I have visited this beautiful lake five times. It was a stop on the ancient Silk Road and populated by nomadic tribes. A visit there is highly recommended if you come to Kyrgyzstan. The area around Chopan Ata has well preserved petroglyphs from ancient nomads. When you come in late summer, enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake and the... More

Spectacular, seeing is believing. Try going down to Tamga, south shore about an hour by mashrytka from Karakol More

Issyk Kul lake is amaizing as it is sorrounded by the massive mountains. nort coust is more developed and much more crowded during the summer. south cost seems to be more quaiet. don't expect beautiful beach as most of them is dirty. all the infrastructure is very much in soviet style but that just adds some spice to all the... More

We visited the lake in Aug 2011. We swam in the lake a couple of times, from both the north and south shores. The water is clean, and not too cold, considering it's at 1600m: the water was around 20C, which feels cold at first, but is fine once you're in and swimming. The lake is surrounding by mountains. It's... More

I just went to a Russian resort called Meridien for a few days. Although it had a few problems, at $40 a night for full board it was great value. It was mid-September and the water was probably 20 degrees but it felt great to swim in. Rain came over too and it got bloody cold then (but also put... More

I relaxed 2 days at the 2nd Presidential Residence of the Kyrgyz Republic in Cholpon Ata. For 50USD per person, you can even rent the house of Krutchov. Price are reasonable for the nice beach and the fir forest. You can rent the Moscou's boat, a long motor-boat or you can also enjoy the park and monuments of the Rux... More

I enjoyed it,if we took this visit as an adventure than i really enjoyed it.we were there out of season tht the reason too.......so in short if u have keen to visit Issy kool lake u must bring some essential things( as u like)for eating especially for forgieners who come first time.........about lake it is really beautiful place......water is cold... More