Enter custom title (optional)
This topic is locked
Last reply was
162

This is a couple of questions in one post - the first being: in early September we are being dropped in Naryn after staying in Tash Rabat and need to make our way to Cholpon Ata by the evening. Are we likely to find local buses/coaches on that route or is share taxi the most likely (probably with a change at Balykchy). Anyone one with recent costs for this?

The second question is: After Cholpon Ata we are heading to Karakol and wanted to go from there to Bishkek via the south side of the lake. we are wondering if it is worth hiring our own taxi to take us as far as Balykchy (where we will get a bus to Bishekek)or get the bus? Is there a lot to stop and see along the way? Would appreciate anyone who has done this - and likely cost of the taxi?
Cheers.

Report
1
This post has been removed because it may not have met our community guidelines.
2
In response to #0

Hi there are minibus from Karakol to Balykchy. Not very fast, but cheap.
I stop 3 days in Bokonbayevo (with CBT) and it was really amazing: canyon, yurt stay, salt lake, Issykul, horse riding,...

Valui

Report
3

Thanks for the replies. We might end up getting a bus to Kochkor (or Balykchy if they go that way en route to Bishkek. Though looking at the map the buses possibly go the West side of Orto Tokoy Reservoir and miss Balykchy.)And then taxi to Cholpon Ata, unless the taxi comes in at a reasonable price for the entire journey. We have all day to get there as we will arrive at Naryn around 09.30 and it doesn't matter how late we get into Cholpon Ata.

As for the south side of the Lake - Karakol was a last minute decision to visit and when we leave for Bishkek we do not have time to stop along the way overnight anywhere to visit canyons etc.

Is the south side of the lake any more beautiful than the north side? We can get a fast comfortable coach from Karakol to Bishkek along the North side, so is it worth our while to travel by the Southern route?

Report
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner