Cholpon-Ata

Cholpon-Ata is the main resort town on the north shore of Issyk-Kul, with sandy beaches, an open-air museum of ancient petroglyphs and views of snowy mountains across the lake.

In summer it is the liveliest place on the lake, with beaches, boat trips and cafés. Just above the town lies a great field of boulders carved with petroglyphs — ibex, deer, hunters and a snow leopard, made from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. The Ruh Ordo cultural centre on the shore has gardens, chapels of different faiths and a small museum.

The town takes its name from the legend of the beautiful Cholpon — read Cholpon and the two winds.

• Distance: about 4 hours from Bishkek
• Altitude: about 1,610 m
• Best time: July and August for swimming; May–October for sightseeing
• Good for: beaches, petroglyphs, a relaxed stay