Bokonbayevo

Bokonbayevo is a small, laid back city near the southern shore of Issyk Kul lake. Tourists use it mainly as rest/sleep stop between Bishkek and Karakol, although there are some interesting sights nearby.

Marshrutkas from Bishkek leave from the Western Bus Station (350 som, 5-6 hr). Take any one that goes the "southern route" towards Karakol. Or head to Balykchy first and take any marshrutkas going east on the southern route from here. Any of these should go through Bokonbayevo.

Walking or taxi (50 som).

• 🌍 Kan Dobo Ruins and Museum (near Tuura-Suu, south of Bokonbayevo). Ruins of an ancient 6th-12th century settlement. (updated Mar 2019)

• Issyk Kul lake

• Eagle shows (3,000 som or less, depending on your negotiation skills)

• Horse riding (tours to a nearby viewpoint, 6 hr roundtrip, from 3,100 som for 2 people + guide)

• Guesthouse Gulmira, 107 Sekeev Street, ☏ +996 777 274 190. €19/double room. (updated Aug 2018)
• 🌍 Various Yurt Camps (just northwest of Tong (Тон) village). (updated Nov 2018)
• 🌍 Guest House Milana, Комузчу Бектур 27, Bokonbayevo, ☏ +996 707758273, +996 702097728. Comfortable, lovely family and not far from the center. Great view of the mountains. Also serves breakfast and dinner. 300 som, incl. breakfast 500 som. (updated Aug 2019)

• Karakol – With stops at the Fairy Tale Canyon, Barskoon waterfalls and Jeti Oguz on the way.
• Tong – Popular with locals for its Salt Lake.
• Tamga – With the Barskoon waterfalls is 50 km east of Bokonbayevo. The waterfall 20 km from the highway to the south.