Cholpon Ata mausoleum

At the entrance to the city stands the newly constructed gumbez (mausoleum) of Cholpon-Ata. This name, which has given the city its identity, can be translated as “Elder Morning Star.” The word “Cholpon” is often associated with Venus, but without an explicit feminine essence, thus allowing for the masculine suffix “-ata.” According to a local (and possibly modern) legend, the elderly Cholpon was a healer who treated people with water from the nearby hot springs. His healing was so remarkably effective that people began to regard him as a miracle worker. Over the years, visitors didn’t come merely to seek out the spring but instead made pilgrimages to his grave.

This impressive structure, located at the entrance to Cholpon-Ata on the shores of Issyk-Kul, stands around 20 meters tall. It is an open building with four small towers crowned with crescent moons, reflecting the traditional Muslim architectural style. From this mausoleum, one can enjoy breathtaking views of both the mountains and the lake, making it a favored spot for many travelers who stop to capture photographs of this picturesque scenery.