From Bishkek to Issyk-Kul and Back to Almaty - Kyrgyzstan https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/ The Independent Travel Enthusiasts Forum is a vibrant online community dedicated to passionate explorers seeking freedom and authenticity in their journeys. It’s a hub for exchanging travel tips, uncovering budget-friendly deals on flights and accommodations, and connecting with like-minded companions. Whether you're planning your next adventure, looking for inspiration, or eager to share memorable experiences, the forum offers endless opportunities for meaningful discussions. Say goodbye to cookie-cutter package tours and hello to personalized, enriching travel experiences, guided by the advice and camaraderie of fellow adventurers. en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 21:07:36 +0000 wpForo 60 RE: From Bishkek to Issyk-Kul and Back to Almaty https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2424 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:42:57 +0000 Kyrgyzstan Madina https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2424 RE: From Bishkek to Issyk-Kul and Back to Almaty https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2423 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:42:22 +0000 Day 4: Semenov and Grigoriev Canyons
And here is the main question: after the canyons we need to get back to Almaty. Is it possible to do this from Cholpon-Ata, or do we have to return to Bishkek?

Semenovskoye and Grigorievskoye gorges are similar to the gorges near Almaty — it’s the same mountain range. There are no canyons there. Closer to Cholpon-Ata there is the Cholpon-Ata Gorge, without intrusive “services.” In Cholpon-Ata, in terms of sights, there’s Rukh-Ordo and the Museum of Stone Petroglyphs. It might be more interesting to go to the south shore. You’ll have to return to Bishkek anyway. Or cross the Kazakh border in Tokmok. There are probably taxi drivers there as well, but I haven’t crossed there myself.

 

]]> Kyrgyzstan Iskhak https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2423 RE: From Bishkek to Issyk-Kul and Back to Almaty https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2422 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:41:19 +0000 It’s always open, that’s the easiest way to do it, there are lots of taxi drivers waiting in Korday.

]]> Kyrgyzstan Mirlan https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2422 RE: From Bishkek to Issyk-Kul and Back to Almaty https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2421 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:40:53 +0000 And is it possible to go by taxi to the border and then switch to a Kazakh taxi there? Or will the checkpoint be closed in spring?

]]> Kyrgyzstan Andrey https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2421 RE: From Bishkek to Issyk-Kul and Back to Almaty https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2420 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:40:31 +0000 I didn’t notice at first — it looks like those buses only run in the summer season.

]]> Kyrgyzstan Mirlan https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2420 RE: From Bishkek to Issyk-Kul and Back to Almaty https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2419 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:40:00 +0000 It doesn’t find tickets for any dates at all 😐

]]> Kyrgyzstan Andrey https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2419 RE: From Bishkek to Issyk-Kul and Back to Almaty https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2418 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:39:28 +0000 From Cholpon-Ata to Almaty there’s a bus almost every day, tickets can be bought online, the site is Tezket.kg.

]]> Kyrgyzstan Mirlan https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2418 From Bishkek to Issyk-Kul and Back to Almaty https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2417 Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:38:47 +0000 Good afternoon everyone. I’d be glad to get advice from people who know the area.
At the end of April we decided to fly from Minsk to Almaty, but we really want to see the sights of Kyrgyzstan.
Getting around between countries by buses / minibuses / taxis.
Would it be reasonable to plan a route like this:
Day 1: Almaty - Bishkek
Day 2: Bishkek – Ala-Archa – Bishkek
Day 3: Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata
Day 4: Semenov and Grigoriev Canyons
And here is the main question: after the canyons we need to get back to Almaty. Is it possible to do this from Cholpon-Ata, or do we have to return to Bishkek?

]]> Kyrgyzstan Andrey https://eurasia.travel/forum/transport-kyrgyzstan/from-bishkek-to-issyk-kul-and-back-to-almaty/#post-2417