Kochkor is a small town in the Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan, located at the northern end of the Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest saline lake in the world. The town is surrounded by stunning scenery, and is a popular tourist destination for those looking to explore the region’s natural beauty. Here are the top 20 places to see in Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan.
1. The Kochkor Bazaar: The Kochkor Bazaar is a vibrant and colorful market located in the center of town. Here, you can find a variety of local products, including handmade textiles, traditional Kyrgyz carpets, and souvenirs.
2. Kochkor Museum: The Kochkor Museum is a small museum dedicated to the history and culture of the region, with exhibits on local art, music, and traditions.
3. Ala-Kul Lake: Ala-Kul is a high-altitude lake located in the Terskey Alatoo mountain range, about 30 kilometers from Kochkor. The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery and is a popular spot for trekking and camping.
4. Son-Kul Lake: Son-Kul is a high-altitude lake located in the Naryn Province, about 100 kilometers from Kochkor. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and lush meadows, and is a popular spot for horseback riding and camping.
5. Chon-Kemin Valley: The Chon-Kemin Valley is a stunning mountain valley located in the Chuy Province, about 200 kilometers from Kochkor. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard, and is a popular spot for hiking and river rafting.
6. Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve: Sary-Chelek is a nature reserve located in the Jalal-Abad Province, about 230 kilometers from Kochkor. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and mountain goats, and is a popular spot for trekking and bird watching.
7. Burana Tower: The Burana Tower is a large minaret located in the Chuy Province, about 240 kilometers from Kochkor. The tower is a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun, and is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.
8. Tash Rabat: Tash Rabat is an ancient caravanserai located in the Naryn Province, about 250 kilometers from Kochkor. The caravanserai is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Karakol: Karakol is a small city located in the Issyk-Kul Province, about 270 kilometers from Kochkor. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Dungan Mosque, the Central Mosque, and the Russian Orthodox Church.
10. Ala-Archa National Park: Ala-Archa is a national park located in the Chuy Province, about 280 kilometers from Kochkor. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and mountain goats, and is a popular spot for trekking and bird watching.
11. Ak-Sai Glacier: The Ak-Sai Glacier is a large glacier located in the Chuy Province, about 300 kilometers from Kochkor. The glacier is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12. Ala-Bel Pass: The Ala-Bel Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Chuy Province, about 310 kilometers from Kochkor. The pass is a popular spot for trekking and mountaineering, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
13. Suusamyr Valley: The Suusamyr Valley is a stunning valley located in the Chuy Province, about 330 kilometers from Kochkor. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard, and is a popular spot for trekking and horseback riding.
14. Ala-Kul Lake: Ala-Kul is a high-altitude lake located in the Terskey Alatoo mountain range, about 340 kilometers from Kochkor. The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery and is a popular spot for trekking and camping.
15. Ala-Bel Pass: The Ala-Bel Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Chuy Province, about 350 kilometers from Kochkor. The pass is a popular spot for trekking and mountaineering, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16. Tash-Rabat: Tash-Rabat is an ancient caravanserai located in the Naryn Province, about 360 kilometers from Kochkor. The caravanserai is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
17. Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve: Sary-Chelek is a nature reserve located in the Jalal-Abad Province, about 370 kilometers from Kochkor. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and mountain goats, and is a popular spot for trekking and bird watching.
18. Song-Kul Lake: Song-Kul is a high-altitude lake located in the Naryn Province, about 380 kilometers from Kochkor. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and lush meadows, and is a popular spot for horseback riding and camping.
19. Burana Tower: The Burana Tower is a large minaret located in the Chuy Province, about 390 kilometers from Kochkor. The tower is a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun, and is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.
20. Ala-Kul Lake: Ala-Kul is a high-altitude lake located in the Terskey Alatoo mountain range, about 400 kilometers from Kochkor. The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery and is a popular spot for trekking and camping.
Kochkor is a beautiful destination, full of stunning scenery and fascinating culture. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or just a unique experience, Kochkor has something for everyone. With these top 20 places to see in Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan, you’re sure to find something that appeals to you!