Lake Issykul in Kyrgyzstan. Holidays in Issyk-Kul
Issyk-Kul is one of the world's largest mountain lakes. In terms of transparency, it is compared to Lake Baikal. It is drainless and is fed by more than 80 rivers and water from glaciers. The lake is located in the Tien Shan mountains, its climate is maritime, it is determined by the natural isolation of the basin in which the lake is located. Hurricanes sweep over Issyk-Kul several times a year. The high season here lasts from June to the end of September.
Several reasons why you should visit Issyk-Kul
The lake is the pride of Kyrgyzstan; about 2 million tourists come here every year. It is located at an altitude of about 1600 meters above sea level and is famous for its extraordinary beauty. Why Issyk-Kul attracts tourists:
- visa-free entry for citizens of 44 countries;
- low prices for holidays;
- for Russians - no language barrier;
- majestic mountain landscapes;
- healing mineral springs;
- clean mountain air and beautiful beaches;
- acquaintance with the culture, national cuisine and traditions of the hospitable Kyrgyz people.
The most popular resorts - cities Karakol And Cholpon-Ata, sat down Bosteri, Sary-Oh And Chok-Tal, gorges Barskoon And Jeti-Oguz. The main beaches are concentrated on the northern shore of the lake between the villages Tamchy And Korumdu.
Natural and historical attractions, well-organized tourist infrastructure, an abundance of fruits, entertainment - all this is available in the resorts of Issyk-Kul. And one more thing - it is never hot here, light breezes do not allow the temperature to rise above 30°C even in the warmest month - July. When is the best time to relax on Lake Issyk-Kul?
May is a time for a wellness holiday
May- the time when tourists who want to improve their health in mineral waters and mud begin to flock to the resorts of Issyk-Kul. On the shores of the lake there are sanatoriums and boarding houses that provide a full range of balneological services:
- radon, pine and pearl baths;
- mud therapy;
- therapeutic and wellness massage.
And also - a local, completely unique way - kumiss treatment. The May weather is already pleasantly warm. During the day the temperature rises to 20°C, everything around blossoms. Only here you can admire the huge fields of blooming scarlet poppies in May.
June - opening of the season
The beginning of summer in the Issyk-Kul region coincides with the calendar; during the day the air warms up to 20-23°C, at night the temperature can drop to 7-10°C. At the beginning of the month the water is still cold - 12-19°C. From the middle June The swimming season opens.
June is not a suitable month for a beach holiday with children - the water for children remains quite cold even at the end of the month.
For other vacationers, a vacation in June has undoubted advantages - a small number of people and still low prices for housing and food. Swimming and sunbathing in June will be successfully replaced by interesting excursions, health treatments in local sanatoriums, and horseback riding in the picturesque surroundings of the lake.
July - high season
IN July Mountain meadows begin to bloom, and the air is filled with the aromas of forest and herbs. The July temperature stays at 25-29°C, the water warms up to a comfortable 24°C. The sandy beaches of the lake are filled with vacationers; there are no vacancies in sanatoriums and boarding houses.
At this time, resort life is in full swing - famous artists give concerts, entertainment venues operate at full capacity.
July is a noisy, fun time. For those who want peace, beauty and peace, it is better to reschedule the trip to the end of August or September. In addition, July marks the peak in prices for everything - accommodation, excursions and entertainment.
August is the velvet season
Until the very end of summer, the weather in Issyk-Kul remains warm, even sometimes hot (up to 36°C). The water in the lake is still suitable for swimming. people in August It’s not getting smaller, but prices continue to remain high.
To travel to Issyk-Kul at the end of summer, accommodation must be booked at least a month in advance.
The most popular activities are boat trips, fishing and, of course, visiting picturesque gorges, thermal springs, temples and historical monuments. For diving enthusiasts, there is a separate entertainment - diving to the ruins of ancient cities resting at the bottom of the lake.
August is the time for grapes, apricots, peaches and fresh vegetables, which are sold at very reasonable prices. In the evenings the lake is already cool, so it’s worth stocking up on a couple of warm clothes.
September - end of the tourist season
September- a fertile time for those who are alien to the bustle and noise, who want to admire nature alone, lie on a half-empty beach and swim in a still warm lake. The temperature in September during the day drops to 23-25°C, the evenings become even cooler, and rain may begin.
But they are not able to ruin your vacation - there are still plenty of sunny days in September. Vacation prices are approaching June prices. But August has a significant advantage - the swimming season continues and fresh fruits ripen. September is a suitable month for romantic couples seeking solitude.
