Cholpon Ata

Cholpon-Ata, the crown jewel of Lake Issyk-Kul and Kyrgyzstan’s top beach resort, is a small town of around 10,500 residents, and perhaps the farthest beach destination from any ocean on the planet. However, Cholpon-Ata’s appeal extends far beyond this distinction. It boasts an excellent museum, the intriguing Ruh-Ordo cultural complex, and an extensive collection of ancient petroglyphs right on the outskirts of the town.

Until the 20th century, Cholpon-Ata was a simple village, or «ail,» but its fate took a dramatic turn in 1926 with the establishment of a horse breeding center under the leadership of Rapoport, the appointed director. Upon taking charge, he proposed planting a poplar alley stretching from the town to the stud farm. The task of planting these trees took several weeks. Today, this alley, now named in Rapoport’s honor, has grown into one of the town’s most unique attractions, forming a natural tunnel that connects Cholpon-Ata with the village of Baktuu-Dolonotu. Over nearly a century, the poplars have intertwined their branches above the asphalt road, creating a dense, leafy canopy that offers visitors the enchanting experience of passing through a meticulously woven green tunnel.

Cholpon-Ata officially gained city status only in 1975, around the same time it emerged as a recognized resort town with the construction of its flagship establishment, the «Blue Issyk-Kul» sanatorium, which occupies about one-tenth of the town’s total area.

The town is also home to its own mausoleum, named after Cholpon-Ata himself. This name can be translated as «Old Man Morning Star»—‘Cholpon’ refers to Venus, although without a distinctly feminine connotation, allowing for the «-ata» suffix, meaning «father.» According to a local (perhaps more recent) legend, the elderly Cholpon was a healer who used water from nearby hot springs to cure the sick. He was so successful in his treatments that people regarded him as a miracle worker, and even years later, visitors would come not to seek out the spring but to pay respects at his grave.

The infrastructure of Cholpon-Ata is well-developed, offering a wide range of accommodation options, from modest lodgings to luxurious resorts. Additionally, the town is equipped with all essential amenities such as shops, cafes, pharmacies, and even nightclubs. This makes it an ideal destination for tourists with varying budgets to enjoy a relaxing stay by the lake.

Cholpon-Ata is famous for its hot mineral springs, where the water reaches temperatures of around 50 degrees Celsius and contains a unique mineral composition. These underground sources are on par with renowned mineral waters like Borjomi and Narzan. Depending on the ailment, treatments may include baths, showers, or the use of healing mud. Massages are also a popular option for relaxation and therapy.

The town’s charm lies in its abundance of both natural and man-made attractions, with excursions readily available around every corner. Beyond this, Cholpon-Ata is home to cultural and historical landmarks, leading locals to view it as an open-air museum. The area has yielded numerous stones engraved with tribal drawings, ancient burial sites, and evidence of Neanderthal settlements. Additionally, underwater explorations have revealed the submerged ruins of ancient settlements at the bottom of Lake Issyk-Kul.

Among the most fascinating attractions in this resort area, the following stand out:

1. Issyk-Kul Lake: The main reason tourists flock to this region. It spans an impressive 128 by 60 km and reaches depths of nearly 300 meters. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, it ranks second in transparency only to Lake Baikal. Thanks to its salinity, the lake never freezes over, even in the coldest months. Furthermore, the radon springs within the lake make it renowned for its healing properties.

2. Saimaluu Tash: This nature reserve, covering an area of 42 hectares, is home to petroglyphs that date back to the second millennium BCE. It offers a glimpse into the ancient history etched into the stones, making it an invaluable archaeological site.

3. The Mausoleum: A striking 20-meter-high structure that, despite its ancient appearance, is a relatively recent addition to the town. It adds a touch of historical charm and mystique to the area.

4. Ruh-Ordo Cultural Center: A unique museum with picturesque lawns and beautifully landscaped alleys, dedicated to exploring various religions. It’s an extraordinary space where different cultures and beliefs converge, making it a must-visit for those interested in spiritual diversity.

5. Semenov Gorge: A natural monument of Kyrgyzstan, this stunning location offers breathtaking scenery and some of the freshest air you’ll ever breathe. It’s an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking untouched landscapes.

6. Grigoriev Gorge: The most picturesque canyon in the vicinity of the town, offering stunning panoramic views and incredible landscapes. Visitors can explore dense pine forests, crystal-clear mountain rivers, alpine meadows, and high-altitude lakes. Some parts of this gorge are considered sacred, adding to its allure and mysticism.

7. Ak-Bermet Hot Springs: Located in seven pools within a namesake resort, these hot springs maintain temperatures between +37 to +44 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making them a perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation in all seasons.

8. Jeti-Oguz Gorge: Situated 170 km from the resort, this scenic location is famous for its striking red rock formations, including the Broken Heart Cliff and a 50-meter waterfall known as «Maiden’s Tears.» The vivid colors and unique formations make this a mesmerizing spot for adventurers and photographers alike.

9. Hot Springs in Chon-Oruktu Village: The «Keremet-Suu» mineral spring is located 50 km from Cholpon-Ata, near the village of Oruktu. This natural spring has been elegantly designed with stone pools, and the water is warm enough to bathe in year-round. The complex is open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with entrance tickets priced at 200 som for two hours. You can reach it by taking a minibus from Cholpon-Ata towards Karakol. Exit at the Oruktu stop, and then walk 1.5 km (approximately 20 minutes) following the signs to the complex.

10. Skazka Canyon: Located 260 km from the resort, this canyon is famous for its multicolored hills. It offers an awe-inspiring and visually stunning experience for visitors. The kaleidoscope of colors makes it one of the most extraordinary natural attractions in the area.

11. Falconry Demonstration: Approximately 15 km from Cholpon-Ata lives a man who showcases the ancient art of falconry. This tradition, which arrived in Kyrgyzstan during the Mongol invasion in the 12th-13th centuries, offers an opportunity to witness how a falcon hunts hares, foxes, and other game. Although designed for tourists, it remains a fascinating spectacle. To get there, take a minibus heading along the main road toward Karakol. Get off at Komsomolskaya village, located just past Bosteri village, and ask locals for directions to the master falconer’s home. A similar show is also available on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, in the village of Bokonbaevo.