Issyk-Kul - The Times Of Central Asia

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Tourism Development

Tourism Master Plan for Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor Updated with Green Focus

On February 12, Bishkek hosted a presentation of the green update to the tourism master plan for the Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor (ABEC) between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, a document prepared with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event brought together representatives of Kyrgyz government agencies, officials from the Issyk-Kul and Chui regions bordering Kazakhstan, as well as members of tourism associations and international development partners. The ABEC tourism master plan was initially approved in 2019. According to Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the updated version emphasizes three key areas. The first is green tourism, including the development of eco-tourism routes, sustainable accommodation facilities, hiking and cycling trails, and measures to reduce pressure on mountain ecosystems, lakes, and national parks. The second priority is sustainable development. This includes improving resource efficiency, introducing renewable energy sources, promoting green logistics, and reducing the carbon footprint of tourism-related activities. The third focus area is regional integration and connectivity. Planned measures include digitalizing border-crossing procedures, developing sustainable transport solutions, strengthening cross-border coordination, and creating more convenient tourist routes along the corridor. The updated master plan aims to attract investment and mobilize financial resources from the ADB, national governments, the private sector, and development partners to implement priority projects along the ABEC corridor. A central infrastructure component of the ABEC initiative is the proposed construction of an alternative highway linking Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, with Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan’s leading tourist destination. Lake Issyk-Kul remains a major attraction for visitors from across the region and is particularly popular among Almaty residents seeking weekend or summer trips. Although the two locations are separated by only about 80 kilometers in a straight line, mountain ranges make direct travel difficult. The existing route passes through Bishkek, extending the journey to more than 460 kilometers and turning what could be a short trip into an approximately eight-hour drive to Cholpon-Ata, the largest resort town on the lake’s northern shore. The Times of Central Asia previously reported on long-standing plans to establish a more direct road between Almaty and Issyk-Kul. In 2007, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan signed a memorandum of understanding for a route bypassing Bishkek, running through Uzynagash and Kemin and connecting directly to Cholpon-Ata. The project, however, stalled at an early stage. If completed, it would reduce the travel distance to approximately 260 kilometers and significantly shorten travel time. The project is currently at the stage of preparing a feasibility study.

Water-Saving Technologies

Kyrgyzstan Plans Full Transition to Water-Saving Irrigation in Issyk-Kul Region

Kyrgyzstan’s government is preparing to fully transition the Issyk-Kul region to water-saving irrigation technologies, offering farmers preferential financing amid growing concerns over falling water levels in the country’s largest lake and key tourist destination. Speaking in parliament on February 11, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev announced that farmers adopting drip or sprinkler irrigation systems will be eligible for low-interest loans at a preferential 2% rate. Lending is expected to begin next month. Torobaev emphasized the urgency of reducing agricultural water consumption to stabilize inflows into Lake Issyk-Kul. “If we switch to drip irrigation, more water will flow into Issyk-Kul. If we use all the water for agriculture, none of it may reach the lake. Therefore, our goal is to fully transition the Issyk-Kul region to drip and sprinkler irrigation,” he told lawmakers. Environmental pressure on the Issyk-Kul basin has intensified due to climate change and accelerated glacier retreat. The basin contains 957 glaciers, covering about 560.8 square kilometers, many of which are shrinking rapidly. Although around 120 rivers feed the lake, only about 80 reach it during the summer months due to irrigation withdrawals. Between 1927 and 2003, the lake’s level dropped by 2.75 meters, an effect largely attributed to inefficient water use. Policy support for conservation has recently been formalized. In December 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Concept for the Sustainable Development of the Ecological and Economic System of Lake Issyk-Kul through 2030, alongside a detailed action plan prioritizing the adoption of water-saving agricultural technologies. Under current plans, modern irrigation systems will be installed on 100,000 hectares of farmland across the Issyk-Kul region, potentially redirecting up to 200 million cubic meters of water back into the lake annually. Nationwide, adoption of water-efficient irrigation remains limited but is accelerating. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, modern irrigation technologies currently cover around 16,000 hectares. The authorities aim to expand that area by 30,000-40,000 hectares each year, targeting 200,000 hectares under water-saving irrigation by 2030. State-funded installations are also increasing. In 2026, drip and sprinkler systems are scheduled to be deployed on 5,270 hectares. Between 2024 and 2025, such systems were installed on 2,369 hectares, 641 hectares with drip irrigation, and 1,728 hectares with sprinkler systems. Kyrgyzstan currently has approximately 1 million hectares of irrigated agricultural land overall.