This is also the time for mountain hiking. There is no sweltering heat, the weather is mostly cloudless, which allows you to admire stunning views.
Winter holidays in Issyk-Kul
in winter Hospitable Issyk-Kul opens its arms even wider to tourists. Despite the fact that not all recreation centers operate, you can be sure that the best of them will welcome you. In winter, you can relax in luxurious suites for money that in summer is only enough for a run-down double room. Prices for food and excursions are reduced significantly.
What could be better than spending the New Year holidays among the sparkling “crystal” winter nature, listening to local legends, taking a steam bath, and then diving into a clean, non-freezing lake?!
Winter activities in Issyk-Kul:
- sledding, skiing and snowboarding;
- winter fishing;
- impressive photo shoots against the backdrop of mountain peaks.
They also work here in winter sanatoriums. The average air temperature in December is around -5°C, in January - around 0°C, and in February it begins to tend to positive values.
Velvet season is the conventional name for one of the most favorable periods for relaxation and pastime of a person in subtropical conditions, in particular in the Mediterranean climate. During the velvet season it is not as hot as, for example, in the summer in July, but it is still quite warm, including at night. In more northern latitudes, where a temperate climate prevails, Indian summer is an analogue of the velvet season.
Velvet season... Words that caress the ear... Many have been to Issyk-Kul during this wonderful time - the sun continues to warm, the sand is warming up, the water is warm. But it can also become sharply cold, torrential downpour or even snow, but which will immediately melt. And the next morning the sun shines as if nothing had happened, the sky is blue. The velvet season is also notable for the fact that prices in boarding houses and holiday homes are much lower. This is used by those who are not tied to a summer vacation, pensioners, tourists from near and far abroad. Some boarding houses are closed in September, some are open, and some resorts are open all year round.
So if you didn’t have time to relax in the summer, it doesn’t matter! Hospitable Issyk-Kul and Issyk-Kul residents are waiting for you! All that remains is to find out what weather forecasters predict for the first month of autumn. Yes, yes, it’s already AUTUMN.
Let us remind you that these forecasts are preliminary and not entirely accurate. Don't let the many pictures of rain scare you. As a rule, it does not happen that it rains heavily all month. We will focus on the indicated air temperature.
Balykchy
Karakol
Cholpon-Ata
There is a note on the site: the weather forecast after September 14 is calculated automatically based on available statistical data on weather in Cholpon-Ata over the past 8 years.
Having analyzed these data, we can conclude that the air temperature during the day will warm up to 25 degrees Celsius, which is quite acceptable for a comfortable stay. At night it is already quite cool, up to +12 °C. And yes, there will be rain, no doubt about it. However, if you don’t forget to take an umbrella and warm clothes with you, you are guaranteed pleasant walks in the fresh air and along the banks of the beautiful Issyk-Kul!
And finally, the weather forecast for the next three days from Kyrgyzhydromet
September 1 in the Issyk-Kul region there is no precipitation at night, intermittent rain and thunderstorms in some mountainous areas during the day, snow in the high mountain areas, and no precipitation in the rest of the territory. West wind 4-9 m/s. Air temperature 7...12 °C at night, 20...25 during the day.
September 2-3 in Issyk-Kul, Naryn regions in places, in Chui, Talas, Osh, Jalal-Abad, Batken regions in some mountainous areas there are short-term rains, thunderstorms, snow in high mountain areas, and no precipitation in the rest of the territory. West wind 4-9 m/s. The air temperature will not change significantly.
It remains to add that the water off the coast of Lake Issyk-Kul warmed up during the day on August 30 up to 22 °C. Yesterday, August 31st, in the morning - up to 20 °C. So go ahead, you still have time to enjoy a great vacation!
Attention! Due to the holding of the II World Nomad Games from September 3 to 8, 2016 in Cholpon-Ata, the village of Bulan-Sogottu and the Kyrchyn gorge, on these days traffic restrictions are introduced on the Balykchy-Ananyevo-Karakol highway for cargo and heavy-duty vehicles, buses and minibuses , as well as agricultural machinery and vehicles transporting dangerous goods. Therefore, drivers need to plan in advance a route along the southern coast, through the Balykchy - Bokonbaevo - Karakol highway.
As a rule, the weather forecast from Kyrgyzhydromet is more accurate. What do weather forecasters promise us for September? website will definitely tell you.
