In Bokonbayevo, festival traditions and felt craft meet multi-day tours in the Terskey Ala-Too. When planning, consider whether you have time for a cultural program, an excursion into the mountain landscape, or both—and when the various offerings take place.

Culture and Events in Bokonbayevo

The Salbuurun Festival program includes eagle hunting, archery, races with Taigan dogs and traditional games. Visitors can see hunting birds, Taigan and Alabai dogs, Kyrgyz horse breeds, Arashan sheep, hunting equipment and stonework. Music, throat singing and folklore performances are also part of the festival program. The program and exhibition may change from one edition to the next.

Bokonbayevo also hosts an annual festival of birds of prey. Berkutchi demonstrate hunting with eagles and falcons. The festival also includes a local felt exhibition and workshops on Shyrdak, Chiy, Ormok, Komuz and arrows. The workshop selection varies by edition; check the date and format for your intended travel year.

The folklore ensemble from Bokonbayevo plays the Komuz, Uz-komuz and other traditional instruments. Local musicians and dance groups also perform for visitors, although dates are not fixed. Those interested in crafts can watch felt carpets and souvenirs being made; some demonstrations may require prior arrangement. Workshops on preparing Kyrgyz national dishes also depend on local hosts.

Tours and Landscapes

Trekking and horseback riding tours from Bokonbayevo lead to the slopes of the Terskey Ala-Too. The eco-treks last from two to ten days and head into the nearby mountains. Named natural attractions include wild hot springs, the small salt lake Chasha Manasa and Kyrgyzstan’s longest waterfall. CBT also operates four yurt camps stretching from the lakeshore to the foothills. Activities associated with the camps include swimming, fishing and horseback riding, as well as stays for relaxation. Check routes and operators locally.

For a day trip, Shatyly is considered a destination for trekking or horseback riding, with views across the Issyk-Kul water area. Access depends on local conditions. Alpine meadows and mixed fir forests characterize the slopes of the Terskey Ala-Too in Boz Salkyn; access conditions vary by season. Tuz Kol is a salt lake near the shore of Issyk-Kul. The Skazka Canyons feature striking red sandstone formations, although weather and road conditions can affect excursion conditions.

Accommodation, Food and Getting There

Bokonbayevo has guesthouses, homestays, hostels and yurt stays. Accommodation can be found near the mountain slopes and lakeshore, as well as in guesthouse gardens. Availability depends on the season, so check what is available for your travel dates. Family-run guesthouses serve lake fish, lagman and seasonal fruit. What is served depends on the host and seasonal availability.

The town center has local cafés, bistros and grocery stores; individual businesses and the food available may change. Bokonbayevo can be reached from Bishkek by marshrutka or minibus. Transport along the southern shore is also available from Karakol and Balykchy. Road conditions and public transport connections can vary seasonally, so it is worth checking for your specific travel dates.

Discover More Destinations

Tosor, Ananyevo, Kaji-Say, Grigorievka, Kuturga, Teploklyuchenka, Chong-Sary-Oy, Barskoon

For the main travel overview: Yssykköl Region.