Water

Kyrgyzstan Moves to Address Falling Water Levels in Lake Issyk-Kul

Kyrgyzstan is stepping up efforts to combat the declining water level of Lake Issyk-Kul, a critical ecological and economic resource, as the effects of climate change intensify. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Water Resources Bakyt Torobaev raised the issue at a government meeting this week, highlighting a combination of shrinking glaciers, reduced precipitation, and inefficient water use, particularly in agriculture, as key contributing factors. Lake Issyk-Kul, located in northeastern Kyrgyzstan, is the country’s largest lake and a vital component of the regional climate system. It also supports biodiversity and tourism. Torobaev warned that the continued decline in water levels could have far-reaching environmental, economic, and social consequences. Strategic Measures to Stabilize the Lake To address the crisis, Torobaev proposed a set of comprehensive interventions requiring cooperation between government agencies, scientists, local communities, and civil society. Key initiatives include: Modernizing irrigation systems and introducing water-saving technologies; Expanding green areas across the Issyk-Kul region; Enhancing research on glaciers and water resources; Developing long-term climate adaptation strategies. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, water diversion for agricultural irrigation, particularly outside the lake basin, was identified by experts at the 2024 National Water Forum as one of the primary threats to Issyk-Kul’s sustainability. Government Investment and Monitoring In response, the Kyrgyz government has pledged $392 million toward efforts to stabilize the lake’s water level. This includes $200 million dedicated to installing modern irrigation systems across 100,000 hectares of farmland. An additional investment will fund the deployment of 2,200 automated sensors to monitor water consumption in real time. Authorities expect these measures to return up to 200 million cubic meters of water to the lake, helping to mitigate the decline and protect Issyk-Kul's long-term ecological balance.

Tourism

Tourist Season Officially Opens in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul

An international fair of craftsmen and folk art opened in Cholpon-Ata, marking the official start of the tourist season in Issyk-Kul. The highlight of the event was a lively and competitive display of yurt assembly, drawing large crowds and showcasing Kyrgyz traditions. Such fairs have become a key platform for Kyrgyz travel companies to promote their services and forge partnerships with tour operators from abroad. “Today, Kyrgyzstan offers more than just a destination, we offer a tourism philosophy based on sustainability, respect for nature, and cultural diversity,” said Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov, reflecting the country’s broader tourism goals. [caption id="attachment_31469" align="alignnone" width="300"] @gov.kg[/caption] Looking ahead, Japarov noted that by 2030, Central Asian countries may introduce a unified tourist visa. “Thanks to the goodwill of our presidents and peoples, we have recently been able to finally resolve border issues. Today, we are talking about creating a single tourist space in Central Asia. This initiative aims to enable foreign tourists to travel freely throughout the region, combining the routes, attractions, and cultural wealth of our countries in a single tourist package,” he said. President Sadyr Japarov has also expressed support for a visa-free regime among Central Asian nations and the introduction of a regional visa akin to the Schengen model.