Issyk-Kul is an amazing mountain lake with salt water in Kyrgyzstan. The climate in this resort is maritime, so very often people choose this place as an alternative to overseas trips to the sea. Especially now, when not everyone can afford to go abroad. Prices in Issyk-Kul are quite reasonable, this is explained by the fact that the standard of living of the population in Kyrgyzstan is not high. But this does not affect the quality of the services provided; the service is at a high level. That is why vacationers love to spend their holidays here. Since the lake does not freeze even in winter, the resort is considered year-round.
Many boarding houses provide their services throughout the year. For example, the average temperature in January is from -2 °C to -6 °C. Usually during this period people go to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, breathe sea air and replenish their vital energy reserves. Also, almost all boarding houses, open all year round, provide medical services. Therefore, tourists have a unique opportunity to improve their health at an affordable price, because vacations in winter are cheaper than in summer.
But still, it is also present; in hot weather there are much more people here, because the main advantage of a summer vacation is swimming, which is why families with children often go on vacation. Therefore, if vacationers want to combine a beach holiday with treatment, then it is better to choose the summer season for relaxation.
Summer season in Issyk-Kul
Summer is a time when there is no crowd on the lake; the flow of tourists increases sharply compared to other times of the year. After all, it is in the summer that vacationers can enjoy not only the majesty of the mountains, the beauty of the lake and the high level of service, but also swimming in the salty sea water for which Issyk-Kul is so famous. The swimming season here begins in early June and ends in mid-September. The water temperature, of course, even in the hottest weather is not very high, about +18 - +22°C, but tourists still love to swim in this lake. In order to have time to book a room in a specific hotel of your choice, you should think about your vacation in advance. After all, since there are always a lot of people who want to relax in Issyk-Kul, there may simply not be room in the hotel you need. As for prices, they rise with the onset of summer.
Most often, all hotels have the same price from May to June, and from July to August the cost of accommodation increases by about $10 per day per person, and in September, when the velvet season begins, it drops again. Thus, tourists have the opportunity to choose the time of year that is most suitable for their vacation in terms of price and weather characteristics.
In Kyrgyzstan, you can inexpensively improve your health by receiving European services at affordable prices. Therefore, vacation packages to Issyk-Kul are in great demand among tourists from the CIS countries.
Issyk-Kul is one of the 25 largest lakes on the planet. near the city of Cholpon-Ata, where tourists most often settle. You can also settle in the city of Karakol and the resort villages of Bosteri, Chok-Tal, Tamchy, where the private sector is well developed.
The beach season in Issyk-Kul lasts from the end of May to the end of August, and the beach strip is concentrated on the northern coast. The climate near the lake is moderate, the maximum air temperature rarely exceeds +24°C, the water warms up to +21°C in summer. The reservoir has thermal springs, the temperature of which can reach +50°C.
Of course, in the middle of the season, prices for accommodation in the Issyk-Kul region rise significantly. You can save a lot if you plan your trip at the beginning of the 2019 season (before June 15 and after August 25).
You can find inexpensive tickets in the form below
The purpose of your trip is also important. For example, treatment or prevention requires checking into a specialized boarding house, while ordinary tourists can stay in the private sector or a budget guesthouse. In any case, you can purchase a course of medical procedures even without accommodation.
Prices for holidays in boarding houses and sanatoriums in 2019
There are more than 150 sanatoriums and hotels along the beach, and about 600 private mini-boarding houses. A room for two adults and a child under 7 years old in the hotel,
which is located on the shore of the lake, will cost vacationers from 3 thousand rubles per night. This cost is obtained when you book a hotel in advance; without a discount, the price starts from 4,500.
The price includes a triple room with a bathroom, a wireless Internet zone, a refrigerator and a kettle, and you can use the kitchen. There is a restaurant and a water park on site, which is ideal for families with children. For 5 days at the hotel you will spend approximately 10,000 rubles, without meals (June).
Boarding houses and sanatoriums with a good treatment program are an expensive pleasure, especially in the summer. For accommodation, treatment and food you will have to pay more than 6.5 thousand rubles per person per day, as, for example, in a medical hotel-sanatorium. Children under 5 years old receive a 30% discount.
If you need treatment, then it is better to go to Issyk-Kul out of season, saving a third of the amount. Accommodation in the same "" in June 2019, in a single room, will cost around 3,000 rubles, and in January-February - 2,100.
