Issyk-Ata

The village of Issyk-Ata is located in the valley of the river of the same name, about an hour and a half’s drive from Bishkek. The valley is best known for its hot springs; a sanatorium located in the village has recently undergone a full-scale renovation. In addition, the Issyk-Ata river valley is notable for its waterfalls. The most famous waterfall is located on the right (eastern) bank of the river, on a small tributary, about an hour’s walk from the village. To be precise, only the lower tier of a large cascade is accessible, while its true scale can really be appreciated only from above, for example in aerial photography. Another waterfall can be found on the opposite, western bank of the Issyk-Ata, also on a small tributary. It is much less known, although it is hardly inferior to the first one. The Issyk-Ata valley stretches many kilometers deep into the mountains, reaching two small lakes located at an altitude of about 3,100 meters.

From Bishkek, the easiest way to reach Issyk-Ata is via Koy-Tash and Gornaya Maevka. The road is fully paved, although the asphalt is not everywhere in good condition. Since 2025, entry to the sanatorium territory has been paid; parking can be paid for at the registration desk when leaving. If you prefer not to pay, you can leave your car before the barrier — this will extend the walking part of the route by a few hundred meters.

The route is not physically demanding and is suitable for people of any fitness level. Keep in mind that the village of Issyk-Ata is located at an altitude of about 1,900 meters above sea level, so it is significantly colder here than in Bishkek — the temperature difference can easily exceed 10°C. Dress according to the weather and try to plan your trip for the first half of the day, as the likelihood of rain increases in the evening.

The first (green track) and second (blue track) waterfalls are located on opposite banks of the river, roughly opposite each other and at the same distance from the village (50–60 minutes of walking one way). Unfortunately, there is no bridge across the river at this point, and crossing it on foot is hardly possible due to the strong current. As a result, visiting both waterfalls in one trip can be quite challenging: to reach the other bank, you will need to return to the village. A good dirt road runs along the right (orographic) bank, while a less distinct trail follows the left bank, but in both cases it is hard to get lost. The Buddha Stone is located at the very beginning of the route, directly on the sanatorium grounds, so it can be visited regardless of the chosen route. The bridge across the Issyk-Ata is clearly visible on the map and is located right in the village, near the parking area. One possible option is to visit one waterfall, return to the village for lunch, and then head to the other one.