As the weather heats up and the hot sun covers Bishkek, the capital's residents begin their annual migration to the cool, refreshing shores of Issyk Kul. You'll be surprised as to how many locals spend the remaining summer in Issyk Kul, you'll notice a drop in car traffic in the capital city and a strange quietness. If you're planning a trip to Issyk Kul, continue reading this blog post and I'll guide you through the different transportation options available, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
TRAVEL FROM BISHKEK TO ISSYK KUL
Option 1: By Car
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Bishkek to Issyk Kul is by car and drive yourself. This gives you the freedom to explore the scenic routes and make stops at your leisure. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and the road is well-paved and offers stunning views of the mountains and the lake. If you plan on driving, I highly recommend you familiarize yourself with local driving regulations and have all your necessary documentation and ID's. The roads are well-paved but when you enter the mountainous area, the roads are windy with curves, so be mindful of your speed and cautious of other drivers.
I've driven to Issyk Kul twice and rented a car in both situations. If you are interested in learning how to rent a car in Bishkek, read my blog post here. These are three companies I recommend you to use:
Iron Horse Nomads: Website: https://ironhorsenomads.com/
Prestige Car Rental: Website: https://rentcars.kg/en/
Russian Troika: Website: https://avtoprokat.kg/start/en/
Important: During the route from Bishkek to Issyk Kul, you'll notice many police officers conducting traffic control. They will give tickets (or expect a bribe) so I recommend you avoid that completely by driving cautiously.
Option 2: Shared Minibus or Bus
One popular alternative is to take a marshrutka (shared minibus). Marshrutkas are a common and affordable mode of transportation in Kyrgyzstan. They depart frequently and there's no need to make reservations. They'll most likely leave once the car is full but during the summer season, it won't take long for it to be filled up and will travel to the major destinations around Issyk Kul such as the towns of Cholpon-Ata and Karakol. You can find them at the Western Station and just look for other travelers heading to Issyk Kul.
These are a bit slower than if you were to drive yourself by car, adding another hour to your journey, especially if they add stops along the way. Fares can range from 300 to 500 Kyrgyz Soms.
Tip: Try to get a seat with a window view to enjoy the scenic beauty as you drive through the mountains.
Option 3: Train
The train option is relatively new but there is a direct train service that operates between Bishkek and Balykchy, a town on the western edge of Issyk Kul. Some carriages are more VIP where seats are more cushioned with panoramic windows also, equipped with air conditioning, water, TV, and other equipment. It is slower than other modes of transport and can take around 5 to 6 hours. Tickets can be purchased at the Bishkek Railway Station and you can view their train schedule here.
In June 2023, they ran the trains on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. From July to August, the trains depart daily. I recommend you to follow the website or contact the contact information listed on their website for the latest schedule and ticket prices.
By planning ahead and considering factors such as travel time, cost, and personal comfort, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip from Bishkek to Issyk Kul. Embrace the journey and you'll find that the path to the beautiful lake is as beautiful as the destination itself! Continue reading my other blog post which goes into must-do activities once you are in Issyk Kul.