Bokonbayevo

Bokonbayevo, a charming village nestled on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, is a hidden gem that invites visitors to explore its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Though the village is small, with a population of no more than 10,000 residents, it holds a deep history. Originally established in 1912 by Russian settlers in the Kok-Kytan region, the settlement was initially named Koltsovka, after one of the first pioneers. In 1944, it was renamed Bokonbaevskoe in honor of Joomart Bokonbayev, a renowned Kyrgyz poet and playwright who tragically lost his life in a car accident near the village.

The people of Bokonbayevo are devoted to traditional crafts and trades, such as training hunting eagles and falcons, carpet weaving, and crafting felt, which is used to create high hats and yurt coverings. They also raise horses and prepare kumis (fermented mare’s milk). The village preserves its age-old customs through music played on unique instruments like the komuz and kyak, storytelling, horseback races, and folk celebrations. Visitors have the chance to witness this vibrant culture firsthand—staying in a yurt, sampling local cuisine, enjoying the pristine beaches, fishing, and horseback riding. Above all, the stunning landscapes of Issyk-Kul are a sight to behold.

The village is located slightly inland from Issyk-Kul, and the local beaches are just a 10-minute taxi or car ride away. It’s well worth the journey, as the beaches here on the southern shore are spacious, tranquil, and offer easy access to the water. The lake itself is crystal-clear, cool, and refreshing—perfect for a summer escape.

An integral part of the Issyk-Kul tradition is its folklore, and local guides are more than happy to share these captivating legends. Tales of an ancient city submerged beneath the lake’s waters, Timur’s (Tamerlane’s) lament for fallen soldiers as he counted stones, Genghis Khan finding solace in the waters of Issyk-Kul, and stories of brave warriors and beautiful maidens, amphorae from Alexander the Great, and treasure hoards abound. These enchanting narratives offer a glimpse into the heart of Kyrgyz culture.

About 30 km from Bokonbayevo lies the famous Tuz-Kul Salt Lake, whose waters rival the salinity of the Dead Sea. Here, you can experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly. Although smaller and less developed in terms of infrastructure compared to the Dead Sea in Israel, Tuz-Kul is believed to have healing properties. Bathing in its saline waters is said to be beneficial for treating psoriasis, skin conditions, gynecological issues, and musculoskeletal problems. Additionally, the lake’s muddy sediments are harvested for their therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.

Bokonbayevo is also a fantastic gateway for treks into the Terskey Ala-Too mountain range, as well as to nearby hot springs and waterfalls.

For those who visit Bokonbayevo, there’s a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of the Issyk-Kul region. Eagle trainers will explain the process of raising wild birds of prey and demonstrate the art of falconry on a high-altitude pasture called «jailoo.» In the «craftsmen’s town,» you can observe weavers and artists at work, painting souvenirs or participate in master classes on cooking local dishes or playing traditional musical instruments. Guests are treated to concerts featuring national music, songs, dances, and traditional attire, along with scenic horseback riding excursions around Issyk-Kul and fishing in the lake and its tributaries.

The surroundings of Bokonbayevo are incredibly picturesque. It’s easy to reach the Terskey Ala-Too ridge with its pine forests and snowy peaks, explore the «Skazka» (Fairy Tale) Canyon’s surreal landscapes just 35 km away, or visit the cascading Barskoon waterfalls, 55 km from the village. A bit farther (about 100 to 150 km) lies the Kumtor gold mine, the high Kakshaal-Too ridge that separates Kyrgyzstan from China, the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz, and many other natural wonders.

Bokonbayevo is also renowned for its yurt camps and guesthouses, some situated right on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Spend a night in a cozy yurt, and start the day by watching the sunrise while enjoying boorsok (fried dough) and kumis. After a day filled with exploration, return for a hearty meal of traditional dishes like beshbarmak or plov.

Every summer, Bokonbayevo hosts Kyrgyzstan’s largest Birds of Prey Festival, where seasoned falconers demonstrate their hunting skills for various game using different eagles, hawks, and falcons. They also organize demonstrations and hunting excursions for visitors. Alongside the impressive birds of prey, the festival showcases carpet weavers, felt artisans, master chefs, talented performers, and expert riders. It’s a chance to witness how traditional crafts are made, purchase unique souvenirs, taste the finest local cuisine, revel in dance and music, and cheer on exhilarating horseback games and races.