Budget holiday options in 2019
It is much cheaper to stay in guest houses, which are small boarding houses for 5-6 families. One of the most inexpensive offers is made by the guest house " Olga", offering housing for only 520 rubles. (RUR 960 with meals). Children under 2 years old receive free food, children under 5 years old receive a 50% discount, and children under 10 years old receive a 25% discount. The guest house has 4 standard rooms and one junior suite, hot water, 2 bathrooms. It is located in Kaji-Sai, on the southern shore of the lake.
For 5 days of rest, 1 adult and a child over 7 years old must pay 9,050 rubles. with meals. Without food, housing will cost only 5,200 rubles in mid-June. In July-August the price rises by 10%.
One of the budget guesthouses "" offers standard rooms at a price of 577 rubles. during the season (July-August). The rest of the time, standard accommodation will cost about 350 rubles. There is also food at a negotiable price, on average 700 rubles. for breakfast, lunch and dinner per person. For children under 5 years old, accommodation without a bed is free. According to reviews from tourists, in 2014 this guest house was recognized as one of the best and most comfortable in the resort area.
Prices are high, but “Moryachka” is located 1 km away. from the nearest beach “Golden Sands”, which will take about 15-20 minutes on foot.
When vacationing in “Moryachka” with a child over 7 years old, you will spend 3,500 rubles; a vacation during the season will cost 5,770. Add food here and we get another 7,000. In total, it will cost about 10-15 thousand rubles for housing and food 5 days.
Prices for meals and excursions in Issyk-Kul
In addition to accommodation, there is also food, which is quite inexpensive in any area of Issyk-Kul. The guest house will offer you a complete meal for only 500-700 rubles; for children 2-5 years old there is a children's menu. On average, the cost of a daily ration is 10 dollars (650-700 rubles), whether in a guesthouse or hotel. By cooking on your own, you can spend your vacation on an even more budget-friendly basis.
The price of medical procedures in boarding houses and sanatoriums, such as massage, water and mud therapy, light therapy, acupuncture, honey. sauna, reaches the same 10 dollars. The cost of excursions in 2019 starts from 25 dollars (1,600 rubles):
- a bus tour around Issyk-Kul will cost 3,200 rubles;
- a trip to Lake Ala-Kul, which is famous for its hot springs, costs about 10 thousand rubles. But the trip lasts 3 days;
- for 600-700 rubles. you can see the Big and Small waterfalls, the museum and petroglyphs, Milk Lake;
- for 1,300-1,500 rub. tourists are offered 1 hour of diving or rafting, classic fishing and a picnic, and an excursion to the Aeolian castles.
To summarize, it is worth saying that a budget holiday on Lake Issyk-Kul is possible. On average, for 5 days for the three of us, including food and accommodation, in 2019 it is realistic to spend about 15-20 thousand rubles (about 250 dollars). A vacation on Lake Issyk-Kul can be combined with a visit.
Ak-Sai Travel company is a fully licensed travel company located in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek. The company was founded in 1998.
In 2017, Ak-Sai Travel was awarded the title of “Best Travel Company”.
Ak Sai Travel company organizes group and individual tours, both in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Transport is a very important attribute of every tour. Ak Sai Travel company offers its own fleet of vehicles for tours in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Our advantage is extensive experience in conducting different types of tours, as well as a proven base of experienced drivers. This allows us to provide the best cars for our tourists.
We offer:
- Tourist buses 35-50 seats;
- Minibuses "Mercedes Sprinter" 8-18 seats;
- SUVs - Toyota Sequoia (4x4), 4WD
- Executive cars
Ak Sai Travel annually sets up its own yurt and tent camps in the most picturesque places of Kyrgyzstan:
- Base camp Achik Tash (under Lenin Peak 7134 m.)
- Base camp South Inylchek (under the peaks Khan Tengri 7010 m and Pobeda 7439 m)
- Karkara base camp (Karkara gorge. Helicopter rides are possible here)
- Base camp in the Karavshin gorge
Our partners are leading travel companies from all over the world. Our services are used by diplomatic missions, state and international companies, large corporations and prominent businessmen. Ak-Sai Travel Company is an active participant in annual international exhibitions and conferences, which help to exchange experiences and attract new partners for cooperation.
Ak Sai Travel takes an active part in the development of active tourism, as well as the protection of the nature of Kyrgyzstan. Over the past few years, we have taken part in several environmental events and launched 2 projects aimed at developing active recreation, as well as helping children from orphanages.