Cholpon-Ata: The Jewel of Issyk-Kul

• HelloСалам
  [Salam]
• GoodbyeКалайсыз
  [Kalaysyz]
• YesОоба
  [Ooba]
• NoЖок
  [Jok]
• Please/You're welcomeРахмат
  [Rahmat]
• Thank youРахмат
  [Rahmat]
• Excuse me/SorryКечиресиз
  [Kechiresiz]
• How are you?Кандайсыз?
  [Kandaysyz?]
• Fine. And you?Жакшы. Сиз кандайсыз?
  [Jakhshi. Siz kandaysyz?]
• Do you speak English?Сиз инглизче сөйлөсүңүзбү?
  [Siz ingilizche söylösüngüzbü?]
• I don't understandМени түшүнөмдү
  [Meni tüshünömdü]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюгө карагып берсеңиз
  [Menyugö karagıp berseniz]
• I don't eat meatМен жана барам каң камсыз
  [Men jana baram kaŋ kamsız]
• Cheers!Чейрс!
  [Cheirs!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТөлөм берсөңүз
  [Tölöm bersönüs]

• Help!Ырда кел!
  [Yırda kel!]
• Go away!Кайталап тур!
  [Kaytalap tur!]
• Call the Police!Полицейге чакыр!
  [Politseyge chakır!]
• Call a doctor!Докторга чакыр!
  [Doktorga chakır!]
• I'm lostМен тапканмын
  [Men tapkanmın]
• I'm illМен сактым
  [Men saktım]

• I'd like to buy...Мен ... сатып алгым келет
  [Men ... satıp algım kelet]
• I'm just lookingМен алдына көрөм келгенмин
  [Men aldına köröm kelgenmin]
• How much is it?Бу канча?
  [Bu kança?]
• That's too expensiveБу жакшы кымбат
  [Bu jakshı kımbat]
• Can you lower the price?Сиз баа көчүремди ме?
  [Siz baa köchüremdi me?]

• What time is it?Саат канчада?
  [Saat kançada?]
• It's one o'clockБир саат
  [Bir saat]
• Half past (10)Он жеди
  [On jhedi]
• MorningКүндөй
  [Kündöy]
• AfternoonТүшкү күн
  [Tüşkü kün]
• EveningКечкенди
  [Kechkendi]
• YesterdayКече
  [Keche]
• TodayБүгүн
  [Bügün]
• TomorrowЭртең
  [Erteŋ]
• 1Бир
  [Bir]
• 2Эки
  [Eki]
• 3Үч
  [Üch]
• 4Төрт
  [Tört]
• 5Беш
  [Beş]
• 6Алты
  [Altı]
• 7Жети
  [Jeti]
• 8Сегиз
  [Segiz]
• 9Тогуз
  [Toguz]
• 10Он
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?... үчүн эмнеси?
  [... üchün emnesi?]
• What's the address?Мекен-жай канчада?
  [Meken-jhay kançada?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Менди (картада) көрдөрсөңүзбү?
  [Mendi (kartada) kördörsonüzbu?]
• When's the next (bus)?Кийинки (автобус) канда?
  [Kiyinki (avtobus) kanda?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (....-га)
  [Bilet (....-ga)]

Dating back to between the 2nd millennium BCE and the 4th century CE, the petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata provide a glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the area. These rock carvings depict scenes of hunting, rituals, and various animals, offering vital clues about the spiritual and daily life of early inhabitants.

Around the 1st millennium BCE, the region around Cholpon-Ata was inhabited by the Saka and Wusun tribes, nomadic groups known for their horsemanship and warrior culture. They left behind rich archaeological finds, including burial mounds and artifacts, that shed light on their way of life and interactions with neighboring civilizations.

During the height of the Silk Road, Cholpon-Ata served as an essential resting point for caravans traveling between East and West. The town's strategic location by Lake Issyk-Kul made it a welcoming stop for traders, fostering cultural exchanges and the spread of goods, ideas, and religions.

In the 20th century, under Soviet rule, Cholpon-Ata transformed into a resort town. The construction of sanatoriums and holiday homes around Lake Issyk-Kul marked a new era of development, making the town a popular destination for Soviet citizens seeking leisure and wellness.

Following Kyrgyzstan's independence in 1991, Cholpon-Ata has continued to evolve. The town remains a significant tourist destination, blending its rich historical heritage with modern attractions. Annual events like the World Nomad Games, held in Cholpon-Ata, celebrate and preserve the region's nomadic traditions and cultural practices.

Cholpon-Ata is home to several religious and cultural monuments, including the Ruh Ordo Cultural Center, which showcases the spiritual diversity of Kyrgyzstan. The center features replicas of religious structures and offers insights into the country’s major religions, promoting intercultural understanding and respect.

Cholpon-Ata is located on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. The most convenient way to reach Cholpon-Ata is by flying into Manas International Airport in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. From Bishkek, you can take a taxi, private car, or marshrutka (minibus) to Cholpon-Ata. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours by road. Alternatively, you can also fly into Tamchy Airport, which is closer to Cholpon-Ata, and then take a taxi or marshrutka for a shorter journey of about 1 hour.

Cholpon-Ata is a relatively small town, so many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, taxis and marshrutkas are the most common modes of transportation. Renting a car is also an option and can provide more flexibility for exploring the surrounding areas. Bicycles are available for rent and are a great way to explore the scenic surroundings. During the summer months, boat rentals are available for those looking to enjoy Lake Issyk-Kul.

The official currency in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Cholpon-Ata, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Bishkek before traveling. Currency exchange services are also available, but ensure you exchange money at authorized locations.

Cholpon-Ata is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Be cautious of petty theft and scams, particularly in busy tourist areas.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Cholpon-Ata. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and important documents in case of loss or theft.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight nod of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Cholpon-Ata like a local, visit the local bazaars where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Kyrgyz goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs, an open-air museum with ancient rock carvings. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on Lake Issyk-Kul and enjoy the stunning scenery. Try traditional Kyrgyz dishes such as beshbarmak and kymyz (fermented mare's milk) for an authentic culinary experience.