Chok Tal

A hotel by the lake in Chok Tal offers family-oriented accommodation and leisure facilities, including children’s play areas and sports activities. As the facilities at individual establishments may change, check the details before your trip.

Chok Tal: Location and accommodation

East of Chok Tal is the designated site of a planned tourism complex. It is located in the northern shore zone of Issyk-Kul; the lake forms the southern boundary of the site. The Balykchy–Ananyevo–Karakol road, also known as the EM-09, runs alongside it. The road route is a stable geographic reference point; traffic and transport services may change. For specific travel plans, check current traffic and transport services.

Issyk-Kul region: Lake and lakeshore

In the wider Issyk-Kul destination, the lake is 180 kilometers long and 60 kilometers wide. Its shoreline is about 688 kilometers long, of which approximately 320 kilometers are beaches. These measurements illustrate the vast scale of the lake area. Different regional highlights may influence your choice of location: lakeside scenery, water sports, or the mountain region.

The northern shore of Issyk-Kul has sandy beaches, resorts, and water sports facilities. The southern shore towns of Tamga, Barskoon, and Tosor provide access to the Terskei-Alatoo trekking belt. The Issyk-Kul region thus offers both lakeside activities and access to a trekking area.

Nature and geology in the Issyk-Kul region

The Issyk-Kul Biosphere Territory is a nationally significant, specially protected natural area. In September 2001, it was added to the worldwide network of UNESCO biosphere reserves. Natural habitats coexist with traditional culture in the mountainous region around Issyk-Kul.

Geological features can be found at several locations in the Issyk-Kul region: the Sogotu area contains a complex of Mesozoic rocks with paleontological fossils. The Ak-Olon Valley has igneous outcrops with syenite crystals, while the Jeti-Oguz Valley has a geological outcrop with Carboniferous rocks. The Red Rocks of Jeti-Oguz have thermomineral springs, described as evidence of current geological processes in the Earth’s interior.

The landscapes also differ in their features. Barskoon Gorge has a waterfall, Skazka Valley is a natural area, and Kok-Moynok Canyon has distinctive landforms. Mukaachy Canyon was shaped by erosion over many thousands of years.

Cultural history in the region

The Karakol Historical Local Lore Museum is housed in a building that retains architectural features from the late 19th century and forms part of Karakol’s historic built environment. The medieval settlement site of Tosor is also in the Issyk-Kul region. The two places offer different historical perspectives: preserved late-19th-century architecture in Karakol and a medieval settlement site in Tosor.

Discover more destinations: Cholpon-Ata, Bosteri, Korumdu.

Back to the main travel overview: Issyk-Kul.