where was it and what made it so unique?

Discover more of Soviet tourism in Kyrgyzstan and learn about the capitol of Bishkek.

Please feel free to share your stories and thoughts in the comment section below!

Like This Post? Pin it for later!

WSE Travel - Cholpon-Ata, Where Nomadic Culture Meets Soviet Tourism - Pinterest

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.