Wildlife Restoration

Despite USAID Funding Cuts, Kyrgyzstan Plans to Reintroduce Goitered Gazelle at Issyk-Kul

Kyrgyzstan has launched an ambitious project to restore the population and natural habitat of the goitered gazelle on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, a region once home to these graceful creatures. Led by the Argali Public Fund, Ilbirs Fund, and the Gulistan farm, the reintroduction effort marks a significant step toward reversing the species' decline and restoring balance to the local ecosystem. Reviving a Lost Species The goitered gazelle, an elegant herbivore from the bovid family, was once abundant in the Issyk-Kul region. However, its population collapsed after the 1930s due to widespread poaching and the conversion of natural landscapes for agricultural and economic development. Today, the species is listed in Kyrgyzstan's Red Book of endangered species, making their conservation an urgent priority. Found across Central Asia — from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Iran and beyond — the gazelle is integral to maintaining the balance of steppe and desert ecosystems. On the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, conditions remain favorable for the return of the goitered gazelle. However, decades of human activity and habitat loss have driven them away, leaving reintroduction as the most viable path to restoration. The project employs a “soft release” approach, starting with a semi-free adaptation phase. Animals are first acclimatized and allowed to breed in a controlled environment before being released back into the wild. This method reduces the risks associated with sudden release and ensures a higher survival rate. The Project in Action Currently, the Gulistan farm houses a herd of 43 gazelles. By the end of the year, the number is expected to grow to 60, with the first batch of 25 animals scheduled for release in 2025. Organizers aim to release an additional 15-20 gazelles annually, slowly building a self-sustaining wild population. If conservation measures, particularly anti-poaching efforts, prove successful, the gazelle population in Issyk-Kul could reach 500 within the next decade. Gazelles play an essential role in their environments, feeding on thorny and toxic plants that other species avoid. This behavior helps control invasive vegetation and supports the overall health of the ecosystem. Their presence also benefits predators such as wolves and snow leopards, creating a natural chain of biodiversity. Broader Impact on Biodiversity and Ecotourism The reintroduction of the goitered gazelle represents more than just species preservation; it is a step toward restoring the ecological integrity of the Issyk-Kul landscape. A thriving population of gazelles can boost biodiversity by fostering healthier, more balanced ecosystems. Their grazing patterns promote plant regeneration, which in turn supports a variety of other species, from insects to birds of prey. Furthermore, the project has significant potential to bolster Kyrgyzstan's ecotourism sector. Issyk-Kul is already a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and the presence of rare and protected wildlife like the goitered gazelle could attract even more visitors. Eco-friendly tourism initiatives could offer guided safaris to observe the gazelles in their natural habitat, providing educational opportunities while generating revenue for local communities. President Japarov has underscored the importance of halting illegal hunting, urging communities to see...

Sport

Kyrgyzstan Prepares for First-Ever Ultramarathon Around Lake Issyk-Kul

Kyrgyzstan is set to host its first-ever ultramarathon around Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the world’s largest high-altitude lakes, between May 5 and 10. The event, titled the 1st Issyk Kul Six-Day Challenge, is billed as the world’s longest six-stage foot race, covering a total distance of 460 kilometers. The ultramarathon will take place over six days and six grueling stages: 90 km, 74 km, 87 km, 85 km, 79 km, and 45 km. Participants will race on a mix of asphalt, gravel roads, and dirt trails at elevations reaching up to 2,000 meters above sea level. Participation is capped at 100 runners. The racecourse has been carefully planned not only to circumnavigate the entire lake but also to showcase some of Kyrgyzstan’s most dramatic landscapes, including the otherworldly Fairy Tale Canyon and the striking rock formations of the Seven Bulls. “Issyk-Kul has been a place of power for many great marathoners, including Olympic champion Valentina Egorova and Olympic bronze medalist Satymkul Dzhumanazarov,” said Alex Golowin, Race Director and Head Coach at Running Expert. “We at Running Expert have been coming here for years to train for both marathons and ultras. The working altitude, mild weather, food familiar to Europeans, and the stunning nature make training here not only effective but also inspiring.” Organizers hope the event will help establish Kyrgyzstan as an emerging destination for sports tourism, drawing endurance athletes from around the world to the heart of Central Asia.