After an enjoyable time in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul Lake region—highlighted by a six-day trekking adventure in the stunning Tian Shan Mountains—we decided to continue our journey toward the secluded Son-Kul Lake in the center of the country. Our lake-hopping adventure began in the town of Cholpon-Ata, where we had arrived the previous day after a three-hour van ride from Karakol.
Early in the morning, we came to Cholpon-Ata’s Central Bus Station and, after inquiring, were offered the option of a shared taxi to Balykchy at Issyk-Kul’s western extremity. The trip took just under two hours, with a fare of 300 som per person.
The driver had said that it’d be possible to then get a direct ride to our destination. However, it turned out that another change was required in Kochkor. The middle leg of the trip lasted about an hour and cost 400 som.
Nearing noon, when we got off at Kochkor’s station, we fended off the persistent advances of the drivers and headed up to a first-floor restaurant for lunch. Upon returning, we realized that finding the next ride wouldn’t be so easy. While plenty of drivers were eager to offer a private ride—for the right price—it took some time before we finally spotted a shared taxi.
Following the day’s pattern of a 100 som increment, this leg of the journey cost us 500 som per person. Far removed from Issyk-Kul and Kyrgyzstan’s more populated areas, the route was especially scenic, with vast meadows and herds of grazing horses stretching as far as the eye could see. About two hours later, we were dropped off by the side of the main road above Kyzart and walked down into the village to find accommodation and make arrangements for our upcoming horse tour.
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Accommodation and activities in Kyrgyzstan
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