Bokonbayevo: Hotels and Accommodations

Bokonbaevo offers 2–10-day eco-treks into the nearby Terskey Ala-Too. These include wild hot springs, the small Chasha Manasa salt lake, and Kyrgyzstan’s longest waterfall. Those wishing to book a hotel in Bokonbayevo can continue their accommodation search afterward. CBT also operates four yurt camps stretching from the lakeshore to the mountain foothills, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and horseback riding, as well as stays focused on relaxation.

Nature

From Bokonbaevo, trekking and horseback-riding tours reach the slopes of the Terskey Ala-Too. In the vicinity of Bokonbaevo, Boz Salkyn encompasses alpine meadows and mixed fir forests on the slopes of the Terskei Ala-Too. Tuz Kol, a salt lake near the shore of Issyk-Kul, is also nearby. The Skazka Canyons nearby feature red sandstone formations shaped into striking natural forms.

Near Bokonbaevo, Shatyly is described as a one-day trekking or horseback-riding excursion offering views over the waters of Issyk-Kul.

Culture

The Salbuurun Festival in Bokonbaevo combines eagle hunting, archery, Taigan hunting, and traditional games. Visitors to the Salbuurun Festival can see birds of prey, Taigan and Alabai dogs, Kyrgyz horse breeds, Arashan sheep, hunting equipment, and stonework. The Salbuurun Festival programme also includes music, throat singing, and folklore performances.

Bokonbaevo hosts the “Festival of Birds of Prey” every year, featuring Berkutchi demonstrations of eagle and falcon hunting. There is also a local felt exhibition, as well as workshops on Shyrdak, Chiy, Ormok, Komuz, and arrows. In Bokonbaevo, there are also opportunities to observe the making of felt carpets and souvenirs. The Bokonbaevo folklore ensemble performs with Komuz, Uz-Komuz, and other traditional instruments.

Bokonbaevo offers opportunities to watch national horse competitions and games. Local musicians and dance groups perform for visitors.

Food and Local Life

Family guesthouses in Bokonbaevo serve lake fish, lagman, and seasonal fruit. In the village centre of Bokonbaevo, there are local cafés, bistros, and grocery shops. The town also offers workshops on preparing traditional Kyrgyz dishes.

Accommodation and Getting There

Bokonbaevo has guesthouses, homestays, hostels, and yurt stays near mountain slopes, on the lakeshore, and by guesthouse gardens. The town can be reached from Bishkek by marshrutka or minibus; transport along the southern shore is also available from Karakol and Balykchy.

For the overarching travel overview: Yssykköl Region.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Tamga, Barskoon, Chong-Sary-Oy, Dolinka, Balykchy, Ananyevo, Kaji-Say, Grigorievka.